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Marangu Route

Day 1: Arrive in Arusha Kilimanjaro Airport.
We'll meet for an introductory briefing upon our arrival in Arusha, before transferring to the Oasis Lodge for the evening.

Day 2: Kilimanjaro Climb Arusha to Mandara Hut.
Breakfast, drive from your hotel to Marangu gate, we will spend about two hours for registration, payments of fees and final parking. Start climbing through dense semi-tropical to the first hut- Mandara hut (9,000ft). Dinner and an overnight stay at Mandara hut, B.L.D.

Day 3: Kilimanjaro Climb - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut.
Breakfast, ascend through the alpine meadow, and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Horombo hut, B.L.D.

Day 4: Kilimanjaro Climb - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut.
Breakfast, further ascending to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight stay at Kibo hut, B.L.D.

Day 5: Kilimanjaro Climb- Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak.
Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft).It is about 5-6hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively.
Thus reaching the peak in the early morning of the fifth day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo hut for diner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo hut, B.L.D.

Day 6: Kilimanjaro Climb -Kibo Hut to Marangu Gate-Hotel in Arusha
Breakfast, Descend from Horombo hut to Marangu gate. The waiting car will take you to our hotel in Arusha, B.L.

Alternatively
One may choose 7days/6nights, with an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo hut, which will increase your chance to reach the top



Machame Route

Day 1 The climb starts from Machame Gate (1,800 m.) after a short walk through the attractive banana and coffee farms of Machame village. The path follows a ridge through dense mountain forest. This is the richest forested area on the mountain, and also the zone from where 96% of the water on Kilimanjaro originates. On sunny days, and especially in the dry season, this section is very lush and beautiful; it can also be a very muddy experience, particularly if it has rained recently! We have lunch at ‘Halfway Clearing', a small opening in the trees, and continue climbing steadily. The gradient becomes gentler as the forest slowly merges into giant heather close to the next camp near the ruins of Machame Hut (3,000 m.). We may get our firs closer look at the glaciated dome of Kibo if the evening clouds permit. (6-8 hours walking)

Day 2 A shorter day that begins by climbing up a steep ridge to reach a small semicircular cliff known as Picnic Rock. There are excellent views of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau from here, and it is a good rest point too! The trail continues less steeply to reach the Shira Plateau. We camp near Shira Hut (3,840 m.) which has some of the most stunning views on Kilimanjaro; close to huge volcanic cone of Kibo, the spectacular rock formations of Shira Plateau, and looking across to Mt. Meru floating on the clouds. (4-6 hours walking)

Day 3 An acclimation day to explore the grassy moorland and the volcanic rock formations of the plateau. We often walk to the summit of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rock surrounded by spires and pinnacles. There is a tangible sense of wilderness (especially when the afternoon mists come in!) and we can enjoy our peaceful campsite for a second night. (3-4 hours walking)

Day 4 A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, leaving the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. After lunch near the Lava Tower junction (4,550 m.) we descend to the bottom of the Great Barranco valley (3,900 m.), sheltered by towering cliffs and with extensive views of the plains far below. (5-7 hours walking)

Day 5 A steep climb up the Barranco wall leads us to an undulating trail on the south-eastern flank of Kibo, with superb vistas of the Southern Ice fields.

Lunch is usually taken at Karanga, the last water point, in a steep valley. After lunch, the terrain changes to cree and we climb steeply to reach the Barafu campsite (4,600m.) by mid afternoon. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night. (6-8 hours walking)

Day 6 We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic cree has some well-graded zigzags and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (5,735 m.), in about five or six hours. We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the two hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Barafu is surprisingly fast, and after some refreshment, we continue to descend to reach our final campsite (3,100 m.) at the edge of Mweka Forest. (11-15 hours walking)

Day 7 A sustained descents through lovely forest with lush undergrowth take us To the National Park gate at Mweka (1,650 m.) (4-6 hours walking)



Umbwe Route

Day 1: Arrival day in Moshi/Arusha
Upon our arrival in Arusha we'll meet you at the airport and transfer you to the Oasis Lodge, for an introductory briefing. Dinner and overnight in the Oasis Lodge.

Day 2: Umbwe gate to Umbwe Cave
At 7:30 a.m., we'll transfer you to the Umbwe Park Gate at 2,100m. The path begins an a narrow ridge crest between the Lonzo River to the West and the Umbwe River to the East. It is easy to follow as it continues up through the dense forest. The path continues to follow the ridge, rising steadily with some steep sections and scramble rocks. The route takes you to the first tented camp Umbwe Cave (at 2,940m) in 5 to 6 hrs.

Day 3: Umbwe Cave to Barranco
We follow the trail through steep and scramble rock across rainforest to moorland. The path proceed steep to the Southern Glacier Branches, at 4000m we reach our campsite, Barranco, were we overnight. (6-7 hrs)

Day 4: Barranco Acclimatization
This is a good place to rest a day to acclimatize; you may spend your time at camp relaxing or you nay explore the surroundings. This acclimatization day is important for you to get used to the height and increases the chances of reaching the summit.

Day 5: Barranco to Arrow Glacier
The route leads to the Western Breach and continue up to Umbwe ridge, which becomes the western lateral moraine of the peak. The route goes straight towards the Western Breach and then reaches Arrow Glacier which is at 4,800m.

