MARANGU ROUTE

For normal physically fit person, this is generally the most popular and easier route. It is the only one with permanent Huts {on other routes its mainly camping in Mountain tents.

Marangu Gate {Alt. 1850m} - Mandara Hut {Alt. 2700m}

5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

DAY 01:

After an early morning pick up from your hotel in  Arusha will drive to the Marangu Gate. We will spend 1-2 hours at the Park Headquarters at Marangu Gate for registration, payment of fees and final packing. After as somewhat leisurely walk you will arrive in Mandara, hopefully avoiding the rain showers that sometimes fall in the afternoon. From the gate, you ascend a cleared ridge trail, formerly a vehicle track to Mandara Hut. Dinner and overnight at the Mandara Hut (full board).

DAY 02:

From Mandara Hut, rising early, you climb to Horombo Hut, 12,334 feet. This is a 10 mile walk, which takes about 5 hours, through forests and then across open moorland. The giant lobelia begin to appear at 11,000 feet. The trail passes through a short stretch of forest and skirts the base of Maundi Crater, crosses a meadow and a wooded stream, then emerges into grassland. The trail crosses numerous moorland ravines before ending at Horombo Hut, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant senesces. Dinner and Overnight at the Horombo Hut (full board).

DAY 03:

From Horombo Hut, Climb through the saddle at 15,000 feet, lying between the twin peaks of Mawenzi at 17,000 feet on the right and Kibo at 19,442 feet on the left.
Overnight and Overnight at the Kibo Hut (full board).

DAY 04:

Rise very early, shortly after midnight, and climb to Gilman’s Point (18,655 feet situated on the rim of the crater) to watch the dawn break.
The trail to the summit lies directly behind Kibo Hut, to the west. It is normal to start this day's climb at 2 am or earlier. (There are three reasons to do this: to see the sun rise over Mawenzi from the top of Kibo, the loose stone screed is frozen —making it easier to climb, and you can get back in good time). The first part is an uneven trail which leads to the Hans Meyer Cave, a good rest point. After that, the trail makes more regular switchbacks most of the way to the top, with a last scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gilman's Point. From there, the trail continues along the rim past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. As you descend the screed from the rim back to Kibo Hut, it is tempting to run fast, but this can result in clouds of irritating dust and even unpleasant falls. The return to Horombo Hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent.
Overnight and Overnight at the Horombo Hut (full board).

DAY 05:

Descend from Horombo Hut. You can easily make Mandara Hut by lunchtime, and continue to the Park gate where you will be met by us and be transferred back to Arusha in the afternoon. We will meet you and return you to your hotel...for that long awaited hot shower.
 

NOTE:
The schedule, trails and accommodation are designed to allow visitors to acclimate.
This is a tough walking trip but within the limits of a fit individual used to walking in mountain areas.
An extra day at Horombo, Mawenzi or Kibo Huts is recommended for additional altitude acclimatization.

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS

MARANGU ROUTE

DAY 1:

Arrive at Marangu Gate by private transfer from Arusha, introduction to your Guide/Porters. Thereafter Registration before starting your climbing {hiking/trekking} for approximately 3 to 4 hrs through the rain forest. Picnic lunch along the route to Mandara. On arrival leisure with hot refreshments etc. Late afternoon walk to the Maundi Crater for acclimatization - thereafter walking back for dinner and overnight at the Mandara Hut. Mandara Hut {2700m} - Horombo Hut {Alt. 3700m}

DAY 2:

After breakfast, start climbing through the Giant Savannah semi rainforest and Lobbelia's for approximately 4 to 5 hours with picnic lunch along the route to Horombo arriving late afternoon served with refreshments later evening walk along the Mawenzi Route to as far as you can manage for acclimatization purpose. Thereafter descend back to the Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. Horombo Hut {3700m} - Kibo Hut {4700m}

DAY 3:

Breakfast at around 0800am. Acclimatization day. The Guide will advice you what to do. All meals and Overnight at Horombo Hut.

