Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru Trekking

Tanzania beckons to outdoor enthusiasts in search of exhilarating hiking and trekking escapades. This East African gem, with its diverse landscapes and awe-inspiring natural marvels, presents abundant opportunities to marvel at waterfalls, encounter wildlife, and bask in breathtaking scenery.

Embarking on a hiking or trekking adventure in Tanzania opens doors to traverse majestic mountains, expansive savannahs, dramatic calderas, and the magnificent Rift Valley. Among these options, the renowned Mount Kilimanjaro stands tall as Africa’s highest peak, soaring impressively to 5,895 meters or 19,341 feet. Scaling Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, remains a popular choice for adventure seekers from all corners of the globe.

Yet, Tanzania also reveals a wealth of lesser-known and off-the-beaten-track destinations for intrepid hikers and trekkers to explore. Discover hidden gems, traverse remote trails, and immerse yourself in pristine wilderness, far from the hustle and bustle of crowds.

Kilimanjaro and Mount Meru emerge as two iconic mountains in Tanzania, each offering distinct and unforgettable hiking experiences. We offer a variety of walking tours, so feel free to reach out to us to explore all the options available.

Explore Kilimanjaro Route Ideas

For adventure lovers we offer the experience of life time climbing Kilimanjaro on our daily departure Plan your Tanzanian holiday with Free Will Expeditions and reap the rewards. This gives us the ability to plan and supervise your trip from beginning to end. Both locals and foreigners who adore the nation and are well-versed in its culture make up our staff. For your Tanzania vacation, we provide the greatest value and standards. You can create your own itinerary based on your preferences or select one of our well-liked Tanzania itineraries

In northeastern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is situated three degrees south of the equator. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the tallest in Africa. The three volcanoes that make up this enormous mountain are Kibo, the tallest in the middle, Mawenzi, and Shira.  Daily around the year, freewill expeditions offers climbers assistance on any of the accessible routes, on our daily departure

Although Kilimanjaro can be climbed using six established routes: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Northern Circuit Route, Rongai, and Umbwe. All of the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approach the summit from the south. The Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai Route approaches from the north, near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka route, whereas Rongai and Marangu route descend via Marangu.

Marangu Routes

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day.

Marangu Gate (1830 m/ 6,000 ft) – Mandara Huts (2700 m/ 8,858 ft)

Elevation gain: 870 m/ 2,854 ft | Distance: 11 km | Walking time: 5-7 hours| Difficulty: medium | Zone: rainforest

Our guide will bring you from the hotel to Marangu Gate in the morning, where your climb starts! The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then through untouched rainforest. It can be humid there, therefore it is advisable to wear rain gear. If you want to take time to enjoy the beautiful forests and pretty mountain slopes, you can do so. Then you will reach the first camp Mandara huts.

Those who wish can hike in the afternoon to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts. Of course you can also rest at the hut and enjoy the beautiful surroundings.

This is your first day at this altitude. It is recommended to follow the instructions below here:

1.Eat and Drink as much water as possible

2. Take a Diamox pill to prevent you from the symptoms of high altitude sickness.

Mandara Huts (2700 m/ 8,858 ft) – Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft)

Elevation gain: 1020 m/ 3,346 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: heather, moorland

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forest to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. On a clear day you have a beautiful view of Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro. A little further you can also see Mawenzi, the second summit of Kilimanjaro. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters to zebra rocks and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Note: The acclimatization walk is an easy hike with a slight rise in altitude. This will accelerate the acclimatization process. The acclimatization hikes are highly recommended as they increase your chances to summit Kilimanjaro by reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts (4700 m/ 15,419 ft)

Elevation gain: 980 m/ 3,215 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: difficult | Zone: alpine desert

Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The landscape here is more open and bare and offers less shelter. The hike is quite heavy, but you should try to maintain an appropriate pace to preserve your strength for the summit tomorrow. Our experienced guides will help you with this. You will arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead! It is advisable to rest well and drink plenty of water.

Kibo Huts (4700 m/ 15,419 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m/ 19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,204 ft)

At night you start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! Until sunrise you will use your flashlight. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb. There will be one personal guide per two climbers, in order to closely monitor and evaluate the climbers’ physical and mental state. After a steep path you will reach Gilman’s Point. From there, Uhuru Peak is not far away, and relatively easy to climb. Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height!

After a small party at the top, you return to the Kibo Huts before descending further for dinner and overnight at Horombo huts. In total you will be on your feet for about fourteen hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard day! When descending, pay close attention to where you put your feet to prevent any injury.

