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.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. The trek from Barranco to Barafu is divided into 2 days, allowing for a shorter period prior to the summit attempt so that climbers can rest properly. This route is a favorite pick because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and high summit-success rate.
Back in the time, there were only two main routes used to climb Kilimanjaro - the Marangu (Coca Cola) route and the Machame (Whiskey) route. But as Tanzania's tourism industry flourished, the Kilimanjaro park authority created more trails to Africa's highest peak.
Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall.
This 9 day trek includes 1 day for airport pick-up thus, the actual trek up and down is 8 days.
Anapa is a well organised travel agency, they answer quickly and they met perfectly our demands. Marwa and Francis are excellent guides and super professionals and they took care of us all the time. Highly recommended!!!
Trekking and HikingClimbing
Tour Type
Private Tour
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Tent, Hut, Guest House, Sleeping Hut
Rongai is the only route that approaches from the north. Due to its remote starting location, which requires a little extra effort to get to, it is one of the least frequented trails on Kilimanjaro, which is perfect for those looking for a more ‘wilderness’ experience. Technically speaking, ‘Rongai’ is not its true name, but is the one that it is best known by. The trail used to start right on the Kenyan border at Rongai Village, but now begins in the small town of Loitokitok, which is the official name of the trail. Rongai is by no means an ‘easier’ route, but it takes a slower pace, usually over 7 days, and has more of a gradual ascent than other routes. The route follows a trail through farmland and then up to a smaller forest section before continuing in the shadow of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro's second highest volcano, where trekkers have the chance experience arguably the most picturesque camp on the mountain at Mawenzi Tarn. From here the route crosses 'The Saddle' through desert terrain up to Kibo camp, and from here joins the Marangu Route on its approach to the summit via Gillman’s and Stella point.
I was part of a group of 3 hikers wishing to climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route in 7 days. The experience was great and landscapes so amazing. In fact it was the second time I climbed Kilimanjaro. I wanted to renew this experience because the first time the weather conditions was very cloudy the three first days and also I was not completely satisfied of the company I chose at that time.
As such, I selected Maasai Wanderings for the good reviews I had and also because it is part of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (you can have more details here: http://www.mountainexplorers.org/) that was a concern for me after my first experience. And what I can say is that I have not been disappointed, everything was perfect from the beginning to the end.
We were guided by Julius and his team that I recommend. He is a very nice guy, likable, always calm, encouraging you and giving all information required when you need it. He is adapting to you, and most of the time the first days, slowing you down to maximize a progressive acclimatization. I was interested by flowers and history of Kilimanjaro (snow cover, geology) and this guy is a big library.
Food was very good, varied and always in good quantity. It is surprising to see what the cooker is able to do in such conditions. There was a big mess tent where all meals were taken when it was not possible outside. The cooker is cooking just in front of you. The tent had also two extension rooms on each sides dedicated for staff (relaxing/sleeping). It was funny to see that despite of the altitude, the coldness etc. they were always happy, smiling, talking all time etc.
Everybody was dressed properly and adapted to the mountain conditions, even for the shoes. This is important to note because I have been very sad when I saw few other porters from other companies dressed just with a tee-shirt with holes everywhere or not descent shoes. When we reached the last camp (Barafu Hut) at around 13:00, one of the porter was sick and Julius, the guide, decided to escort him down to the gate quickly. He was back to Barafu Camp few hours before we left the camp to climb the final step and came with us! Everybody in the team successfully reached the top Uhuru Peak and of course everybody was very happy. Once again it has been an excellent trip and experience. I keep a lot of good memories.
For these reasons I recommend clearly Maasi Wanderings, for the quality of the guiding, the food, the tents, the team, all the equipments provided (and in good shape).
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.
Rongai route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern section of the mountain, not far from the Kenyan border. It is considered quite remote but has seen a surge in trekkers in recent years. On this route, the drive to the trailhead at Nale Moru is long but the road is tarmac most of the way. With a starting point in Arusha, the routes on the souther or western side are more popular because of accessibility. On this route, we camp at the base of Mawenzi Peak before walking across the Saddle to perch ourselves in the the busy camp of Kibo in readiness for the summit assault.
This route over 7 days allows for an extra night at Mawenzi Tarn with acclimatisation walks during the spare day. Doing this will increase the chance of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro.
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.
The 6-Day Machame route package approaches Kilimanjaro through forest and moorland from the south-west and joins the Shira route before traversing beneath the southern icefields of Kibo.
The rainforest is extremely beautiful and there is a tangible sense of ‘wilderness’ once the higher elevations are reached. The views of Mt. Meru floating on the clouds are simply unforgettable, and we make our final ascent to the summit by the stunning Barafu route. The six -day itinerary allows time to enjoy the trek, acclimatise, and also gives plenty of time to enjoy the magnificent scenery.
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A wonderful and rewarding adventure! One of the most challenging and incredible experience in my life. I was challenged physically, mentally and spiritually! I was most inspired by my guide, Philemon as he saw to my every questioned being answered along the way, and the porters who ensured all the necessities were made available. Whenever I doubted my ability to continue the climb, I would ask these gentlemen how do they accomplish this so often with such ease - the enjoyment they have for their clients to experience this very incredible peace of Africa! I felt such a profound connection to nature, to the ancients, to Africa - and how incredible it was to experience all the different climates in one part of a Holy Land!
Safe, professional, nice team, good food (felt like five stars on the mountain. I still don't know how they brough the eggs up to the camps), nice atmosphere and on the mountain: one team!
It would be helpfull to know the questions of this survey beforehand so I would have known where to put additonal information on the guide how was singing while we were going up to the summit. His good mood helped a lot. I'm very glade that Robin brought Graham safely back to Stella Maris. Thank you for that. Each and everyone from the team was doing an incredible job!
WildlifeTrekking and Hiking
Tour Type
Small Group TourSmall group tours usually have 8-12 participants and maximum up to 18 travelers
Accommodation
Hotel, Camping, Lodge
Age Range
12-100 yrs
Operated in
english
Destinations
Kilimanjaro Machame route, Arush
Kilimanjaro Machame route, Arusha, Moshi, Serengeti National Park, Ngorongoro Crater, Machame Camp, Shira Camp Two, Barranco Camp, Barafu Camp, Mweka Camp, Mto Wa Mbu
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Brace yourself to conquer the highest mountain in Africa. Our 7-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek will not only take you to the highest point in Africa but will also provide you with the opportunity to see some of the most important natural landmarks in the area.
Take the Marangu route to the summit. The route is popular among hikers mainly because it is the only route with travellers' huts along the way. Spend two days acclimatizing, including spending a day in Horombo.
Travel around the base of Maundi Crater, past moorlands, and take a detour to see Kibo Crater. See some unique natural fauna along the way, including the giant lobelia.
Enjoy our full-board service all the way to the top of Africa.