Day 6: Arrow Glacier to Kibo Hut, then ascend to Mweka Hut.To ascent to summit and descend on this day you may involve between 10 1/2 or 14 1/2 hrs of climbing. We start right after midnight, to see the sunrise from the summit, also to avoid the mist, and the snow on the ascent will still be frozen.

So after 3 km. and 6 -8 hours (an ascend of 1100m) you will reach the top and descent through Barafu to 2800m. The descent to Mweka hut takes 4 -7 hours of walking.

Day 7: Mweka Hut to Mweka Gate, Oasis Lodge
After breakfast descend steeply through the forest on a narrow path, after 3-4 hours walking we will reach Mweka Gate at 1400m. From here we will bring you to Arusha, to the Oasis Lodge, for dinner and overnight



Lemosho Route

Day 1 Arrive at the hotel.

Day 2 Drive from Moshi or Arusha to Londorossi Park Gate (2250m, 2 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (2100m, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite, (2750m, 3 hours).

Day 3 The trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed then it gains the Shira Ridge at about 3600m and drops gently down to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau (3500m, 5 hours). This campsite could be omitted.

Day 4 A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream (3850m, 1.5 hours). A variety of walks are available on the Plateau making this an excellent acclimatisation day.

Day 5 Continue east towards Kibo passing the junction, then east towards the Lava Tower. Shortly after this, you descend to Barranco hut (3940m, 4 hours).

Day 6 A short scramble to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over scree and ridges to the Karanga Valley (4000m, 3 hours), beneath the icefalls of the Heim, Kersten and Decken Glaciers. After climbing out of the Karanga Valley the trail ascends a ridge to the Barafu Hut, a bleak location with little vegetation at 4600m, (3 hours walking).

Day 7 An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east.

Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 8 A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park gate and your waiting transport. Drive back to the hotel.

Day 9 Depart hotel after breakfast.



Rongai Route

Day 1 Arrive Springlands Hotel in Moshi, where you will overnight in preparation for your climb the next day.
Day 2 After breakfast we will transfer you to Rongai. The climb begins from the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (1,950 m.) on a small path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The track then starts to climb consistently, but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife, including the beautiful Kilimanjaro Colobus monkey. These monkeys are black with a long ‘cape' of white hair and a flowing white tail. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone (2,600 m.) with extensive views over the Kenyan plains. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 3 The morning walk is a steady ascent up to the ‘Second Cave' (3,450 m.) with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern icefields on the crater rim. After lunch, we leave the main trail and strike out across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Our campsite is in a sheltered valley with giant senecios near Kikelewa Caves (3.600 m.) [6-7 hours walking]

Day 4 A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. We leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn (4,330 m.), spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatisation. [3-4 hours walking]

Day 5 We cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach School campsite (4,750 m.) at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent before a very early night! [4-5 hours walking]

Day 6 We will start the final, and by far the steepest and most demanding, part of the climb by torchlight around 1 a.m. We plod very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point (5,685 m.) We will rest there for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.), passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo (4,700 m.) is surprisingly fast and, after some refreshment, we continue the descent to reach our final campsite at Horombo (3,720 m.). [11-15 hours walking]

Day 7 A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m.), the first stopping place at the Marangu route. We then continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m.). [5-6 hours walking. You will be transferred to Springlands Hotel or Alternative Hotel in Moshi for overnight.

Day 8 Depart after breakfast.



Shira Route

Day 1 Moshi / Arusha
Check into hotel for briefing and overnight.

Day 2 Lindorossi-Plateau (3658m)
Drive to the National Park gate at Lindorossi on West Kilimanjaro. We commence the climb walking through the montane rain forest towards the Plateau. Lunch en route. Diner and overnight at the camp site.

Day 3 Shira Hut (3926m)
After breakfast we continue walking towards the Shira Hut for lunch. The day is spent acclimatizing. A visit can be made to the Plats Cone on the ridge. Dinner and overnight at the camp site.

Day 4 Barranco Hut (3860m)
From the Shira Plateau we continue to the East passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue our direction changes to South East towards the Lava Tower, called ‘The Sharks Tooth) shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the arrow glacier. We have now reached an altitude of (4876 m). we now continue down to the Barranco hut at an altitude of (3860 m) here we rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

Day 5 Baraffu Hut (4600m)
After breakfast we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco wall passing through the Karanga valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka trail. We continue to the Barafu hut which is located at an altitude of (4600 m) here we make camp.

Rest enjoy dinner and overnight. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

Day 6 Mweka Hut
An early start for the ascent to the rim of the Kibo Crater between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers, (4 hours); the last section before the rim can sometimes be snow-covered and an ice-axe or ski stick is useful for balance. From here a further hour leads to Uhuru Peak, from where there are often fine views of Meru to the west and the jagged peak of Mawenzi to the east. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and lunch before continuing on down to camp at Mweka Hut in the giant heather zone on the forest edge. Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Icefields.

Day 7 Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent (3-4 hours) down to the Mweka Park gate and then drive back to Moshi. Overnight at hotel

Day 8
Depart Moshi for after breakfast onward journey