When you are climbing a mountain, it’s not about choosing the route that will get you there fast, rather, it’s about choosing the route that will give you the best mountain-climbing experience ever.

Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa, is one of the most renowned tourist attractions worldwide. A trip here will give you a complete view of the wildlife and nature, but only if you use the best route. The following is a review of Tanzania’s Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes:

Major routes

There are 7 established routes for climbing Kilimanjaro. The routes start off alone from way below but they later join up as you approach the peak. They are:

• Lemosho Route
• The Northern Circuit
• Machame Route
• Rongai Route
• Marangu Route
• Shira Route
• Umbwe Route

Lemosho Route

The recommended days for getting to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro using this route is 8 days. It can be described as a medium traffic, tough route with exceptional scenery. It is a good route to take if you want a body wrangling experience sure to sweat it all out.

Approaching from the west, Lemosho route crosses Shira Plateau right from Shira ridge to Shira camp. Climbers will encounter low traffic before reaching the Lemosho-Machame route intersection. This route is a favorite for many people due to the low traffic, breathtaking views, and high chances of reaching the summit.

The Northern Circuit

Also approaching from the West, the Northern circuit follows Lemosho route at the beginning. The northern circuit, however, avoids the southern traverse to follow the serene, virgin Northern slopes. It is the longest route in terms of the distance traveled.

The long distance is a good thing because it’s perfect for acclimatization. Acclimatization gives the users just what they need to push for the summit. If you are new to climbing, this route could be the better option as you can get acclimatized.  

Machame route

Also known as the whiskey route, Machame Route is the most popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. The route is characterized by good scenery, a tough terrain and high traffic. This is just what you need for a socializing-laden hiking experience.   

Rongai Route

This is the only route that approaches the mountain from the North. It is close to the Kenyan border, so it’s perfect if you want to feel the breeze of two African countries. This route is perfect for first-time climbers.

Marangu Route

Also known as the Coca-Cola route, Marangu route is the oldest route and the easiest because of its gradual slope. You will come across hut accommodations, so it’s perfect for rainy weather. Low summit success rates and the crowd make it a poor choice.

Shira Route

This route is almost identical to Lemosho route. Lemosho route is, however, recommended due to the quick accessibility of the starting point by vehicle.

Umbwe Route

Umbwe route is described as a direct route. This is due to its shortness and steepness. It’s a tough route and is only a go-for for experienced hikers.

Whether you are traveling to Toronto for business or pleasure, there is every reason to bring the entire family along. Flights to Toronto can be both affordable and enjoyable, so why not give the kids something to remember always by booking a flight on one of the only airlines on earth still operating with the amenities now long a thing of the past? Make this a part of the fun when you try booking on flyporter.com because even the stewards will be wearing retro costumes as in days gone by. This may be where the fun begins but read on to find a bit of information on those Toronto attractions your kids will absolutely love.

1. LEGOLAND Discovery Centre

World-famous Lego building blocks have been the delight of children for decades. In fact, mom and dad as well as grandma, grandpa and the great-grandparents probably grew up building forts, castles, homes, trains and so much more with LEGOs. Not only is the park themed after iconic LEGOs but there is a MiniLand Toronto and 4-D Cinema for those kids to enjoy. If you think LEGOLAND is only for kids, guess again. Who doesn’t love a bit of nostalgia?

2. Casa Loma at Christmas

One thing about Toronto which has long been ‘secret’ is the fact that there really is a castle in the city. While you may recognize the castle from many movies and television shows you’ve seen, as it is a popular film shooting location, you may be amazed at its history and how it came to be. In the 1900s, one of Canada’s leading financiers had the castle built because of his long-time dream of living in a castle. Unfortunately, the man soon lost his fortune and the castle stood abandoned. Visitors love to tour this real-life castle, but never more so than at Christmas time when it is decked out in splendor only appreciated in places like this.

3. Ontario Science Centre

Perhaps the most common piece of praise you’ll hear from parents who have taken their children to the Ontario Science Centre is they are awed at just how much their kids enjoy learning there! In fact, they have so much fun with all the hands-on activities that they, themselves, don’t even realize that they are learning new facts and new skills! From exhibits on the Rainforest to the Science Arcade’s physics experiments, there is something for children of all ages to keep them busy – this includes mom and dad too!

4. Canada’s Wonderland

While this is a seasonal amusement park only open in summer months from May through October, this is a must-see for any families traveling to Toronto during the summer. Here is where you’ll find jaw-dropping thrilling rides like:

• Riptide
• Leviathan
• Psyclone
• Behemoth

And then, after all that excitement, it’s time to take a look at Dinosaurs Alive and then experience a fun-filled afternoon at the Splash Works Waterpark where there are 20 acres of water fun to enjoy.

