MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING
Mt Kilimanjaro Introduction
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5895 meters above sea level. It has three major volcanic centres: Shira (4160 m), Snow capped Kibo (5895 m) and Mawenzi. Widely considered the roof of Africa, climbing mount Kilimanjaro through one of the great trekking routes is one of the most rewarding experiences that any person can enjoy.
Regardless of the route, no special equipment or previous experience is required to climb mount Kilimanjaro.
We organize treks to the summit of the Mountain using 5 different routes: Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho and Umbwe. Regardless of the route, no special equipment (just walking gear) or previous experience is required to climb the Kilimanjaro. A good level of fitness but specially an exceptional level of determination (the last 500 meters of ascent to the summit will be extremely demanding, regardless of your physical condition) is all you will need.
We do not usually recommend the Marangu route because, though it is the only route where you can sleep in huts, they sometimes prove to be less comfortable than the tents we provide. Besides, it has a lower success rate (specially the 5 days version) because it does not use the “climb high, sleep low” principle. The Umbwe route is usually considered the most difficult route but, if you are experienced, it can also provide you with some of the most spectacular scenery while having very few people around climbing mount Kilimanjaro with you.
The route that we consider to be the most interesting is the 8 days Lemosho Route. This route provides a very balanced trek, having some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife while not being as demanding as the Umbwe route. It also enjoys a very high summit success rate and very little traffic. If you choose to climb Kilimanjaro on this route, you will have the chance to cross the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
The Lemosho route is also the longest and less economic one so, if time or budget do not make it a convenient choice, the other two routes we recommend are the Rongai and Machame ones. The Rongai Route has almost no people and provides great chances of encounters with wildlife precisely due to that fact. On the other hand, the Machame Route is one of the most popular routes, being the first choice of most seasoned hikers and providing impressive views and a variety of habitats. Most climbers choose the 7 days version to err on the side of caution and make sure that they are properly acclimatised before reaching the summit. However, the 6 days route is also quite safe and most people with an active lifestyle will manage it without major problems.
When climbing mount Kilimanjaro, one needs to take into account the seasons: There are 2 “rainy” seasons, from mid-November to mid-December and also in April and May though global weather patterns can sometimes make these “wet months” dry. In any case, we do organize climbs during the wet months and, though rain can create a bit of discomfort, it can also lead to snow in the higher altitudes which makes the whole experience much more dramatic. Besides, you’ll have the mountain almost to yourself allowing you to enjoy it without crowds of tourists around you. The last 500 meters of ascent to the summit will be extremely demanding, regardless of your strength and fitness level
For every detail and doubt about these itineraries or for building a custom private tour to climb mount Kilimanjaro, please contact us through our contact page.
In the following section, you have the details of every route. We make a big effort to offer the best possible prices, which depend upon many factors like the time of the year, the number of tourists, the constantly changing prices of gas and park fees, etc.
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is an unspoilt, remote, less-used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Trekkers sometimes use it to ascend the Western Breach route, or follow it with the Kibo South Circuit to ascend by the easier Barafu Route. The first day of the route is rich in game animals, and armed rangers may accompany a group temporarily.
DAY 1: Londorossi Park Gate – Mti Mkubwa
Drive to Londorossi Park Gate then on to the Lemosho Glades (2100m, 3h.). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3h.)
DAY 2: Mti Mkubwa – Shira Plateau
The trail steepens and crosses several streams in the giant heather zone. The Shira Ridge is crossed (3600m) to the Shira Plateau, camp by stream. (3500m, 5 h.).
DAY 3: Shira Plateau – Shira Hut
A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira Hut camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3840m, 1h30min.). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatisation day.
DAY 4: Shira Hut – Barranco
A rocky path leads east up towards the Lava Tower. Shortly beyond this, you descend to Barranco campsite (3950m, 4-5h).
DAY 5: Barranco – Karanga Valley
Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.
DAY 6: Karanga Valley – Barafu Hut
The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation (3h, 4600m.),
DAY 7: Barafu Hut – Stella Point – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Hut
Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5725m.). From here a further 40mins. leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-14h total walking time).
DAY 8: Mweka Hut – Park Gate
A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate.
Option: It is possible to do this route in just 7 days by skipping the acclimatization day.
The Kilimanjaro Marangu Route is a popular route on which nights are spent in huts, and meals taken in dining halls. The only route that ascends and descends using the same path. Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route.”
- DAY 1: After breakfast proceed to Marangu gate (drive from Arusha or Moshi. Town or Marangu). Start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2700 m). It takes 2 hrs.
- DAY 2: Trek from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut altitude 3700 m and it takes 4 – 5 hrs.
- DAY 3: Climb from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut altitude 4700 m. It takes 5 hrs for the 13 km walk.
- DAY 4: First hours of morning around 1.00 a.m is spent by trekking to Gilmans Point 5681 m (5hrs). Then another 1.30 hrs to Uhuru Peak. After some time in the summit, descend down to Horombo Hut.
- DAY 5: After breakfast descend down to Marangu Gate and then transferred to Hotel in Marangu or Moshi Town.
