5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE
The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. The supplementary cost for an extra day is indicated separately as an option.
DAY 1:
ARUSHA OR KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MOSHI
Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.
DAY 2:
MOSHI – MARANGU – MANDARA (2,750m)
After breakfast and a short tour briefing from the guide, we will depart to Marangu gate of Kilimanjaro National Park (it is a 45-minute drive from Moshi to the Marangu Gate). Upon registering with park authorities, our climb will officially commence with a four-hour walk to the Mandara encampment. We will pass through a thick rainforest zone, where there is a high chance of rain in the afternoon. We will spend the night at Mandara Hut (2,750m), an attractive collection of buildings. Bathrooms are available with running water.
DAY 3:
MANDARA – HOROMBO (3,720m)
Today we will continue our ascent through the forest for a short time, before reaching the heather and moorland zone at roughly 3,000m (approximately a six-hour walk). Enjoy stunning views of the mountain peaks at this altitude. We will spend the night at Horombo Hut (3,720m), which lies in a valley surrounded by giant lobelia and groundsel, flora which are characteristic of this semi-alpine zone. Bathrooms are available with running water.
DAY 4:
HOROMOBO – KIBO (4,703m)
Our trek continues past the final watering point, and ascends onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro, between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation thins out as we enter the desert-like alpine zone (approximately 4,000m) and, once we cross the saddle, Kibo peak comes into view. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. This seven-hour walk will be taken at a slow pace. We will spend the night at Kibo Hut (4,703m), a comfortable stone construction (no running water at Kibo Hut). This semi-desert zone receives an annual rainfall of under 250mm; the ground often freezes at night, but ground temperatures soar to above 30 degrees Celsius by day. Few plants other than lichens and grasses survive in these conditions.
DAY 5:
KIBO – SUMMIT – HOROMBO (3,720m)
Shortly after midnight, we will commence our climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, since it is easier to climb the scree slope to Gillman’s Point (5,861m) on the crater rim when it is frozen and an early start for the six-hour hike improves our chances of reaching the summit in time for sunrise. From Gilman’s Point, it is a further two-hour round trip along the crater’s edge to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. From the summit, it is downhill all the way to Horombo Hut where we will spend our last night on the mountain.
DAY 6:
HOROMBO – MOSHI
Today’s descent continues past the Mandara encampment to the bottom of the mountain, where each hiker will receive a well-earned certificate. From here, you will be transferred to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.
DAY 7:
MOSHI – ARUSHA
After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.
TRAVEL WITH US FOR THE BEST DEAL.
5 NIGHTS / 6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE
This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping (mobile tents) only. This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.
DAY 1:
ARUSHA TOWN OR KILIMANJARO INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT – MOSHI
Pick up from Arusha town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half Board accommodation at a Base Hotel in Moshi.
DAY 2:
MOSHI – MACHAME GATE – MACHAME CAMP (3,000m)
Transfer to Machame Gate and begin ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro via Machame Route. Upon completion of entry formalities, begin walking through the mist on a 4 x 4 track for about an hour into the forest. The track ends, and the trail continues up through the dripping, verdant forest. Trekkers will likely hear the many exotic birds in the canopy above, and many even see black & white colobus monkeys and sykes monkeys as they hike along the forest floor. The trek is quite long, though not very steep, and it takes from 5 to 7 hours trekking to reach the first camp. Machame Camp is just above the forest zone, in the heather zone. When it is clear, there are views of jagged Shira ridge and the summit itself.
DAY 3:
MACHAME CAMP – SHIRA CAMP (3,840m)
Wake early to a steaming cup of tea of coffee served in your tent, and then after breakfast, begin up the steep track through a savannah of tall grasses, and trees of giant Heather and Erica. The clouds should clear for a beautiful view of the Western Breach and the glaciers atop which mark the summit; Uhuru Peak. Scramble around large boulders as you enter the moorland zone, marked by the bizarre lobelia and Senecio plants, and volcanic rocks draped with lichen beards which protect wild alpine flowers growing at their bases. You’ll reach camp after descending a small valley and crossing a brook, then ascending up onto the Shira Ridge, after a total of about 4 to 5 hours of trekking.