5. Royal Ontario Museum

As one of the most prestigious museums of natural history anywhere on earth, this will be an adventure not soon forgotten by your children. With more than 30 galleries they can explore with exhibits there permanently and some temporary as they make their round of museums, there is always something of interest to adults and children alike. Over time, there have been temporary exhibits such as the Age of Mammals and the Age of Dinosaurs, but never fear, there will always be a wide assortment of interesting things for kids to see and learn about. Not only is this a fun activity, but educational as well!

6. Toronto Zoo

Imagine spending a day at a zoo that has over six miles of walking/hiking trails from which you can view animals in the ‘wild’ (well, sort of). Actually, the only animals you will see ‘in the wild’ are those that are native to the area, but for children, that is a delight in itself. Then, it’s on to the polar bear cub in his new Tundra Trek home.

All that walking and viewing animals getting a bit boring for the little children? Why not take them to the splash pad or play area where they can get a little more of that excess energy out before trekking your way through more exotic animals. Don’t forget to let them ride the camels and ponies to crown the day with royal pleasure!

7. Ferry to the Toronto Islands

Known for its amazing scenic ride, the ferry to the Toronto Islands is one thrill your kids will cherish. Not only are they going to get a ride on a real ferry boat, but they will have lots to do once on the Island. From bike rides to kayaking, there are plenty of outdoor activities for warmer months and it’s always lovely to top it all off with a picnic. One thing to take note of is that the Far Enough Farm and the Centreville Amusement Park on the island are only open in warmer months, but if you plan your trip to Toronto accordingly, these are attractions the little ones will truly enjoy.

8. CN Tower

If you or your children are afraid of heights, this probably wouldn’t be an attraction for you! However, for those who have no such fears, the CN Tower is an amazing opportunity to get a real birds’ eye, panoramic view of Toronto. Not only can you see much from the 1815 feet tower but taking the ride up in a real glass elevator leaves nothing to the imagination either! Again, if you are afraid of heights, this might not be a great experience for you.

9. Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada

At the base of the CN Tower mentioned above lies Ripley’s Aquarium of Canada. As the largest of indoor aquariums in Canada, this is one that hosts both freshwater and marine species from around the world. Many say the most spectacular exhibit is the Dangerous Lagoon, an underwater tunnel through which visitors take a moving walkway to travel along for a close, very close, look at some of the world’s most notable predators who feed at lower depths. With a Discovery Centre on the grounds, which is located near the center of the Aquarium, kids can play in touch pools which is a true hands-on learning experience.

10. Hockey Hall of Fame

Although hockey has something of a following in the United States, it is huge throughout Canada. Kids will enjoy looking through room after room of hockey memorabilia and can even have their photo taken next to the Stanley Cup. With interactive games and multimedia exhibits, this is a great place for kids to learn something about the sport and the Canadian players who put their country on the map.

These are just 10 of the many things to do and see in Toronto when traveling with the kids, but as you can see, they will have a great time, even if you need to take time away for business. Why not take the kids for the trip of a lifetime to a city that has so much for them to experience? Business or pleasure, Toronto is a children’s paradise and one they won’t soon forget.

According to the US Travel Association, 74% of all domestic travel is done for leisure purposes, with travelers logging 1.8 billion leisure trips in 2017. Families, couples, and singles travel for different reasons. However, the same study noted the top five reasons for US domestic traveling as follows:

1.       Visiting relatives
2.       Shopping
3.       Visiting friends
4.       Fine dining
5.       Rural sightseeing

When considering experiences; particularly for shopping, dining and sightseeing, it makes sense for travelers to take their sippy cups to as many different locations as possible. This enables travelers to enjoy new shops, taste new cuisine, and see new sights. Each travel location contains its own atmosphere with specific conditions, circumstances, and climate that enhances each of these experiences.

In most cases, travelers have relatives and friends across the nation (and globe), which offers an endless array of places to visit, experience, and collect for their memory book.

Having a timeshare contract limits exposure, adventure, and memories while keeping owners tied to a single destination, pre-determined schedule, and the same surroundings. These limits represent the opposite of what travel is designed to do.

Traveling is about taking in new places, adopting native schedules, trying new cuisine, experiencing new cultures, and revealing in the beauty of expanding areas. That means going to different places as often as possible, instead of revisiting the same one over and over again. It means searching out and finding new places with just the right experience, adventure, and memories travelers choose to cultivate.