Option: Spend an Extra day at Horombo Hut (3700m) for better acclimatization.
The Kilimanjaro Rongai Route is not a very difficult route and has very few people on it. It also provides spectacular views.
DAY 1: Nale Moru Village – First Cave
After breakfast, at 9am, meet the climbing team (guides, porters) and transfer to Marangu Gate (120km) reaching an altitude of 1600masl. After permit formalities, transfer (approximately 2 hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village.
The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest, and then climbs gently through a forest. The trail is not at all steep, but is rather a gentle hike through beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 metres. There is a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.
DAY 2: First Cave – Second Cave – Kikelwa Cave
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some.
Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelwa Caves).
DAY 3: Kikelwa Caves – Mawenzi
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.
Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
DAY 4: Mawenzi – Kibo
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight.
Overnight at Kibo Camp.
DAY 5: Kibo – Hans Meyer Cave – Gillman’s point – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot.
The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut.
After a short rest you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate
After breakfast, at 7am, with box lunch, take a walk down to Marangu gate.
The Kilimanjaro Umbwe route (also known as the “Vodka Route”) is often considered the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak – for more experienced trekkers.Due to the difficulty level, it’s not very popular providing a nice sense of isolation and wonderful views.
DAY 1: Umbwe Roadhead
Drive to the Umbwe Roadhead at 1800 m. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers. The first campsite is in the forest by some rock overhangs at 2940 m, (5/6 hours walking).
DAY 2: – Barranco
Shortly after leaving the camp the forest ends and the path continues along a narrow spectacular ridge. Above, the sheer 1000 m of the Breach Wall appears and disappears as the afternoon mists roll up the Great Barranco. From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco Hut and our camp in the valley floor at 3900 m, (5/6 hours walking).
DAY 3: Barranco – Karanga Valley
A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000 m, 3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers.
DAY 4: Karanga Valley – Barafu Hut
After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4600 m, (3 hours walking).
DAY 5: Barafu Hut – Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers – Uhuru Peak – Mweka Hut
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. After a short time on the summit you descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the Mweka route.
DAY 6: Mweka Hut – Park Gate
A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate.
6 DAYS (5 NIGHTS) MACHAME ROUTE KILIMANJARO CLIMB
Day 1
Met by a representative on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha town and transferred to Moshi town. Overnight at Hotel/Lodge on Bed and Breakfast.
Day 2 Moshi to Machame, on to Machame hut
Depart Moshi at 09.30 am to Machame park gate. The drive by private vehicle to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gates takes about 50 minutes. The drive passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gates you will make your final preparations for the walk. The porters at this time will be busy arranging their packs containing, food, and camping together with kitchen equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly so you may not be able to retrieve any items that you have given to them to carry until the evening camp.
You now leave the park gates (at around 2,000m) and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail to the first hut, which is located at an altitude of 3048m. From here you continue for a short distance and reach the Machame Hut at 3,100m (10,000ft). Here you make your first camp, rest, and enjoy our evening dinner and overnight. The total walking time is around 5 hours.
Day 3 Machame hut to Shira Hut
After breakfast, you leave the glades of the rainforest and continue on an ascending path, crossing a small valley to gain a steep heather-covered rocky ridge. You follow this ascending ridge until the spur opens out and the route turns west into a river gorge at 3,658m (12,598ft). Time for rest, dinner, and overnight at the Shira Hut camp. Total walking about 4 hours.
Day 4 Shira to Barranco Hut
From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the East passing the junction of the route up to the peak of Kibo. You continue on until your direction turns to the South East and you head towards the Lava Tower, called the ‘Shark’s Tooth’. Shortly after the tower, you come to a second junction, which leads you up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 4,876m. You then continue on and down to the Barranco Hut at 3,860m (12,795ft) to enjoy a well-deserved rest, evening meal, and overnight camp. The total walking time is around 6 hours.
Day 5 Barranco to Barafu Hut
After breakfast, you leave the Barranco Hut to ascend a steep ridge, which passes the Barranco Wall in the Karanga Valley. Here you meet up with the top part of the Mweka trail and continue up to the Barafu Hut at 4,600m (15,500ft). This is your high camp from where the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen. The rest and evening meal will be very welcome after a walking day of around 8 hours.
Day 6 Barafu to Summit, and descend to Mweka Hut
SUMMIT DAY: Very early in the morning you make your way slowly up to Stella Point at 5,745m before making the final traverse to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in the continent of Africa, at 5,985m (19,340ft). This ascent will take around 6 hours. Views of the plains and Mount Meru in the early morning sunlight are possible before any cloud drifts up from the steamy jungle below. From the summit you now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut at 3,100m. This descent should take around 5 hours and you can take pleasure in a well-deserved rest and final evening meal on the mountain.
Day 7 Mweka to Mweka Gate
After a comparatively late breakfast, you continue the descent down through the rain forest to the Mweka Park Gate. This takes around 4 hours. At the Park Gates, you will be met by the guides’ vehicle to travel to Arusha for an overnight Condo Arusha hotel Bed and breakfast.
Day 8
After breakfast, departure back home or next destination.
