The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services: World’s #1 Kilimanjaro Climbing Experts
The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Company is world’s #1 premier experts in Climbing Kilimanjaro with decades of combined experience on the mountain, we specialize in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We run our own trekking operations, staffed with expert mountain guides.
Climbing Kilimanjaro Experts Guides and Porters By The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services.
The Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide – Summit Mount Kilimanjaro National Park. Everything you need to know about safety, training, equipment, distances and routes.
Africa is home to some of the world’s most visited mountain ranges, including Mount Kilimanjaro. Annually, more than forty thousand people go there. It’s a stunning hike that doesn’t call for any special climbing expertise. A healthy average level of fitness is all that is required to reach the summit.
Our goal in penning this book was to assist readers in getting ready for the once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro climb. Based on our extensive experience climbing Kilimanjaro over the past decade, we have compiled all of the suggestions below. The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services has guided more over 20,000 individuals on Kilimanjaro climbing tours during this time.
Our Schedule Group Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages
Climbing Kilimanjaro with The Kilimanjaro Trekking Services Co. Scheduled Kilimanjaro tours with dates and costs are below. There is no requirement for you to trek on the dates listed below. We release them exclusively for hikers who are interested in climbing with strangers.
Most of our Kilimanjaro climbers choose their own dates (for an extra fee), but the vast majority of them also want us to open their climbs up to others so they can have more company.
No need to fear throngs if you opt to be a part of a group. To make sure the guide can keep an eye on everyone’s progress, meet everyone’s requirements, and give everyone an opportunity to talk to the guide about anything, we limit our hikes to 10 to 15 trekkers unless otherwise agreed upon.
Accompany the Climbing Kilimanjaro Team as they lead you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, where hundreds of climbers have stood before you.
Nearly every day, we have Kilimanjaro group tours available. Get in touch with our managers if you’re having trouble finding a climbing group that fits your precise vacation dates. Based on your suggestions, we are considering launching a new open group on the dates you have indicated. We simply ask for $300 deposit when you book your trip.
Kilimanjaro Groups to join in 2025-2027: Cost Per Person
Date: From 09 Jan to 16 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 10 Jan to 16 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 11 Jan to 19 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jan to 19 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 14 Jan to 23 Jan | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3270 USD
Date: From 17 Jan to 25 Jan | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 19 Jan to 28 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 20 Jan to 20 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 21 Jan to 28 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 24 Jan to 31 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 26 Jan to 03 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 28 Jan to 06 Jan | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3270 USD
Date: From 31 Jan to 09 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho Route | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 01 Feb to 09 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 02 Feb to 09 Feb | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 03 Feb to 10 Feb | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 04 Feb to 12 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 05 Feb to 13 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 07 Feb to 15 Feb | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 07 Feb to 15 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 10 Feb to 18 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 10 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 11 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Feb to 19 Feb | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 15 Feb to 23 Feb | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 16 Feb to 24 Feb | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 19 Feb to 26 Feb | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 20 Feb to 01 Feb | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3250 USD
Date: From 21 Feb to 01 Mar | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 22 Feb to 01 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 25 Feb to 05 Mar | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 01 Mar – 08 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 07 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 08 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 09 Mar – 16 Mar | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 13 Mar – 21 Mar | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 21 Mar – 28 Mar | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 26 Mar – 03 Apr | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 28 Mar – 04 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 04 Apr – 11 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 11 Apr – 19 Apr | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 18 Apr – 25 Apr | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 25 Apr – 02 May | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 02 May – 09 May | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 10 May – 18 May | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 16 May – 24 May | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2700 USD
Date: From 24 May – 01 June | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 29 May – 07 June | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 30 May – 07 June | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 31 May – 07 June | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 02 Jun – 10 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 03 Jun – 10 Jun | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 04 Jun – 13 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 05 Jun – 13 Jun | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 10 Jun – 18 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jun – 21 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 13 Jun – 21 June| Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 14 Jun – 21 Jun | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 16 Jun – 24 Jun | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 18 Jun – 25 Jun | Route: 6 Days Rongai | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 20 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3400 USD
Date: From 21 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 22 Jun – 29 Jun | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 24 Jun – 02 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 26 Jun – 04 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 27 Jun – 04 Jul | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 29 Jun – 07 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 30 Jun – 08 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 3000 USD
