Routes

There are a number of established routes up Kilimanjaro. The two most popular routes are Marangu and Machame which can both be very busy at certain times of the year. Their popularity is largely based on the fact they are shorter and therefore less expensive options. The very fact they are shorter routes, for the reasons outlined earlier, means their associated success rates are less. The longer routes provide a better chance of success since they allow more time for acclimatisation. The fact they tend to be quieter also means they are more enjoyable and scenically superior.

It cannot be said enough that the more days you have on the mountain, the higher are your chances of success, so the route we tend to use is the longer Lemosho route. The extra time spent on this route does mean there is a cost impact but we believe this is a price well worth paying, since it provides a far greater chance of success for everyone concerned. We believe the extra days of acclimatisation are absolutely vital.

The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on the mountain, and a superb choice for your climb. It has low traffic, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Unlike the popular Machame route, which simply intersects the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho route crosses the whole of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. An added bonus is that climbers will encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. Descent is made via the Mweka route.

After the short journey from Moshi, where you will be staying in a comfortable hotel, you will be dropped off at the Londorossi Gate and walk to Miti Mkubwa Camp for your first night. The first full day of climbing will take you through the forest to the heathland and Shira 1 Camp. You will spend the next day trekking across the remote moorland of the Shira Plateau, with the night at Barranco Camp, before reaching the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley. The final push for the summit starts on day five when you will make your way up to Barafu Camp before an early start on day six to reach Uhuru Peak in time for the sunrise.

Summit day is a very long day and after spending time at the top you will make a long descent, down the Mweka Route, to spend the night at Mweka Camp. The seventh, and final day, will see you descend to Mweka Gate before the short transfer back to Moshi to relax, celebrate and reflect on a memorable experience.