What does “Kilimanjaro” mean? The exact meaning of Kilimanjaro is not certain, but it is closely tied to two words: one in Swahili, “Kilima,” which means “mountain,” and a local tribal word from the Chagga, “Njaro,” which means “whiteness.” Together we get “Mountain of Whiteness,” presumably it is so because of the ever-present snow cap on the top of the volcano.
Tanzania is very popular for being a mountain trekking destination since it is home to the impressive Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru. These famous peaks attract thousands of people, who come to Tanzania every year intending to conquer its summit. Each mountain has its own beauty, character, and a challenge for climbers. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe route all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. You can visit yet Mount Meru or the Mountain of God. We organize the entrance along any trail, it depends on your needs, possibilities, and schedule.
OUR SUGGESTED ITINERARIES:
KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE – 6 days
KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE – 5 days
MOUNT MERU – 3 days
MOUNTAIN OF GOD – 1 day
KILIMANJARO MACHAME ROUTE - 6 days
Africa Passion Safari organizes treks up the Machame – a beautiful route up Kilimanjaro that allows you to visit and marvel in the southwest and south sides of the mountain, going up one way and down the other. All your equipment and supplies will be carried by porters and our cook will prepare all your meals. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Machame, you sleep in tents (tents are included in the travel package), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Delicious food is served in a dinner tent or on a picnic blanket outside. This makes the Machame, which is referred to as the „Whiskey Route,” better suited to more adventurous hikers, and it also provides you with better views and marvels than the Machame Route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo’s great Barranco Wall, the Machame Route can offer any hiking enthusiast a continuous scenic slide show. It usually takes 6 days to complete The Machame Route. To a great extent it is helpful when it comes to your acclimatization. The Machame Route takes you on a trip high up to the Lava Tower (4,630 m) on day 3, then leads you back down for an overnight stay at Barranco Camp (3,950 m). This intermediate ascent and descent is the secret to a successful acclimatization, and is the reason why this route has a high success rate.
KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE - 5 days
Africa Passion Safari’s guides trek up the Marangu Route, which is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit and is known as the „Coca Cola” or „tourist” route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. All climbing groups, often from several countries from around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. You are encouraged to bring small amount of Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices tend to increase as we go up). This route is usually completed in 5 days, but you can prolong it to 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub-peak Mawenzi.
MOUNT MERU - 3 days
The 3 Day Mount Meru Climb & Hike is the best for acclimatization before climbing up Mount Kilimanjaro; The Mountain is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second-highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,5668m. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, true Tanzania’s treasure. This prime location gives trekkers the chance to spot some of the wildlife that inhabits the area.
MOUNTAIN OF GOD - 1 day
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