Duration

3, 4, or 5 days trekking from Arusha

Length

46 km/29 mi round trip

Elevation

3,065 m/10,056 ft gain
Momella Gate (1,500 m/4,921 ft) to Mount Meru (4,565 m/14,977 ft) and return

Description

At 4,565 m/14,977 ft, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and the fifth highest in Africa. Mt. Meru is the only isolated Strato volcano in East Africa that is still active.
A massive eruption 7,800 years ago shattered Meru’s upper slopes and formed an oblong 8 km/5 mi wide caldera that is open towards the eastern side.
The main summit is on the caldera’s western edge, perched above a dramatic and still active Ash Cone inside the caldera.
Meru is just below the permanent snowline, so there are no glaciers or snowfields on its slopes.
It is best to allow 4 days for climbing Meru, since it involves a large elevation gain, but you can do the trek in 3 or 5 days.
There are huts available to climbers on the mountain and firewood is supplied.
Your ascent to the summit involves hiking through grassland and forest on the mountain’s lower slopes where you can see animals grazing.
Higher, you hike and scramble along the breathtaking crater rim to the summit.
Aside from being a rewarding and picturesque trek in its own right,
Mt. Meru is also great acclimatization for Mt. Kilimanjaro climb.

Mt.Meru detailed trekking itinerary

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Momella Gate
(1,500 m/4,921 ft)
to Mariakamba Huts
(2,514 m/8,250 ft)
10 km, 4-6 hours
Montane Forest

Transfer from Arusha to Arusha National Park do all the formalities at Ngongangare Gate, later in the morning, walk under the Momella Gate to begin the trek. Clients walk over Ngare Nyanyuki River and soon pass open grassland where clients can see Buffalo, Warthogs, Giraffes and some times Elephants. Then continue though steady climb through montane forest. Clienst can pause for there lunch later during the day. After lunch, continue through less dense forest, where clients can see birds and monkeys, including the Black & White Colobus. By mid afternoon, clients have closer views of Meru’s towering cliffs and Ash Cone. The Mariakamba Huts are situated in an idyllic grassy glade, and clients will reach it in time to enjoy the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains between Mt. Meru and Mt.Kilimanjaro. If clients are lucky, they may see some animals walking though the Mariakamba Huts.
Later  dinner will be served

Day 2
Mariakamba Huts
(2,514 m/8,250 ft)
to Saddle Huts
(3,570 m/11,712 ft)
8 km, 3-5 hours
Forest and Moorland

From the Mariakamba Huts, clients climb steeply to the crater rim, which is called Elephant Ridge (In Swahili: Mgongo Wa Tembo) follow a steep path through attractive open lush Montane Forest to reach the Giant Heather in the Moorland near the saddle between Little Meru and Meru. A hot lunch will be ready for you when you arrive at the Saddle Huts. Client’s afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views, but energetic trekkers can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3,820 m/12,533 ft) for superb views just before sunset.
Returning to Saddle Hut for dinner and overnight

Day 3 - Summit Day!
Saddle Huts
(3,570 m/11,712 ft)
to Mount Meru
(4,565 m/14,977 ft)
to Mariakamba Huts
(2,514 m/8,250 ft)
5 km up, 13 km down
10-12 hours
Alpine Desert, Moorland, and Montane Forest

Early at 0100 hrs, and climb steeply for an hour to Rhino Point (3,800 m/12,467 ft). In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be unreasonable to progress beyond Rhino Point, but sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Point. If the weather is fine, descend slightly and continue along or near a rough undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4,350 m/14,271 ft) near sunrise. The stunning views include the cliffs of the crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds, and the Rift Valley. Hike for another hour on a superb but often steep path into the unfolding day to reach the summit of Mt.Meru. The view from the top of this steep-sided peak can make you feel quite unique and suspended. Clients hike back to Rhino Point in the still sharp morning light between the crater’s sloping outer wall and sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. Later have brunch and a well-earned rest at the Saddle Huts before continuing descent to the Mariakamba Huts where clients will spend the night if clients are on the 4-day itinerary. If clients are on a 3-day itinerary, you will descend all the way to Momella Gate on Day 3.

Day 4
Mariakamba Huts
(2,514 m/8,250 ft)
to Momella Gate
(1,500 m/4,921 ft)
to Moshi
(890 m/2,920 ft)
10 km, 2-4 hours
Montane Forest

Taking a slightly different route, make a fast descent through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife.