Date: From 04 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 05 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 06 Jul – 13 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 08 Jul – 16 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 10 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 11 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 12 Jul – 19 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 13 Jul – 21 Jul | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 16 Jul – 24 Jul | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 18 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Jul – 27 Jul | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 24 Jul – 01 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 25 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Jul – 03 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 27 Jul – 04 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 30 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 31 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 31 Jul – 08 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 01 Aug – 08 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 03 Aug – 11 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 04 Aug – 11 Aug | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 05 Aug – 13 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 07 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 08 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Aug – 16 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 10 Aug – 18 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 14 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 14 Aug – 22 Aug | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 15 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 16 Aug – 23 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 18 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Aug – 27 Aug | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 23 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 23 Aug – 31 Aug | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 24 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 25 Aug – 01 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 28 Aug – 06 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 29 Aug – 06 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 29 Aug – 05 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 30 Aug – 06 Sep | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 30 Aug – 07 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 31 Aug – 08 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 02 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 03 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 04 Sept – 11 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 05 Sept – 12 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 07 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 07 Sept – 15 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 08 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Sept – 16 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 11 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 12 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900USD
Date: From 12 Sept – 19 Sept | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 13 Sept – 20 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 13 Sept – 21 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 17 Sept – 25 Sept | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 18 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Sept – 27 Sept | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 22 Sept – 30 Sept | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 24 Sept – 03 Oct | Route: 8 Days Northern Circuit | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 27 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 28 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 29 Sept – 06 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 30 Sept – 07 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 01 Oct – 09 Oct | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 02 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 03 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 04 Oct – 11 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 07 Oct – 15 Oct | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 09 Oct – 16 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 11 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 12 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 13 Oct – 20 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 15 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 16 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 17 Oct – 24 Oct | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 17 Oct – 25 Oct | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2800 USD
Date: From 19 Oct – 27 Oct | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2880 USD
Date: From 23 Oct – 30 Oct | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 25 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Oct – 03 Nov | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 01 Nov – 09 Nov | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 07 Nov – 14 Nove | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 08 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 09 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 10 Nov – 17 Nov | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 14 Nov – 21 Nov | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 15 Nov – 23 Nov | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 17 Nov – 25 Nov | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 18 Nov – 27 Nov | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 22 Nov – 30 Nov | Route: 7 Days Rongai | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 30 Nov – 07 Dec | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2100 USD
Date: From 04 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 05 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2600 USD
Date: From 06 Dec – 13 Dec | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2200 USD
Date: From 14 Dec – 22 Dec | Route: 7 Days Machame | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 18 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 19 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 20 Dec – 27 Dec | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 21 Dec – 28 Dec | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Date: From 25 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 8 Days Lemosho | Cost: 3200 USD
Date: From 26 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 27 Dec – 03 Jan | Route: 6 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2500 USD
Date: From 28 Dec – 05 Jan | Route: 7 Days Lemosho | Cost: 2900 USD
Date: From 28 Dec – 04 Jan | Route: 6 Days Marangu | Cost: 2400 USD
Expert Opinion
Our expert opinion from our Kilimanjaro Trekking Services’ Team.
When it comes to beginner-friendly peaks, Kilimanjaro is right up there. Even if you’ve never climbed before, you should be able to complete this moderately difficult excursion.
But you must not discount Kilimanjaro: That’s a lot of height—5,895 meters (19,340 ft). Low levels of oxygen in the blood can lead to high-altitude sickness. Every year, unfortunate things happen. Choosing operators with affordable prices is the main reason. They rely on shoddy gear and have guides who aren’t trained in first aid or crisis management.