DAY 4:

After breakfast, start climb with picnic lunch along the route through the semi desert areas, small glaciers, passing sunny and windy conditions for approximately 6 to 7hrs before arriving, almost exhausted at the Kibo Hut for dinner and overnight - up to approximately 12.00midnight. Thereafter you are woken up ready for your final preparation to ascend to the summit. kibo Hut {4700m} - Gilmans Point { 5600m} or to Uhuru Peak {5895m}.

DAY 5:

Your final ascent start as early as 01.00hrs {1.00am} going Zigzag through the thick glaciers and sandy areas up to Gilman's Point for 6 to 7 hrs. If you wish to continue to the Uhuru Peak {the highest Peak in Africa}is another approx. 2 hrs away. After signing and short rest, you start descent slowly to Kibo Hut, for breakfast and rest for approx 1 hour then walk down to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.

DAY 6:

After breakfast, final descent Via Mandara Hut for a Picnic lunch arriving the Kilimanjaro Park Gate {Marangu - gate} between 1200 – 0100pm. Afterwards drive to Arusha.

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS

UMBWE ROUTE

The Umbwe route is often heralded as the most beautiful of all Kilimanjaro routes and among the more challenging. With its steep non-technical approach that requires periodic rock scrambling, the Umbwe route is appropriate for experienced hikers. This route is worlds away from the heavily touristy Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route. Thomson makes it special with our experienced staff, safety equipment, food and all the services that make us stand apart from other companies. On this route we trek high and camp low, allowing you to acclimatize to the altitude thus helping your chances of success. This route includes an overnight trek from 15,000 feet to the summit (a 15-19 hour trek in one day including the descent).

DAY 01: Montaine Forest
Altitude :  9,700ft
Hiking time : 5 - 6 hrs
The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montana Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck
& duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before stampeding for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.
 

DAY 02: Giant Heath land
Altitude : 13000ft
Hiking Time : 4 - 5 hrs
Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro's southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.

DAY 03: Arrow Glacier
Altitude: 15800ft
Hiking time: 4 - 5 hrs
The day starts through the unique Barranco valley with its lush vegetation and giant senisios. As the valley steepness we strike off up a screed ramp on the most direct route to Arrow Glacier. The vegetation is left behind as we move through old weather rock and alongside old lava runs. A final boulder slope brings us to the Arrow Glacier Campsite.

DAY 04: Day Hike - Acclimatization
Altitude : 15800ft
This day is a chance to acclimatize and rest before the push to the summit. During the day we will take a hike up the Western Breach Route to familiarize ourselves with it and if necessary kick steps in the snow. This hike will also help with our acclimatization.

DAY 05: Summit and descend
Altitude : 19340ft
Hiking Time : 9 - 10 hrs
Leaving at midnight we will wind our way up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route, for about six hours to the crater rim. Moving around the massive Fur wrangler Glacier as the skies lighten we will see the shape of Mt. Meru to the west. Having crossed the crater plateau we begin the final 800 ft climb to the summit (19,340ft) arriving shortly after dawn. Having enjoyed the view we begin the long descent to Barafu Hut then on down to Mweka Camp for the night.

DAY 06: Hotel - Arusha
Hiking Time : 4 - 7 hrs
Hiking time will vary depending on the trail conditions while traveling through the lush vegetation at this elevation. Rain can occur any time of year at this location and can make the trail muddy requiring a slower pace. Once we have descended the 4,500 feet to the road head we will have our lunch and say good-bye to our mountain staff before heading off to the hotel in Arusha.

MACHAME ROUTE

6 DAYS 5 NIGHTS

Machame route is regarded as the most scenic of the trails up Kilimanjaro. You ascend gradually through the forest till you emerge onto the Moorland of Shira Plateau, from which there are superb views of the Kibo Peak and the Great Western Breach. Travelers through Machame rout

Day 1:

Transfer from your hotel to the Machame gate.Frm here you trek through the lush forest to Machame Hut (10,000ft/3000m) Stay /Camp/overnight

Day 2:

Leaving the forest, the path fellow’s a steep ridge passing through heather and open moarlands and crossing a ridge to reach shira hut (12,500ft/3,800m)Stay/Camp overnight.

Day 3:

Acclimatization day at Shira Plateau. The Shira Plateau is very beautiful with good views of the Western Glaciers. There are several fine minor summits to be climbed. dinner and overnight -Shira Hut.