DAY 4:
SHIRA CAMP – BARRANCO CAMP (3,950m)
Proceed steadily upward over long ridgelines of high desert about 4 hours, and break for lunch at about 14,500 feet (4,420 mt.). After lunch, continue to Lava Tower, a 300 foot-tall volcanic plug which marks an exposed pass at 15,000 feet (4,600 m). In the afternoon, descend the steep track into the Great Barranco Valley. Barranco Camp is set on a col (flat area) enclosed on three sides with steep valley walls and the Kibo massif itself. Hanging glaciers glint in the sunshine above, amidst the eerie landscape of plants such as the giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjaro), and the uniquely endemic Giant Lobelia. Trekking time is from 6 to 7 hours.
DAY 5:
BARRANCO CAMP – BARAFU CAMP (4,630m)
The day begins with a scramble up the steep ‘Barranco Wall’, and then we trek 3-4 hours and stop in the Karanga Valley for a hot lunch. In the afternoon the trail turns steadily uphill. The temperature will grow colder and the landscape more sparse as we near Barafu Camp. Barafu Camp is set on a small, exposed flat area on a ridge, acting a base camp from which you will make your summit attempt at midnight tonight. Eat and drink as much as possible before retiring to your tent for rest and sleep.
DAY 6:
BARAFU CAMP – SUMMIT (5,895m) – MWEKA CAMP (3,110m)
The steaming hot drink will arrive very early on this momentous day. A midnight wake-up call is the start of a juggernaut (12-17 hours of trekking). You begin trekking at 12:30 to 1am. The temperatures range from just below freezing at midnight, to between 10 deg. F (-12 deg. C) to –10 F. (-23 deg. C) just before dawn at the summit. The winding path of endless switchbacks will take form and shape in the shadows of the Ratzel and Rebmann glaciers at early dawn, and behind you the spires of Mawenzi will be silhouetted against the red glow of the sun from beneath the clouds. After about 6 hours of walking, you will come to the edge of the crater, at Stella Point, at 19,000 feet (5,790 mt.), which is the end of the steep track. From here, there is a gentle slope upward about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak. After a short time at the summit, descend the steep scree trail back to Barafu Camp for some rest, then again summon your strength for further descent to Mweka Camp for the night.
DAY 7:
MWEKA CAMP – MWEKA GATE – MOSHI
Descend straight to the gate (2-3 hours), where you’ll have lunch and will be awarded climbing certificates. On arrival at the gate you will have lunch, and then will be transferred back to a Base Hotel in Moshi for dinner and overnight.
DAY 8:
MOSHI – ARUSHA
After breakfast, transfer back to Arusha town.
TRAVEL WITH US FOR THE BEST DEAL.
7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS KILIMANJARO LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho Route is relatively new. It starts on the Western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi Gate and was introduced as an alternative to the Shira Route which begins at a higher, more challenging altitude. The Londorossi Gate is a fair drive from the town of Moshi, and considerably further from Arusha. At the gate you will register with the authorities before being driven a further 12km to the starting point. The western side of Kilimanjaro is still very wild and you may get lucky and spot large antelope, buffalo and maybe even elephant.
DAY 1:
MOSHI (915 M/3,000 FT) TO LONDOROSSI GATE (2,250 M/7,380 FT) TO LEMOSHO GLADES (2,000 M/6,560 FT) TO MKUBWA CAMP (2,750 M/9,020 FT) 18 KM, 4-5 HOURS MONTANE FOREST
Drive from Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate. From here follow a forest track in a 4WD vehicle for 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades and a possible campsite. From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.
DAY 2:
MTI MKUBWA CAMP (2,750 M/9,020 FT) TO SHIRA CAMP 1 (3,500 M/11,485 FT) 12 KM, 5 HOURS SEMI-DESERT
The trail gradually steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, then crosses the Shira Ridge at 3,600 m/11,810 ft and drops gently to Shira Camp 1 located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.
DAY 3:
SHIRA CAMP 2 (3,840 M/12,600 FT) TO LAVA TOWER (4,630 M/15,190 FT) TO BARRANCO CAMP (3,950 M/12,960 FT) 15 KM, 7 HOURS SEMI-DESERT
After breakfast, you will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaros looming mass. After several hours, you walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaros earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m/12,960 ft. There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for your dinner. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness.
DAY 4:
BARRANCO CAMP (3,900 M/12,800 FT) TO KARANGA CAMP (4,200 M/13,780 FT) 7 KM, 4 HOURS ALPINE DESERT
After breakfast, we continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall, then you climb this imposing obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With Kibos glaciers soaring overhead, you descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, you can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, your afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. After two long days, this short day is very important for your acclimatization, since your summit push is about to start.
