Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain

by Henry Stedman

The most authoritative and detailed guide to climbing Africa's highest mountain At 19,341ft Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain. Yet with no mountaineering skills necessary to reach the summit, even non-climbers can experience the thrill of climbing one of the world's greatest peaks. Includes full practical details - getting to Tanzania and Kenya, town guides and maps to Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, Arusha, Moshi and Marangu. Routes covered on 35 detailed walking maps in the proven Trailblazer style; all walking times are indicated along with points of interest and gradients. This top selling guide from Trailblazer is now in its fifth edition. Comprehensive trail guide and maps (with GPS waypoints also downloadable from the website) to the six major routes: Machame, Marangu, Rongai (Loitokitok), Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe by an author who's climbed them all numerous times City guides - Where to stay, eat and what to see en route to Kili in: Dar es Salaam, Nairobi and gateway towns of Arusha, Moshi and Marangu Planning your trip and booking a trek - when to go, how to book, full reviews of trekking agencies Mount Meru - a popular pre-Kilimanjaro trek Background information - Comprehensive history, geology, climate, flora and fauna, plus cultural information on the Chagga people Porters' rights - how to help Health and safety

Genres: Travel, Nonfiction, Africa, Reference, Mountaineering

408 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 2003

About the author

Henry Stedman is a professional tour leader and a trekker of considerable experience, having hiked in the Himalaya, China, Pakistan, Lebanon, the Philippines, Sumatra and Madagascar.

Reviews

[James Field · Rating 5 out of 5]

For those foolish enough to imagine they can simply stroll their way to the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain at 5895m, with little more effort needed than to saunter down to their local pub, think again. Henry Stedman leaves no doubt in the reader's mind of what they let themselves in for.
Full of naive dreams of climbing Kilimanjaro, I browsed through this guide–and it put a firm damper on my enthusiasm. In agitated defiance, my frustrated ego pictured Henry Stedman as a man who had discovered paradise, closed the gate behind him, and written this guidebook to dissuade anyone else from following him.
He explains in graphic detail about the agonising effects of altitude sickness; about the view-obliterating fog, rain and snow; about the steep, endless, knee-knackering gradients covered in mud, dust and loose scree; about the sub-zero temperatures on the upper slopes and ferociously carnivorous animals roaming the lower slopes; about the inoculations needed: yellow fever, typhoid, hepatitis A, polio, tetanus, meningococcal meningitis, rabies and malaria.
Disappointed and a little bitter, I asked myself why so many people, from all walks of life, had willingly faced these hardships and obstacles. High percentages fail to reach the summit, or even get anywhere near it. Perhaps, unprepared like me, they hadn't fully realised the vast struggle that faced them.
I must admit, I had to sit back and ask myself, do I want to spend a fortune for this six or seven day regime of self-torture? Hmm, well, the form of self-torture I detest the most is wasting time on a crowded beach gradually turning into a prune. I've always wanted to visit Africa, I love walking, and Kilimanjaro, at almost six thousand metres high, is one of the highest mountains in the world where you can reach the summit without climbing gear. From bottom to top, you pass through four climate zones–fantastic! So I read on.
This time, I found phrases like: 'This lovely day begins with…'; and, 'views like screen savers'; and 'There may be about 124 higher mountains on the globe but there can't be many that are more beautiful, or more tantalizing'; and 'Standing on the summit, you are now enjoying an unrivalled view of Africa–nobody on this great chaotic, crazy, charismatic continent is currently gazing down from as lofty a vantage-point as you.'
Eventually, rather than put me off, and viewing the prospect with new respect, I realised Henry Stedman's 373-page guide, crammed with humour, information, maps, details, and sound advice, endeavours to see me safe, happy, and pain free to the summit and back. If, like me, you're tinkering with the notion of climbing Kilimanjaro, this guide is a 'must' read. You'll soon discover what climbing the mountain is all about and whether its challenges are too daunting for you. For me, it's an eye-opener, fills me with confidence, and brings the dream even closer.

