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Mount Kilimanjaro with us
Choosing a Mount Kilimanjaro trekking route
It is very important to know the type of route you will be taking during Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. The best choice will satisfy your personal requirements as well as contribute towards your eventual summit success. Below follows a brief summarized comparison of all the current Kilimanjaro routes. For more detailed information regarding each of these Mount Kilimanjaro routes, including routes distances and route success rates.
Marangu Route
Also known as the “Coca Cola route” - the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it the cheapest option). It is also the only route offering accommodation on the mountain in huts. It is unfortunately a well-known fact, that the 5 day Marangu route has one of the lowest summit success rates of all the routes up mountain. If you choose the Marangu route, we strongly recommend hiking the route over 6 days, to increase your chance to reach the summit successfully. This is the only route, which provides comfortable communal sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight site.
Machame Route
Machame route is our most popular and successful route leading to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hikers sleep in tents which are carried up the mountain by porters. The Machame route is a very scenic and beautiful route, which can be completed in 6 days; however we strongly recommend trekking the route in 7 days, allowing for more time to acclimatize. The key to the success of the Machame route is its topography, allowing hikers to climb high and sleep low, helping towards better acclimatization.
There are however two drawbacks on this route:
Firstly hikers will need to pass an area just before the Shira ridge and hike the Barranco Wall, both of which are physically demanding and also present a potential problem for hikers with a fear of heights. The second problem relates to the route’s high success rate, compounded by the fact that other routes join the Machame route from day 3 onwards - higher numbers of hikers can be therefore be encountered on this route.
Umbwe Route
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably one of the most scenic, non-technical routes on Kilimanjaro. There are however higher risks involved when attempting to summit via the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp, which include: Safety on the Western Breach - nobody can guarantee your absolute safety, as the area is unstable and rock falls may occur at any time. During a normal summit of Kilimanjaro we will sleep at Barafu camp (4 600m) or Kibo Hut (4 650m) before attempting the summit. By sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp (4 850m) the risks for severe altitude sickness are considerably higher. Most of our Umbwe route hikes are currently re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp (and the Crater camp). Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplementary rate will apply.
Shira Route
Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatization, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is a very beautiful and unspoilt route and sightings of wild game in the forest section is possible. The Lemosho route is one of the quieter routes up Kilimanjaro, this advantage however disappears when the route combines with the Machame route on the 3rd day of the hike. For those seeking a quiet route away from the crowds, the route is a superior option to the Rongai route. Unlike Rongai the Lemosho route has the same excellent pro-acclimatization features of the Machame route, which it joins just before reaching Lava Tower. We do not recommend hiking the Lemosho route during the rainy season as the start point of the Lemosho Route is particularly inaccessible during the wet season. Climbers should be prepared to walk the final 2-5 kilometers of the road following heavy rains. The journey time to reach the start point is quite long and joined to the possibility of not reaching the end of the road by vehicle head torches may well be needed to reach Forest Camp on day 1.
Rongai (Naro Moru) Route
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The Rongai route's premier advantage is that it is one of the quietest routes on the mountain. A disadvantage is the long travel time to the starting point of the route. The route also becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. The Rongai route descends along the Marangu route as well; however you still sleep in tents, and do not use the A-frame huts of the Marangu route.
Shira Route
The Shira route is only offered to hikers who are already acclimatized to 4,000m, by hiking either Mt Meru or Mt Kenya a few days before attempting Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicle, to within a ½ hours walk of Shira Hut (3 850m). This drive is very spectacular and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatization, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.
Mweka Route
This route may only be use as a descending route for all the western routes.
It is very important to know the type of route you will be taking during Mount Kilimanjaro trekking. The best choice will satisfy your personal requirements as well as contribute towards your eventual summit success. Below follows a brief summarized comparison of all the current Kilimanjaro routes. For more detailed information regarding each of these Mount Kilimanjaro routes, including routes distances and route success rates.
Marangu Route
Also known as the “Coca Cola route” - the Marangu route is one of the most popular routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Many hikers believe that the Marangu route is the easiest route to Uhuru peak, since it is the only route which can be hiked in 5 days (making it the cheapest option). It is also the only route offering accommodation on the mountain in huts. It is unfortunately a well-known fact, that the 5 day Marangu route has one of the lowest summit success rates of all the routes up mountain. If you choose the Marangu route, we strongly recommend hiking the route over 6 days, to increase your chance to reach the summit successfully. This is the only route, which provides comfortable communal sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every overnight site.