DAY 5:
KARANGA CAMP (4,200 M/13,780 FT) TO BARAFU CAMP (4,550 M/14,930 FT) 13 KM, 8 HOURS ALPINE DESERT
In the morning, you hike east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route. Turn left toward the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where you will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for ice. The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare your equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb, and drink a lot of fluids. After an early dinner, go to bed for a few hours of precious sleep.
DAY 6:
SUMMIT DAY! BARAFU CAMP (4,550 M/14,930 FT) TO UHURU PEAK (5,895 M/19,340 FT) TO MWEKA CAMP (3,100 M/10,170 FT) 7 KM UP, 23 KM DOWN 8 HOURS UP, 7-8 HOURS DOWN SCREE AND SEASONAL SNOW
You will rise around 11:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night. Your 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) you stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point you join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, you may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, you can enjoy your accomplishment and know that you are creating a day that you will remember for the rest of your life. After your 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so you can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer!
DAY 7:
MWEKA CAMP (3,100 M/10,170 FT) TO MWEKA GATE (1,980 M/6,500 FT) TO MOSHI (890 M/2,920 FT) 15 KM, 3 HOURS FOREST
After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don’t give your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip your staff at the gate. At Mweka Gate, you can sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village you will be served a delicious hot lunch after which you are driven back to Moshi for an overdue hot shower and comfortable night at your hotel in Moshi.
TRAVEL WITH US FOR THE BEST DEAL.
7 DAYS KILIMANJARO RONGAI ROUTE
Rongai is the only route which approaches Kili from the north and offers a remote journey through unspoilt rainforest and wilderness, far from crowds of the more popular southern routes. It is the only route where it’s possible to see wildlife in the first few days of trekking. The ascent to Uhuru follows the Marangu route via Kibo Hut with the descent, also using the Marangu route, offering a different perspective. Whilst not having as much varied scenery as Machame or the western routes, Rongai is one of the easier climbs and is ideal for those looking for a remote hiking experience.
DAY 1:
ARUSHA / TRANSFER TO MOSHI
Pick up from Arusha Town or Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi Town, which is commonly known as the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro. Half board accommodation at a base Hotel in Moshi.
DAY 2:
RONGAI GATE (1950M) – 1ST CAVES CAMP (2600M) – HIKING TIME IS 5 HOURS – HABITAT: MONTANE FOREST.
Register at the Marangu Park Gate with a transfer (approximately 2 ½) 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 2600m. 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 3:
1ST CAVE (2600M) – KIKELELWA CAVE (3600M) – HIKING TIME; 6 – 7 HOURS – HABITAT: MOORLANDS
The trail continues up towards Kobi, passing Second Cave (3450m) en route, and reaching Kikelelwa Cave at about 3600metres. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain. Waters in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some, you will have overnight stay at Kikelelwa Cave Camp.
DAY 4:
KIKELELWA CAVE (3600M) – MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330M) – HIKING TIME: 3 – 4 HOURS – HABITUAL: MOORLANDS
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 5:
MAWENZI TARN CAMP (4330M) – KIBO HUT (4700M) – HIKING TIME: 4 – 5 HOURS. HABITAT: ALPINE DESERT
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 at midnight. You will have an overnight stay at Kibo Camp.
DAY 6:
SUMMIT ATTEMPT, KIBO HUT (4700M) – UHURU PEAK (5895M) – HOROMBO HUT (3720M), AND HIKING TIME: 8 HOURS TO REACH UHURU PEAK, 6 HOURS TO DESCEND TO HOROMBO. DISTANCE: 6 KMS ASCENT – 21 KMS DESCENT – HABITAT: STONE SCREE AND ICE-CAPPING SUMMIT.
You will rise around 2330hrs, and after some tea and biscuits you will 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 Meyers Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This sections us 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 Kilimanjaro 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 will gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will stay 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 will enjoy your last dinner (with some soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
DAY 7:
HOROMBO HUT (3720M) – MARANGU GATE (1980M) – HIKING TIME: 6 HOURS – DISTANCE: ABOUT 27 KMS
After breakfast you will continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you will sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those climbers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Accommodation at a base Hotel in Moshi.
TRAVEL WITH US FOR THE BEST DEAL.