KILIMANJARO TREKS
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa and a popular destination for climbers seeking to conquer one of the Seven Summits. It stands at approximately 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level and offers several routes, each varying in scenery, difficulty, and duration. Here’s an overview of the main routes:
Known as the “Whiskey Route,” the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes on Kilimanjaro. It typically takes 6-7 days round trip and offers diverse landscapes, including rainforest, heath, moorland, and alpine desert. The route begins at Machame Gate on the southwestern side of the mountain and ascends through Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp before summiting from Stella Point. This route is known for its good acclimatization profile, making it a favorite among trekkers seeking both challenge and scenic beauty.
Marangu Route
Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the oldest and most established route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that offers dormitory-style accommodation in mountain huts along the way, which has earned it the nickname. The route typically takes 5-6 days round trip and is considered less challenging than others, although the final ascent to Uhuru Peak is still demanding. The route starts at Marangu Gate on the southeastern side of the mountain and passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the summit.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is known for its beautiful scenery, low crowds, and high success rates. It typically takes 7-8 days round trip, providing excellent opportunities for acclimatization. The route begins at Londorossi Gate on the western side of the mountain and merges with the Machame Route on day three. It traverses Shira Plateau, crosses the Barranco Wall, and ascends to Barafu Camp before summiting from Stella Point. The Lemosho Route is ideal for trekkers looking for a quieter and more scenic approach to the summit.
Rongai Route
Approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, the Rongai Route is one of the less traveled routes, offering a more remote and less crowded experience. It typically takes 6-7 days round trip and starts at Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. The route crosses through diverse landscapes, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert, before summiting from Gilman’s Point on the eastern side of the crater rim. The Rongai Route is known for its gentle ascent profile and is suitable for trekkers seeking a quieter route with excellent views of the northern slopes.
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro, offering unparalleled scenery and excellent opportunities for acclimatization. It typically takes 8-9 days round trip and follows a circular path around the northern slopes of the mountain. Starting at Lemosho Gate, the route traverses Shira Plateau, circles around the northern side of the mountain, and joins the Rongai Route near Kibo Hut. The Northern Circuit Route is known for its panoramic views, low crowds, and high success rates, making it ideal for trekkers looking for a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience.
5 –DAY KILIMANJARO TREKS VIA MARANGU ROUTES
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route on Mount Kilimanjaro that offers accommodation in mountain huts along the entire trek. Here are the highlights of the 5-day Marangu Route itinerary:
Day 1
Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft) to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft)
- Start: Registration and briefing at Marangu Gate.
- Trek: Enter the lush rainforest, known for its diverse wildlife and bird species.
- Scenery: Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of the lower slopes.
- Destination: Overnight at Mandara Hut, nestled in the forest.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)
- Terrain Change: Leave the rainforest behind, entering the heath and moorland zone.
- Viewpoints: Pass by Maundi Crater for stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Altitude Gain: Begin to feel the effects of altitude as you ascend.
- Destination: Arrive at Horombo Hut, located on a ridge with panoramic vistas.
- Trekking Time: About 5-6 hours.
Day 3
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m/15,430ft)
- Ascent: Ascend through the alpine desert landscape, with sparse vegetation.
- Water Point: Pass the Last Water Point before reaching higher altitudes.
- Base Camp: Arrive at Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit attempt.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 4
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Horombo Hut
- Summit Night: Begin the summit push around midnight under the starlit sky.
- Challenge: Climb steeply to Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,638ft) on the crater rim.
- Final Stretch: Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Sunrise: Witness the spectacular sunrise from the summit, with breathtaking views.
- Descent: Descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and then further down to Horombo Hut.
- Trekking Time: 11-15 hours for summit and descent.
Day 5
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Descent: Trek through the moorland and rainforest zones.
- Achievement: Collect summit certificates at Marangu Gate.
- Celebration: Celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
6 – DAY KILIMANJARO TREKS VIA MARANGU ROUTES
The 6-day Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known for its moderate pace and comfortable accommodations in mountain huts. Here are the highlights of each day on this classic trekking route:
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft) to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft)
- Start: Registration and briefing at Marangu Gate.
- Trek: Enter the lush rainforest, home to diverse wildlife and bird species.
- Scenery: Enjoy the vibrant flora and fauna of the lower slopes.
- Destination: Overnight at Mandara Hut, surrounded by tropical forest.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)
- Terrain Change: Leave the rainforest behind, entering the heath and moorland zone.