For those committed to timeshare ownership, the travel search is quick and dismal as it means visiting the same resort each year. There’s little exposure as the resort doesn’t often change a great deal from year to year. The adventures can grow tiresome after being repeated frequently, and the memories run together as one in the same.

There are options for travelers who don’t know how to get out of a timeshare. While timeshare contracts (and annual maintenance fees) continue forever, it is possible to end these contracts — safely and ethically in a way that’s guaranteed forever.

Once free from a timeshare commitment, travelers are free to plan, book, and enjoy vacations across the globe to expand their horizons, enrich their relationships, and elevate their mental state — on the schedule they create.

Families can experience new adventures and collaborate as a team, while experiencing new destinations together. Couples can experience one another, enjoy quiet time, increase romance, and delight in the sight, sound, and tastes associated with each new travel destination. Individuals can experience independence or meet new people depending on their mood, collect wares and photos for their social media timelines, and experience new cultural traditions. Travel options are truly endless.

Limits are unnecessary tethers leisure travelers don’t need. Consider a timeshare exit strategy to keep travel options open and free.

Aboriginal people tend to focus on their connection with the land more than anything else. There are many sites that come along with a sacred meaning for each of the Aboriginal tribes. A sacred site is usually a place of some ceremonial importance or a place of feasts, settlement etc. There are certain ceremonies that a person has to get involved into if he wants to enter into such sacred sites. The reason behind this is that one is assumed to offer positive energy, good wishes and harmony to the ancestors.

The following are 8 Aboriginal historical sites in Australia which every tourist ought to visit.

• Kakadu National Park

Kakadu is considered as the “Oldest living culture on earth”. For more than 65000 years, it has been home to Aboriginal people. Kakadu’s rock art ( Gunbim ) and the paintings that are of 20,000 years old acts as one of the important records for longest historical records of any group of people in the world is one of the major reasons Kakadu has received the “World heritage status”. The paintings also provide deep information on the Bininj / Mungguy people.

• Tower Hill Wild Life Reserve

The Tower Hill Wild Life Reserve, off the Great ocean road is on the most popular tourist route from Melbourne to South Australia and is the home for many important Aboriginal sites. The wildlife reserve, is located at 14km from Warrnambool ( where Aboriginal people lived 32,000 years ago ), is a wonderful home for kangaroos, emus, koalas and many waterbirds.

• Kata Tjuta

Kata Tjuta also known as Olgas is located in Central Australia is considered sacred to the Aboriginal people of Australia. Kata Tjuta is comprised of 36 domes and covers an area of about 21.68km². It is located at about 25km from Uluru and the duo forms the major landmarks within the Uluru- Kata Tjuta National Park.

• Birrarung Marr

This is a somewhat odd entry into the list as it is such a modern location now, but the history of Birrarung Marr is very important. It is located in Melbourne and the name actually means “River of Mists” in Woiwurrung language of Wurundjeri people of Australia. This site is considered a traditional aboriginal site because of its prime ceremonial importance. There are three levels of open terraces at Birrarung Marr. The lower terrace which is located next to a river, has a gravel surface. The middle terrace is located on the eastern side of the park and has a grassed surface. The upper terrace is located on the northern side of the park.

• The Kimberley

The Kimberley was one of the earliest settled parts of Australia which had the first arrivals 43,000 years ago. With more than 400,000sq m of pure landscape comprising of the waterfalls, red sands, animal life and floral regions, Kimberley is one of the most important tourist spots one should never miss !

• Uluru

Uluru also known as Ayers Rock is sacred to the Pitjantjatjara Anangu, the Aboriginal people of Australia. It is a large sandstone rock formation in Central Australia which is notable for changing colors at various times of the day and the year. 46 species of natural mammals are known to live in and around Uluru. The park has a hot desert climate. According to the Aṉangu, traditional landowners of Uluru, “The world was once a featureless place. None of the places we know existed until creator beings, in the forms of people, plants and animals, traveled widely across the land. Then, in a process of creation and destruction, they formed the landscape as we know it today”.

• South Australian Museum

The South Australian Museum contains the most significant collection of more than 3000 Aboriginal cultural artifacts in the world. The permanent galleries in the museum include Australian Aboriginal Cultures Gallery, South Australian Biodiversity Gallery, World Mammals Gallery, Mawson Gallery, Megafauna Gallery, Minerals and Meteorites Gallery, Fossils Gallery and a lot more!

• Ban Ban Springs

Ban Ban Springs is located in Queensland. “Ban Ban Springs is a sacred site and has a Dreamtime association with the Rainbow Serpent which is believed to have surfaced there. Ban Ban Springs is unique in Indigenous Heritage. It is sacred in men’s Business and women’s Business for separate and combined reasons.”