Kilimanjaro. It looks down from nearly five miles in the air on a sea of civilization that appear too far away to seem real when you are standing there looking down. It can be a little hard to grasp after the days of climbing, the weather and the altitude that you did it. You made it to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro with your lungs and limbs intact. A greater feeling of triumph there could never be on this planet!

But before you live the fantasy, you must realize the tasks that lay ahead. You must prepare mentally and physically. You must plan and be prepared for the troubles that await. And you must select one of the following paths with a reputable guide in order to efficiently and effectively climb Kilimanjaro:

Lemosho: In a nutshell, Lemosho is one of the quieter and more effective routes for the casual climber. Its ascent to the top is more gradual and allows for better acclimation to the elements. The only real dangers in the early stretch of this seven-to-eight day trip are those presented by the presence of big game. An armed scout will usually accompany you during this leg of your path. After that, it is up to you to reach the summit.

Machame: As a six-to-seven day route, this ranks as one of the most popular among climbers. Machame gets climbers used to the altitude changes with a steeper ascent in the early stages, so that the last legs of the adventure are easier to navigate. It is also considered one of the most aesthetically pleasing routes from a scenic perspective.

Marangu: While this five-to-six day route is considered the easiest and most climber friendly, it still presents a grueling final day because no matter how easy you take it leading up the summit ascent, you will always feel the effects of nature and altitude. Serious climbers prefer more challenging routes, but this one is great for beginners.

Rongai: One of the least favorite routes for those seeking to climb Kilimanjaro is the Rongai, partly because it is a largely uninteresting landscape thanks to deforestation. It is normally a six-day journey and it can be very challenging due to a difficult-to-find trailhead that often puzzles climbers and guides alike.

Umbwe: For the best views and the most physically challenging experience, you will want to take the Umbwe route. Completing a Kilimanjaro climb is something to be proud of, but doing so via the Umbwe route with its initially steep push and grueling summit climb puts you in another class of climber all together.

No matter which path you choose to climb Kilimanjaro, you must always be prepared. Preparation means more than the gear you bring and the physical training that you have performed leading up to the occasion. It also involves getting yourself in the proper frame of mind. Only when you have everything in place will you be able to conquer the beast and earn bragging rights that only few in the world possess.