Day 4:

After breakfast, a tough walk up steep screed with some easy rocks scrambling. snow cove makes the screed easier but an ice axe is then required. Dinner and overnight - Arrow glacier.

Day 5:

The start of summit is made in the early hours o the morning for more than 4.5 hours you climb the steepest glacier to summit (Uhuru Peak). From here you descend down to Mweka Hut for dinner and overnight.

Day 6:

Descend from Mweka hut to the park gate from where you are transferred back to your hotel in Arusha.

10 DAYS 9 NIGHTS

SHIRA ROUTE:

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest (19,340 feet) and youngest (first lava flows started about a million years ago) of East Africa's three largest volcanoes. It is also the highest peak in all Africa! The three non-technical approaches to the summit are shown as the Marangu, Machame, and Shira Plateau routes. We believe that the Shira Plateau route offers the best way to hike Kilimanjaro: the best chance of "summiting" (95% of climbers make it to the top!), superior acclimatization, magnificent alpine scenery, and opportunities to get away from the crowd’s. Only on this route do you have the opportunity to see Kilimanjaro’s Inner Crater, and to actually camp next to a glacier on the rim of the peak. The Marangu ("Tourist" route) is commonly known as the "coca-cola route" because it is the most touristy and least scenic route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Less than half the climbers attempting this route reach the true summit - Uhuru Peak, at 19,340 feet. The lovely alpine Machame route is preferable to the tourist route. Normally a longer 6 day itinerary, but still with significantly less time to build strength and acclimatize to the altitude than along the Shira Plateau route, and less time to enjoy the on-mountain ambiance. The machame is also a better known route than the Shira Plateau, so there are often crowding problems when a number of different trekking groups "share" the small campsites. The Shira Plateau route is the most scenic route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This 8 days/ 9 nights western breach ascent includes two very important on-mountain “Exploration Days" for acclimatization. As a result, there is more time to enjoy the alpine flora, fauna, and glaciation’s-and more time to simply enjoy the beauty of the mountain. You will have opportunities to see a variety of birdlife and possible Colobus and Sykes monkeys as well as larger animals. It also offers the chance to really enjoy the unique Montana forest (instead of just passing through quickly, as the Machame trekkers do) . The focal point of this route -the stunning Shira Plateau- is especially worthwhile for exploration. Because the climb to the summit from high camp is so short -only a two hour hike just 1,000 foot final altitude gain-and your extra days on-mountain to acclimatize and build strength, the success rate for reaching summit is over 90 percent! Our expert tour outfitters located in Arusha, Tanzania have been guiding and organizing private trips to the summit of Kilimanjaro since the early 80's.

DAY 01: Arusha -  Big Tree Camp (9,000’)
You will be driven to Londorosi Gate/the Montane Forest to begin the climb at an altitude of about 7,500 feet. We drive for approximately 3 1/2 hours on a rough, dirt road to the forest edge of the national park. From here we will meet our trip leaders and mountain crew and begin our ascent on foot for a few hours through the undisturbed, very thick Montana Forest to our camp for the night. With luck, you will be able to see colobus monkeys and possibly signs of elephants on our walk to the camp. Many beautiful flowers are observed and in the night you may hear the Tree Irex.

DAY 04: Shira Plateau Camp (11,300’)
You will reach the Shira Plateau, west side. The hiking time is 6 hours. Taking our time walking through the forest will help us spot some of the animals and bird life. The day’s hike will take us through the Montana Forest through a transition zone. Then we enter the heath zone, where the old lava flows are visible. We will point out unique environmental differences that characterize these equatorial zones. After a picnic lunch, we hike to our campsite on the rim of the Shira Plateau and then onto our camp overlooking a dramatic view of Kilimanjaro and its glaciers.

DAY 05: Fisher Camp (12,950’)
Today is an easy paced acclimatization day. Hiking time is 4 to 5 hours. Camp is set a little higher on the Shira Plateau with expansive views of Kilimanjaro. There is an optional one-hour hike in the afternoon where you can enjoy the clusters of giant lobelias and tenacious that grow at this elevation.

