Kilimanjaro & Arusha

★★★ Kilimanjaro (5,895 m)

Kilimanjaro is not only Africa's highest mountain but also the highest free-standing mountain in the world — a dormant volcano that majestically rises 5,000 meters above the surrounding savanna. From the tropical base to the glacier at the summit, you traverse five climate zones: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic zone.

What makes Kilimanjaro so special: It can be climbed without technical climbing experience. No ropes, no crampons, no climbing — just endurance, mental strength, and good acclimatization. Each year, about 35,000 people attempt it, with a success rate of 65–85% (depending on the route and duration).

The Uhuru Peak (5,895 m, “Freedom Peak”) is the highest point. The sunrise over the sea of clouds, with the Kilimanjaro glacier at your back and the view over all of East Africa, is one of the most emotional moments a traveler can experience.

Three Peaks

• Kibo (5,895 m) — the main peak with Uhuru Peak. Still active (last activity about 200,000 years ago).
• Mawenzi (5,149 m) — the rugged technical peak. Only for experienced climbers.
• Shira (3,962 m) — the oldest and most eroded peak.

The Glacier Problem

The famous glaciers of Kilimanjaro are melting dramatically: Since 1912, over 80% of the ice surface has disappeared. Forecasts predict that the glaciers could be completely gone by 2040–2050. Another reason to climb the mountain now — while there are still glaciers to see.

There are six official routes to Kilimanjaro. Each has its own character, difficulty level, and success rate. Choosing the right route is crucial for your success.

★★★ Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”) — The Most Popular

Duration: 6–7 days | Difficulty: Medium–Hard | Success Rate: 85% (7 days)

The Machame Route is the most chosen route and for good reason: It offers the most beautiful and varied landscapes of all routes — from dense rainforest through surreal moorland to the lunar landscape of the alpine desert. The route leads over the Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall (the only easy climbing passage) to the summit.

Advantage: Excellent “walk high, sleep low” profile (good for acclimatization). Scenically the most beautiful route.

Disadvantage: Can be crowded. No huts — only tent camps.

★★ Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”) — The Classic

Duration: 5–6 days | Difficulty: Medium | Success Rate: 65% (5 days), 80% (6 days)

The oldest and only route with hut accommodation (beds instead of tents). Considered the “easiest” route, which is misleading: The shorter duration allows less time for acclimatization, which lowers the success rate. Less varied scenery than Machame, but pleasant to walk.

Advantage: Huts (beds, electricity), easier terrain, cheapest route.

Disadvantage: Lower success rate (especially with 5 days), can be crowded.

★★★ Lemosho Route — The Premium Route

Duration: 7–8 days | Difficulty: Medium | Success Rate: 90%+ (8 days)

The most beautiful and successful route. Lemosho starts from the west, traverses the untouched Lemosho Glades rainforest, and leads over the Shira Plateau. The longer duration allows for optimal acclimatization. Less traffic than Machame, especially in the first days.

Advantage: Highest success rate, fewer hikers, beautiful scenery.

Disadvantage: More expensive (longer duration = more park fees), requires good fitness.

Other Routes

• Rongai Route (6–7 days): From the north (Kenyan side). Drier, lonelier, less scenic, but an alternative in the rainy season.
• Northern Circuit (8–9 days): The longest route, almost completely circumnavigates the mountain. Highest success rate, but also the most expensive option. Ideal for purists.
• Umbwe Route (5–6 days): The steepest and most challenging route. Only for experienced climbers. Impressively solitary.

Comparison Table

Acclimatization — The Key to Success

Altitude sickness (Acute Mountain Sickness, AMS) is the main reason for failed climbs. It can occur from about 2,500 m, regardless of fitness, age, or experience. The only prevention: ascend slowly and give the body time.

• Mild symptoms: Headaches, nausea, loss of appetite, drowsiness. Normal from 3,000 m.
• Serious symptoms: Severe headaches, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath at rest. DESCEND IMMEDIATELY!
• Rule: Do not gain more than 500–700 meters in altitude per sleep day. “Walk high, sleep low” — climb higher during the day, go lower to sleep.

Diamox (Acetazolamide)

Many climbers take Diamox as a prophylactic (125–250 mg, 2× daily, starting 24h before ascent). It speeds up acclimatization but is not a miracle cure. Consult a doctor beforehand! Side effects: Tingling in hands and feet, frequent urination, taste changes in carbonated drinks.

Physical Preparation

Kilimanjaro is technically easy but physically demanding: 5–8 days of hiking, 4–8 hours daily, with a summit night of 12–16 hours. Recommended preparation:

• 3–6 months prior: Regular endurance training (jogging, cycling, swimming, stair climbing). 3–4× per week, 45–60 min.
• Hiking training: Long hikes with a backpack (10–15 kg) in hilly terrain. At least 3–4 day hikes before the trip.
• Stair climbing: Excellent training! 30–45 min. of stair climbing with a backpack simulates the ascent well.
• No high-performance athletes needed: Average fitness is sufficient. The biggest challenge is the altitude, not the distance.

Equipment

Most organizers provide tents, kitchen, and large equipment. You need to bring:

★★ Moshi — At the Foot of Kilimanjaro

The charming town of Moshi (190,000 inhabitants) is located at an altitude of 800 m right at the foot of Kilimanjaro — on clear days, the snow-capped summit towers over the town like a painting. Moshi is the starting point for Kilimanjaro climbs and has established itself as a relaxed backpacker town with good restaurants, cafes, and equipment suppliers.

Plan at least 1–2 days in Moshi before the climb: For the briefing with the organizer, last-minute equipment purchases, acclimatization, and relaxation. After the climb, a rest day in Moshi with a massage and good food is a must.

• Indigo Hotel: Excellent coffee and terrace with Kilimanjaro view
• Chagga Museum: Small museum about the Chagga, the people of Kilimanjaro
• Marangu Waterfalls: Day trip (1h drive), lovely hike through coffee plantations

★★ Arusha — Tanzania's Safari Capital

Arusha (500,000 inhabitants) is the gateway to the Northern Circuit — practically every safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire starts here. The city is lively, sometimes chaotic, but full of energy. It is located halfway between Cairo and Cape Town and hosts the International Criminal Tribunal for Rwanda.

• Arusha National Park: Often overlooked, but beautiful! Mount Meru (4,566 m) is in the park — an excellent 3–4-day climb for acclimatization before Kilimanjaro. Also: Giraffes, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and flamingos at the Momella Lakes.
• Cultural Heritage Centre: The largest arts and crafts center in Tanzania. Tanzanite jewelry, Maasai jewelry, Tingatinga paintings.
• Maasai Market: Wednesdays and Saturdays. Authentic, colorful, loud — and a great place to buy souvenirs.