Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,896 meters. There are six main routes to reach the summit, ranging from 5 to 8 days, with options for huts, caves, or camping. Climbing provides amazing views of Africa and an opportunity to spot wildlife. While the altitude presents a challenge, moderate training a few times a week in advance is sufficient preparation. Factors like weather, crowds, and difficulty vary by route and season, with costs ranging from £600-£1,200 depending on inclusions. Overall, the document promotes Kilimanjaro as an awesome challenge with breathtaking scenery.

1. Kilimanjaro Trip Where Awesomeness Knows No Limits

2. About Kilimanjaro The highest freestanding mountain in the world, Kilimanjaro is also the highest mountain on the African continent at 5896m. Its snow-capped summit rises high above the dusty plains and huge permanent glaciers flow down from the summit

3. Reasons Why This Trip Is Awesome Challenge – feeling of satisfaction from reaching the highest walk-able point on Earth Amazing views of Africa throughout the trek, particularly seeing the sun-rise at the summit Can also visit the nearby Safari park and see Rhino and Lions in their natural habitat 2012 is the perfect opportunity – no kids and not too old

4. Routes There are 6 main routes to choose from: Marangu Most popular as it is the easiest and cheapest route, As a result can be very crowded Takes 5 days, Only route with huts to sleep in Machame Varied scenery, some extended steep climbs, Takes 6 days Rongai Easy route, less crowded but more expensive Takes 6/7 days Umbwe Difficult route with steep climbs Opportunity to sleep in caves Shira Very scenic with opportunities to spot game and other wildlife Beginning of trek starts with a drive up 4km in altitude so acclimatisation is more difficult Lemosho Difficult route and expensive route Trek starts in rainforest Take 7/8 days

5. Climate Highest rainfall March and early May, and November to late December Jan to March is a good time as relatively dry and not too crowded August to October has best conditions but as a result is peak climbing time so most crowded Remember that the average temperature during the day is around 30 degrees, but towards the summary this will drop to below 0 at nights!

6. How much training is needed? The Marangu route is the easiest in terms of distance The altitude can be difficult to acclimatise to but there are tablets to help alleviate the symptoms Approx. 30 mins running or cycling 2/3 times a week in the months before the trip should be plenty

7. Cost *Where flights or safari not included a £600 extra cost has been added so that totals can be compared Extra cost for tips, visa, some meals a start and end of trip approx£200

8. Follow your dreams: Say YES to Kilimanjaro