 

Elevation gain: 1195 m/ 3,920 ft | Elevation loss: 2175 m/ 7,135 ft | Distance: 16 km | Walking time: 9-14 hours | Difficulty: difficult / Zone: arctic

Horombo Huts (3720 m/ 12,139 ft) – Marangu Gate (1830 m/ 6,003 ft)

Elevation loss: 1890 m/ 6,200 ft | Distance: 18 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | ZONE: moorland -rainforest

Today you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro.

After the descent, the whole group comes together to congratulate each other before go to the hotel.

After climb before departure to Kilimanjaro airport

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Safari & culture tour. Another option is to visit the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations.

Marangu Route

Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well-established route. Many favour the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favoured only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferredLemosho 7 days is also recommended although is a bit tough. No technical climbing is required, but a good level of fitness is recommended.

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day.

Lemosho Routes

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Most of the clients climb Kilimanjaro using the lemosho route and their feedback on this route is excellent. We highly recommend the Lemosho route to our clients. The climb begins at Londorossi Gate at an altitude of 2360 metres, with an approach far to the west of the mountain. It then circles around Kilimanjaro to the south, passing through the majestic rainforest where some of the region’s most unique wildlife can often be seen. The route continues up to the mountain’s third summit at Shira Ridge.
Lemosho 7 days is also recommended although is a bit tough. No technical climbing is required, but a good level of fitness is recommended.

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day

Lemosho gate(1830m/6000ft) – Mti Mkubwa Camp(2650m/8700ft)

Elevation gain: 820m/ 2690 ft | Distance: 6 km. | Hiking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Lemosho Gate (about a 3-hour drive). From there a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades. Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Mti Mkubwa Camp (2650m/8700ft) – Shira I Camp(3600m/11,811ft)

Elevation gain: 950m/ 3,116 ft | Distance: 8 km. | Hiking time: 4-5hours | Difficulty: Medium | Zone: Rainforest

After breakfast, we continue as the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. After several streams are crossed we continue over the Shira Ridge then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Shira 1 Camp (3,600m/11811ft m) – Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m/12631ft)

Elevation gain: 250m/820ft | Distance: 10 km. | Hiking time: 4 5hours | Difficulty: Medium | Zone: Moorland

You make your way across the Shira Plateau to Shira 2 Camp on a trek that lasts just four to five hours. Temperatures start to change rather dramatically at this point of the trek, with the nights sometimes plummeting below freezing.

Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m/12631ft) – Lava Tower (4,630 m/ 15,190 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,930 m/ 12,893ft)

Elevation gain: 780 m | Elevation loss: 700 m | Distance: 12 km. | Walking time: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: medium |Zone: Moorland.

The Lemosho route joins the Machame route. the hike leads from Shira Camp 2 to the beautiful Lava Tower. This part of the climb has many asents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is a long hike and you may start to feel a bit uncomfortable because of the height. It is therefore important to stay at Lava Tower for 1 to 2 hours in order for your body to adjust to the altitude. We will use this time to have lunch here. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp. Here you will encounter strange looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high.

The Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive due to its sheer size and steepness. Fortunately, the path leading to it is not that difficult.

Barranco Camp 3,930 m/ 12,893ft) – (4,050m/13,287ft) Karanga Camp

Elevation gain: 120 m/ 393.7 ft.  Distance: 5.5 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: moorland

The day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. then exit steeply, up to the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From there we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

Karanga Camp (4050m/13,250ft) – Barafu Camp(4,670m/15,321ft)

Elevation gain: 620 m/ 2,034 ft.  Distance: 5 km | Hiking time: 3 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: alpine desert

After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

Barafu Camp (4,670 m/ 15,321 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/ 10,171 ft)

Elevation gain: 1,225 m/ 4,019 ft |Elevation loss: 2,795 m/ 9,169ft| Distance: 17 km | Hiking time: 8-14 hours | Difficulty: High| Zone: arctic

Tonight you depart from Barafu Camp to ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak)! The climb leads over good trails; the most challenging part is the high altitude. There is 1 personal guide per 2 climbers in order to closely monitor the climbers’ physically and mentally wellbeing.

Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small party at the top, you can descend to the nearest glacier if you wish. You return to Barafu Camp and start the descent to Mweka Camp after two hours of rest. When descending pay close attention to where you step in order to prevent an injury.

Note: during descent the client has option to sleep at millennium camp if they are tired and feel unwell to carry on to mweka camp

Elevation loss: 1,450 m/ 4,757ft | Distance: 12 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy| Zone: rainforest

Mweka camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will experience a pleasant feeling due to the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast you go to the park exit. After the descent the whole group comes together to congratulate each other before going to the hotel.

