MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The ascent is more gradual and no professional equipment is required. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the basic necessities. There are 60 bunk beds each (for 60 people each) at Mandara Hut (2700m) and Kibo Hut (4700m), and 120 bunk beds (for 120 people) at Horombo Hut (3720m) which is also used for descent. Climbers are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags should be brought along. There are communal dining halls, washrooms and toilets.

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.

MACHAME ROUTE

This is probably the most scenic 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.

RONGAI ROUTE

There is only one route over on the north eastern side of the mountain, Rongai, which is usually a five night climb. This lesser known track may not be quite as spectacular as the western routes, but it does usually have far lower traffic than the other five night routes. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.It is generally considered to be the easiest of the quality routes on the mountain. Rongai is the best route for people who are looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness.

UMBWE ROUTE

The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a 6-day / 5-night tour and is said to be the most scenic and difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-trained mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard programme, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.

LEMOSHO(SHIRA) GLADES ROUTE

The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles and can be impassable during wet periods. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use.

The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. The Lemosho (Shira) route takes 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special. There are no huts on this route, the accommodation is in mountain tents.

MACHAME ROUTE

MARANGU ROUTE

UMBWE ROUTE

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

5 DAYS / 4 NIGHTS

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

MWEKA ROUTE

RONGAI ROUTE

UMBWE ROUTE

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS

6 DAYS / 5 NIGHTS

5 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE

Day 1 – Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Depart from Arusha to Marangu Gate, ascend through a tropical rainforest, spot blue monkeys, and reach Mandara Hut at 8,858 ft.

Day 2 – Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

Continue through the forest into high moorland. Catch views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 3 – Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Gradually climb, cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo, and rest at Kibo Hut for summit day.

Day 4 – Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft (Uhuru Peak) / 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft (Horombo Hut)

Distance: 6 km/4 miles (Uhuru Peak) / 16 km/10 miles (Horombo Hut)

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours (Uhuru Peak) / 4-5 hours (Horombo Hut)

Habitat: Arctic / Heath

Begin the summit push around midnight, reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Descend to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest.

Day 5 – Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Trek downhill through the tropical rainforest, collect summit certificates at Marangu gate, and transfer back to Arusha.

6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE

Day 1: Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Elevation: 1600m to 2900m

Distance: 11km

Time: 6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Begin your trek after registering at Umbwe Park Gate. Wind through the rainforest, following the Umbwe River, and reach Umbwe Cave Camp at 2900m for your first night.

Day 2: Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp

Elevation: 2940m to 3970m

Distance: 6km

Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Leave the forest behind, witness the Western Breach, and camp at Barranco Camp. Enjoy spectacular views of the Great Barranco Wall.

Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Elevation: 3950m to 3930m

Distance: 7 km

Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Scramble up the Great Barranco Wall and traverse to Karanga Valley beneath the icefalls. Overnight at Karanga Campsite.

Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Elevation: 3930m to 4600m

Distance: 6kms

Time: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Head to Barafu Hut, completing the Southern Circuit with stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Rest and prepare for summit day.

Day 5: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Elevation: 4600m to 5895m (and down to 3100m)

Distance: 7km ascent / 23km descent

Time: 6-8 hours ascent / 7-8 hours descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

Start trekking at midnight, reaching Stella Point and then Uhuru Peak for a mesmerizing sunrise. Descend to Mweka Hut via Barafu for lunch.

Day 6: Mweka Camp

Elevation: 3100m to 1800m

Distance: 8 km

Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Descend to Mweka Park Gate, receive your summit certificates, and con

7 DAYS MWEKA ROUTE

Day 01: Transfer to the Town of Arusha Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport/Bus station, where you will be picked up and transferred by a shuttle bus to Moshi. Enjoy breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro on the way. Check-in at the hotel for a relaxing night. (Bed & Breakfast)

Day 02: Londorossi Gate (2100m) to Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m), 3hrs – Montane forest Start your day with a briefing, followed by breakfast. Drive from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate. The trek begins with a 2-hour drive to Londorossi Glades (2100m). Walk through the rainforest to Mti Mkubwa campsite (2750m) where your tent will be ready. Night temperatures can drop significantly, so prepare for a chilly night.