DAY 06: Lava Tower (14,300’)
Today we will hike for 5 hours to our camp just under “lava tower.” This will be our first introduction to the Alpine Zone where the only plant life is the hardiest of grasses and the lichens. We will have a spectacular view of our final ascent up the Western Breach.

DAY 07: Arrow Glacier (15,300’)
With the Western Breach ascent route in full view, we will spend a few hours climbing to the base of the route where we will make a camp near Arrow Glacier. Hiking time is 3 hours. We will take an afternoon hike further up the route before relaxing in camp; this will help our acclimatization and improve our performance the following day.

DAY 08: Summit Crater Camp ( 18,500’)
This is the most challenging day. We will wind our way up the Western Breach over switchbacks covered with frozen scree and then travel over a ridge trail, covered with large boulders. We can explore the inner crater and the ash pit before moving to our high camp next to the magnificent glaziers on the crater floor. Hiking time is 6 to 7 hours. Tonight we go to sleep early in preparations for the final ascent.

DAY 09: Uhuru Peak/ Mweka Camp (11,000’)
After breakfast, we make the final 1–hour and 40 minute hike to Uhuru Peak. You will reach the summit of Kilimanjaro at 19,340 feet, around 8 A.M. At this early hour, before the clouds have come in, we usually have spectacular views of Africa in all directions. Tea and snacks will be served on the top. After a short stay, 20–30 minutes, you will descend 2–3 hours to Barafu for lunch, rest and to pick up belongings. Then you will continue downhill 3–4 hours to Mweka Forest. Tonight’s camp is 9,000 feet below the summit! It is a long descent. Poles are needed by most. Eat; share your experiences of the climb and then sleep soundly. Congratulations. You’ve made it to the top of Africa.

DAY 10:

After breakfast ascend rapid to the Mweka Gate where the driver will meet you and drive back to Arusha.

8 DAYS 7 NIGHTS

SHIRA PLATEAU WESTERN BREACH

The Shira Plateau Western Breach is the best non-technical route on the mountain and our summit day is only a 1-2 hour hike from our last camp. This seldom traveled route requires no technical experience, only that you be in great physical shape and have the desire to stand on the roof of Africa. This complete Kilimanjaro itinerary is the most successful trek on the mountain with 98% of the climbers reaching the summit.   One of the best features of the route is the longer, slower ascent which gives the body time to acclimatize to the altitude gradually- this greatly increases the success rate.  The route has the added benefit of traveling across the Shira Plateau: a World Heritage Site and one of the Kilimanjaro wilderness areas. Destination Tanzania Safaris takes pride in providing gourmet food and comfortable camps throughout the climb, and porters will carry your equipment.

DAY 01: MONTANE FOREST (9,000') (Day 1 on mountain)
Drive approximately one hour to the Kilimanjaro National Park forest edge.   From there you walk about 3 hours through the undisturbed forest to the camp for the night.  With luck you will be able to see Colobus monkeys and signs of elephant and other forest wildlife on your walk to camp.
 

DAY 02:  SHIRA PLATEAU WEST SIDE (11,300') (Day 2 on mountain)
Taking your time walking through the forest will help you spot some of the plentiful game and bird life.  The day's hike will take you up through the Montana Forest and the Hagen a forest zone. You will see the unique environmental differences that characterize these equatorial zones.
 

DAY 03: SHIRA PLATEAU EAST SIDE -FISCHER'S CAMP (12,950') (Day 3 on mountain)

Your hike today will be about 4 hours across the Shira Plateau, a World Heritage Site, and one hour up the western slope of the Kibo Massif. Camp will be in the upper heath zone in full view of the Western Breach.
 

DAY 04: LAVA TOWER (14,300') (Day 4 on mountain)
Today you will hike approximately 6 hours to camp just under Lava Tower, a 300 foot high volcanic lava plug that juts out of the side of the mountain. This will be our first introduction to the alpine zone, with the only plant life being the hardiest of grasses and lichens. You will have a spectacular view of our final ascent route up the Western Breach wall and the Breach Icicle.
 