Climbing Kilimanjaro | 9 THINGS You Need To Know
Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes and Maps
There is more to climbing Kilimanjaro than just making the ascent and descent. You can choose from a variety of routes. In the end, a climber’s route selection is heavily influenced by factors including weather, scenery, difficulty, and foot traffic. To begin organizing your perfect Kilimanjaro trip, pick the path that suits you best:
Machame Route
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro | Machame Route
Machame Route is the second most popular Kilimanjaro trekking trail. The southern mountainside tropical rainforest is where it all begins. For a more optimal acclimatization profile, beginners should go with the seven-day option. The Machame Route is a popular choice for hundreds of Kilimanjaro Trekking Services.
The Machame Route, sometimes called the Whiskey Route, is one of the most well-traveled paths up Kilimanjaro. The route is hilly and difficult, but there is a high success rate due to the short daily distances and good acclimatization profile.
Kilimanjaro National Park reports that the Machame Route accounts for about half of all climbers to Kilimanjaro. Hikers will be treated to breathtaking scenery along the way, with a variety of landscapes to explore.
A comprehensive map of the Machame route is provided here.
Lemosho Route
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route
A remote trailhead is the starting point of the Lemosho Route, which begins on the western slope of Kilimanjaro. The Cathedral Peak (3,962m/13,000 feet) and the world-renowned Shira Plateau are two of the most notable features. The second one is the peak of Kili’s western flank. For the best acclimatization on Kilimanjaro, go to Lemosho. If you are planning a group or solo climb of Kilimanjaro, our specialists recommend this route. Quite possibly the greatest, if not the finest.
Many consider the Lemosho Route to be the most picturesque way to climb Kilimanjaro. To reach Uhruru Peak, one of my favorite ways to climb Kilimanjaro is on this relatively new trail.
Beginning from the Londorossi Gate on Kilimanjaro’s western flank, it continues onwards. The Shira Route starts at a higher and more difficult height, thus this walk was added as a substitute. The acclimatization profile of Lemosho is better and gentler, and it has a high success rate for reaching the summit.
The Lemosho Route is an excellent option for climbing Kilimanjaro, and I’ll tell you why in this post. I’ll also compare the 7-day and 8-day choices and provide a detailed explanation of the itinerary. Keep reading to get all the details about this well-traveled path!
Marangu Route
Mount Kilimanjaro | Marangu Route
Marangu goes around Kilimanjaro’s eastern side. It is the most popular Kilimanjaro route, chosen by more over 30% of the hikers who climbed the mountain in 2023. Campouts are reserved for hikers on all other paths. On Marangu, though, groups of four to ten people share small wooden houses for the night. When hiking Kilimanjaro in the wetter months, these shelters are ideal. Not only that, but no other path does both the ascent and the descent along the same path.
The Marangu Route, which has several other names including the “Coca-Cola Route” and the “Tourist Route,” is the most well-established and ancient route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Since Marangu is the sole mountain route that offers hut lodging to hikers, it naturally ranks high among the most popular routes.
Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds, while Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60. Climbers usually have access to mattresses and pillows provided by tour operators; nevertheless, hikers should bring their own sleeping bags.
Our comprehensive Marangu route guide is here.
Rongai Route
Hiking Mt Kilimanjaro on the Rongai Route
On the mountain’s northern flank, near the Kenyan border, Rongai is the exclusive path. A picturesque pine forest is traversed by the trail. Climbing Kilimanjaro at any time is possible there because fewer people go there. The eastern Marangu route is followed on the descent. Because of this, trekkers may take in the breathtaking vistas of Kilimanjaro’s eastern slopes.
Only the Rongai Route ascends Kilimanjaro from its northern, Kenyan foot.
Trekkers can expect to encounter large animals such as antelope, elephants, and buffalo along this route due to its secluded nature.
Trekkers are less likely to experience rain on the north-east slopes of the mountain since they receive far less moisture than the southern slopes. Additionally, hikers have a better chance of seeing the mountain in all its glory.
