Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking - Africa Natural Tours ( africanaturaltours.com )

Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking: Africa Natural Tours (For Kilimanjaro, Serengeti and Zanzibar) Tanzania safari company in Moshi

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

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Mt. Kilimanjaro Trekking

Marangu Route

Sometimes known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, because it is the most popular route up the
mountain, the Marangu Route is in fact probably followed by sixty percent of all climbers. It has a well defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to
make them ‘climber friendly’. Accommodation on this route is in purpose built mountain huts
providing adequate shelter and even bottled water, beer and soft drinks ( at high altitude
prices!). Despite the human traffic (it can be fun to mingle with climbers from all over the world); this is a very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi peak.

Tour Ref THT – 001 7days & 6nights (6 days on trek)

Day 1: Arrive at spring lands Hotel in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, overnight
stay. (B/B)

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Marangu for the first section of the climb through the montane forest to Mandara Hut at 9000ft/ 2750m. Taking 3 to 4 hours. Overnight Mandara hut

Day 3: Leaving the forest, you trek along a good path through open grassy moorland to reach Horombo Hut at 12000ft/3700m. Taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Horombo hut

Day 4 (Optional): Extra acclimatization day. Overnight at Horombo Hut.

Day 5: Continue ascending past the last water point’ traversing the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi to Kibo Hut at 15000ft/4700m. Taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Kibo hut

Day 6: An early start for the summit on steep and heavy scree up to Gilman’s Point at 18640ft / 5681m. On the crater rim to arrive in time for sunrise. Continue on to Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft / 5896m. Descend to Horombo Hut for overnight taking 7 to 8 hours ascent and 4 to 7 hours descent. Overnight Horombo hut

Day 7: Descend the mountain to the Park Gate taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and transferred to
spring lands Hotel for overnight stay. (B/B)

Day 8: Machame Route (Camping Route)

One day longer on trek, climbing a natural, rather than manmade path, the Machame Route is a
more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Overnights are spent
camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters. Highlights of this
route are the Shira Plateau, Barranco wall and the Karanga Valley reaching the summit via Stella
Point. Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatization there is a good chance of reaching the summit. Tour Ref THT – 002 8days & 7 nights (6 days on trek)

Day 1: Arrive at spring lands Hotel in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, overnight
stay. (B/B)

Day 2: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Machame for the first section of the climb through the montane forest to Machame Campsite at 10000ft/3000m. For overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Machame camp

Following the steep ridge and across heath and moorland to “picnic rock” and the Shira plateau, to Shira Campsite at 12500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Shira camp

Day 4: Heading towards Kibo, crossing a broad valley and climbing to a ridge crest, crossing scree slopes and a river valley to reach Barranco Campsite 13000ft/3900m. For overnight camp taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Barranco camp

Day 5: Cross the floor of the Great Barranco Valley, up the Barranco Wall to the Karanga River – the last water point on this route. A steep climb over rocky slabs to Barafu Campsite at 15500ft/ 4600m. For overnight camp taking 8 to 9 hours. Overnight Barafu camp

Day 6: An early start for the summit – Uhuru Peak the highest point in Africa at 19340ft/5896m taking 6 to 7 hours. Descend via Barafu Campsite through the forest to Mweka Campsite at
10000ft/3000m. For overnight camp. - taking 5 to 7 hours. Overnight Mweka Camp

Day 7: Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College taking 3 to 4 hours to met and transferred to spring lands Hotel for overnight stay. (B/B)

Day 8: Breakfast at the Hotel. End of tour.

Rongai Route (Camping Route)

This route is fast gaining in popularity and is considered to be one of the easiest routes up the
mountain. It is the only route starting from the north side of the mountain at Rongai a small
village close to the Kenya border. The climbing conditions are drier on the northern side of the
mountain and there are spectacular sweeping views over the broad flat Maasai lands. Overnights
are spent camping in tents. The summit is reached via the east side of Kibo and the descent is
via the Marangu route. Tour ref THT-003 7 days & 6 nights (5 days on trek)

Day 1: Arrive at spring lands Hotel in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, overnight. (B/B)

Day 2: The climb begins at the village of Nale Moru (1950 mts) through cultivated land before entering the pine forest. Watch out for Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys in the tree tops with their white fringed ‘capes’ and tail. Taking 3 – 4 hours the first camp is on the edge of the moorland zone where the forest begins to thin out at First Cave at 8500ft/2600m. Overnight 1st Cave Camp

Day 3: The morning walk is a steady ascent up to Second Cave at 11300ft/3450m with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. Pushing on to reach Third Cave taking 3 to 4 hours at 12800ft/3800m for overnight camp. Overnight 3rd Cave Camp

Day 4: Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 4 to 5 hours to reach Kibo Hut at 15000ft/4700m. The remainder of the day is spent
resting in preparation for the final ascent which begins around midnight. Overnight Kibo Camp

Day 5: An early start for the summit on steep heavy scree to arrive at Gilman’s Point at 18640ft/5681m in time to see the sun rise. Those who want to reach the highest point in Africa can take the approximately three hour excursion to Uhuru Peak 19340/5896m passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descents to Kibo are surprisingly fast and after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo at 12000ft/3700m taking 11 to 15 hours. Overnight Horombo Camp

Day 6: A steady descent down through the more land to Mandara Hut and then downward through the lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu ( 1830m) taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and transferred for Overnight at Spring lands Hotel (B/B)

Day 7: Breakfast at the Hotel. End of tour.

