Posts in category: Mount Kilimanjaro

Overviews:

This is one of the easiest and least traveled routes and the success rate are very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border. The descent is down the Marangu route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trailhead takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Rongai Gate (Nale Moru), Hike to Simba Camp

Drive to the attractive wooden village of Nale Moru (about 2 hours including a stop to get permits at Marangu. After you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Elevation: 2000m/6560ft to 2650m/8700ft

Distance: 6km/4miles

Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest

Meals: LD

Budget Lodging: Simba Camp

Day 2: Hike Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3450m/11,300ft

Distance: 6km/4miles

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorland

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Second Cave Camp.

Day 3: Hike Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp.

Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours

Habitat: Moorlands.

After breakfast then continues up towards Kibo, reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 meters. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves)

Elevation: 3450m/11,300ft to 3600m/11,800ft

Distance: 9km/5miles

Walking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Kikelewa Camp.

Day 4: Hike Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn

A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, 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 acclimatization.

If you are spending an extra day on the mountain, you will camp for two nights here. You can hike up and around Mawenzi for your acclimatization hike.

Elevation: 3600m/11,800ft to 4330m/14,200ft

Distance: 6km/4miles

Walking Time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Semi-desert

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Mawenzi Tarn Camp.

Day 5: Hike Mawenzi Tarn to Kibo Hut

Cross the lunar desert of the ‘Saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remained day will be spent resting in preparation for the final ascent early in the morning.

Elevation: 4330m/14,200ft to 4750m/15,600ft

Distance: 9km/5miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut Camp.

Day 6: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning, commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy stone scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim (elevation 5700m/18,700ft). We will ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. After we will descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft

Down to 3700m/12,200ft

Distance: 6km/4miles up / 15km/9mi down

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut Camp.

Day 7: Hike Horombo Hut to trailhead, drive to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft

Distance: 20km/12.5mi

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Forest

Meals: B

Overviews:

The Kilimanjaro climb 7 days lemosho is the best for acclimatization. The route is less used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau.

The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days. The additional 7th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit

A landscape shot of Mt Kilimanjaro with the famous elephants of Amboseli

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Londorossi Gate, Hike to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Elevation: 1830m/6000ft to 2650m/8700ft
Distance: 6km/4mi
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD
Budget Lodging: Mti Mkubwa Camp.

Day 2: Hike Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge past the Shira 1 camp and on to the Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Elevation: 2650m/8700ft to 3850m/12,600ft
Distance: 16km/10mi
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 3: Hike Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth” (elevation 4650m/15,250ft). Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction, which goes to the Arrow Glacier. We now continue down to the Barranco Camp. Although you end the day around the same elevation, as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Elevation: 3850m/12,600ft to 4000m/13,000ft
Distance: 8km/5miles
Walking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Semi-desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barranco Camp.
Day 4: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we will leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and to the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail.

Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Karanga Valley Camp.

Day 5: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. South Circuit will be completed, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will have a short rest while being rewarded with magnificent sunrise ever seen before. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit. From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit (Uhuru Peak) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro.

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi

After breakfast we will descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 30 minutes). Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B

Overviews:

This is one of the easiest and least traveled routes and the success rate are very high. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border. The descent is down the Marangu route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points. The drive to the trail head takes about 2.5 hours from Moshi

Day 1 : Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves Camp (2600m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: 8km

Habitat: Montane Forest

After an early breakfast at your hotel, you will be picked up from Arusha (1400m) and driven to the Marangu Gate (1980m). Vehicle will pick you to the Rongai trail head (2.5 hours drive). The trail begins in the tall cornfields then leads into the pine forest. This trail has a gradual ascent and allows hikers to enjoy their surroundings. About halfway up the trail you will have a lunch break and you will reach the 1st Caves Camp (2600m) in the late afternoon or early evening. The porters and chef, who move very fast up the mountain, will reach camp before you and set up your tents, boil drinking water, and prepare snacks for your arrival. After washing up, a hot dinner will be served.

Day 2 :1st Caves Camp (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

Following a hot breakfast, hikers will continue their ascent to Kikelewa Cave (3600m). The trail passes Second Cave (3450m) and this is a good spot to take a lunch break. Similar to the first night, your tents will be set up prior to arriving at camp and the porters will prepare drinking and washing water for you. Be prepared for a cold night as temperatures drop below freezing at this exposed camp.

Day 3: Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m)

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Habitat: Moorlands

On this day, hikers will enjoy a short, yet steep trail to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m). In the moorland, you will spot exotic plants, including giant lobelia and groundsel. At camp, hikers will enjoy spectacular views and allow their bodies to acclimate. Hot dinner and washing water will be prepared for hikers as they enjoy the magnificent sunset.

Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4330m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)

Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast, hikers will continue ascending east for a half-day hike to Kibo Hut. Kibo is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the summit the same night. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00!

Day 5: Summit Attempt

Kibo Hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo

Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit

Distance: 6km ascent and 21 km descent

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! You will be able to spend a short time on the summit taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent to Barafu begins. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: 27 km

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that you will present your tips to the guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. Hikers who reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and hikers who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After receiving certificates, you will drive back to Moshi/Arusha for long overdue showers and celebrations.

Day 3: Hike Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction, which connects, with the Mweka Trail. At this point of the hike, it is normal for hikers to start feeling the effects from the altitude including headaches and shortness of breath.
Elevation: 4000m/13,000ft to 4050m/13,250ft
Distance: 5km/3miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Karanga Camp

Day 4: Hike Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Camp. South Circuit will be completed, this circuits offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 4050m/13,250ft to 4700m/15,350ft
Distance: 4km/2miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Barafu Camp

Day 5: Hike Barafu Camp to Summit, down to Mweka Camp

Very early in the morning, we will continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. We will head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy stone scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella we will stop for a short rest and rewarded with the magnificent sunrise ever seen.
From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit (Uhuru Peak) the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Camp, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.
Elevation: 4700m/15,350ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3090m/10,150ft
Distance: 5km/3mi up / 13km/8mi down
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours up / 5-6 hours down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Mweka Camp

Day 6: Hike Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to Moshi
After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha
Elevation: 3090m/10,150ft to 1680m/5500ft
Distance: 10km/6miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B.