After the climb before departure to Kilimanjaro airport

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Safari & culture tour. Another option is to visit the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations

Rongai Routes

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north eastern side of mountain , close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu route at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day.

Rongai Gate (1,800m/ 5,905 ft) – simba Camp (2,650m/ 8,694ft)

Elevation gain: 800 m/ 2,624 ft | Distance: 8 km | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: easy | Zone: rainforest

This is the beginning of your Kilimanjaro climb! This morning you drive over 2 hours to the Rongai Gate, near the Kenyan border. After registering at the gate, your ascent begins to the mighty roof of Africa! On the first day you hike through beautiful lush forests where you can hear lots of animal noises and maybe spot the rare colobus monkey. You will take a lunch break before you continue to the first camp. Rongai route runs through the less forested north side of the mountain. It is one of the quietest routes on Kilimanjaro and is considered by many to be the best route for viewing lots of wildlife.

Simba Camp (2,650m/ 8,694 ft) – second cave (3,450m/ 11,318 ft)

Elevation gain: 800 m/ 2,624 ft | Distance: 6 km | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: medium |Zone: moorland

On the second day you will reach the Kilimanjaro heath. During the day you can already see the first mountain peak of Kilimanjaro, called Mawenzi, in the distance. In the morning the climb becomes very steep and you will start to feel the altitude. After a while you will arrive at the first cave where you can stop for a while to rest or to explore the cave and the surrounding area. Lunch is often taken in the second cave. In the afternoon You will then hike towards the third camp to acclimatized for an hour and get back to camp rest and get ready for next day.

Second Cave (3450m/11,300ft) – Third Cave (3880m/12,700ft)

Elevation gain: 830 m/ 1,410 ft | Distance: 6 km | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: medium |Zone: semi desert

We continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave. And having a lunch rest and acclimatize in evening.

Third Cave(3880m/12,700ft) – Kibo Hut (4750m/15,600ft)

Elevation gain: 870 m/ 2,854 ft | Distance: 5 km | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: medium |Zone: Alpine Desert

Hike to Kibo Hut you will have stunning view of the forest at the bottom and at above kibo view. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early in midnight.

Kibo Camp (4,700m/ 15,419 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340 ft) – Horombo Hut (3,720m/ 12,204 ft)

Elevation gain: 1195 m/ 3,921 ft | Elevation loss: 2175 m/ 7,136 ft | Distance: 16 km | Walking time: 9-14 hours | Difficulty: difficult | Zone: arctic


At midnight you start the summit push to the so-called Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! You will use your flashlight until sunrise. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb. For every 2 climbers there is 1 personal guide. He will keep a close eye on the physical and mental condition of the climbers. After a steep climb you will reach Gilman’s Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far and relatively easy to reach. Once at the top you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is very impressive at this height! After a small party at the summit, you return to the Kibo huts you will be having lunch and then you continue your descent to Horombo huts for your overnight stay.

Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,830m/ 6000 ft)

Elevation loss: 1890 m/ 6,201 ft | Distance: 18 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: rainforest

You will continue your descend to the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park, the Marangu Gate. This is a delightful five to six hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. After the descent, the whole group comes together to congratulate each other and your driver will bring you back to your hotel, where you can recover from the rigors of the climb.

After climb before departure to Kilimanjaro airport

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Safari & culture tour. Another option is to visit the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations.

Machame Route

The Machame route is also known as the Whiskey route,  given its reputation for being a tough climb, in contrast to the easier Marangu route, which is known as the Coca Cola route. Unlike the gradual incline and hut accommodations found on the Marangu Route, the climbers on Machame hike steeper trails, for longer distances, while sleeping in tents. The Machame Route climb can be done in a minimum of six days on the mountain. However, it is most often tackled over seven days, for a better altitude acclimatization schedule. The trek begins at Machame Gate, located in the southern base of mountain, within its lush, fertile rain forest. The route heads toward the Shira Plateau, before circling along the southern circuit halfway around the mountain, exposing the climber to great views from all angles. The approach to the summit is made from the east, and the descent follows the Mweka trail.

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day.

Machame Gate (1,800 m/ 5,905 ft) – Machame Camp (3,000m/ 9,843 ft)

Elevation gain: 1200 m/ 3,937 ft | Distance: 11 km. | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: Medium | Zone: Rainforest

Our guide with driver will pick you up from the hotel in the morning and take you to Machame Gate, where your ascent begins. The route leads you through a beautiful montane rainforest. The climate is humid on this side of the mountain, which is why nature thrives and it is very green. After five to six hours of hiking you will reach Machame Camp on the edge of the forest area with heath zone.