Umbwe Route (Camping Route)

Starting on the southern side of the mountain at Umbwe gate this is a fairly steep route and is
recommended for the very fit or practiced trekker. Steep forest paths give way to heath and
moorland before becoming rocky and where the trek becomes more demanding. Approach to the
summit is via Barafu and Stella Point with the descent being via Mweka.

THT – 004 8 days & 6 nights (6 days on trek)

Day 1: Arrive at spring lands Hotel in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, overnight
stay. (B/B)

Day 2: Drive to the Umbel Gate at 1800m. From where a forestry track leads through natural rain forest to a narrow and steep forested ridge and the first campsite by some rock overhangs at 2940m, (5-6h).

Day 3: Continue till the forest ends and the path continues along a spectacular ridge with superb views of the icy Breach Wall above and the Great Barranco gorge below. The campsite is not far from the Barranco Hut. (5-6h, 3940m.).

Day 4: Scramble easily to the top of the Great Barranco and then a traverse over screes and ridges to the Karanga Valley campsite (3h, 4000m.), beneath the icefalls of the Southern Glaciers.

Day 5: The trail ascends a ridge to a campsite by the Barafu Hut, an airy location with little vegetation
(3h, 4600m.),

Day 6: Start just after midnight for the ascent of the screes leading to Stella Point (6h, 5725m.). From here a further 40mins. Leads to Uhuru Peak. Descend to the Barafu Hut for a rest and brunch before continuing down to camp at Mweka Hut at 3100m, (11-14h total walking time). Those with energy on the summit may wish to descend to the Reutsh Crater and visit the dramatic ice pinnacles of the Eastern Ice fields.

Day 7: A 3-4 hour descent through beautiful forest brings you to the Park Gate. Drive back to
spring lands Hotel for overnight stay (B/B)

Day 8: Leave hotel after breakfast.

Shira Route (Camping Route)

This route starts an altitude of 11600ft (3500m) and should only be attempted by trekkers who
are already acclimatized or know from previous experience that they can tolerate altitude. From
the trailhead the trail heads east across the centre of the Shira Plateau, where it is often likely to
spot big game, such as elephant and buffalo. The route then joins up with the Machame Route at
Shira Camp and approaches the summit via Stella Point descending via Mweka Camp.
Tour ref THT – 005 8 days & 7 nights (6 days on trek)

Day 1: Arrive at spring lands Hotel in time for an early evening pre-climb briefing on the trek, overnight.
(B/B)

Day 2: Drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at Londorossi for the first section of the climb through the lush forest to reach Forest Campsite close to the gate at 9000ft/2750m taking 4 to 5 hours. Overnight Forest Camp

Day 3: Continue through the forest on to the Shira Plateau to reach Shira Campsite at 12,500ft/3800m for overnight camp taking 5 to 6 hours. Overnight Shira Camp

Day 4: Heading eastwards continue ascending through the dry landscape before reaching Barranco Campsite at 13,000ft/3900m for overnight camp taking 5- 7 hours. Overnight Barranco Camp

Day 5: The path climbs steeply out of the Barranco Valley, crosses the Karanga Valley, then turns north to reach Barafu Campsite at 15,500ft/4600m for overnight camp. Overnight Barafu Camp.

Day 6: A long days and an early start to reach the crater rim at Stella Point in time for sunrise. Continue
on to Uhuru Peak 19,340ft/5896m the highest point in Africa. Descend to Mweka Campsite at
10,000ft/3000m for overnight camp taking 6 to 8 hours ascent 5 to 7 hours descent. Overnight
Mweka Camp

Day 7: Descend through the forest to the park gate at Mweka Wildlife College, taking 3 to 4 hours to be met and transferred back to spring lands Hotel for overnight stay (B/B)

Day 8: The Mweka Route is used for descending the Mountain after you have climbed all routes except
the Marangu and Rongai Routes. The Mweka Route is a direct route to the bottom of the
mountain with one stop over at Mweka camp half way down the mountain.

Lemosho Route (Camping Route)

Day 1

• Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
• Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
• Distance: 6 km
• Hiking Time:3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, and then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

Day 2

• Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 to Shira Camp 2
• Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 12,500ft
• Distance: 18 km
• Hiking Time 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest 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. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing. From here, it is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream.

Day 3

• Shira Camp 2 to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
• Elevation (ft): 12,500ft to 13,000ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Semi Desert

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 at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

Day 4

• Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
• Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 15,000ft
• Distance: 9km
• Hiking Time: 8-10 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. Then, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, 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 are to be seen from this position.

Day 5

• Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
• Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
• Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
• Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
• Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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 (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all the way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 6

• Mweka Camp to Moshi
• Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
• Distance: 10 km
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Rain Forest

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, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to spring lands Hotel Moshi

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