Machame Route
Machame route is our most popular and successful route leading to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Hikers sleep in tents which are carried up the mountain by porters. The Machame route is a very scenic and beautiful route, which can be completed in 6 days; however we strongly recommend trekking the route in 7 days, allowing for more time to acclimatize. The key to the success of the Machame route is its topography, allowing hikers to climb high and sleep low, helping towards better acclimatization.
There are however two drawbacks on this route:
Firstly hikers will need to pass an area just before the Shira ridge and hike the Barranco Wall, both of which are physically demanding and also present a potential problem for hikers with a fear of heights. The second problem relates to the route’s high success rate, compounded by the fact that other routes join the Machame route from day 3 onwards - higher numbers of hikers can be therefore be encountered on this route.
Umbwe Route
Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably one of the most scenic, non-technical routes on Kilimanjaro. There are however higher risks involved when attempting to summit via the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp, which include: Safety on the Western Breach - nobody can guarantee your absolute safety, as the area is unstable and rock falls may occur at any time. During a normal summit of Kilimanjaro we will sleep at Barafu camp (4 600m) or Kibo Hut (4 650m) before attempting the summit. By sleeping at Arrow Glacier camp (4 850m) the risks for severe altitude sickness are considerably higher. Most of our Umbwe route hikes are currently re-routed, to join with the Machame route from night 2 on the mountain. On special request we can assist with Umbwe route hikes attempting to summit using the Western Breach / Arrow Glacier path and overnight at the Arrow Glacier camp (and the Crater camp). Please note this can only be arranged through our higher quality Standard packages and a supplementary rate will apply.
Shira Route
Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatization, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is a very beautiful and unspoilt route and sightings of wild game in the forest section is possible. The Lemosho route is one of the quieter routes up Kilimanjaro, this advantage however disappears when the route combines with the Machame route on the 3rd day of the hike. For those seeking a quiet route away from the crowds, the route is a superior option to the Rongai route. Unlike Rongai the Lemosho route has the same excellent pro-acclimatization features of the Machame route, which it joins just before reaching Lava Tower. We do not recommend hiking the Lemosho route during the rainy season as the start point of the Lemosho Route is particularly inaccessible during the wet season. Climbers should be prepared to walk the final 2-5 kilometers of the road following heavy rains. The journey time to reach the start point is quite long and joined to the possibility of not reaching the end of the road by vehicle head torches may well be needed to reach Forest Camp on day 1.
Rongai (Naro Moru) Route
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. The Rongai route's premier advantage is that it is one of the quietest routes on the mountain. A disadvantage is the long travel time to the starting point of the route. The route also becomes busier when it connects with the Marangu route just before reaching Kibo hut. The Rongai route descends along the Marangu route as well; however you still sleep in tents, and do not use the A-frame huts of the Marangu route.
Shira Route
The Shira route is only offered to hikers who are already acclimatized to 4,000m, by hiking either Mt Meru or Mt Kenya a few days before attempting Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicle, to within a ½ hours walk of Shira Hut (3 850m). This drive is very spectacular and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatization, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut.
Mweka Route
This route may only be use as a descending route for all the western routes.
Tips & Plan for Success
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the World's highest free standing structure at an altitude of 5895 meters (19,336 feet) above the sea level. Hiking on the rooftop of Mount Kilimanjaro Africa is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone who is physically fit can scale this snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park outside of Moshi town in a beautiful accessible village of Marangu were the headquarter of the park is located. There are different routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro involving different villages and scenarios. These routes includes Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Shira route and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Mweka route which is used for descent only.
Upon arriving in Kilimanjaro Tanzania you should be aware of these tips for successful Mount Kilimanjaro climbing.
Proper gears and equipments
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Please see our final checklist. Physical fitness
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. You should train for some weeks on long walk and jogging to make your body fit. You don't need much of the gym stuff to Kilimanjaro. Mental preparation
Most successfully stories of climbers in Kilimanjaro are positive thinking on final stages. A climber should always have determination on summiting the Kilimanjaro.Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the final checklist, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge. Adequate travel insurance
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
Go slowly
Go slowly - "Pole Pole" as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery.The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.
Drink enough water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 - 4 litres of liquid a day - preferably water. Enough ability of drinking water everyday assist climbers to manage to do Uhuru.
Walk high - sleep low
If possible and especially on your acclimatisation day "walk high - sleep low" Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatisation day.
New batteries
Replace your head lamp and camera batteries with new ones on your summit night.
Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS)
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude, who are not accustomed to high altitude conditions. AMS can be lethal if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. You should familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative care.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the World's highest free standing structure at an altitude of 5895 meters (19,336 feet) above the sea level. Hiking on the rooftop of Mount Kilimanjaro Africa is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone who is physically fit can scale this snow capped Mount Kilimanjaro.