If it’s your first day at this altitude, so it is recommended that you follow the instructions below

1. Eat food and drink enough water as possible

2. Take a Diamox tablet to avoid symptoms of high altitude sickness

Machame Camp (3,000m/ 9,843 ft) to Shira Camp (3,850m/ 12,631 ft)

Elevation gain: 850 m/ 2,788 ft  | Distance: 5 km. | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy| Zone: moorland

You will start with another beautiful climb that is a little steeper, but quickly rewards you with a stunning view. Keep in mind the increase of altitude and more importantly, walk at the right pace. Our experienced guides will assist you to set the pace. The first part of the hike leads to a small circular cliff known as the picnic rock. Here you can enjoy stunning views of Kibo (a peak of Kilimanjaro) and Shira plateau (one of the other volcanic peaks). From the picnic rock you hike on to Shira Camp via a beautiful route. there you will have lunch and afterwards you can take an acclimatization walk towards the Lava Tower (to an altitude of 4120 m. and a distance of 2 km).

Note: The acclimatization walk is an easy hike with a slight rise in altitude. This will accelerate the acclimatization process. The acclimatization hikes are very important, as they increase your chances to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro and reduce the chance of altitude sickness.

Shira Camp (3,850 m/ 12,631 ft) – Lava Tower (4630 m/ 15,190 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,930 m/ 12,893ft)

Elevation gain: 780 m/ 2,559 ft.  |Elevation loss700m/ 2,296ft| Distance: 11 km | Hiking time: 6-8 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: moorland

From Shira Camp to the beautiful Lava Tower, this part of the climb has many ascents and descents and offers beautiful views along the way. It is a longer hike and you might feel a bit uncomfortable due to the increased altitude. It is therefore important to remain at Lava Tower for one to two hours in order for your body to acclimatize. lunch will be taken there. After lunch, you descend to Barranco Camp. Here you will encounter strange looking flowering plants that grow up to five meters high! Barranco Camp is located at the foot of the imposing Barranco Wall, which is impressive in both its sheer size and steepness. Fortunately, the path leading to it is not that difficult.

Barranco Camp (3,930 m/ 12,893ft) to Barafu Camp (4,670m/15,321 ft)

Elevation gain: (740m/ 2,427 ft) | Distance: 10 km | Hiking time: 8-10 hours | Difficulty: difficult| Zone:moorland –  alpine desert

After breakfast you depart Barranco Camp and hike towards Barranco Wall. This route is challenging but enjoyable and for many people their favourite part of the climb due to the stunning views. Once you reach the top of the Barranco wall, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to your left and to the right of the distant Mount Meru. Now a more difficult hike starts towards Karanga Camp,then you will take a picnic lunch at karanga camp and carry on to barafu camp. At base camp (Barafu) is the last camp before the summit, where you will be served earlier dinner. To make sure you take the time to relax and sleep, because around midnight you will start your final ascent to the summit!

Barafu Camp (4,670 m/ 15,321 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m/ 10,171 ft)

Elevation gain: 1,225 m/ 4,019 ft |Elevation loss: 2,795 m/ 9,169ft| Distance: 17 km | Hiking time: 8-14 hours | Difficulty: High| Zone: arctic

Tonight you depart from Barafu Camp to ascent to the top of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak)! The climb leads over good trails; the most challenging part is the high altitude. There is 1 personal guide per 2 climbers in order to closely monitor the climbers’ physically and mentally wellbeing.

Once you reach the summit you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After a small party at the top, you can descend to the nearest glacier if you wish. You return to Barafu Camp and start the descent to Mweka Camp after two hours of rest. When descending pay close attention to where you step in order to prevent an injury.

Note: during descent the client has option to sleep at millennium camp if they are tired and feel unwell to carry on to mweka camp.

Mweka camp (3,100 m/ 10,171 ft) – Mweka Gate (1,650 m/ 5,413 ft)

Elevation loss: 1,450 m/ 4,757ft | Distance: 12 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: easy| Zone: rainforest

Mweka camp is located in a tropical rainforest. When you wake up, you will experience a pleasant feeling due to the reduction in altitude and the satisfaction of reaching the summit. After breakfast you go to the park exit. After the descent the whole group comes together to congratulate each other before going to the hotel.

