Kilimanjaro Hikes
Reach Africa's highest point climbing the tallest free-standing mountain in the world
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is an iconic symbol of Africa, with its snow-capped summit rising dramatically above the surrounding plains and savannah.
It is a stratovolcano formed by volcanic activity millions of years ago. Despite its equatorial location, the mountain supports several distinct ecological zones, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and barren volcanic slopes. Its diverse ecosystems make it a haven for biodiversity, hosting a wide range of plant and animal species, including some endemic to the region.
Kilimanjaro is not only a natural wonder but also holds cultural significance for the local Chagga people, who have lived in the region for centuries. The mountain plays a central role in their folklore, traditions, and spiritual beliefs.
Key Things to Know
1) Physical Preparation: Climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenging endeavor that requires a good level of physical fitness. It's essential to engage in regular cardiovascular exercise, strength training, and hiking to prepare your body for the rigors of the climb.
2) Altitude: It is Africa's highest peak, standing at 5.895 meters above sea level. Altitude sickness is a real concern, so it's crucial to acclimatize properly by choosing a route with a suitable ascent profile and allowing enough time for your body to adjust to the increasing altitude.
3) Route Selection: There are several different routes up Kilimanjaro, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, and traffic. Popular routes include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, and Rongai routes. Research each route carefully to choose one that aligns with your fitness level, experience, and preferences.
4) Packing List: Packing the right gear is crucial for a successful climb. Essentials include appropriate clothing for varying weather conditions (including cold temperatures at higher altitudes), sturdy hiking boots, a good quality sleeping bag, trekking poles, and plenty of water and snacks.
5) Safety Considerations: While Kilimanjaro is a non-technical climb, it's not without risks. Be aware of the symptoms of altitude sickness, listen to your guide's advice, and know when to turn back if necessary. Safety should always be the top priority.
The Routes
Lemosho
Most scenic
tends to be less crowded
7-8 days
excellent acclimatization profile with gradual altitude gains and multiple high camps
goes up the western slope
Machame
"Whiskey Route"
most popular
known for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes
6-7 days
offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization
taking the southern slope
Marangu
"Coca-Cola Route"
only route with overnight in huts
5-6 days
same route up and down
gradual ascent profile with well-maintained trails
goes up the eastern slope
Northern Circuit
"360°-route"
newer and less-travelled
8-9 days
breathtaking scenery
features relatively gentle gradients
offers excellent opportunities for acclimatization
starts in the west, turning north
Rongai
another popular route, but less crowded
6-7 days
good opportunity for acclimatization
starting from the north
Shira
7-8 days
stunning scenery & diverse landscapes
high starting point with first night at 3,500 m
relatively challenging ascent profile
Umbwe
5-6 days
least travelled
shortest and steepest route
poor acclimatization profile
A detailed itinerary:
Lemosho Route
Day 1
Londrossi Park Gate 2,251m - Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,895m
Duration: 3 hours Distance: 7 km
Greet your mountain guide & stow away your luggage. Start the trekk through dense rainforest. where colombus monkeys populate the trail and, on occasion, also elephants and buffalos.
Day 3
Shira I Camp 3,610m - Shira II Camp 3,750m
Duration: 4-5 hours Distance: 6 km
Starting in extensive upland moor, the landscape changes with increasing attitude, to lobelia and Senecias.
Day 5
Barranco Camp 3,965m - Karanga Camp 3,970m
Duration: 3-4 hours Distance: 6 km
Take it slow and enjoy the warmth of the African sun. Take a short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then traverse over ridges to Karanga Valley, along glacier springs.
Day 7
Barafu Camp 4,540m - Uhuru Peak 5,895m - Millenium Camp 3,790m
Duration: 12-15 hours Distance: 16 km
Begin your hike to the summit right after midnight with a very difficult 6-8 hours ascent through rubble and snow in the dark and cold. You will be rewarded with the most beautiful sunrise at Uhuru Peak. You made it!
Descend to Millenium Camp.
What is included in our trekkings
all transfers, National park & camping fees
2 nights in a lodge in Moshi incl. breakfast
professional, English speaking mountain guide
wages for porter, cook and mountain guide according to KPAP
cooking & camping equipment
first aid and emergency oxygen
mountain rescue (land route) & Flying Doctors emergency evacuation services
Day 2
Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,895m - Shira I Camp 3,610m
Duration: 5-6 hours Distance: 8 km
Ascent on trail surrounded by Heather Bushes and Lobelia flowers. It crosses Shira Plateau and hits Shira Route. Enjoy the beautiful view from your camp on Kibo and Mount Meru.
Day 4
Shira II Camp 3,750m - Barranco Camp 3,965m
Duration: 6-7 hours Distance: 10 km
Important day for altitude acclimatization! Begin your hike through enormous boulders to Lava Tower. In the afternoon, you descend from Lava Rock to the Barranco Camp, where vegetation turns into beautiful lush green.
Day 6
Karanga Camp 3,970m - Barafu Camp 4,540m
Duration: 3-4 hours Distance: 4 km
Enjoy an easy and picturesque hike in the morning with beautiful views of the Karanga Valley, mountain peaks and the Rebmann Glacier. Cross the valley and rise to Barafu Camp, surrounded by volcanic foothills. Enjoy spectaculare views of the Mawenzi.
Day 8
Millenium Camp 3,970m - Park Gate Mweka 1,700m
Duration: 4-5 hours Distance: 13 km
Enjoy a descent hike through lush rainforest while descending to the Mweka Gate. You return to your hotel in Moshi.
Prices for a private trekking
per person
with 1 single person travelling EUR 4.539,- / NOK 53.789,-
with 2 people travelling sharing a room EUR 3.729,- /
NOK 44.199,-
with 4 people travelling EUR 3.399,- / NOK 40.299,-
The other routes
Machame Route
Day 1 Machame Gate (1,790m) - Machame Camp (3,010m) 6-7 hours / 9 km
Day 2 Machame Camp - Shira Camp (3,845m) 5-6 hours / 7 km
Day 3 Shira Camp - Barranco Camp (3,960m) 6-7 hours / 10 km
Day 4 Barranco Camp - Karanga Camp (4,035m) 8-9 hours / 15 km
Day 5 Karanga Camp - Barafu Camp (4,640m) 3-4 hours / 4 km
Day 6 Barafu Camp - Uhuru Peak (5,895m) - Millenium Camp (3,970m) 11-13 hours / 16 km
Day 7 Millenium Camp - Mweka Gate (1,680m) 4-5 hours / 13 km
2 nights in a lodge in Moshi + private Trekking incl. full board and all guides & porters per person
with 1 single person travelling EUR 3.799,- / NOK 45.099,-
with 2 people travelling sharing a room EUR 3.199,- / NOK 38.099,-
with 4 people travelling EUR 2.799,- / NOK 33.899,-