Northern Tanzania - Tanzania - page 308

to the summit: very enjoyable if you can resist the temptation to gain altitude too quickly.
Unfortunately, some trekking companies now push attractively priced five-day four-night
options on the Umbwe Route in an effort to attract business. Although the route is direct,
the top, very steep section up the Western Breach is often covered in ice or snow, which
makes it impassable or extremely dangerous. Many trekkers who attempt it without proper
acclimatisation are forced to turn back. An indication of its seriousness is that until fairly
recently, the Western Breach was considered a technical mountaineering route. It has only
gained in popularity recently because of intense competition for business and crowding on
other routes. The bottom line is that you should only consider this route if you're experien-
ced and properly equipped, and travelling with a reputable operator. Reliable operators will
suggest an extra night for acclimatisation.
Another thing to watch out for is operators who try to sell a 'short' version of the
Machame Route, which ascends the Machame Route for the first few stages, but then
switches near the top to the final section of the Umbwe Route and summits via the Western
Breach. This version is a day shorter (and thus less expensive) than the standard Machame
Route, but the same considerations outlined in the preceding paragraph apply here, and
you should only consider this combination if you're experienced, acclimatised and properly
equipped.
The Rongai Route , which has also become increasingly popular in recent years, starts
near the Kenyan border and goes up the northern side of the mountain. It's possible to do
this in five days, but six is better. The attractive Shira Plateau Route (also called the Lon-
dorosi Route) is somewhat longer than the others, but good for acclimatisation if you start
trekking from Londorosi gate (rather than driving all the way to the Shira Track road head),
or if you take an extra day at Shira Hut.
Trekkers on the Machame and Umbwe routes descend via the Marangu Route or the
Mweka Route , which is for descent only. Some Marangu treks also descend on the Mweka
Route.
Officially a limit of 60 climbers per route per day is in effect on Kilimanjaro. It's cur-
rently not being enforced, except on the Marangu Route, which is self-limiting because of
maximum hut capacities. If and when this limit is enforced, expect the advance time neces-
sary for booking a climb to increase, with less flexibility for last-minute arrangements.
SERIOUS BUSINESS
Whatever route you choose, remember that ascending Kilimanjaro is a serious
undertaking. While many thousands of trekkers reach Uhuru Peak without ma-
jor difficulty, many more don't make it because they suffer altitude sickness or
simply aren't in good enough shape. And, every year some trekkers and porters
die on the mountain. Come prepared with appropriate footwear and clothing,