- Viewpoints: Pass by Maundi Crater for stunning views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
- Altitude Gain: Begin to feel the effects of altitude as you ascend.
- Destination: Arrive at Horombo Hut, located on a ridge with panoramic vistas.
- Trekking Time: About 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Horombo Hut (Acclimatization Day)
- Acclimatization: Spend a full day at Horombo Hut for adjustment to altitude.
- Optional Hike: Trek to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Hut for additional acclimatization and scenic views.
- Rest and Preparation: Prepare for the summit push with plenty of hydration and rest.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,703m/15,430ft)
- Ascent: Ascend through the alpine desert landscape, with sparse vegetation.
- Water Point: Pass the Last Water Point before reaching higher altitudes.
- Base Camp: Arrive at Kibo Hut, the final camp before the summit attempt.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Horombo Hut
- Summit Night: Begin the summit push around midnight under the starlit sky.
- Challenge: Climb steeply to Gilman’s Point (5,681m/18,638ft) on the crater rim.
- Final Stretch: Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Sunrise: Witness the spectacular sunrise from the summit, with breathtaking views.
- Descent: Descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and then further down to Horombo Hut.
- Trekking Time: 11-15 hours for summit and descent.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Descent: Trek through the moorland and rainforest zones.
- Achievement: Collect summit certificates at Marangu Gate.
- Celebration: Celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
6 – DAY KILIMANJARO TREKS VIA MACHAME ROUTES
The 6-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is renowned for its scenic landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization profile. Here are the highlights of each day on this popular trekking route:
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,010m/9,875ft)
- Start: Registration at Machame Gate followed by a trek through dense montane rainforest.
- Flora and Fauna: Encounter diverse wildlife and bird species, including colobus monkeys.
- Destination: Overnight at Machame Camp, nestled in the lush forest zone.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m/12,631ft)
- Terrain Change: Ascend through the forest into the expansive heath and moorland zone.
- Panoramic Views: Enjoy stunning views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
- Destination: Overnight at Shira Camp 2, situated on the Shira Plateau.
- Trekking Time: About 4-6 hours.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft) via Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft)
- Acclimatization: Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp.
- Scenic Landscapes: Traverse the alpine desert with unique rock formations.
- Challenge: Conquer the Barranco Wall, a steep climb offering rewarding views.
- Destination: Overnight at Barranco Camp, nestled in a scenic valley.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-7 hours.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
- Terrain: Trek through the Karanga Valley, known for its breathtaking vistas.
- Acclimatization: Ascend steep slopes to Karanga Camp, aiding in altitude adjustment.
- Scenic Beauty: Marvel at views of the southern glaciers and summit massif.
- Destination: Overnight at Karanga Camp, a critical acclimatization point.
- Trekking Time: About 3-4 hours.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
- Ascent: Trek through the barren alpine desert, with expansive views of the mountain.
- Final Push Preparation: Arrive at Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
- Rest and Preparation: Rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the summit push.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
- Summit Night: Begin the summit ascent around midnight, aiming for Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim.
- Final Ascent: Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Sunrise: Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the vast African plains.
- Descent: Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Trekking Time: 11-15 hours for summit and descent.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
- Descent: Trek through the lush montane forest, enjoying the rich vegetation.
- Completion: Reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates.
- Celebration: Celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
7 – DAY KILIMANJARO TREKS VIA MACHAME ROUTES
The 7-day Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is designed for optimal acclimatization and offers stunning landscapes along the way. Here are the highlights of each day on this extended trekking route:
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,800m/5,905ft) to Machame Camp (3,010m/9,875ft)
- Start: Registration at Machame Gate followed by a trek through dense montane rainforest.
- Wildlife: Chance to see various bird species and colobus monkeys.
- Destination: Overnight at Machame Camp, nestled in the lush forest.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 5-6 hours.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp 2 (3,850m/12,631ft)
- Terrain Change: Ascend through the forest into the expansive heath and moorland zone.
- Views: Enjoy panoramic views of Mount Meru and the Shira Plateau.
- Destination: Overnight at Shira Camp 2, situated on the Shira Plateau.
- Trekking Time: About 4-6 hours.
Day 3: Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) and descent to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft)
- Acclimatization: Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp.
- Scenic Landscapes: Traverse the alpine desert with unique rock formations.
- Challenge: Conquer the Barranco Wall, a steep climb offering rewarding views.
- Destination: Overnight at Barranco Camp, nestled in a scenic valley.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 6-7 hours.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
- Terrain: Trek through the Karanga Valley, known for its breathtaking vistas.
- Acclimatization: Ascend steep slopes to Karanga Camp, aiding in altitude adjustment.
- Scenic Beauty: Marvel at views of the southern glaciers and summit massif.
- Destination: Overnight at Karanga Camp, a critical acclimatization point.
- Trekking Time: About 3-4 hours.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
- Ascent: Trek through the barren alpine desert, with expansive views of the mountain.
- Final Push Preparation: Arrive at Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
- Rest and Preparation: Rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the summit push.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Millennium Camp (3,820m/12,530ft)
- Summit Night: Begin the summit ascent around midnight, aiming for Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim.
- Final Ascent: Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Sunrise: Witness the breathtaking sunrise over the vast African plains.
- Descent: Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Millennium Camp.
- Trekking Time: 11-15 hours for summit and descent.
Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
- Descent: Trek through the lush montane forest, enjoying the rich vegetation.
- Completion: Reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates.
- Celebration: Celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 4-6 hours.
8 – DAY KILIMANJARO TREKS VIA LEMOSHO ROUTES
The 8-day Lemosho Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is known for its scenic beauty, diverse ecosystems, and excellent acclimatization profile. Here are the highlights of each day on this extended trekking route:
Day 1: Londorossi Gate (2,100m/6,890ft) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,820m/9,250ft)
- Start: Registration at Londorossi Gate and drive to the starting point.
- Trek: Enter the lush montane rainforest of the Lemosho Glades.
- Flora and Fauna: Encounter diverse wildlife and bird species.
- Destination: Overnight at Mti Mkubwa Camp, surrounded by dense forest.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,505m/11,499ft)
- Terrain Change: Trek through the rainforest, then into the heath and moorland zone.
- Views: Enjoy expansive views of the Shira Plateau and Mount Meru on clear days.
- Destination: Overnight at Shira 1 Camp, located on the Shira Plateau.
- Trekking Time: About 5-6 hours.
Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,840m/12,598ft)
- Acclimatization: Hike to higher elevation to aid in acclimatization.
- Scenic Landscapes: Traverse the Shira Plateau, known for its unique rock formations.
- Destination: Overnight at Shira 2 Camp, with views of the Shira Cathedral.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 4-6 hours.
Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower (4,630m/15,190ft) and descent to Barranco Camp (3,960m/12,992ft)
- Acclimatization: Hike to Lava Tower for acclimatization, then descend to Barranco Camp.
- Challenge: Navigate the Barranco Wall, a steep climb offering rewarding views.
- Scenic Beauty: Overnight at Barranco Camp, nestled in a valley beneath the Barranco Wall.
- Trekking Time: About 6-7 hours.
Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (3,995m/13,106ft)
- Terrain: Traverse across the Karanga Valley, known for its stunning views.
- Acclimatization: Ascend the steep slopes to Karanga Camp, aiding in altitude adjustment.
- Scenery: Enjoy views of the southern glaciers and the summit massif.
- Destination: Overnight at Karanga Camp, a critical acclimatization point.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.
Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,673m/15,331ft)
- Ascent: Trek through the barren alpine desert terrain.
- Views: Enjoy expansive views of Mawenzi and the summit ridge of Kibo.
- Final Preparation: Arrive at Barafu Camp, the final base camp before the summit attempt.
- Rest and Preparation: Rest, hydrate, and mentally prepare for the summit push.
- Trekking Time: About 3-4 hours.
Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) and descent to Mweka Camp (3,100m/10,170ft)
- Summit Night: Begin the summit ascent around midnight, aiming for Stella Point (5,756m/18,885ft) on the crater rim.
- Final Ascent: Continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- Sunrise: Witness the spectacular sunrise over the vast African plains.
- Descent: Descend back to Barafu Camp for a brief rest, then continue down to Mweka Camp.
- Trekking Time: 11-15 hours for summit and descent.
Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate (1,640m/5,380ft)
- Descent: Trek through the lush montane forest, enjoying the rich vegetation.
- Completion: Reach Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive summit certificates.
- Celebration: Celebrate your achievement with your trekking team.
- Transfer: Return to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
- Trekking Time: Approximately 3-4 hours.