This trail has excellent views back toward the crater and over the plains of the National park. You will reach Momella Gate by late morning.

 Please remember to tip your guides and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to Arusha, where it is definitely time for celebration!

Extra Day

Clients can make this a 5 day trek by only descending to the Saddle Huts on Day 3, descending to the Mariakamba Huts on Day 4, and descending to the Momella Gate on day 5. This itinerary makes the long descent much easier and gives you more time to enjoy the mountain

Marangu Route -Coca Cola Route

Summary

The “Coca Cola” Route is Mt.Kilimanjaro’s easiest, shortest, and most popular route

Duration

5 days trekking from Arusha 3 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending

Length

4,065 m/13,340 ft gain; 4,065 m/13,340 ft descent
Marangu Gate (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) and return

Description

The Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit and is known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Basic men’s and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).
This route is easily done in 5 days, but its recommended that clients do it in 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a base camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.

Trekking Marangu Route in Brief

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Marangu Gate
(1,830 m/6,000 ft)
to Mandara Huts
(2,740 m/9,000 ft)
7 km, 4-5 hours
Montane Forest

After breakfast and Mt. Kilimanjaro briefing from your guide, depart from Arusha at 0800 hrs, drive for 2 hrs to the Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Mt. Kilimanjaro, register and do all the formalities with the National Park, and then begin hiking at around 1030 hrs. Walk though the rainforest; look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life and Colobus monkeys. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are recommended on this section.
Shorts and t-shirts should be sufficient, but keep your rain gear and warmer clothing handy. Stop halfway for lunch rest a bit then track again to reach the Mandara Huts at around 1300 hrs or 1600 hrs.
Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee.  Then take a 15minites side trip to Mahundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Dinner is served early evening at 1900 hrs

Day 2
Mandara Huts
(2,740 m/9,000 ft)
to Horombo Huts
(3,690 m/12,100 ft)
11 km, 6-8 hours
Heath land

Clienst will wake up at 0630 hrs for breakfast, pack for the next trek. Hike for about an hour through rainforest glades, and then follow an ascending path through heath land where clients can see Giant Lobelias and Groundsels. Continue up into open moorlands where small shrubs are the main vegetation.
Stop halfway for lunch, where clients can enjoy amazing views of Mt Mawenzi.
 Arrive at the Horombo Huts by 1600 hrs where clients can see Kibo Summit. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner at 1900 hrs
At Mandara Hut clients will start to feel the effects of altitude here, and to aid your acclimatization, you can choose to spend an extra day resting at Horombo or trekking to a base camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mt Mawenzi.

Day 3
Horombo Huts
(3,690 m/12,100 ft)
to Kibo Huts
(4,695 m/15,400 ft)
10 km, 6-8 hours
Alpine Desert

Wake up for breakfast at 0630 hrs, at the same time clients will get some great photos of the sun rising behind Mt Mawenzi ( this all depends on the weather.
The first part of the day’s hike climbs through the dwindling heath land that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo.
When clients stop for lunch, and later when clients cross this surprisingly large saddle, clients can see the summit climb up Kibo that clients will be starting in just a few hours.
Be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness

Day 4
Summit Day!
Kibo Huts
(4,695 m/15,400 ft)
to Uhuru Peak
(5,895 m/19,340 ft)
to Horombo Huts
(3,690 m/12,100 ft)
4 km up, 14 km down
10-15 hours
Alpine Desert

Clients wake just after midnight for a light breakfast, and then clients prepare for the summit ascent.
The goal is to climb before dawn so that clients can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Start summit assent at 0001hrs switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 0005 and 0007 hrs, here the views of the fabled crater and its icecaps will greet the clients Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Mt. Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 0009 hrs.
This is Africa’s highest point, and clients would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak!
Be sure clients take there picture taken at the summit to show clients friends.
After your summit assent spend some tome on the roof of Africa and then descend back to the Kibo Hut, have lunch, rest, collect your belongings and re cross the saddle to the Horombo Hut. Have dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!
Clients do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly slowly, or, “pole pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 5
Horombo Huts
(3,690 m/12,100 ft)
to Marangu Gate
(1,830 m/6,000 ft)
to Moshi
(890 m/2,920 ft)
18 km, 5-7 hours

Wake up at 0630 hrs, pack clients belongings and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts.
Have lunch there then continue client’s triumphant recessional down through lush forest to Mandara Park Gate,
Which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM.
Please remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since clients may be leaving them here.
A vehicle will take you back to Arusha, where it is definitely time for celebration

