Mt Kilimanjaro Adventure, Africa

We understand that you may have a specific time of the year or a specific route on Kilimanjaro that you want to hike depending on your personal preferances. Here are four of our favorite routes on Kilimanjaro. Each route has it's own unique character and charm. The number of days spent on each can also vary.

Our lead African guide, Nickson Moshi and his team of experienced Assistant Guides and porters can usually accommodate your date and route choice. Please note that there is a minimum of 4 people on all of these trips.

Lemosho Route

This route is a slightly longer route than others on the mountain. It also starts at a lower altitude. This allows you to enjoy the forest sections on foot and ascend gradually. This slower acclimatization may improve your chances of reaching the summit.

The Lemosho Route is not used as frequently as some of the other routes and is even quiet in places. The path approaches Kilimanjaro through unspoiled forests on the mountains western flank. Because of it's remote nature much of the forest remains intact and the thick canopy is home to buffalo and other large game. You are, however, unlikely to see any of the animals that live here.

Just beyond the Shira Plateau the route merges with the Machame Route. A summit bid can be made via the Western Breach or from Berafu Camp. Although it is possible to complete the Lemosho Route in as little as 5 days our recommended itinerary is for 8 days. This includes two short days of walking but ensures a good acclimatization period prior to your summit attempt.

Click here for Lemosho Itinerary

• Day 1 Depart US
• Day 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha
• Day 3 Day in Ausha
• Day 4 Start of climb. Londorossi Gate to Big Tree Camp
• Day 4 Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp
• Day 5 Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp
• Day 6 Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp
• Day 7 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Day 8 Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Day 9 Summit to Crater Camp
• Day 10 Crater Camp to Summit and descend to Millennium Camp
• Day 11 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate Drive to Hotel
• Day 12 Day in Arusha. Evening departure for US or on Safari

Cost per person - $3,200

 

Western Breach Route

The Western Breach Route is the hardest most impressive non-technical route to the crater rim. The views are breathtaking and as it is much less popular than some of the other routes you will have a far greater sense of isolation and wilderness. There is NO TECHNICAL CLIMBING, however it is a scramble and there are some quite steep and exposed sections. It is more committing on summit day as the porters will strike camp and carry everything round to meet you at Millennium Camp. If you turn back there is no shelter at the camp. Your only option would be to try and catch your porters on the way to Millennium Camp. Don’t be put off – this is a fantastic and rewarding route.

Click here for Western Breach Itinerary

• Day 1 Depart US
• Day 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha
• Day 3 Day in Ausha
• Day 4 Start of climb. Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Day 5 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Day 6 Shira Camp to Tower Camp
• Day 7 Tower Camp to Arrow Camp
• Day 8 Summit Day. Arrow Camp to Summit, descend to Millennium Camp
• Day 9 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate, drive to hotel
• Day 10 Day in Arusha. Evening departure for US or on Safari

Cost per person - $2,300

 

Machame Route

The Machame Route, also known as the ‘Whiskey Route’ is often considered to be the finest forest/moreland ascent route on the mountain. By using the Barafu ascent route and Mweka decent route this is one of the most lovely and complete routes on the mountain. It is slightly more challenging than some of the other routes but is requires no technical ability. With the variety of vegetation, scenery and stunning views of the Shira Plateau this is an attractive option.

Click here for the Machame Route Itinerary

• Day 1 Depart US
• Day 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha
• Day 3 Day in Ausha
• Day 4 Start of climb. Machame Gate to Machame Camp
• Day 5 Machame Camp to Shira Camp
• Day 6 Shira Camp to Barranco Camp
• Day 7 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Day 8 Karanga Camp to Barafu camp
• Day 9 Summit Day. Barafu Camp to Summit and descend to Millennium Camp
• Day 10 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate Drive to Hotel
• Day 11 Day in Arusha. Evening departure for US or on Safari

Cost per person $2,500

 

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is a breathtaking, wild, rough and steep trail. It displays Kilimanjaro's dramatic geological formations better than any other route on the mountain. It is unique from other routes described here for only the first two days after which it joins the Machame Route to the summit. It is common for our group to be alone on the trail for the first two days.

Click here for the Umbwe Route Itinerary

• Day 1 Depart US
• Day 2 Arrive Kilimanjaro International Airport, Arusha
• Day 3 Day in Ausha
• Day 4 Start of climb. Umbwe Gate to Cave Camp
• Day 5 Cave Camp to Barranco Camp
• Day 6 Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
• Day 7 Karanga Camp to Barafu camp
• Day 8 Summit Day. Barafu Camp to Summit and descend to Millennium Camp
• Day 9 Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate Drive to Hotel
• Day 10 Day in Arusha. Evening departure for US or on Safari

Cost per person $2,300

 

Safari Add-on Option

There are many options for a pre or post-climb safari. The itinerary below has been tried and tested by many previous groups. It visits the main and most stunning locations for wild game while still being reasonable in time and cost. The safari can be done either before or after your climb of Kilimanjaro.

• Day 1 Fly to Serengeti National Park. Game Drive. Overnight in tented camp.
• Day 2 Full day game drive in Serengeti national Park. Overnight in tented camp
• Day 3 Drive from Serengeti to Ngorongoro Crater. Overnight in Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge
• Day 4 Early morning game drive in Ngorongoro Crater. Early afternoon drive to Arusha. Day room in hotel. Evening departure for US.

Cost per person $2,070

The Kilimanjaro climb prices include:

• Transfer to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport.
• Transport to Arusha for shopping/sightseeing.
• Two nights accommodation prior to the climb and one night accommodation after the climb. Double occupancy. Single occupancy rates available on request. Breakfast included. Most likely the Arusha Crown Hotel - www.arushacrownhotel.com
• All meals on the mountain.
• Assistant guides, cooks, porters
• All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
• Colorado Training Hikes.

The price does NOT include:

• All round trip flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Lunches, dinners and snacks in Arusha.
• Alcohol, additional beverages
• Laundry costs
• Tips. These are of course optional. You should budget on about $500 of tips throughout the trip.
This includes all the on-mountain staff and hotels staff. Cash is best – bring US Dollars in small denominations.