Things to see and do Kilimandjaro

The Rongai route is the only one that starts on the north side and remains there throughout the climb. It is protected from the rains that come from the east in more or less humid periods, and by taking it you have a better chance of coming across the local fauna (black and white Colobus monkeys). It is not very busy and technically fairly easy, and offers different scenery from the other routes to the south and west, including views over the Kenyan plains. It passes through the Hans Meyer cave and reaches the crater via Gillman's point before continuing to the summit.

The Umbwe route is the most difficult on Kilimanjaro, as it is the shortest. It takes 6 days to complete, and the risk of acclimatization problems is correspondingly higher. It is aimed at experienced climbers who already know their resistance to altitude sickness. We stop at Umbwe Camp (3,000 m) after 1,600 m of climbing on the first day, before waiting for Barranco Camp (3,850 m). The route is then identical to that of Machame and Lemosho, so it's very busy in high season. After the summit, last night at Millenum Camp.

The "Northern Circuit" is the most recent route. On the northern flank of the Kili, it is better protected from the rains and can be completed in 8 to 10 days. It's quieter because it's less well-known. From the Londorossi gate to Big Tree (night 1) and then Shira 1 (night 2) in the forest, you climb 700 to 800 m per day, before climbing 1,000 m to Lava Tower (4,550 m). A peak that allows you to acclimatize as you descend to Buffalo Camp at 4,000 m and Third Cave Camp (3,870 m), before climbing back to School Huts camp at 4,870 m before the summit.

This is one of the three most popular camp routes, as the scenery is fabulous and acclimatization easier, and it can be completed in 7 to 8 days. In reality, it begins on the west side of Kilimanjaro in the rainforest (Forest Camp, Shira 1 and 2), then joins the Machame route via the Lava Towers (a peak at 4,630 m) before descending to Barraco Camp, an acclimatization strategy that pays off before climbing back up to the summit. In high season, the route is very busy, especially from the Lava Tower.