Extra Day for Acclimatization

Clients can add an extra day at the Horombo Huts (3,690 m/12,100 ft). You ca spend a full day and a second night at Horombo. On this day, you can rest at the huts or take a stroll up to the Mawenzi base camp then return to the Horombo Huts. This extra day will help your acclimatization, and further your understanding of the mountain’s weather and altitude. After your pause, you will continue up to the Kibo Huts on your fourth day for your midnight start to the summit

Machame route – Whiskey Route Machame Route & Summary

Duration

 From Arusha  4 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending

Length

100 km/62 mi total; 62 km/38 mi to summit; 38 km/24 mi descent from summit

Elevation

4,405 m/14,450 ft net gain; 3,915 m/12,845 ft descent
Machame Gate (1,490 m/4,890 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) and descent to Mweka Gate (1,980 m/6,500 ft)

Description

Machame is a beautiful route up Mt Kilimanjaro that allows clients to experience the southwest and south sides of the mountain, since clients go up one way and down another. All clients’ equipment and supplies are carried by porters, cook prepares all clients meals. Unlike the Marangu Route where clients sleep in huts, in Machame clients sleep in tents (tents are included), and porters will pitch clients tent for them. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. This makes the Machame, which is referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” better suited to more adventurous hikers, and it also rewards clients with better views than the Marangu Route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo’s great Barranco Wall, the Machame Route offers the spunky hiker a continuous scenic slide show. The Machame Route is normally completed in 6 days, and this greatly helps your acclimatization. The Machame Route takes clients high to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) on day 3 then brings you down for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3,950 m/12,960 ft). This intermediate ascent and descent is the secret to a successful acclimatization, and is the reason that this route has a high success rate

Trekking Machame Route in Brief

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Machame Gate
(1,490 m/4,890 ft)
to Machame Camp
(2,980 m/9,780 ft)
18 km, 5-7 hours
Montane Forest

After breakfast Machame route briefing and 2 hours drive to the Machame Village (1,490 m/4,890 ft) where client’s guides and porters prepare and pack clients equipment and supplies.
Clients will receive a lunch pack, and clients also buy some more mineral water in the village. If the road is very muddy, it may be impossible to drive from the village to the Machame Gate, and in this case, it will take clients an hour to complete the muddy 3 km walk to the gate.
After registering at the park office, clients will start there ascent and enter the rain forest immediately. Heavy rains on this side of the mountain often transform the trail into a soggy, slippery experience, so good footgear, trekking poles, and gaiters are useful.
Clients will enjoy a lunch stop at halfway up and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon.
Clients porters will arrive at camp before the clients and will erect there tent before they arrive. In the evening, the porters boil drinking water while the cook prepares clients dinner.
Night temperatures can drop to freezing at the Machame Camp

Day 2
Machame Camp
(2,980 m/9,780 ft)
to Shira Camp
(3,840 m/12,600 ft)
9 km, 4-6 hours
Moorland

Clients will wake early at Machame camp and after breakfast, climb for an hour to the top of the forest, then for 2 hours through a gentle moorland.
After a short lunch and rest, clients will continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira Plateau where they will be able to see Kilimanjaro’s Great Western Breach with its stunning glaciers.
Sometimes, the walls of the Western Breach are draped with extensive ice curtains.
clients are now West side  of Kibo on the opposite side of the mountain from the Marangu Route.
After a short hike West wards, clients reach the Shira Campsite.
The porters will boil drinking water before serving dinner.
The night at this exposed camp will be colder, with temperatures dropping below freezing

Day 3
Shira Camp
(3,840 m/12,600 ft)
to Lava Tower
(4,630 m/15,190 ft)
to Barranco Camp
(3,950 m/12,960 ft)
15 km, 7 hours
Semi-Desert

After breakfast, Clienst will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After several hours, clients will walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft.
This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high; the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m/12,960 ft.
There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while clients wait for dinner.
On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness

Day 4
Barranco Camp
(3,950 m/12,960 ft)
to Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
13 km, 8 hours
Alpine Desert

After spending a night under the imposing Great Barranco Wall, clients climb this awesome obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, clients can now appreciate just how beautiful Mt.Kilimanjaro’s really is.
The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley and goes over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be your descent route.
Clients have now completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. For now, all eyes are still on the summit, so turn left and hike up the ridge for another hour to the Barafu Hut.
The last water point on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.”
The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Your tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents.
Clients prepare equipment and warm clothing for clients summit assent. This should include replacing client’s headlamp and camera batteries, and to prevent freezing, consider carrying water in a thermal flask. Go to bed by 1900 hrs, and try to get a few hours of good sleep.

