Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the top things to do while visiting Africa. It offers mesmerizing experiences, and is a must-do for all adventure travelers. That said, choosing from the number of routes available can be a huge task. Luckily for you, we've done all the hard work, so that you can focus your energies on preparing for the most exciting adventure of your life.
The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Including Arusha National Park but is Option,
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Arusha to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike.
This route is easy, gradual ascent and the most popular route for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro. You will be sleeping in shared wooden huts where toilets, dining and washing rooms (cold shower) are available. This route is recommended proper acclimatization. The Marangu Route is also known as the "Tourist Route" or "Coca Cola Route".
And just about every tour operator will tell you:
The Marangu route is the easiest, cheapest and by far the most popular. Unfortunately, only one of these statements is true: climbing Kilimanjaro on the Marangu route is the cheapest option. You will need a sleeping bag, warm clothes and walking poles.
At Horombo we will take an extra day for acclimatization. During this day you will be able to take various walks so it is not at all a waste of a day. Rather, it is a great day and also one that will give you a much higher chance of reaching Kilimanjaro's top, as you will be properly acclimatized.
For a detailed itinerary, we kindly ask you to see the itinerary tab.
It is not just the history and culture of Morocco that intrigues travelers. The country is also endowed with natural beauty and an amazing variety of terrain, which add to its appeal. Book this seven-day, private tour and explore the rich cultural and natural diversity that Morocco has to offer. Your journey starts on arrival in Casablanca from where we will drive you to Rabat. Continue to Meknes, Volubilis, Fez and Chefcouaen followed by the Atlas Mountains.
As part of this trip, you will also get the chance to learn more about the culture and lifestyle of Berber highlanders, enjoy a cooking class with an excellent Moroccan chef and relax in a hammam. Similarly, all your meals will be prepared with organic and natural produces.
We understand that there is more to wellness than meets the eye. Therefore, we have designed this itinerary with as much attention to spiritual enrichment as physical. Delve into sufism during a hiking trip in Mount Zerhoune and meet the musicians of Joujouka, known for their sufi trance performances
Since we want this trip to be ecologically friendly and sustainable in nature, we will prioritize reducing, reusing and recycling as much as possible. You will spend most of the nights in guesthouses and get plenty of opportunities to mingle with locals. For more details, please scroll down.
Travel along ancient caravan routes towards the Sahara on this nine-day cycling and hiking adventure through Morocco. Explore by foot, bike and even camel to get a totally immersive feel for this country. Cycle across mountain passes and through Amazigh villages, then hike through lush oases and towering gorges. Spend nights off the beaten path in a traditional Amazigh gite and at a desert campsite under dark skies bursting with stars. This active journey strikes the perfect balance of exhilarating adventure and cultural discovery.
Active and outdoorAdventure
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Camping, Hotel, Guest House
Age Range
15-99 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Ait
Marrakech, Atlas Mountains, Ait Benhaddou, Agdez, Erg Chebbi, Todra Gorges
This guided, 14-day trip will take you to some of the best Rwandan attractions, blending history and culture with wildlife and nature. Explore the savannahs of Akagera and head out to discover the primates in Nyungwe National Park, home to one of the largest tropical rainforest in the country.
Enjoy a boat cruise on Lake Ihema and take in the surreal views of Lake Kivu. You will also summit to Mount Bisoke during this tour and trek through jungles in search of elusive golden monkeys as well as chimpanzees, one of our closest primate relatives.
Please scroll down to the itinerary section for more details.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Lodge
Age Range
15-79 yrs
Operated in
english, french
Destinations
Kigali, Akagera National Park, V
Kigali, Akagera National Park, Volcanoes National Park, Musanze, Musanze Caves, Nyungwe Forest National Park, Kibuye, Gisenyi
The Lemosho Route is perhaps the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, from the first day to the last. The trail begins north of Shira, also on the western side of the mountain. But unlike the Shira Route, where for the first day you walk on a wide 4 WD road, Lemosho is a narrow wilderness trail right from the beginning, passing through pristine and remote rainforest with good chances of seeing wildlife. It then crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Luckily, despite its growing popularity, especially for second time Kilimanjaro climbers, Lemosho sees a very low number of people and truly offers and incredible adventure on the highest peak in Africa, and the highest free standing mountain in the world.
Maasai Wanderings is looking very much forward to providing you with a climb of a lifetime. No previous mountaineering experience is required for this trip.
Our Kilimanjaro climb happened on 1st January, 2025 was an experience of a lifetime. The guides including Gabriel were highly professional and ensured we were comfortable every step of the way. The porters and cooks were fantastic, making sure we had delicious meals and enough rest. Their expertise made the summit possible! 100% recommend!
