Kilimajaro | Tro-Peaks Adventures

Overview

“As wide as all the world, great, high and unbelievably white in the sun was the square top of Mount Kilimanjaro,” wrote Ernest Hemingway of the highest mountain in Africa, which rises to 5,895 meters above sea level. Situated near the town of Moshi in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro rises from the dry plains, through a wide belt of forest and high alpine heath to an almost bare desert and finally the snow capped summit, Uhuru Peak, just 3 degrees south of the Equator.

One of the world's highest free standing mountains, Mt. Kilimanjaro is comprised of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo 5895 m (19340 ft.), Mawenzi 5149 m (16896 ft.), and Shira 3962 m (13000 ft.).

The name itself is shrouded in mystery. It might mean Mountain of Light, Mountain of Greatness or Mountain of Caravans. The local people, the Wachagga tribe, call the whole massif- "Kilemakyaro" meaning "Our Mountain" with its highest point only Kipoo (now known as Kilimanjaro and its highest point Kibo or Uhuru Peak) for the familiar snowy peak that stands imperious, as overseer of the continent and the summit of Africa.

Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates and the accompanying memories.

Tro-Peaks Adventures offers both Private Climbs and Open Group Climbs. Private climbs can start any day of the year and on any route. Our Open Group Climbs have pre-set departure dates and routes.

Height 19,340 ft/5,895 m
Peaks Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira
Hike Duration 6-9 Days
Climate Zones Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic

Routes & Itineraries

Lemosho Route

This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. It offers a chance to visit Shira Plateau (Cathedral peak) and Shira Caldera. Lemosho Route crosses from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route as Machame Route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.

The minimum days required for this route is 7 days, but eight days is recommended as it will give more chance to acclimatize and achieve the summit. Like Machame, this is a scenically spectacular and varied route. Lemosho is highly recommended and it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season from Longido Game Controlled Area.

Machame Route

Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, has become very popular. This is camping route which offers spectacular views of various landscapes such as Mt Meru, Pare Mountains, Lake Chala, and Lake Jipe. This is a well designed route for altitude acclimatization. While the 6 day itinerary is very possible, it is very benefitable to choose the seven days Machame climb because of having one more extra day for acclimatization and resting before the summit day. Doing this will maximize your chance of reaching the top.

Northern Circuit

This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro starting from the west. The trek follows the Lemosho Trail in the beginning, approaching Mt. Kilimanjaro where it offers a chance to visit Shira Plateau (Cathedral Peak) and Shira Caldera. However, instead of following the southern traverse like all the other west approaching routes, the Northern Circuit traverses the mountain around the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. The Northern Circuit is the longest route in terms of time and distance as it can be trekked for 8 days or 9 days and it provides a high success rate, incredible varied scenery, and a very low number of visitors. The Northern Circuit Route is certainly one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro.

Rongai Route

This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and its popularity has been increasing in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animals species. A six day itinerary for this route is also commonly used but adding an extra day makes reaching the summit more obtainable yet.

The Rongai Route is more scenic than the Marangu Route and easier than other camping routes in climbing Kilimanjaro and the success rate on the Rongai Route is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai Route you sleep in tents, the porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each days trek. On the descent, there are shared camps with Marangu Route at Kibo Huts and Horombo Huts, but the huts are not used for those using Rongai Route.

This route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border and is one of the least traveled routes. The route merges with the Marangu Route for the summit climb. The descend follows the Marangu Route on the mountain’s southeast side, so you will able see Kilimanjaro from many view points. The north side of the mountain receives less precipitation so it is a good choice during the wetter months of March - May, and November.

Marangu Route

Also known as “Coca-Cola” Route, Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast of the mountain. It is the oldest established route. Many favor the Marangu Route because it is a short route and has the comfort of sleeping in huts overnight. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time is a bit low.

Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended, increasing the chance of reaching to the summit. Marangu is the only route where overnights are in dormitory style accommodations with solar panel lighting. Camping is not an option for this route. This route is not as scenic as the others though and it is the only route where the descending path is the same as the ascending path, making some of the camps more crowded from people going both directions.

Umbwe Route

Umbwe is a short route, providing challenges as it is very difficult to climb due to its steepness. Due to the fast ascension, this route does not provide the enough time for altitude acclimatization for most people, so proceeding slowly is vital. This route is not busy at all until it merges with the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes.

There is an option for a 6 days or 7 days itinerary. Since this route is chosen almost exclusively by seasoned mountaineers who are looking for the biggest possible challenge, the 6 days itinerary is the most common choice so it is the only itinerary listed here, but if you are interested in an Umbwe 7 Days itinerary, we can arrange this upon request.

Shira Route

This route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and is nearly identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original Lemosho Route in this western side of the mountain. While Lemosho starts at Londorossi Gate and treks through the rain forest to Shira 1 Camp, the Shira Route bypasses this segment by using a vehicle to transport climbers to Shira Gate, located near the Shira Ridge.

On the first day on the mountain, climbers begin their hike from (3,400 m) and end at Shira One Campsite, (3,5OO m). The remainder of the route is follows the southern circuit route, traversing beneath the southern icefields before summitting from Barafu or Western Breach Route.

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