Day 5
Summit Day!
Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
to Uhuru Peak
(5,895 m/19,340ft)
to Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
7 km up, 23 km down
8 hours up,
7-8 hours down
Scree and seasonal snow

Clients will raise around 2330 hrs, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, clients shuffle off into the night. clients 6 hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Redman and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers.
At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) clients stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point you join the top part of the Marangu Route,
But do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.
Depending on the season and recent storms, clients may encounter snow on clients remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak.
On the summit, clients can enjoy accomplishment and know that creating a day that will remember for the rest of client’s life. After clients 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, you will have a well-earned but short rest, collect your gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft).
This camp is in the upper forest, so clients can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner  will be prepared and at the camp office sells mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beer

Day 6
Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
to Mweka Gate
(1,980 m/6,500 ft)
to Moshi
(890 m/2,920 ft)
15 km, 3 hours
Forest

After a well deserved sleep & breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3hour hike back to the park gate.
Don’t give the porters any tips until clients gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to crew at the gate.
At Mweka Gate, you clients sign your name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates.
From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles.
At  Mweka Village clients  will be served with  hot lunch after which you are driven back to Arusha

Summary 

This is a steep, spectacular, and direct route to Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Duration

6 days trekking from Moshi; 4 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending

Length

81 km/50 mi total; 43 km/27 mi to summit; 38 km/24 mi descent from summit

Description

This Umbwe is the most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. This route became famous when it was featured in the dramatic IMAX film Kilimanjaro - To the Roof of Africa. On the Umbwe, you pass through strange landscapes as you climb through five climate zones ranging from rainforest to the summit’s glaciers. The route follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, then traverses below the southern ice fields to reach the Machame Route, which you follow to the summit. This steep, tough, and in places slightly exposed trek is suitable for a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas. Because of the route’s steepness, it is seldom used, and trekking poles are useful on the steep, slippery slopes in the rainforest. All your equipment and supplies are carried by porters and a cook prepares all your meals. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Umbwe you sleep in tents (tents are included), and the porters will pitch your tent for you. Meals are served in a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. You can add an extra day to your itinerary to explore or relax along the route (best taken at the Barranco Camp).

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Umbwe Gate
(1,800 m/5,905 ft) to Umbwe Camp
(2,800 m/9,190 ft)
8 km, 5-7 hours
Montane Forest

Clients day starts early with a briefing, followed by 2 hour drive from Arusha to Umbwe Village (1,490 m/4,890 ft) where clients  guides and porters pack clients  equipment and supplies, and give clients  a lunch pack. Clients start there  ascent at the small Umbwe Gate just above the village and follow a gentle winding vehicle track for an hour to a signboard that announces the small steep Umbwe trail. The introduction is over, and clients now climb up for several hours through a dense forest of rubber trees and giant fig trees. In places, clients must scamper up steep sections of roots and rock. The Umbwe Camp is in the forest, and there are some caves nearby. Clienst will be greeted here with a graciously served hot meal.

Day 2
Umbwe Camp
(2,800 m/9,190 ft)
to Barranco Camp
(3,900 m/12,800 ft)
8 km, 4-5 hours
Semi-Desert

After breakfast, clients  will climb steeply through thinning forest glades to Giant Erica, Heather, and drier air. Clients continue up a ridge that drops steeply on both sides, and hopefully, the clouds will part to reward clients  with a view of Uhuru Peak looming overhead. After lunch, clients will  enter a zone of giant groundsels (Senecio Kilimanjari) that seem to guard the heights, and this garden is one of Kilimanjaro’s special treasures

Day 3
Barranco Camp
(3,900 m/12,800 ft)
to Karanga Camp
(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
7 km, 4 hours
Alpine Desert

After breakfast, clients continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall, and then clients climb this imposing obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, clients can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With Kibo’s glaciers soaring overhead, clients descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, clients can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, client’s afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. This short day is very important for your acclimatization, since your summit push is about to start.

