5 Best Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Posted on November 5, 2020
Listed below are the best and popular Kilimanjaro climbing routes indicating what to expect in each starting with an overnight at Moshi which serves as the base town for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers in a lodge-like Ameg Lodge
Most popular among Kilimanjaro climbing routes is Machame route – Route duration: six days
Total hiking distance: Approximately 100 km
This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro in all the 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Where accommodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only.
This makes Machame (also referred to as the “Whiskey route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic “slide show” over 6 days.
The Machame as one of the top Kilimanjaro climbing routes is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630m) on day 3 and brings you down by nearly 700m for an overnight at Barranco camp (3950m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization.
Itinerary:
Day one – Machame Gate (1490m) – Machame camp (2980m)
Hiking time: 7h
Distance: Approximately 18kms
Habitat: Mountain forest
Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 45-minute drive from Moshi (910m) to the Machame village (1490m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. You will receive a lunch pack and you can also buy mineral water in the village.
Depending on the condition of the road, it is possible to drive from the village to the Machame gate, but if not, the muddy 3 km walk will take about 1 hour to complete. After registering at the gate office, you start your ascent and enter the rain forest almost immediately.
There is a strong possibility of rain in the forest, which will transform the trail into a very soggy, muddy, and slippery experience. You will have a welcome lunch stop about halfway and will reach the Machame camping area in the late afternoon. Your porters (arriving at the campsite long before you) will have erected your tent on your arrival.
In the evening the porters will boil drinking and washing water and the cook will prepare dinner before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.
Day two – Machame camp (2980m) – Shira camp (3840m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 9 km
Habitat: Moorland
You rise early at Machame camp and after breakfast, you climb an hour or so to the top of the forest and then for 2 hours at a gentler gradient through the moorland zone. After a short lunch and rest, you continue up a rocky ridge onto the Shira plateau. By now you will be able to see in an easterly direction, the Western Breach with its stunning glaciers.
You are now due west of Kibo and after a short hike, you will reach the Shira campsite at 3 840m. The porters will boil drinking and washing water, before serving dinner. The night at this exposed camp will even be colder than the previous night, with temperatures dropping to well below freezing.
Day three – Shira (at 3840m) to Lava Tower (at 4630m) to Barranco camp (at 3950m)
Hiking time: 7h
Distance: Approximately 15 km
Habitat: Semi-desert
The route now turns east into a semi-desert and rocky landscape surrounding Lava Tower, where you reach an altitude of 4630m after about a 5 hours walk. Lunch is served in a designated area before ascending the rocky scree path to Lava Tower (4630m). This is definitely the toughest day so far.
It is normally around this point, where for the first time, some climbers will start to feel symptoms of breathlessness, irritability, and headaches. After lunch you descent again by almost 680m to the Barranco camping area and after reaching the high altitude of 4600m at Lava Tower, the true acclimatization benefit of this day becomes clear.
This descent to Barranco camp takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take some beautiful photographs of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while you wait for the preparation of your dinner.
Day four – Barranco camp (3950m) – Barafu camp (4550m)
Hiking time: 7h
Distance: Approximately 13 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
After spending a night at the Great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out easier than what you anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is.
The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. Turn left up the ridge and after another hour or so, you reach Barafu hut. The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water at Barafu camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for “ice” and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night.
Totally exposed to the ever-present gales the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarize yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents during Kilimanjaro climbing routes briefings. The summit is now a further 1345m up and you will make the final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski stick, and thermal clothing for your summit attempt.
This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.
Day five – (Summit attempt) Barafu camp (4550m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka (3100m)
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers, this 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route.
At Stella Point (5685m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions.
Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue. Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk back to Barafu from the summit takes 3 hours. While here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear.
The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.
Day six – Mweka camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1980m)
After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 3-hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village, you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
The second popular of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes is Marangu route- Route duration: five to six days
Total hiking distance: Approximately 96 km (excludes acclimatization hikes on day three)
Affectionately known as the “Coca-Cola route“, Marangu is by far the most popular route among the 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route.
