The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “Tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit and many people in a hurry try to make the summit via this overcrowded route, although less than 50% will make it. 90% of the Kilimanjaro climbers use this route and all the other routes combined see 10% of the visitors.
The Lemosho – Shira route is comparable with the Machame route, but uses a more remote approach from the west. In fact they are 2 parallel routes merging at Shira plateau, but mostly the Lemosho variation is used.
As this is the one of the 2 routes where wildlife can be encountered (with the Rongai) you will be accompanied by an armed ranger.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Trekkers organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). African blissful safaris will arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. That night or early the next morning you will meet our representative and have a pre-climb briefing.
DAY 2
LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
We will transfer you from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration, it will take 4 hours. Our porters will prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will spend an overnight here.
DAY 3
MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp.Dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
DAY 4
SHIRA 1 CAMP TO MOIR HUT
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m. a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 5
MOIR HUT TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation for lunch and acclimatization.This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again by almost 650m to Barranco Camp, which takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take.Beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule.some beautiful view of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
DAY 6
BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
DAY 7
KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 8
BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP
Very early in the morning (around midnight) you will be served with tea and biscuits before we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft/5732m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.We are only an hour away from the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5895m)- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.From the summit, we descend down to Mweka camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose scree going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and spend our night at Mweka camp.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
DAY 9
MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
On our last day on trek,after breakfast we continue the descent to Mweka Gate 1300m/5,380ft and collect the summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Gate then Drive to the Hotel in Arusha town for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged for the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), plan for a wildlife safari or Zanzibar beach, African Blissful Safaris guide will collect you in the morning for your onward
journey.
If Marangu is the “CocaCola” route, then the Machame Route is the “Whiskey” route. It is the second most popular and arguably the most scenic route on the mountains. All climbers sleep in tents (tents are included) and meals are served on the floor of a dinner tent or on a blanket outside. It is usually done over seven days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high.
The Rongai route is the only easy route starting from the North and offers great views of the Kenyan savannahs. It wasn’t used for a while as the border was not deemed safe, but now the trail is open again. It is much drier than the other routes and you might even encounter an elephant on the way.
Day 1: ARRIVAL
Trekkers organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). African blissful safaris will arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. That night or early the next morning you will meet our representative and have a pre-climb briefing.
Day 2: Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast,we drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate,register and commence the climb.We will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment and you will get a chance to see the towering Eucalyptus trees,birds and blue monkeys. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
We leave the glades of the ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Enjoy the look of giant lobelias and grounsels.You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Day 4: Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Today will be for acclimatisation. We will take a short day hike to the Mawenzi Ridge (14,400 ft). From there you will have a clear view of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments in the area we will descend back down to Horombo Hut.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We will ascend leaving behind the last water point walking into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi to reach Kibo Hut (15,400 ft) at the bottom of the crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for an early morning final ascent.
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning around midnight we will commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the rim. We continue with the ascent to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn.Have your photograph taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend,stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Day 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
A steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Huts. We then continue descending through a lovely lush forest on a good path to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Marangu where you will be transferred back to your lodge in Arusha for a nice warm shower, dinner and celebration.
Day 8: DEPARTURE
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged for the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), plan for a wildlife safari or Zanzibar beach, African Blissful Safaris guide will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
The Lemosho – Shira route is comparable with the Machame route, but uses a more remote approach from the west. In fact they are 2 parallel routes merging at Shira plateau, but mostly the Lemosho variation is used.
As this is the one of the 2 routes where wildlife can be encountered (with the Rongai) you will be accompanied by an armed ranger.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Trekkers organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). African blissful safaris will arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. That night or early the next morning you will meet our representative and have a pre-climb briefing.
DAY 2
LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
We will transfer you from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration, it will take 4 hours. Our porters will prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will spend an overnight here.
DAY 3
MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp.Dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
DAY 4
SHIRA 1 CAMP TO MOIR HUT
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m. a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 5
MOIR HUT TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation for lunch and acclimatization.This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again by almost 650m to Barranco Camp, which takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take.Beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule.some beautiful view of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
DAY 6
BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
DAY 7
KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 8
BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP
Very early in the morning (around midnight) you will be served with tea and biscuits before we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft/5732m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.We are only an hour away from the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5895m)- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.From the summit, we descend down to Mweka camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose scree going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and spend our night at Mweka camp.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
DAY 9
MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
On our last day on trek,after breakfast we continue the descent to Mweka Gate 1300m/5,380ft and collect the summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Gate then Drive to the Hotel in Arusha town for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged for the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), plan for a wildlife safari or Zanzibar beach, African Blissful Safaris guide will collect you in the morning for your onward
journey.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL
Trekkers organise their own flights to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). African blissful safaris will arrange a private transfer to your hotel in Moshi town. That night or early the next morning you will meet our representative and have a pre-climb briefing.
DAY 2
LONDOROSSI GATE TO MTI MKUBWA CAMP
We will transfer you from Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate for registration, it will take 4 hours. Our porters will prepare and pack our supplies and luggage before we start our ascent along the forest trail to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) campsite at 2895m. We will spend an overnight here.
DAY 3
MTI MKUBWA CAMP TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather and volcanic rock draped with lichen beards. As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 Camp.Dinner and overnight camping at 3500m. By now we will be able to see the stunning glaciers of the Western Breach. It will be colder tonight than the previous night with temperatures possibly falling below freezing.
DAY 4
SHIRA 1 CAMP TO MOIR HUT
We explore the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut with fabulous views of Arrow glacier. We will camp here for the night at 4200m. a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatisation opportunity. Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
DAY 5
MOIR HUT TO BARRANCO CAMP VIA LAVA TOWER
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation for lunch and acclimatization.This will be our toughest day so far and you may, for the first time, feel the altitude. After lunch we will descend again by almost 650m to Barranco Camp, which takes about 2 hours and offers great opportunities to take.Beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitude is very beneficial for acclimatisation following the “walk high, sleep low” golden rule.some beautiful view of the Western Breach and Breach Wall. The camp is situated in a valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall.
Moir Hut to Lava Tower
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
DAY 6
BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatisation. We will stay overnight at Karanga campsite.
DAY 7
KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
DAY 8
BARAFU CAMP TO SUMMIT TO MWEKA CAMP
Very early in the morning (around midnight) you will be served with tea and biscuits before we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft/5732m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak.We are only an hour away from the summit, Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5895m)- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.From the summit, we descend down to Mweka camp site, via Barafu for lunch. Trekking poles will be needed for the loose scree going down to Mweka Camp (3100m). Later in the evening, we will enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and spend our night at Mweka camp.
Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak
Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp
DAY 9
MWEKA CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
On our last day on trek,after breakfast we continue the descent to Mweka Gate 1300m/5,380ft and collect the summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Gate then Drive to the Hotel in Arusha town for a hot shower and a celebratory dinner.
Elevation: 10,065 ft to 5,380 ft
DAY 10: DEPARTURE
After a much needed night’s rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged for the transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), plan for a wildlife safari or Zanzibar beach, African Blissful Safaris guide will collect you in the morning for your onward
journey.
WHAT IS INCLUDED:
NOT INCLUDED