Day 4
Karanga Camp
(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
to Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
13 km, 8 hours
Alpine Desert

In the morning, clients hike east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be client’s descent route. Turn left toward the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where clients will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice.” The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Client’s tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, so make sure that clients familiarize themselves with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Prepare clients equipment and warm clothing for summit climb and drink a lot of fluids. After an early dinner, go to bed for a few hours of precious sleep.

Day 5 – Summit Day!
Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
to Uhuru Peak
(5,895 m/19,340 ft)
to Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
7 km up, 23 km down
8 hours up,
7-8 hours down
Scree and seasonal snow

Clients will rise around 11:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits and then shuffle off into the night. Clients  6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) clients stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point clients join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, clients may encounter snow on clients remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, clients can enjoy there accomplishment and know that they are creating a day that that they will remember for the rest of their life. After 3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, clients will have a well-earned but short rest, collect there gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so clients can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer!

Day 6
Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
to Mweka Gate
(1,980 m/6,500 ft)
to Moshi
(890 m/2,920 ft)
15 km, 3 hours
Forest

After a well-deserved sleep and breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don’t give clients porters any tips until all there gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip your crew at the gate. At Mweka Gate, clients can sign there name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, you will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village clients will be served a delicious hot lunch after which clients are driven back to Arusha.

Extra Day for Acclimatization

Clients can add an extra day to your trek by staying at Barranco Camp for two nights. Then, clients will hike to the Karanga Valley Camp on Day 5, the Barafu Camp on Day 6, summit on Day 7, and finish client’s descent on Day 8. Adding this day will ease clients  effort, and amplify clients  acclimatization

Summary 

The Shira Route traverses the large Shira Plateau to join the Machame Route.

Duration

6 days trekking starting  from Arusha ; 4 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending

Length

98 km/61 mi total; 60 km/37 mi ascent; 38 km/24 mi descent

Description

The Shira Plateau west of Kibo is the remains of Kilimanjaro’s first volcano. Mawenzi erupted second, and finally, supported by its neighbours, Kibo rose to its great height between Shira and Mawenzi. Older and more eroded than Mawenzi, the Shira Plateaus ridges and moorland comprise one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas. The drive to Shira offers magnificent views of the Great Rift Valley, Mount Meru, and Longido, and the plateau’s parasitic cones extend north of the road, rising from plain to plateau. The vegetation changes along the route are striking. The plateau is grassland, heath, and moor, with scenarios up to 10 meters high in valleys near the cone. You can see Elands on the plateau, and you may see signs of buffaloes, leopards, and other animals. The Shira Cone rises 200 meters above the plateau, and west of the cone is Shira Ridge, a steep rough rise reaching almost 400 meters above the plateau. The southern ridge of the Shira Plateau has two dramatic peaks called Cathedral and the Needle. The road to Shira is only accessible by 4-wheel-drive vehicles and can become impassable during wet periods. The Shira Route traverses the plateau to join the Machame Route.

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Shira Gate
(1,830 m/6,000 ft)
to Shira Camp 2
(3,840 m/12,600 ft)
18 km, 5-7 hours
Montane Forest

After breakfast and a briefing from your guide, leave Arusha and drive for several hours to the Shira Gate on the western side of Mt.Kilimanjaro, register with the national park. Begin hiking, and enter the rainforest immediately. Clients  walk through the rainforest is on a winding muddy trail up a ridge. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles will help. Stop halfway for lunch, and reach the Shira Camp in the afternoon. Unpack, rest, and have some tea or coffee. Dinner is served during the early evening at 7 PM.

Day 2
Shira Camp 2
(3,840 m/12,600 ft)
to Lava Tower
(4,630 m/15,190 ft)
to Barranco Camp
(3,950 m/12,960 ft)
15 km, 7 hours
Semi-Desert

After breakfast, clients will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After several hours, clients walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m/12,960 ft. There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide clients with a memorable sunset while you wait for client’s dinner. On this day, clients have to be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness

Day 3
Barranco Camp
(3,900 m/12,800 ft)
to Karanga Camp
(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
7 km, 4 hours
Alpine Desert

After breakfast,  continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall, then clients climb this imposing obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, clients can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With Kibo’s glaciers soaring overhead, clients descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, clients can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, client’s afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. After two long days, this short day is very important for clients acclimatization, since your summit push is about to start.

