There are no shortcuts to anywhere worth getting to. And so it is with Mount Kilimanjaro. Reaching the snowcappped summit will be challenging but the reward is immeasurable!
Climbing Kilimanjaro may seem like a daunting task and it certainly requires some training and a great deal of physical effort. But it is certainly within the reach of most people. And it is one of the safest mountains to climb - the only danger that presents itself is altitude sickness and if you acclimatise properly, it should not be a problem.
NB: Our consultants are experts at organising climbs up Kili and can organise an itinerary that meets your budget and every need.
Most people choose the
Marangu Trail (also called the Coca-Cola Route because you can buy an ice-cold Coke on the way) since it is the easiest and cheapest route with the best and biggest overnight huts. It is a standard five-day climb though many people choose to spend an extra day so that they can acclimatise to the altitude. See our day-by-day outline of the Marangu Route below.
However, there are several more private and challenging routes up Africa's highest mountain. The
Machame is arguably the most beautiful ascent, starting in forest, across the Shira Plateau and up the Western Wall. The
Umbwe and
Mbeka routes are similar routes up the south-facing slopes while the
Shira Trail starts from the west.
Rongai Route starts near the border of Kenya, on the northern side of Kilimanjaro and provides a unique perspective of the mountain.
Lemosho Route is a day longer than most others but goes through some great landscapes and you can spot wildlife along the way! These alternative routes are usually more expensive but they are less crowded and offer a unique ascent up Mount Kilimanjaro.
NB: The exact rates for climbing Kilimanjaro vary greatly depending on how many days you choose, what company you book with and what kind of experience you are looking for.
For more info, contact us and we will advise you on routes and rates!
This is a day-by-day outline of the Marangu Route up Kilimanjaro. For more information, contact a consultant who will explain exactly what is involved and what you need for this grand adventure!
Day 1: Start walking from the park entrance (Marangu Gate) at 1500m for about 3/4 hours through fertile rainforest to your destination - the
Mandara Huts at 2700m.
Day 2: A more challenging day, you walk through more rainforest before reaching moorland with expansive views of the region. It is about a 5 hour trek to the
Horombo Huts.
Day 3: The going gets tough. You leave Horombo heading for the Saddle which connects Kibo and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's two major peaks. It should take about 5/6 hours before you reach
Kibo Hut and collapse at 4700m.
Days 4 & 5: You rise at about 1am in the morning and dreary-eyed, begin your final ascent. You reach
Gillman's Point on the crater rim by dawn and witness a spectacular sunrise beyond Mawenzi Peak. Most climbers opt to stop here, but some scramble up for an hour up another 210m to the true summit,
Uhuru Point at 5895m.
After the group photos and jubilation, you begin to descend, passing Horomobo and reaching Mandara Hut reasonably quickly. After one more night, you climb back down to the park entrance point the next day. Exhausted but exhilirated after the experience of a lifetime!
Contact us to book your climb, accommodation and more!
