Mount Kilimanjaro
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The most rewarding and challenging route on Kilimanjaro is the Shira Plateau to Western Breach Ascent. This route requires at least 8 days, six ascending and the final two descending down a more direct route. If time is a factor, I encourage my guests to climb via the Machame Route, but preferably stopping for an extra day's acclimatisation at Karanga Valley before attempting the summit. This makes the entire climb a seven day affair.
Please click below for brief descriptions of the various route options.
- 7-day Shira Plateau Machame Route ascent of Kilimanjaro
- 6-day Standard Machame Route ascent of Kilimanjaro
- 7-day Standard Machame Route ascent of Kilimanjaro
- 8-day Shira Plateau Machame Route ascent of Kilimanjaro
- 8-day Shira / Western Breach Ascent of Kilimanjaro
Both Shira and Machame routes are extremely picturesque and, when spread over seven or eight days, allow climbers to become acclimatised and therefore enjoy the feeling of being up in the thin air rather than struggling valiantly on despite feeling sick and miserable. So many hikers I meet on Kili seem to be attempting the climb as more of an unpleasant task to be achieved rather than a fulfilling experience to be gained. It doesn't have to be a trial of endurance in the face of hardship, although good preparation and fitness levels are required to help you appreciate the unique afro-montane environment and the stark contrast it provides to the surrounding continent, a generally hot, low lying expanse.
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