This is not always the best way due to a shorter acclimatization period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route to a 6-day march, greatly increasing your chances of success. Hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes.
It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates, and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
6 day – Itinerary for the Marangu route For the 5-day route, simply exclude the additional acclimatization day at Horombo hut – day 3 on the itinerary below.
Day one – Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 12kms
Habitat: Montane forest
The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.
Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack, and extra clothing) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest.
The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. (An alternative and more scenic parallel forest trail branches off to the left a few minutes after the gate. This trail follows the edge of a stream through the undergrowth and offers you the option to rejoin the main trail either after 1.5 hours of hiking, or 1 hour before Mandara hut.)
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, is a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut.
Day two – Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Moorland
From Mandara hut, the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater, and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater.
On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecio Kilimanjaro), which can reach heights of 5m!
After about 6 hours from here, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, rest; an evening meal, and overnight.
Day three – Horombo hut (3720m) – Acclimatization day
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides, and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo are for additional acclimatization.
A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.
Day four – Horombo hut (3720m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast, you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and a lower route (left-hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right-hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded.
The recommended lower route (left-hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter and it also passes the last watering point at 4130m. You will have to fill your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut in two night’s time (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut).
Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water!! Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Horombo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut.
The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick, and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at around 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.
Day five – (Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to get to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim.
This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, you gather all the gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight.
The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Day six – Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips.
At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!
Lemosho route – Duration of climb: eight days – (3rd mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes)
You will love this route even more if you happen to use these 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes at some time in your many visits.
DAY 1– FOREST CAMP 2780M
Morning drive to Kilimanjaro entrance gate with picnic lunches after registration formalities start climbing through the forest up to the forest camp a gentle walk of a few hours to stretch our legs in anticipation of the long climb ahead. Dinner and Overnight at FOREST CAMP.
DAY 2 – SHIRA 1 CAMP 3500 M
After breakfast, we start a slow walk to aid acclimatization through the forest and into the Hagenia zone, where the vegetation begins to thin out as we approach the Shira Plateau. Shira is one of the three craters of the Kilimanjaro volcanic Massif, from our camp we have great views of the Shira needless and Mount Meru. Dinner and overnight at SHIRA 1 CAMP.
DAY 3 — SHIRA 2 CAMP 3900M
After a spectacular sunrise that reveals the magnitude of the distant snow-capped crater, we slowly climb into the alpine heather zone approaching the Kibo massif from the west, to over camp. Today is a shorter walk allowing to further exploration of the Lobelias, Senecios, and other endemic plants. Dinner and Overnight at SHIRA 2 CAMP.
DAY 4 –LAVA TOWER CAMP 4640M
After breakfast morning walking on lava ridges, beneath the glaciers of western Breach. After lunch at Lava tower campsite, walk off the rocky lower slopes of the western breach to reach the ruins of the old hut at Arrow Glacier. This afternoon is recommended for acclimatization. Dinner and Overnight at LAVA TOWER CAMP.
DAY 5 — ARROW GLACIER CAMP 4830M
Morning in order to aid acclimatization, we slow down the pace and walk a short distance to the base of the breach where we make our camp at Arrow Glacier, the afternoon is free for a short walk for acclimatization. As temperature drops, we are treated to one of the finest sunsets in Africa. Dinner and Overnight at ARROW GLACIER CAMP.
DAY 6 — CRATER CAMP 5730M
Another early start after a cold night and we face up to the imposing western Breach that looms above us. We take the ascent route climbing slowly for six hours. our path sometimes covered in the famous snow of Kilimanjaro.
As we reach the top of the wall we slowly traverse a crater before arriving at our special camp, for high her than any other on the Mountain. Here we rest up for the final push tomorrow. Dinner and Overnight at CRATER CAMP
DAY 7 — SUMMIT/ MWEKA CAMP
Thanks to our careful acclimatization and slow ascent to this final comp, we are closer to the summit than any of the other climbers and do not have a grueling final day with only a final two-hour hike to the crater summit and a ten minute final stretch to Uhuru Summit 5895M arriving at the summit for sunrise.
