climbing | special interest africa
n WE SUGGEST: Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania n WHY: At 19,341ft, the world’s highest free- standing mountain is a popular destination due to the relative ease with which it can be climbed. According to Tanzania National Parks, some 52,000 visitors a year now make an attempt in the dry months of January, February or July to October — nearly double the number undertaking the challenge in 2003. Tis said, the mountain
can be tackled using several routes, some more testing than others. For
the inexperienced,
Marangu is the shortest path, taking five to six days. Machame, the most popular, is more physically demanding and requires an extra day, but rewards participants with better views. For those looking for a lower traffic route alongside a challenge, the nine-day Northern Circuit is a great option. Criss-crossing the northern slopes
before pushing up to the summit, it’s the longest of the seven official routes but provides more time for acclimatization. n WHERE ELSE: Te highest peak in the Moroccan Atlas Mountains, 13,671ft Jbel Toubkal can be scaled as a non-technical, if strenuous, hike between May and October. Ice-climbers prefer the ascent in January or February, when its cascades and gullies freeze over.
Mount Elbrus, Russia. Above: Mount
Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
europe
n WE SUGGEST: Mount Elbrus in the Caucasus Mountains, Russia n WHY: Tis soaring, dormant volcano might not be as well-known as the mighty Mont Blanc or the Eiger, but at 18,510ft it’s Europe’s highest mountain and, as such, forms one of the illustrious Seven Summits — the highest mountains on the seven continents. Typically attempted between June and September, the Standard Route up the south side requires basic snow and ice-climbing skills, although there are few crevasses to contend with. It’s also made easier by the presence of a cable car, which runs to 12,500ft. More challenging routes can be found to the north and east of the mountain. n WHERE ELSE: Destination of choice for purists, the iconic, pyramid-shaped Matterhorn on the Swiss-Italian border requires surefootedness to cope with its diverse terrain, even during the high season (July and August). u
summer 2014 | ASTAnetwork | 97
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