Day 03: Mti Mkubwa Camp (2750m) to Shira 2 Camp (3840m), 6-5hrs – Moorlands Ascend through the heather moorland zone, crossing several streams. Reach Shira 2-camp on moorland meadows (3840m) with views of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The night at this exposed camp will be colder, providing a true acclimatization experience.

Day 04: Shira (3840m) to Lava Tower (4630m) /Barranco Camp (3950m), 7hrs/15km – Semi-desert Head east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape around Lava Tower. Ascend to an altitude of 4630m before descending to Barranco camp (3950m). This day aids in acclimatization, preparing for the challenging summit push.

Day 05: Barranco Camp (3950m) to Barafu Camp (4550m), 7hrs/13km – Alpine desert Climb the Great Barranco Wall and proceed to Barafu Hut (4550m), situated on a narrow, stony ridge. The camp is exposed and inhospitable, preparing you for the final ascent. Familiarize yourself with the terrain to avoid accidents.

Day 06: Barafu Camp (4550m)/Uhuru Peak (5895m)/Mweka (3100m), 8hrs to reach Uhuru Peak, 7 – 8hrs to descend to Mweka/7 km up. 23 km down – Stone scree and ice-capped summit Begin the summit attempt around midnight. Reach Stella Point (5685m) before a 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend to Barafu, rest briefly, then continue to Mweka hut (3100m). The descent takes you through various terrains, and you finally rest in the upper forest.

Day 07: Mweka Camp (3100m) to Mweka Gate (1980m), 3hrs/15km – Montane forest After breakfast, hike back to the Park gate, sign the register, and receive summit certificates. The trek concludes in the Mweka village, where a delicious hot lunch awaits. Return to Arusha for a hot shower, dinner, and celebrations.

7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE

Day 1: Arusha to Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Elevation: 1,387/915 m to 1,950 m to 2,750 m

Distance: 9 km

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

An early breakfast precedes a 2-3 hour drive to Rongai Gate (1,950 m/6,398 ft). Trek through montane forest, climb gently, and reach Simba Camp (2,600 m/8,530ft) with panoramic views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Elevation: 2,750 m to 3,600 m

Distance: 17 km

Hiking Time: 7 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Ascend to the second cave, pause for lunch, then trek across moorland toward Mawenzi side peak. Settle at Kikelewa Camp in a sheltered valley for dinner and overnight rest.

Day 3: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Turn Hut

Elevation: 3,600m to 4,330m

Distance: 7km

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Habitat: Semi-Desert

Face a short, steep climb to grassy slopes with spectacular views. Reach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, located beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi Peak. Continue to Mawenzi Turn Hut, enjoy lunch, and rest before dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Acclimatization Day (6-day itinerary skips this day)

An extra day for acclimatization with a hike towards Mawenzi. Return for lunch, rest, and overnight.

Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Hut to Kibo Huts Camp

Elevation: 4,330 m to 4,695 m

Distance: 8km

Hiking Time: 5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Cross the lunar desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to Kibo Huts at the base of Kibo’s crater wall. Rest and prepare for the summit climb.

Day 6: Summit Day! Kibo Huts Camp to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts Camp

Elevation: 4,695 m to 5,895 m to 3,690 m

Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down

Hiking Time: 10-15 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Start at midnight for the summit ascent, reaching Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft. Continue along the Kibo crater rim to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Horombo Huts Camp to Marangu Gate to Arusha

Elevation: 3,690 m to 1,830 m to 1,387 m

Distance: 18 km

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Descend through moorland to Mandara Huts, have lunch, and proceed to Marangu Gate. Sign out and return to Arusha for certificate presentation and celebration.