Our comprehensive Rongai route guide is here.
Umbwe Route
WE CLIMBED KILIMANJARO | Umbwe Route, Hard Way Climb!
Due to its initially steeper terrain, the Umbwe Route presents more of a challenge than the others. Anyone in decent physical condition should try it. In addition, compared to other routes, it expedites the climbers’ arrival at higher camps. Acclimatization before the climb is highly recommended. Similar to Machame, it winds its way through a picturesque tropical jungle. There you can spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys.
Getting to Uhuru Peak via the Umbwe Route was once the easiest, fastest, and steepest option.
A catastrophic rock-fall in 2006 killed three hikers, closing the approach via the Western Breach, which was formerly used to reach the summit via Arrow’s Glacier road. The route reopened in December 2007, however most travel operators do not recommend it because of how tough it is.
Alternatively, the Umbwe Route will now intersect with the Machame Route in the late afternoon of the second day. It will then descend by the Mweka Route after ascending via the southern circuit (see to the map of the Umbwe Route below for details).
Northern Circuit Route
MOST Successful Route on Kilimanjaro | Northern Circuit Route
Mount Kilimanjaro’s Northern Circuit is its longest ascent path. Starting on the western side of the cone, this path winds its way around it, eventually reaching the peak from that direction. The southern slope is the one you’ll descend. Wonderfully, this path offers hikers a view of the mountain from all four angles. But it doesn’t include the Barranco Wall or the Dendrosenecio plants, two major attractions.
One of the most recent and extensive routes on Mount Kilimanjaro is the Northern Circuit.
Starting from the Londorossi Gate in the west, it shares the first two days of its route with the Lemosho Route. Rather than taking the shorter Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley, which is more popular, the route heads north near Lava Tower after crossing the Shira Plateau (see map below).
As it heads eastward around the mountain, the path skirts the less crowded northern slopes.
From this point on, there are a several alternative ways to climb Kilimanjaro, but they all begin at Gilman’s Point, go to the summit, and then either descend via the Marangu Route, which joins trekkers from the Machame, Umbwe, Lemosho, and Shira routes, or the Mweka Route.
Our comprehensive guide to the Northern Circuit of Kilimanjaro is here.
Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro Hike
Height: 19,340 ft/5,895 m
Trekking Distance: 42 miles (70km) | Lemosho Route
Climate zones: Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
Kilimanjaro Routes: Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe
Peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira
Required Skills: Average fitness level
Conservation status: Natural UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths: 6-9 days
Average Climb Cost: $2,750
Kilimanjaro Success Rate: 98%
CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO
What to expect on Kilimanjaro?
On Kilimanjaro, a normal day starts bright and early, between 6:30 and 7:00 in the morning. Upon your arrival, our porters will bring you a freshly brewed cup of coffee or tea and bring it directly to your tent. Our crew will have heated water available at the campground so you can wash up and brush your teeth in the morning, and then you’ll have time to get ready for the day.
Your host will extend an invitation to breakfast sometime between 7:30 and 8:00 in the morning. After refueling, the journey to the next camp starts. The typical travel time for this route is four to six hours. To make sure lunch is ready for you when you get to camp, our support staff will go ahead of you.
Following lunch and some downtime, your guides may recommend an acclimatization hike—a gentle, hour-long stroll meant to assist your body in adjusting to the higher elevation. You should definitely sign up, because these drills are essential for getting ready for the hardest task of all: climbing to the peak.
You will have some free time after the acclimatization hike before dinner, which is scheduled for around 7:00, is served. Enjoy the evening at your leisure, chatting with other climbers and taking in the stunning scenery. To make sure everyone is adjusting properly, a health check is required before bedtime. Around nine or ten o’clock at night, the lights go out.
Except for the night before the summit attempt, this is the regimen that is followed nearly every day.
You can see what an Kilimanjaro Trekking Services is like in the video up above. It is our sincere wish that it would motivate you to join us on this journey.