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished the book sitting poolside at Arumeru River Lodge in Arusha... climb starts tomorrow. I was in turns intimidated and reassured by passages in the book, and amused by the author's cynical wit. I think/hope this book helped me prepare, or at least set my expectations. We'll see.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super informative! Must read for those thinking of attempting a trek up Kilimanjaro. Appreciated the author's witty style of writing.

[Evelin Milev · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very comprehensive guide book about Kili and most of the possible routes to the top. I liked the tips on when it’s best to climb and what to expect at each season. As a cons for the book I would mention that there’s not much to how you can make a connection if you are travelling from anywhere but England. Not all the routes are well explained ( the most popular are tho ). In general, I’m super happy with the content and it definitely helped me make my choice soo … Machame route awaits for me in February 2023!

[Christy Keeler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great book for those considering and actually trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. It includes great information for preparation as well as detailed information about different segments of the trek itself. Those who used Elizabeth Wenk's guide to the John Muir Trail will find this book to be a similar vein.

[Gavin Whindus · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the history and facts that this book gives but having completed the climb, I felt the author could have given you more of what you are in for. However if you are going to or are contemplating climbing there is a lot of good information in the book and its well worth the read!!

[Mark Reynolds · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent and complete guide to Kili. Has everything from how to get there, which companies to hire, where to eat, customs to follow, safe trekking practices, etc. Should be read and re-read before you go.

[Nicole]

Very useful book.
Read twice.
First time to get the details. Then do some more research.
Then reread.

Great info on what "drugs" to bring with, just in case.

Also ways to find out which route you actually want to take!

History and stories of stupidity is fun!

[John Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro - must read and keep on hand for reference.

[June · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hand drawing trail maps are not intuitive to use. Information overload, e.g. agencies, hard to choose.
Background information is sufficient, helpful read before the trip.

[John Leonard Minja · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best Kilimanjaro pre-climb center of her knowledge and awareness.

Thanks Stedman, I'm always here at www.teamkilimanjaro.com waiting to serve all in interest.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

excellent preparation. shoulda read it sooner for sure!!!

[Bryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

Useful to read before heading to Tanzania.

[Alan Maringer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was indispensable in my preparation for trekking, climbing, and summiting Kili. The details not just about the mountain, but the local history, towns, people and customs were a great preparation for everything that was my trip. This book is considered "the bible" for climbing this amazing mountain, and I can now see why. Both my climbing partner and I referred to this on a nightly basis for it's detailed maps and tips for the following day. It was also great in helping me parse down which companies to look into further for my trip (hint: use Tusker Trails and ask for Kombe and Pastory as your guides).

[John Matthew IV · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book to read to plan a trek up Kilimanjaro.

I have picked the Lemosho Route! Now to pick my agency.

[Alex · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an exceptionally comprehensive and objective guide to Kilimanjaro and the surrounding area. This book has proven an invaluable aid in planning my trip to Tanzania.

Stedman provides practical information for your trek up the mountain along with the history of the mountain and Tanzania. Included are sections on several of the important cities that you may visit, a blurb for most of the companies that manage treks up the mountain along with price ranges and minimal reviews for many, and detailed potential itineraries for the various routes to the summit.

I feel much better about making my plans for this fairly intimidating trip.

[Jan Dobiáš · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great guide to Kili. Now i feel like i got a good first idea of what it is I am about to attempt. I probably cannot yet appreciate the richness of detail in this book, but definitely plan on bringing this book up the mountain.

[Mandy France · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic reference book! I read it cover to cover while in the hotel before our trek. I also liked the local maps of Moshi and Arusha. Although I wish I would have looked at the map before we tried to venture into town...

[Jonathan Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Personally I found this really useful, it helped in choosing my climbing gear, what route to take, what to expect on the mountain, etc, etc.

The perfect book to read in preparation to climb Africa's highest mountain.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book was a very good read and gave me a good idea of what our trek will entail

[Alexa]

Trying to plan a trip for next year and this guide has been very handy. Their website is very useful as well.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ultimate guide to Kilimanjaro- complete with listing of where to get cell service on the mountain!