Day 4
Karanga Camp
(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
to Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
13 km, 8 hours
Alpine Desert

Clients wake just after midnight for a light breakfast, and then clients prepare for the summit ascent.
The goal is to climb before dawn so that clients can reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise. Start summit assent at 0001hrs switchback up steep scree or possibly snow, and reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at 5,861 m/18,640 ft between 0005 and 0007 hrs, here the views of the fabled crater and its icecaps will greet the clients Another 2 hours of hiking along the crater rim near the celebrated snows takes you to Mt. Kilimanjaro’s true summit, Uhuru Peak, by 0009 hrs.
This is Africa’s highest point, and clients would have to travel more than 3,000 miles toward the Himalayas to find a higher peak!
Be sure clients take there picture taken at the summit to show clients friends.
After your summit assent spend some tome on the roof of Africa and then descend back to the Kibo Hut, have lunch, rest, collect your belongings and re cross the saddle to the Horombo Hut. Have dinner and get some well-deserved sleep!
Clients do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly slowly, or, “pole pole,” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 5 – Summit Day!
Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
to Uhuru Peak
(5,895 m/19,340 ft)
to Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
7 km up, 23 km down 8 hours up,
7-8 hours down
Scree and seasonal snow

At around 11:30 PM, and after some steaming tea and biscuits, clients  shuffle off into the night. clients 6-hour climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) clients  stop for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise. At Stella Point clients join the top part of the Marangu Route, but do not stop here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Depending on the season and recent storms, clients  may encounter snow on your remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, clients can enjoy  accomplishment and know that clients  are creating a day that clients  will remember for the rest of their  life. After clients  3-hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, clients will have a well-earned but short rest, collect clients gear, and hike down a rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft). This camp is in the upper forest, so clients can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon. Dinner, and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer!

Day 6
Mweka Camp
(3,100 m/10,170 ft)
to Mweka Gate
(1,980 m/6,500 ft)
to Moshi
(890 m/2,920 ft)
15 km, 3 hours
Forest

After a well-deserved sleep and breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3-hour hike back to the park gate. Don’t give clients  porters any tips until clients and all there gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember tip the crew at the gate. At Mweka Gate, clients  can sign their  name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate, clients  will continue down to the Mweka Village, possibly a muddy, 3 km, 1 hour hike if the road is too muddy for vehicles. In the Mweka Village clients  will be served a delicious hot lunch after which they are driven back to Arusha  for an overdue hot shower and a cold drink
Its time  for celebration in Arusha

Extra Day for Acclimatization

Clients can add an extra day to on there trek by staying at Barranco Camp for two nights. Then, clients will hike to the Karanga Valley Camp on Day 5, the Barafu Camp on Day 6, summit on Day 7, and finish their descent on Day 8. Adding this day will ease your effort, and amplify client’s acclimatization.

Summary 

This long & little-used route parallels the lower part of the Shira Route.

Duration

8 days trekking from Arusha : 6 and a half days ascending, 1 and a half days descending

Length

98 km/61 mi total; 60 km/37 mi ascent; 38 km/24 mi descent

Description

 Lemosho Route is an unspoiled, remote, little-used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. Above the plateau, clients approach Kilimanjaro’s Great Western Breach, then follow the South Circuit to reach the easier Barafu Route.
This is one of the very few routes where an armed ranger accompanies your group, since there are still wild animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades.

Day 1
Moshi (915 m/3,000 ft) to Londorossi Gate (2,250 m/7,380 ft)to Lemosho Glades (2,000 m/6,560ft)  to Mkubwa Camp (2,750m/9,020 ft) 18 km, 4-5 hours Montane Forest

Drive from Arusha to the Londorossi Park Gate, from here follows the forest track in a 4WD vehicle for 11 km/7 mi (45 minutes) to Lemosho Glades and a possible campsite.

From the Glades, walk for 3 hours along beautiful forest trails to the Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 2
Mkubwa Camp (2,750 m/9,020 ft) to Shira Camp 1(3,500 m/11,485 ft) 12 km, 5 hrs Semi-Desert 11 kms, 6-8 hrs Heath land

The trail gradually steepens, enters the giant heather moorland zone, then crosses the Shira Ridge at 3,600 m/11,810 ft and drops gently to Shira Camp 1 located by a stream on the Shira Plateau and prepare for dinner at 1900 hrs
At Mandara Hut, clients will start to feel the effects of altitude here, and to aid your acclimatization, you can choose to spend an extra day resting at Horombo or trekking to a base camp below Kibo’s sub peak Mt Mawenzi.

