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Mt Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano located in the Kilimanjaro National Park in the north east corner of Tanzania and consists of three peaks namely Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira. The Uhuru peak on the Kibo-rim is at 5895m a.m.s.l. Africa’s highest point and also marks the world’s highest free-standing mountain.

Situated roughly only about 300km south of the equator, the region has no distinguishable seasons in terms of temperatures, but rainfall is more common during certain months. Mt Kilimanjaro (which is Swahili for Shining Mountain) with its permanent ice cap almost looks out of place in this tropical location. Sadly, this ice cap is rapidly receding due to global warming and may completely disappear within a couple of years’ time.

Kilimanjaro is a natural wonder in the sense that its slopes can be distinctly divided into six different ecological zones. The rich volcanic soil has attracted people to settle at, and cultivate the slopes up to about an altitude of 1800m. Above these cultivated areas, a lively rainforest stretches up to about 2800m. This rainforest receives an average of 2000mm annual rainfall which mostly falls during the monsoon of March to May and then also during October and November.


Our guides are equipped for any of the mountain’s routes and are eager to show you the surrounding beauty of the route you choose. We will recommend a route for you based on your level of fitness.

As you go up one side of the mountain and come down another you are treated to beautiful views as you experience the South West and South sides of the mountain. All you carry is a daypack containing a few essentials (snacks, rain/windgear, water, warm top & a few extras) while the porters will carry all your other gear including the tents you sleep in and for your comfort, fold up chairs and tables.

A cook will prepare all meals and these are served in a dinner tent or outside, depending on the weather. You sleep in tents that the porters pitch before you arrive in camp. This makes this route, commonly known as the “Whisky Route” better suited for the more “adventurous” hiker.

An ongoing slide show is presented as guests take in sunsets at Shira to the revelations of the Barranco Wall on Kibo. The route is normally completed in 6 days (a 7th day can be requested). This route takes you to the heights of Lava Tower and descends again to Barranco Camp before going up to Barufu camp before final summit night on the Kibo slope. The intermediate ascent and descent is the key to successful acclimatisation.

This lengthy trip covers 100km over 6 days.

Commonly known as the “Coca Cola” route, it is said to be the easiest and shortest route. Summit length is slightly longer than the other routes. The contour of the mountain is traversed on this route and not being in valleys has less precipitation and vaster views across the plains.

This is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers solar powered sleeping huts (lights only) and comfortable bunk beds at every camp. Each bunk bed has a sponge mattress and pillow.

Huts are communal and 60 beds are available at Mandara and Kibo hut with 120 available at Horombo. Basic bathrooms with running water are available at the lower huts (no hot water). Very basic latrines are available at the last camp before summit.

Climbers from all parts of the world enjoy their meals in dining huts, often providing a very happy and electric atmosphere. You are able to purchase bottled water, soft drinks, chocolates and beer at each camp. Ensure you bring small denominations should you choose to purchase any goods and remember that prices increase with elevation.

This route can be done in 5 days but is highly recommended to be done in 6, allowing for better acclimatisation. The additional day, should it be chosen, is spent at Horombo from where you walk to Mawenzi Saddle.

75km are covered in 6 days on this route.

This is a little used route up to the Shira Plateau, taking you through remote and unspoilt areas.

A relatively big fuel surcharge is charged as it is a long way around to the start from your accommodation in Moshi.

Once above the plateau, you approach the Great Western Breach and follow the South Route to the easier Barafu Route. An armed Ranger will accompany all groups using this route as there are still wild animals in the forest around the Lemosho Glades.

This is an 8 day trek and covers 98km

This is the most direct way to Uhuru Peak and offers spectacular views. The route follows a forested ridge to the moorlands and then dips below the Southern Icefields to reach the Machame route which you then follow to the summit. This route is steep, tough and in places very exposed. It is recommended for the very fit and strong individual who is used to walking in mountain areas.

It is seldom used because of the steepness where trekking poles become essential on the steep and slippery slopes in the rainforest.

Porters will carry all your gear except for the daypack you carry. A cook is on hand to prepare all your meals and these are served in the dinner tent. The porters will pitch your tent where you will spend the night.

This is a 6 day trek covering 81km but you can choose to add an extra day, best taken at Barranco Camp.

This 6 day trek covers 81km.

It is said to be more scenic than the Marangu Route and easier than the Machame Route.

It is one of the least travelled routes and starts on the North side of Kilimanjaro, just South of the Kenyan border.

The Rongai joins the Marangu Route at base camp and returns on the Marangu Route, South East side giving you many view points of the mountain. Porters are on hand to carry all gear and pitch tents. Dinner is enjoyed in a dinner tent or outside weather permitting.

The start is a long way from where you stay in Moshi before starting the trek and a high fuel surcharge is charged.

It can be done in 6 days over 70km or 7 days over 77km

Safety

Prospective Kilimanjaro expedition members need understand that reaching the summit is not guaranteed. There are many factors that influence the chances of summit success and our first priority is always safety and enjoyment of the journey as a whole.

Your guide will be well equipped to take the quickest route down in the case of an emergency. A First Aid kit will always be available on all routes. All participants will be briefed before the trek starts on safety procedures.

Visa, Medical & Travel Requirements:

Visitors wanting to enter Tanzania are required to obtain a visa. This you get on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. Our African Outdoor Adventures guide will be on hand to assist you.  Another pre-requisite for entering the country is proof of yellow-fever vaccination and is a requisite to re-enter South Africa. The Yellow Fever vaccination must be given latest 2 weeks before your intended trip. African Outdoor Adventures will assist you with more information and arrangements regarding Malaria and other vaccinations you may require.

African Outdoor Adventures will arrange all flights and local transport in Tanzania. Guests are free to make their own travel arrangements if they wish

Fitness Program:

Getting fit for the trek remains your responsibility but African Outdoor Adventures will be happy to assist you with a suggested training program.

Catering and Porters:
All routes are fully catered and porters carry the bulk of the load. You will only need to carry a day pack with some warm & rainproof clothes, snacks and water.

Equipment:

You will require all trekking equipment and clothing suitable for high altitude mountain conditions. On the tented route we will provide mountain tents but no hiking mattresses. Contact us for the recommended Kilimanjaro equipment list or have a look at our links page for places to obtain equipment & let us know if you need assistance with procurement of equipment.