After climb before departure to Kilimanjaro airport

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Safari & culture tour. Another option is to visit the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by those who are very strong hikers and are confident in their ability to acclimatize. However, overall, the Umbwe route is not recommended and we discourage its usage for our clients

On Arrival

Upon your arrival, our guide will pick you and take to the hotel. Here you can recover from the flight and get used to the African environment. An acclimatization day in the hotel on day two is recommended, but you can also start the climb the next day

Umbwe Gate (1,400 m/ 4,593 ft) – Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000 m/9,843 ft)

Elevation gain: 1600 m/ 5,249 ft | Distance: 11 km | Walking time: 5-7 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: heather

The driver will pick you up at the hotel and drive you to the Umbwe Gate. The climb begins through a dense rainforest with huge fig trees. You can hear and see different types of animals, such as the rare black and white colobus monkey. Near the Umbwe River the route becomes steeper and you will need more energy. As you climb, you can already see the Kibo peak in the distance and admire the deep valleys around you.

Umbwe Cave Camp (3,000m /9,843 ft) – Barranco Camp (3,930m / 12,893 ft)

Elevation gain:930m/ 3,051 ft | Distance: 6 km | Walking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: moorland

You will leave the rainforest and enter the heather with rocks and valleys around. You will pass trees entwined with moss, also known as goatee lichen. The ascent becomes steeper at the Umbwe Route Ridge and flattens out again near the Barranco Valley. Every now and then you can see the Kibo peak in the distance. After a hike you will have rest and dinner

Barranco Camp (3,930m/12,893 ft) – Karranga Camp (4,050m/13,287ft) to Barranco Wall (4,250m/13,943 ft.)

Elevation gain: 120 m/ 393.7ft | Elevation loss: 200 m/ 656.1 ft | Distance: 5 km | Walking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: medium |Zone: moorland

After breakfast you hike from Barranco Camp to the Barranco wall. For many people, this is the most popular part of the climb, largely due to the beautiful views. When you reach the top of the Barranco wall for example, you have a spectacular view of the Kibo volcano to the left and of Mount Meru to the right. Then a more difficult hike to Karanga Camp begins. This route has many ascents and descents. Our guides are experts in choosing the right route and pace. When camp is reached, it is time for lunch. After a couple of hours break, you can go on an acclimatization hike towards Barafu Camp. There you can do a 300-meter climb and then descend back to Karanga Camp.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy hike with a slight increase in altitude. This speeds up the acclimatization process in your body. The acclimatization walks are very important because they increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and they reduce the risk of altitude sickness.

Karranga Camp (4,050m/ 13,287 ft) – Barafu Camp (4,670m/ 15,321 ft)

Elevation gain: 620 m/ 2,034 ft | Distance: 5 km | Walking time: 3-4 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: alpine desert

After breakfast the hike to Barafu Camp begins. This is the starting point for your summit push to Uhuru Peak which begins around midnight to the Uhuru Peak You will arrive at the camp around noon. Tents are set up in advance so you can relax. A hot meal will be served and you can relax for the rest of the day before starting the climb to the top of Kilimanjaro!

Barafu Camp (4,670m/ 15,321ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m/ 19,340 ft) – Millennium Camp (3,820 m/ 12,533 ft)

Elevation gain: 1255 m/ 4,117 ft | Elevation loss: 2075 m/ 6,808 ft | Distance: 17 km | Walking time: 8-14 hours | Difficulty: difficult | Zone: arctic

You start your summit push to Uhuru Peak around midnight. It’s an ascent on good trails, the most difficult factor is the altitude. There is 1 guide for every 2 climbers so that he can keep a close eye on the physical and mental state of the climbers. If the climb is successful, you can enjoy a beautiful sunrise at the top. Rejoice that you made it – you are standing on the roof of Africa! After partying at the summit, you can descend to the next glacier. You will then return to Barafu Camp rest for two hours and continue the descent to mweka camp

Mweka Camp (3,100 m/ 10,170ft) – Mweka Gate (1,650m/ 5,413 ft)

Elevation loss:1450 m/ 4,757 ft | Distance: 12 km | Walking time: 4-5 hours | Difficulty: medium | Zone: rainforest

The camp is located in a tropical rainforest. After you have slept, you will feel pleasant due to the low altitude and you will certainly still be euphoric because of yesterday’s summit success. After breakfast, you walk to the exit of the national park. After the descent, the whole group comes together to congratulate each other and your driver will take you back to the hotel, where you can recover from the rigors of the climb.

After the climb before departure to Kilimanjaro airport

Today you can relax at the lodge or explore the surrounding area. You can choose to extend your journey with a beautiful Safari & culture tour. Another option is to visit the tropical Zanzibar Island or one of the other exotic beach destinations.