After thrilling scree runs for two hours we follow the Mweka descend, after we reach Mweka camp here we at celebrating our achievements the definitive moments of our life. Dinner and overnight MWEKA CAMP 3080M.
DAY 8 — Last day
After breakfast then continue to go down to Mweka gate 1630m where you sign your name and details and register – here successful climbers receiver their summit certificates. After transfer to Hotels for resting.
Rongai route – Duration: six days – (4th mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes)
The Rongai route ascends Kilimanjaro from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route in all 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes retains a sense of unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north.
Day one – Rongai Gate (1950m) – 1st Caves camp (2600m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 8 km
Habitat: Forest (Montane)
Register at the Marangu park gate, after which you transfer (approximately 2 ½ hours) to the Rongai trailhead. Meet your guide and porters before you begin your hike from the Nale Moru village. The small winding path crosses maize fields before entering pine forest and then climbs gently through a forest.
The trail is not at all steep but is rather a gentle hike through the beautiful country. The first night’s camp is at First Cave, at about 2,600 meters. There are a toilet and a wooden table with benches, but no hut. Water can be found just down the trail below First Cave.
Day two – 1st Cave (2600m) – Kikelewa Cave (3600m)
Hiking time: 6 – 7hrs
Habitat: Moorlands
The trail continues up towards Kibo, passing Second Cave (3450m) en-route, and reaching Kikelwa Cave at about 3600 meters. The views start to open up and you begin to feel you’re on a really big mountain! Water is in the obvious stream below the cave, although you might have to wander downhill a way to find some. Overnight at 3rd Cave camp (Kikelewa Caves).
Day three – Kikelewa Cave (3600) – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m)
Hiking time: 3 – 4h
Habitat: Moorlands
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes offers superb views of this wilderness area. The vegetation zone ends shortly before you reach your next camp at Mawenzi Tarn spectacularly situated beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Spend the afternoon acclimatizing and exploring the area.
Day four – Mawenzi Tarn camp (4330m) – Kibo hut (4700m)
Hiking time: 4 – 5h
Habitat: Alpine desert
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent, which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day five
(Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to Horombo
Habitat: Stone scree / ice-cap summit
Distance: Approximately 6 km ascent, 21 km descent
You will rise around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. This is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim.
This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s Point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.
Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you can spend, taking photographs, before the 3-hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest, you gather all your gear for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) where you will overnight. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.
The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Day six – Horombo hut (at 3720m) to Marangu Gate (at 1980m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 27 km
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates.
Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner, and celebrations!!
Umbwe route via Arrow Glacier – Duration: six days – (5th route in 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes)
The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes among the 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro of all the Kilimanjaro climbing routes. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to a higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful.
Fewer people, pristine forest, and shorter walking distances make it a great option for fit hikers. Add to your experience – OVERNIGHT IN THE CRATER!! Be one of a few fortunate people to spend a night in Africa’s largest volcano. This option is highly recommended, as this will be the only opportunity to get close to the beautiful and fascinating glaciers of Kilimanjaro and to be able to visit the ash pit.
Day one – Umbwe Gate (1800m) – Bivouac (first) camp (2940m)
Hiking time: 5h
After breakfast you will be driven to the Umbwe Gate at 1800m, passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. On arrival at the Parks Gate, your guide and porters will meet you. Sign the register before you enter the park for your first step to accomplishing a life-long dream. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy.
The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth.
Day two
Bivouac (first) camp (2940m) – Barranco camp (3950m)
Hiking time: 6h
Shortly after leaving the camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth, and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you – etched against the blue sky.
The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley. From the Umbwe ridge, the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.