Day 3
Shira Camp 1
(3,500 m/11,485 ft) to Shira Camp 2
(3,840 m/12,600 ft) 6 km, 2 hrs Alpine Desert

A gentle walk across the plateau leads to Shira Camp 2 on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of walks are available on the plateau making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 4
Shira Camp 2 (3,840 m/12,600 ft)to Lava Tower (4,630 m/15,190 ft) to Barranco Camp(3,95 m/12,960 ft) 15 km, 7 hours
Semi-Desert

After breakfast, clients will hike east up a steepening path above the highest vegetation toward Kilimanjaro’s looming mass. After several hours, clients walk through a rocky landscape to reach the prominent landmark called Lava Tower at 4,630 m/15,190 ft. This chunky remnant of Kilimanjaro’s earlier volcanic activity is several hundred feet high, and the trail passes right below it. For extra credit, the sure-footed can scramble to the top of the tower. After a lunch stop near Lava Tower, descend for 2 hours below the lower cliffs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m/12,960 ft.
There are numerous photo opportunities on this hike, especially if the walls are festooned with ice. Barranco Camp is in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Walls, which should provide clients  with a memorable sunset while clients wait for there dinner. On this day, be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness

Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,900 m/12,800 ft) to Karanga Camp(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
7 km, 4 hours
Alpine Desert

After breakfast, clients continue up a steep ridge to the great Barranco Wall and then clients climb this imposing obstacle, which turns out to be easier than it looks. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you can now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. With Kibo’s glaciers soaring overhead, clients descend into the lush Karanga Valley to the Karanga Valley campsite. From the camp, clients can look east and see the jagged peaks of Mawenzi jutting into the African sky. After a hot lunch in camp, client’s afternoon is at leisure for resting or exploring. After two long days, this short day is very important for clients acclimatization, since clients summit push is about to start.

Day 6
Karanga Camp
(4,200 m/13,780 ft)
to Barafu Camp
(4,550 m/14,930 ft)
13 km, 8 hours
Alpine Desert

In the morning, clients hike east over intervening ridges and valleys to join the Mweka Route, which will be client’s descent route. Turn left toward the mountain and hike up the ridge through a sparse landscape for another hour to the Barafu Hut where clients will receive a hot lunch. The last water on the route is in the Karanga Valley; there is no water at Barafu Camp, even though Barafu is the Swahili word for ice.”
The famous snows of Kilimanjaro are far above Barafu Camp near the summit of the mountain. Client’s tent will be pitched on a narrow, stony, wind-swept ridge, Please make sure that clients familiarize themselves with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. Clients prepare equipment and warm clothing for your summit climb and drink a lot of fluids. After an early dinner get few hours of precious sleep

Day 7
Summit Day!
Barafu Camp(4,550 m/14,930 ft)to Uhuru Peak(5,895 m/19,340 ft)
to Mweka Camp(3,100 m/10,170 ft)7 km up, 23 km down8 hours up,
7-8 hours down
Scree and seasonal snow

Clients will rise around 11:30 PM and after some steaming tea and biscuits, you shuffle off into the night. Clients climb northwest up through heavy scree between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point on the crater rim is the most challenging part of the route for most climbers. At Stella Point (5,685 m/18,650 ft) Clients stop here for a short rest and a chance to see a supremely sanguine sunrise.
At Stella Point you join the top part of the Marangu Route, but please  do not rest here too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.
Depending on the season and recent storms, clients may encounter snow on clients remaining hike along the rim to Uhuru Peak. On the summit, clients can enjoy there accomplishment and know that clients are creating a day that clients will remember for the rest of there lives. After clients  3 hour descent from the summit back to Barafu Camp, Clients  will have a well earned but short rest, collect clienst  gear, and hike down a rocky  and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/10,170 ft).
This camp is in the upper forest, so clients can expect mist or rain in the late afternoon.
Dinner and washing water will be prepared, and the camp office sells drinking water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beer!

Day 8
Mweka Camp(3,100 m/10,170 ft)to Mweka Gate(1,980 m/6,500 ft)
to Moshi

After a well-deserved breakfast, it is a short, scenic, 3 hours hike back to the park gate. Don’t give the porters any tips until clients and all clients gear have reached the gate safely, but do remember to tip clients crew at the gate.
At Mweka Gate, Clients can sign there name and add details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Climbers who reached Stella Point are issued green certificates and those who  have reached Uhuru Peak will get Gold certificates