DAY 05: ARROW GLACIER (16,000') (Day 5 on mountain)
With the Western Breach ascent route in full view, you will spend 2 hours climbing to the base of the route where we will camp near Arrow Glacier. The day will be spent mostly resting and conserving strength, but there will also be an afternoon hike partway along the climbing ascent route. This will get us to a higher elevation for better acclimatization and give us a chance to familiarize ourselves with the beginning of the longest hiking day of the whole climb.
 

DAY 06: SUMMIT CRATER CAMP (18,500') (Day 6 on mountain)
You will wind our way up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route for about six hours to the crater rim of the main Kilimanjaro summit massif. Those who still have the energy on top can explore the inner crater and the ash pit before moving to our highest camp on the crater floor.  This spectacular high camp is next to the Fur wrangler Glacier with stunning views westward toward Mount Meru and the setting African sun. The high altitude of crater camp makes it a physically demanding experience, but the reward is a radical scene of towering glaciers rising from the harsh rock landscapes.
 

DAY 07: SUMMIT DAY and MWEKA CAMP (10,500') (Day 7 on mountain)
You will start our ascent to the summit (19,340') early enough in the morning to be on the summit by 9:00am.  This final ascent is only 800 feet and can be undertaken after sunrise and a leisurely breakfast. This is quite a contrast to the 3,000 feet slog required to summit via all the other ascent routes on Kilimanjaro. The rewards of seeing the summit crater glaciers and standing on Africa's highest peak are well worth the effort. After taking in the view from Uhuru Peak we will begin the long descent to Barafu Hut and down to our final camp near Mweka Hut.
 

DAY 08: ARUSHA (Day 8 on mountain & hike out)
Breakfast at 0700am. It takes about 3 to 5 hours to make the 4,500 feet descent to the Park Gate and pick-up.  We will have our Picnic Lunch at the gate before driving back to Arusha .

5 DAYS 4NIGHTS

RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai Route approaches the highest mountain in Africa from the north and retains a sense of untouched wilderness lost on the crowded Marangu and Machame trails. The easiest of all the routes, it has a relatively gentle gradient, and short daily stages as it winds its way from the starting point just south of the Kenya-Tanzania border. It passes through attractive farmland and delightful forest, past Alpine moorland to the beautiful summit cone. There are magnificent views throughout, with genuine possibilities for wildlife viewing, and an extra day to aid acclimatization as the trails climbs to the beautiful Mawenzi Tarn, beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The final ascent is arduous and made in darkness, but the reward is a spectacular dawn view of the glaciers and ice cliffs of the summit, and across the East African plains far below. Descending through lush forest, there is an evening to relax and recover before the flight home.

The Rongai route is much drier than the southern routes. Elephants and colubus monkeys can be found on the way. As the ascent continues, climbers can enjoy spectacular views over the immense Masai plains of Kenya.

DAY 01:
Hiking time:3-4 hours

After breakfast, drive to Nare Moru village (6,500ft) where the trekking starts. We will walk through the cultivated land and pine forest on the way to The first Cave (8,600ft) which is lies on the moorland zone. Dinner and overnight at the First Cave, B.L.D.
 

DAY 02:
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Breakfast, then the hike to the Second Cave (11,400ft). This Cave offers an impressive views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the rim of the crater. We will further, ascend to the Third Cave (12,800ft) for dinner and overnight, B.L.D.
 

DAY 03:
Hiking time:5-6 hours
Breakfast followed by an ascent to the Kibo hut crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, B.L.D.
 

DAY 04:
Hiking time:8-10 hours
Very early start for the summit screed up to Gilman's Point (18,930ft) which is on the crater rim. Go on to Uhuru Peak. Descend to Kibo hut for a tea/soup/cookies and then down to Horombo hut, B.L.D.
 

DAY 05:
Hiking time: 5-7 hours
Breakfast, descend down to Marangu gate. The waiting vehicle will take you to hotel in Arusha.

7 DAYS 6 NIGHTS

LEMOSHO ROUTE:

The Lemosho Route approaches Kilimanjaro from West. Payment of fees is done at Londorossi Gate (alt 2100m) We drive back towards Ngare Nairobi village, a diversion track leads us to the  East through the West Kilimanjaro forest plantation into the Lemosho Glades(2650m). The seven day itinerary of this  route it gives you  maximum acclimatization and Summit reaching success rate of 95%.