Mount Kilimanjaro is located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park outside of Moshi town in a beautiful accessible village of Marangu were the headquarter of the park is located. There are different routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro involving different villages and scenarios. These routes includes Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Machame route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Lemosho route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Umbwe route, Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Shira route and Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Mweka route which is used for descent only.
With all these routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro is however not only the highest free standing peak in the world but also highest accessible point. The chagga who inhabit the area of the mountain hasn't yet managed to give the meaning of Kilimanjaro with the exception of kipoo (now known as Kibo) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, overseer of the continent, and the summit of Africa.
The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro varies accordingly with the nature of the altitude you are, basically from tropics to the Arctic. At the level of 2700 m the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by rare leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelope and other primates. As you ascend the moorland zone show up where a cover of giant heather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 3900 m, the zone changes to alpine desert which support little life to the fauna and flora. Popular signboards of no water here are experienced in this zone as you trek Kilimanjaro. The final vegetation is of winter wonderland of ice and snow and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the Africa. Unlike other snow caped Mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro isn't a technical climbing mountain and need less equipment on trekking. Walking stick, proper clothing, sun glass, enough drinking water and determination are the key to a successfully Mount Kilimanjaro climber. A successfully climber is the one who prepare himself/herself properly before ascending and ask as many questions as they can during trekking as well as been attentive to the Mount Kilimanjaro guides.
Mount Kilimanjaro is regularly ascent in five days using Marangu route, but for those who wants to make a record they can do less provided that they should pay for a minimum of five days. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking activity and mostly it's recommended for an extra day for acclimatization. Acclimatization day gives an alpine more chance to reach on the roof of Africa as experience the climatical changes gradually. Other routes offer a minimum of five days as Marangu and others six days such as Machame route. The team which will take you to the mountain will comprise a cook(s), mountain guide and mountain porters. Depending on the nature of the group but a minimum of two porters per person carrying less than 15 kg of your luggage, cooking facilities and sleeping tents depending on the route selected. One guide for four to five people with one assistant guide and one cook. Additional of the team members will be done according to the situation of the group and luggage taken to the mountain. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro the Marangu route is referred as the luxurious route due to the fact that it has huts for accommodation, European toilets and sufficient water tape. Other Mount Kilimanjaro routes are subjected to the mobile camping tents whereby all the facilities are carried by your porters and in most cases they will trek faster than you for the preparation of accommodation, food and water on your arrival.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible while you are in Tanzania only and above mentioned route are the only official routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is operated by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and obtains its main offices in Marangu village. Trekking/Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro normally starts in the morning around 9:00 a.m to 10:00a.m that you should be at the entrance gate for the registration as well as park fees payments. Please observe all the national park regulation especially environmental issues. On your successfully trekking to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), Stella Point or Gilman's Point you will earn your climbing certificate from KINAPA offices. Mount Kilimanjaro climb can successfully attempt by eligible 12 years to 70 years people and this is what the authority advice the alpine. Different people from different countries have trek/climb Mount Kilimanjaro in different ways to make different records and you can read them on your arrival especially the Marangu and Machame gate.
The vegetation of Mount Kilimanjaro varies accordingly with the nature of the altitude you are, basically from tropics to the Arctic. At the level of 2700 m the cultivated foot slopes give way to lush montane forest, inhabited by rare leopard, buffalo, elephant, antelope and other primates. As you ascend the moorland zone show up where a cover of giant heather is studded with other worldly giant lobelias. Above 3900 m, the zone changes to alpine desert which support little life to the fauna and flora. Popular signboards of no water here are experienced in this zone as you trek Kilimanjaro. The final vegetation is of winter wonderland of ice and snow and the magnificent beauty of the roof of the Africa. Unlike other snow caped Mountain in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro isn't a technical climbing mountain and need less equipment on trekking. Walking stick, proper clothing, sun glass, enough drinking water and determination are the key to a successfully Mount Kilimanjaro climber. A successfully climber is the one who prepare himself/herself properly before ascending and ask as many questions as they can during trekking as well as been attentive to the Mount Kilimanjaro guides.
