Tour to Mount Kilimanjaro with us- Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Tour to Mount Kilimanjaro with us: Africa Natural Tours

AFRICA NATURAL TOURS (The best tour company in Tanzania)

Specialized in: Mountain climbing, Wildlife safaris, Cultural tourism and Beach holidays

Contact +255 653 679 958 OR +255 623 992 830

6 Days Rongai Route

6 Days Rongai Route: Kilimanjaro Climbing, The Rongai Route is one of the easiest routes and the success rate is very high due to the fact that Rongai route. The route starts on the north side of the mountain just south of the Kenyan border, and is one of the least traveled routes. The descent is down the Marangu Route on the south side of the mountain, so climbers see the mountain from many view points.

The drive to the trail head takes about 3 hours from Moshi through many villages and coffee plantations, including a stop to register climbing permits at Marangu.

The Rongai Route can also be accessed from Amboseli National Park in Kenya. Allow 2 hours including border crossing. We will need copies of passports ahead of time.

Day 1: Moshi to Nale Muru to Simba Camp

Transfer by Land Rover to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru. After signing in and preparing the porters, you will begin the hike on a wide path that winds through fields of maize and potatoes before entering pine forest.

 The track then starts to climb consistently but gently through attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. The forest begins to thin out and the first camp is at the edge of the moorland zone with extensive views over the Kenyan plains.

Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave

The morning hike is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave with superb views of Kibo and the Eastern ice fields on the crater rim.

Day 3: Second Cave to Third Cave

Today we continue our hike from the Second Cave to the Third Cave.

Day 4: Third Cave to Kibo Camp

Hike to Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent and a very early day!

Day 5: Kibo Camp to Summit and Horombo Huts

Begin the final and by far the steepest and most demanding part of the climb beginning around 1 a.m. Proceed very slowly in the darkness on a switchback trail through loose volcanic scree to reach the crater rim at Gillman’s Point. Rest here for a short time to enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast to the final campsite at Horombo.

Day 6: Horombo Huts to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest paths to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

7 Days Machame Route

Days Machame Route: Kilimanjaro Climbing, Machame is the second most popular and one of the most scenic routes on the mountain. All climbers sleep in tents. It is done over 7 days, so acclimatization is easier, and the success rate is fairly high. It is for physically fit people with some hiking experience. Descent is down the Mweka trail staying at the Mweka or Millenium camp the final night on the mountain.

Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Drive from Moshi to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain.

We depart the park gate and walk through the rain forest on a winding trail up a ridge. At lower elevations the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are a good idea here. We continue a short distance until we reach the Machame Camp.

Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp

After breakfast we leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the valley along a steep rocky ridge. The route now turns west onto a river gorge until we arrive at the Shira campsite.

Day 3: Shira Camp to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (15,997 ft / 4,876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut. Although you end the day around the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley and the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

We continue up to the Barafu Hut. You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day.

Day 6: Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. At Stella Point you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see. Faster hikers may view the sunrise from the summit.

From Stella Poin, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. Once at Uhuru Peak you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa!

From the summit we begin our descent by continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You may want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. We arrive at Mweka Camp and enjoy our last evening on the mountain.

Day 7: Mweka Camp to Moshi

After breakfast we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters.

6 Days Marangu Route

6 Days Marangu Route: The Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every camp site with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Mens’ and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.

All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. Soft drinks, bottled water, and beer may be for sale at the huts. Bring small Tanzanian bills to purchase these items (prices increase with elevation).

This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.

Day 1: Kilimanjaro National Park Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.

Day 3: Horombo Hut

Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.

Meals: BLD

Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Day 5: Kibo Camp to Summit then Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture 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.

The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

8 Days Lemosho Route

8 Days Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is typically completed in 8 days. This is a great option if you want a longer trek for acclimatization. It connects with the Machame Route at Shira 2 Camp. The drive to trail head is about 4 hours.

Day 1: Moshi to Londorossi Park Gate to Mti Mkubwa Camp

After breakfast and briefing, drive to Londorossi Park Gate (7,380 ft / 2,250 m, 2.5 hours). From here a forest track requiring a 4WD vehicle leads to Lemosho Glades (7,830 ft / 2,390 m, 11km, 45 minutes) and a possible campsite (park fees are not paid to camp here). Walk along forest trails to Mti Mkubwa (big tree) campsite.

Day 2: Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

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 (11,810 ft / 3,600 m) then gently downwards to Shira 1 camp located by a stream on the Shira Plateau.

Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

After breakfast, a gentle hike across the plateau leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. A variety of hikes are available on the Plateau, making this an excellent acclimatization day.

Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Hut

From the Shira Plateau we continue to the east, passing the junction near the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the “Shark’s Tooth.” Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier (15,997 ft / 4,876 m). We now continue down to the Barranco Hut (12,664 ft / 3,860 m). Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you began, this day is very important for acclimatization.

Day 5: Barranco Hut to Karanga Hut

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to the Karanga Valley campsite (13,780 ft / 4,200 m).

Day 6: Karanga Hut to Barafu Hut

After breakfast, we leave the Karanga Valley and pass the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue to the Barafu Hut (15,092 ft / 4,600 m). You have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo can be seen from our campsite.

Day 7: Barafu Hut to Summit then Mweka Hut

Waking up very early (midnight to 2 am) we continue our way to the summit of Uhuru Peak (19,636 ft / 5,985 m). This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be very cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you.

 At Uhuru Peak, we have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers may be able to see the sunrise from the summit. From the summit, we make our descent, continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site (10,171 ft / 3,100 m). This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned rest. Beer and soda may be available for purchase at the Mweka Hut.

Day 8: Mweka Hut to Moshi

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to your hotel. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!

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