DAY 1:

After registration at Londoross Gate  we start our hike to Lemosho road in small path through beautifully and lush forest for 2+3 hrs . We will stop over for lunch in the middle of the road before reaching to Lemosho Mtimkubwa camp Alt 2680m  where we’ll spend our night. We’ll walk around the Lemosho glade for part of acclimatization and then back to the camp for dinner and overnight. Also we’ll be accompanied by armed ranger because of potentially dangerous encounters with wildlife.

DAY 2:

You will start early, walk thorough the last part of the forest with Giant cedars and podocarpus trees before emerging into the Heather zone. The trail climbs gently and then drops into a valley with a stream. Here we’ll take our lunch beside the stream in the open area. We’ll continue climbing on a gentle past a long cypress tree onwards to the rim of the Shira Plateau. We’ll came here right in the center of Shira Caldera (3300m):Today is acclimatization day in the Shira Plateau. We’ll explore the cone place the Cathedral and the needle. The lovely grassland is often visited by eland and also bushbuck  and antelopes. You may be lucky to see them feeding themselves. Back to Camp by 3:00 pm for lunch and rest in camp. Dinner in the evening.

DAY 3:

The day that you will spend for acclimatization and to explore the volcanic rock formations of Shira Cathedral, a huge buttress of rocks flanked by steep pinnacles before reaching to the camp SHIRA CAMP ALT 3700m. You we’ll enjoy the stunning views on Kilimanjaro close to the glaciated dome of Kibo and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. Also unforgettable view of mount Meru while at Shira. You will have lunch at Shira Cathedral. After walking around the Shira plateau we go down to the camp for dinner and overnight.

DAY 04:

You will start early in order to be at the Lava Tower junction by noontime. You’ll trek further to the great Barranco(3900m) where we’ll camp for the night. The southern face of Kibo directly within our view with its cascading Heim glacier and Kerstein glaciers.

DAY 05:

You will leave Barranco valley early because today we’ll have a long walk to Barafu Hut. Climbing the immediate vertical cliff but very strenuous and adventurous. After this vertical walk, the walk further on, is easy but only descending again into the Karanga valley. Here we’ll take our lunch, before proceeding to Barafu hut(4600m) it takes 6 to 7 hrs of walking where you will have dinner and o/night.

DAY 06:

This is Summit day. You will all wake up to 1:00 o’clock in the morning hiking for 6 to 7 hrs. After cup of coffee/tea we’ll start our climb with torch or flashlight and in full gear, reaching Stella Point by morning, have a short rest then proceeding to Uhuru peak the very top of Kilimanjaro. Take some photo also sign a book then walk down to Barafu camp via stella point for light lunch , soup and sandwich. Then down to  Rau camp alt 2900m for washing dinner and o/night.

DAY 07: 

After b/fast start final descent to via Mweka gate alt 1600m. Then saying goodbye to your guide/porters also the distribution of certificate depending which point you have reached. The driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel in Arusha.

***

Trek Grade: Rigorous sustained trekking at elevations 13,500 - 19,500 feet in remote, wild countryside. This trek is rigorous, adventurous, and sometimes difficult and is appropriate for only strong, avid hikers. Some days may be up to 10 miles of walking and there is a section where, for several hours, you may be crossing a boulder field with little defined trail. Participants are advised to undertake a good conditioning program and to hike in hilly country as much as possible prior to the trek. Your conditioning program should include an aerobic program and stair climbing. You should work out a level which keeps the heart rate at a moderate level (about 70% to 80%) for an extended period (over 40 minutes) at a time. Focus on obtaining the highest possible fitness that should peak about a week before the climb. Then relax and rest for at least 2-3 days before the actual climb. There will be tremendous variations in climate and temperature. Maximum Sleeping Elevation is about 18,500 feet.

Refunds For Unused Portions Of Trip: No refunds can be made for any accommodations, services or features not taken. If cancellation occurs while the trip is in progress, there will be no refund for any unused portion.

*Important Note: While we try to make the itinerary as accurate as possible, it should be considered as a approximate schedule of activities rather than a rigid schedule of events. Trip itineraries are subject to revision due to weather, trail conditions, government restrictions, and other factors beyond our control. We will make every effort to notify trip participants in advance of any changes, but due to the nature of travel in Africa, this is not always possible.