Mount Kilimanjaro is regularly ascent in five days using Marangu route, but for those who wants to make a record they can do less provided that they should pay for a minimum of five days. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a breathtaking activity and mostly it's recommended for an extra day for acclimatization. Acclimatization day gives an alpine more chance to reach on the roof of Africa as experience the climatical changes gradually. Other routes offer a minimum of five days as Marangu and others six days such as Machame route. The team which will take you to the mountain will comprise a cook(s), mountain guide and mountain porters. Depending on the nature of the group but a minimum of two porters per person carrying less than 15 kg of your luggage, cooking facilities and sleeping tents depending on the route selected. One guide for four to five people with one assistant guide and one cook. Additional of the team members will be done according to the situation of the group and luggage taken to the mountain. While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro the Marangu route is referred as the luxurious route due to the fact that it has huts for accommodation, European toilets and sufficient water tape. Other Mount Kilimanjaro routes are subjected to the mobile camping tents whereby all the facilities are carried by your porters and in most cases they will trek faster than you for the preparation of accommodation, food and water on your arrival.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible while you are in Tanzania only and above mentioned route are the only official routes up Mount Kilimanjaro. Mount Kilimanjaro is operated by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA) and obtains its main offices in Marangu village. Trekking/Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro normally starts in the morning around 9:00 a.m to 10:00a.m that you should be at the entrance gate for the registration as well as park fees payments. Please observe all the national park regulation especially environmental issues. On your successfully trekking to Uhuru Peak (5895 m), Stella Point or Gilman's Point you will earn your climbing certificate from KINAPA offices. Mount Kilimanjaro climb can successfully attempt by eligible 12 years to 70 years people and this is what the authority advice the alpine. Different people from different countries have trek/climb Mount Kilimanjaro in different ways to make different records and you can read them on your arrival especially the Marangu and Machame gate.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Guides & Porters
While trekking Mount Kilimanjaro using any route you should principally been guided by Mount Kilimanjaro certified guide(s). It is the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Authority who train and certify these guides. In most cases these guides are the former Mount Kilimanjaro porters who had serve in Kilimanjaro note less than 4-5 years and thereafter attend the Kilimanjaro guide course. It is against the park regulation and dangerous to trek Kilimanjaro without a certified guide.
Climbing Kilimanjaro has over 10 years of experience in leading hikers and climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides have a proud summit success rate averaging between 95% - 98% and have safely guided over 800 clients to the top of the mountain.
With all these experiences of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing our professional guides can spot and tell very quickly such symptoms of altitude sickness and as well as monitoring your health. We are always updated with the new issue of health and better ways to assist clients to the roof of Africa.
For the duration of your Kilimanjaro trek, your guide will be your advisor, he will lead you to the summit, and he will bring down safely again. It will be important that you work closely with him and take note of his advice.
Porters and cook
The porters do not only transport your gear and the supplies up and down the mountain. Arriving at every camp site long before you, they will have already erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening they will also boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner of a quality that has surprised many previous clients.
Support staff ratios
The average ratio of our support staff to climbers is 2 to 3 porters per hiker and two guides for a maximum of 4 hikers. This excellent staff to clients ratio, bolstered by our superior support equipment, will ensure your safety and enjoyment on the mountain.
Weight limits for porters
Remember that there is a weight limit of 15 kg (32 lbs) per climber, on the gear of each hiker to be portered. A soft duffel bag (barrel type) is preferred - a rucksack is not necessary as they prefer to porter the loads balanced on their heads and shoulders.
While trekking Mount Kilimanjaro using any route you should principally been guided by Mount Kilimanjaro certified guide(s). It is the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Authority who train and certify these guides. In most cases these guides are the former Mount Kilimanjaro porters who had serve in Kilimanjaro note less than 4-5 years and thereafter attend the Kilimanjaro guide course. It is against the park regulation and dangerous to trek Kilimanjaro without a certified guide.
Climbing Kilimanjaro has over 10 years of experience in leading hikers and climbers to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our experienced guides have a proud summit success rate averaging between 95% - 98% and have safely guided over 800 clients to the top of the mountain.
With all these experiences of Mount Kilimanjaro climbing our professional guides can spot and tell very quickly such symptoms of altitude sickness and as well as monitoring your health. We are always updated with the new issue of health and better ways to assist clients to the roof of Africa.
For the duration of your Kilimanjaro trek, your guide will be your advisor, he will lead you to the summit, and he will bring down safely again. It will be important that you work closely with him and take note of his advice.
Porters and cook
The porters do not only transport your gear and the supplies up and down the mountain. Arriving at every camp site long before you, they will have already erected your tent on your arrival. In the evening they will also boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner of a quality that has surprised many previous clients.
Support staff ratios
The average ratio of our support staff to climbers is 2 to 3 porters per hiker and two guides for a maximum of 4 hikers. This excellent staff to clients ratio, bolstered by our superior support equipment, will ensure your safety and enjoyment on the mountain.
Weight limits for porters
Remember that there is a weight limit of 15 kg (32 lbs) per climber, on the gear of each hiker to be portered. A soft duffel bag (barrel type) is preferred - a rucksack is not necessary as they prefer to porter the loads balanced on their heads and shoulders.