Trekking and HikingMountains
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Hut, Sleeping Hut
Age Range
10-65 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro Nation
Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro National Park, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak
Machame Route (also known to as the "Whiskey Route") is the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro with high summit success rate. It rewards hikers with scenic splendors. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, witness a scenic "slide show" as you trek to the top of the world's highest free-standing mountain.
There is an added benefit to taking the Machame Route, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain: acclimatization. The route takes you high to Lava Tower (4,630m) on Day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3,950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization.
(Note: All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. While the accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only accommodation.)
See the itinerary section for more details about this tour.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the North side receives less precipitation).
The Rongai route is one of the easiest route up to Kilimanjaro summit and it joins the Marangu route at Kibo hut. The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. We have designed the trip for 7 days as that will allow for proper acclimatization on the mountain.
Wildlife can be seen on the lower slopes such as buffalo's, Elephants, Baboons and monkeys together with different species of birds.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, the Rongai route makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. On the way down this route goes together with the Marangu route.
The Rongai route as such is a moderately difficult route and relatively easier than other routes up Kilimanjaro. It is therefore highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience, as the probability of reaching the summit will be higher.
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Tent, Camping, Hut
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilima
Kilimanjaro Rongai route, Kilimanjaro, Moshi, Simba Camp, Second Cave, Kikelewa Camp, Mawenzi Tarn Hut, Kibo Hut, Horombo Hut
This route, with its steep passages and higher altitudes, offers you occasional views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge and Kibo summit as you make your way through lush rainforest, moorland and alpine desert.
The Machame Route, with its diverse landscape and fantastic views, offers a unique experience to test your will power, fitness finesse and mental strength. The route takes you through lush rainforest, where colobus monkeys roam, into heath and moorland, with its many ferns and ericas, until finally reaching the icy caps of the mountain top. Overnights on the Machame Route will be in tents. It is not difficulty to climb because you will be guided by our professional tour guide.
Machame variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 7 day Machame route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt.
Normally March, April and May are the months with long rains and should be avoided.
November is usually short rains but it is not often rains all the days so Climbing is possible.
The best Months for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro are January, February and also August and September.
July can be colder and November to December can be wet.
The success rates with our guides are outstanding compared to the overall success rates for all climbers who attempt to reach the top
The Marangu Route is the most popular route for mount Kilimanjaro trekking. On this route, one of the difference is that, instead of camping, climbers sleep in huts, which gives people the impression that it makes the climb easier. Because of this the route has been nicknamed the Coca-Cola route because it is so "easy" (in relative terms...). This has led to many trying to climb the route in 5 days instead of 6 or 7. Now for the facts: The Marangu Route starts at approx 6000ft, just like every other route. It also finishes at the summit just like every other route.
We propose this route as a set departure and would strongly recommend you consider this route for the successful Kilimanjaro trekking. If you have your heart set on climbing this route, we advise you to book this tour. We will take care of you and make sure that you get a fantastic trip.
Book this guided trip and spend an amazing 5 days in and around Mkambati Natural Reserve. Explore one of the most pristine places on the South African coastline and uncover its mystique. Discover some of the secrets of the Wild Coast while Hiking along the beach past the Mzamba Fossils. Learn more about the rural Pondo communities.
Start your South African adventure from Wild Coast Sun, a popular resort in Port Edward, where you will meet both your guide and group members. Hike along a 14km coastal stretch to reach the Nyameni River. See Strandlooper and Mkambati falls. Enjoy a cultural tour to a traditional Xhosa village and get the chance to learn more about this community. Take a boat trip to the stunning Mtentu Estuary and visit Mkambati's best kept secret, Swallow Tail Falls.
See innumerable waterfalls, take refreshing dips in natural pools, and relax on the beach during this hike. Enjoy our full-board service except on the first and the last day of the hike. You will be driven back to Wild Coast Sun after the trip is over.
Trekking and HikingBeach
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Lodge, Eco Lodge, Resort
Age Range
5-79 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Durban, Port Edward, Mkambati Na
Durban, Port Edward, Mkambati Nature Reserve, Xhosa Village, Wild Coast Sun
Known as the Whiskey route, the Machame route is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days in Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame route is considered a difficult route and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience as well as It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience.
The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro's southern ice field.
This is a 4-day trekking trip to Mount Meru in Tanzania. Mount Meru is the third highest peak in Africa and is the second highest mountain in Tanzania at 4,568m. The mountain is located within Arusha National Park, Tanzania’s gem.
The ascend is quite steep, the route to the summit passes over streams, through parkland, mountain forest, a giant weather zone and moorland. The summit is reached by a narrow, barren ridge, which provides stunning views. The technical requirements for climbing Mount Meru are greater than on the Kilimanjaro Routes.
The tour gives trekkers the chance to spot a wide variety of wildlife that inhabit the area.
Trekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers