Mt. Kilimanjaro Climbing & Trekking

Overview :At 5,895 m, Kilimanjaro is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic massif stands in splendid isolation above the surrounding plains, with its snowy peak looming over the savannah. The mountain is encircled by mountain forest. Numerous mammals, many of them endangered species, live in the park.

The secret of success on Kilimanjaro is to spend as much time on the mountain as you possibly can. According to our statistics the climbs based on 7-days have a 85 % success rate, while the 8 and 9-day climbs have an over 90% success rate on the climbs. This helps reduce the chances of altitude sickness. The longer you stay on the mountain the lower your chances of getting altitude sickness.

Route choices

On Mt. Kilimanjaro there are seven approach routes (each starting from a different park gate), and three routes to the summit. There are only three routes to the top – the least traveled (and most difficult, and beautiful) is the Western Breach. The other two routes to the top, Marangu and Mweka, lead up the more gently sloping east face, trudging through scree (volcanic ‘gravel’) on thousands of switchbacks.

• The seven approaches are: – Marangu route, – Machame route, – Lemosho Glade, – Rongai route, – Mweka route and Umbwe route.

Brief synthesis

Kilimanjaro National Park covering an area of some 75,575 ha protects the largest free standing volcanic mass in the world and the highest mountain in Africa, rising 4877m above surrounding plains to 5895m at its peak. With its snow-capped peak, the Kilimanjaro is a superlative natural phenomenon, standing in isolation above the surrounding plains overlooking the savannah. Criterion vii: Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes in the world. It has three main volcanic peaks, Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. With its snow-capped peak and glaciers, it is the highest mountain in Africa. The mountain has five main vegetation zones from the lowest to the highest point:  Lower slopes, montane forest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and summit. The whole mountain including the montane forest belt is very rich in species, in particular mammals, many of them endangered species.  For this combination of features but mostly its height, its physical form and snow cap and its isolation above the surrounding plains, Mount Kilimanjaro is considered an outstanding example of a superlative natural phenomenon. All other routes like: Marangu, Lemosho, and Rongai are also organized

Day 1:Machame Hut Camp

Early morning after breakfast, our driver will pick you from your Lodge, A short drive brings us to the Machame trailhead (~5,700’). After the climbers and crew have checked in with the park rangers, we will hike up through the montane forests, winding up the mossy jungle, making our way to Machame Hut camp. Here you’ll get your first views of the peak.

Hiking: 6-8 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~9,900′

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals: All meals included

 Day 2: Shira Plateau

After breakfast, our hike continues through the forest. We will take our time, soaking in the scenery as we make our way through the moorlands. We will be treated to spectacular views of Kibo peak. We will explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east towards Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

Hiking: 6-7 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~12,500′

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals: All meals included

Day 3: Barranco Camp

Today is a long day but lots of acclimatization as you climb high, sleep low. We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower (~15,000’) for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different ecological zones of the mountain.

Hiking: 6-8 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~13,500′

Habitat: Semi Desert.

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals & drinks: All meals included

Day 4: Barafu Camp

Today is another long day of hiking as your continue your Southern Circuit traverse. You’ll hike up and down several valleys as you go from Barranco camp to Barafu Camp. Start up the great Barranco Wall (which is achievable for everyone but can be intimidating with its steep cliffs), hike past Karanga camp and eventually to Barafu camp. Here, you’ll eat and rest for a few hours before arising about 11:00 PM to start tomorrow’s summit ascent.

Hiking: 7-9 hours

Overnight Altitude: ~15,100′

Main destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals & drinks: All meals included

 Day 5: Summit and Mweka Camp

Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. At Stella Point, we stop for a short rest and take in the magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. You may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you would have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the whole continent of Africa. After celebrating with photos at the summit, we descend straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site and stop at Barafu for lunch. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we will have our last dinner claim our well-deserved sleep descend down to Mweka camp.

Hiking: 6-7 hours ascent to the summit, then 6-9 hours of descent

Summit: ~19,341′

Overnight Altitude: ~10,500′

Accommodation: Budget camping

Meals & drinks: All meals included

 Day 6: Mweka Park Gate to Arusha

We make the final descent through the rain forest to Mweka Gate. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Drive back to Arusha for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.

After breakfast, we will continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy but gaiters and trekking poles will help. It is also best to keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy. From the gate, you will continue for another hour to Mweka Village. Here we will have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before leaving Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Our driver will meet you at mweka to drive you in Arusha where dinner and accommodation awaits. Now is the best time to celebrate! Also ready for next morning trip to Ngorongoro Conservation Area

Hiking: 3-5 hours

Meals & drinks: All meals included