Day three – Barranco camp (3950m) – Lava Tower (4630m) – Arrow Glacier Camp (4800m)
Distance: Approximately Kms
Habitat: Moorland / Semi desert
After breakfast, you will start your hike towards Lava Tower, a famous landmark in Kilimanjaro. The path is steep and rocky, with views of Mt. Meru, Kilimanjaro’s little sister, punching her peak through the clouds. From Lava Tower, you turn towards the Western Breach, a steep climb to Arrow Glacier camp (4800m).
This is taxing and symptoms of altitude sickness might become noticeable. The campsite is spectacular. Vegetation has now all but disappeared, leaving only rock and scree in varying shades of brown and black. The campsite is very cold and you need to be prepared.
Day four – Arrow Glacier (4800m) – Crater (5700m)
Hiking time: 5h
From the Arrow Glacier camp steep scree and rocky outcrops requiring a scramble lead up the Western Breach to the crater floor (5700m). This day will be the toughest challenge by far. After snowfalls, the route can become icy and in these conditions, an ice ax or ski stick may be required. When reaching the crater rim, you will be astonished by the view of snow and glaciers.
Visible to you left is the Northern Ice fields of Kilimanjaro with the Furtwangler Glacier in front of you. Walk past this glacier to the Crater camp, situated at the crater rim. If time permits, you can climb to the Ash Pit (1 ½ hour). The Ash Pit is 340m across, 120m deep, and is one of the most perfect-formed examples in the world. The campsite is very cold as snow might occur. Be one of the fortunate few to spend a night in the inner crater of Kilimanjaro.
Day five – (Summit attempt) Crater (5700m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3100m
Hiking time: 2h to Uhuru, 7-8h to Mweka
You will rise around 04:00, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the early morning darkness. From the crater floor, you will probably encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. Time spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to start again due to cold and fatigue.
Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life. The walk to Barafu camp from the summit takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest, before heading down to Millennium camp (3100m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be provided as well as drinking water.
Day six – Mweka camp (3100m)- Mweka Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 3h
Habitat:
Distance: Approximately km
Wake early to enjoy a well-deserved breakfast, and then tackle the five-hour walk to the park gate. Pay your porters only when you know you and your equipment is safe at the gate. At Mweka Gate you receive your certificate of the summit, after signing the register, and if you’ve completed the climb successfully.
In all Kilimanjaro climbing routes, Climbers who successfully got to Uhuru receive golden certificates, while those who made it to Stella Point receive green certificates. From Mweka Gate you walk to Mweka Village, a one hour walk through 3kms of muddiness (usually). You receive a hot lunch at the Mweka Village, and are taken back to Moshi, where you can celebrate your summit, and have that long-overdue hot shower.
Please note: Safety conditions or weather may cause the itinerary to change without warning. Hike times are estimated, calculated to form a comfortable pace throughout the ascent. Please note: The itinerary above serves only as a guide. You can add an extra day if you so
wish. You can summit Mt Kilimanjaro via Arrow Glacier or Barafu Camp with Umbwe Route.
What is included in most climbing Kilimanjaro packages that apply in all Kilimanjaro climbing routes?
Price included in all Kilimanjaro climbing routes and package:-
– Transport to the gateway
– National park fees
– Meals for all days
– Camping equipment gas, tents, water
– Salary for crews, potters, cook, guide
Not Included in Kilimanjaro climbing routes and package:-
– Personal items like alcohol
– Tipping (we recommend)
– Visa
Always ask for a checklist of all the equipment and items you need before you start climbing. This is to confirm you have everything you need at the mountain as they are all some in all mentioned 5 best mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes.
All 5 best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes combine very well with a safari in Tanzania northern sector of Serengeti, Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara and safari in Kenya through Namanga bonder. However, to join any of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes, you can have an overnight at Moshi prior to starting day. Important to note that these are note the only Kilimanjaro climbing routes as there are many others more so explored by porters. They have explored their own Kilimanjaro climbing routes that they seem shorter so that they are always ahead to set-up camps before guests arrive.
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