About Kilimanjaro and the different routes:

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is 128km from Arusha town, which covers an area of 755sq km (about 470sq miles), and Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. Rising in absolute isolation, at 5895 meters (19,339 feet), Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and one of the accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from all around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more then a walking stick, proper clothing and determinations. Kilimanjaro can be climbed at any time of the year but the best is considered to be from August-October and January to March. It is wet in the rainforest during the rains in April, May, June and November. December through to February is the warmest months.

At 5895, Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest, as well as the youngest, of the three volcanic peaks of East Africa, Mount Kenya 5,199 m and Elgon 4,321m being the other two. Their oldest lava may be only some 1 Million years old, and small-scale activities on the Kibo peak has probably taken place within the last couple of hundred years. Kilimanjaro is a “Central Vent” type of Volcano, which gives it an oval shape in plain view.

The dimension of its base are about 80 x 48 km, elongated in the East – South – East direction. The older rock of its three main peaks are broadly similar, being mainly trach basalts, dark grey rocks containing lighter colored feldspar crystals. The younger rock of Kibo is, however, of a different composition, and includes nephelirites and nepheline – synites which contain glassy crystals of nepheline.

Of the three peaks, Shira to the west at 4006m is the lowest as well as the oldest of them. Its original crater has undergone considerable erosion, leaving only part of the former rim.

Mawenzi to the east rises 5149m and has a steep craggy profile, due in part to intensive action of glacial ice. Kibo, the central peak is the youngest and best preserved of the three. Its crater area has a complex structure consisting of a number of more or less concentric features. There is an outer caldera not larger than 2.5km in diameter, resulting from an eruption followed by the collapse inwards of part of the summit.

The highest point, Uhuru peak is on the southern rim of Kibo Caldera. Within the caldera is an inner cone some 820m cross, which also contains another cone and crater called the Reusch Crater, some 340m in diameter.

ROUTES
Marangu Route
The main tourist route and by far the most popular route and some claim the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. The 5-day option, which is available on this route, makes it the least expensive route on the mountain. A 6-day option with an extra day of acclimatisation is however also available. This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer and chocolates are also sold at every camp. All the camps on this route have radio contact with the Park Headquarters

Machame Route
This is probably the most scenic and most beautiful route to the summit. The 6-day route is however physically more challenging than the Marangu route. The day walks are longer and steeper, however the summit night is one hour shorter. The scenic traverse of the Western Breach offers some stunning views! Only tented accommodation available, which can be less comfortable and will require a good sleeping bag and hiking mattress.

Umbwe Route
This route is one of the shorter but also one of the more difficult routes to reach Uhuru peak--but quiet spectacular. Umbwe is known for its caves. The first night you actually sleep at the Umbwe Cave Camp with two more caves that can be visited on route the following day. Also sometimes used as a descending route.

Shira Route
The Shira Plateau is one of the most scenic and most fascinating areas on Kilimanjaro. Depending on the weather conditions you can drive by 4 wheel drive vehicles, to within a 1/2 hours walk of Shira Hut (4000m). Even this drive is very spectacular indeed and offers some magnificent views of Mt Meru and the Great Rift Valley in general. Game is often sighted and the road features some striking vegetation changes ranging from forest, grassland, heath to moorland. The fast ascend by vehicle to about 4000m will require additional acclimatisation, after which it will be possible to ascend Uhuru Peak either via the Western Breach or via the Barafu hut

Lemosho Route
It is a remote, unspoiled and very beautiful route to the Roof of Africa. The forest around the Lemosho Glades is rich in big game animals such as elephant and buffalo, which may sometimes require a game ranger to accompany climbers on the first day. This route is however a long route which requires 7-days for a comfortable completion, which also makes it more expensive

Western Breach / Arrow Glacier
An alternative final ascend route which can be taken from all of the western routes, sleeping at magnificent Arrow Glacier on your summit night. The western Breach poses a very difficult walk up steep scree with some rock scrambling occasionally required. Snow cover makes scree easier but an ice axe is then required. It is also possible to sleep an extra night inside the Kibo Crater.