Kilimanjaro

Which Route to Choose

There are three different approaches – West, North and South. Choice of route depends on the amount of time you have available, the importance of the route’s scenery for you, degree of difficulty, and how crowded a route can get depending on time of year. It is important to keep in mind that acclimatization takes time and the more time you have available the better your body will be able to cope with the altitude and you will have an increased success in reaching the top. The Machame and Marangu are the busiest in regards to foot traffic followed by less traffic on the Lemosho and Rongai Route.

Distances, Elevations and Hike Time Comparisons for the various Routes

The distances and hike times can vary enormously depending on the exact route taken. The following data is for guideline purposes only to help with your decision.

DAY	Machame 6 Days	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Machame gate to Machame camp	4900	10000	10000	4100	0	6.21	10	7
2	Machame camp to Shira camp	10000	13200	12600	3200	600	2.6	5	7
3	Shira camp to Barranco camp	12600	15100	12800	2500	2300	6	10	8
4	Barranco camp to Barafu camp	12800	15100	15100	2300	0	4.85	8	8
5	Barafu camp to Stella Point (18,865 ft) to Uhuru Peak down to Barafu to Millenium camp	15100	19340	12340	4240	7000
	Barafu to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Stella Point to Barafu	15100	19340	15100	4240	4240	4.4	8	10
	Barafu to Millenium	15100	15100	12340	0	2760	2.3	4	2
6	Millenium camp to Mweka gate	12340	12340	5900	0	6440	7	12	5
				TOTALS	20580	23340	33.36	57	47

***

DAY	MACHAME 7 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Machame gate to Machame camp	5900	10000	10000	4100	0	6.21	10	7
2	Machame camp to Shira camp	10000	13200	12600	3200	600	2.6	5	7
3	Shira camp to Barranco camp	12600	15100	12800	2500	2300	6	10	8
4	Barranco camp to Karanga camp	12800	13780	13450	980	330	3.1	5	4
5	Karanga camp to Barafu camp	13450	15100	15100	1650	0	1.95	4	3
6	Barafu to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Stella Point to Barafu	15100	19340	15100	4240	4240	4.4	8	10
	Barafu to Millenium	15100	15100	12340	0	2760	2.3	4	2
7	Millenium camp to Mweka gate	12340	12340	5900	0	6440	7	12	5
				TOTALS	16670	16670	33.56	58	46

***

DAY	RONGAI 6 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Nale Muru gate (Rongai) to Simba Caves	6400	8550	8550	2150	0	4.5	8	3
2	Simba caves to Kikelewa	8550	11815	11815	3265	0	7	12	8.5
3	Kikelewa to Mawenzi camp	11815	14200	14200	2385	0	2.15	4	3
4	Mawenzi camp to Kibo camp	14200	15420	15420	1220	0	4.95	8	5
5	Kibo to Gilman's to Stella to Uhuru and back to Kibo Hut	15420	19340	15420	3920	3920	5.72	10	11
	Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut	15420	15420	12160	0	3260	5.75	10	5
6	Horombo to Marangu exit gate	12160	12160	6400	0	5760	11.5	19	6
				TOTALS	12940	12940	41.57	71	41.5

***

DAY	RONGAI 7 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Nale Muru gate (Rongai) to Simba Caves	6400	8550	8550	2150	0	4.5	8	3
2	Simba caves to Kikelewa	8550	11815	11815	3265	0	7	12	8.5
3	Kikelewa to Mawenzi camp	11815	14200	14200	2385	0	2.15	4	3
4	Mawenzi camp acclimatisation day	14200	15100	14200	900	900	1.5	3	3
5	Mawenzi camp to Kibo camp	14200	15420	15420	1220	0	4.95	8	5
6	Kibo to Gilman's Point (18,650 ft) to Uhuru Peak, descend to Kibo.	15420	19340	15420	3920	3920	6	10	11
	Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut	15420	15420	12160	0	3260	5.75	10	5
7	Horombo Hut to Marangu gate	12160	12160	6400	0	5760	11.5	19	6
				TOTALS	13840	13840	38.85	66	44.5

***

DAY	SHIRA 6 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Londorossi gate to Murram Barrier	7350	12205	12205	4855	0	8.3	14	7
2	Murram Barrier to Shira 1	12205	12600	12600	395	0	6.2	10	5
3	Shira camp 1 to Barranco camp	12600	15100	12800	2500	2300	6.5	11	8
4	Barranco camp to Barafu camp	12800	15100	15100	2300	0	4.85	8	8
5	Barafu to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Stella Point to Barafu	15100	19340	15100	4240	4240	4.4	8	10
	Barafu to Millenium	15100	15100	12340	0	2760	2.3	4	2
6	Millenium camp to Mweka gate	12340	12340	5900	0	6440	7	12	5
				TOTALS	14290	15740	39.55	67	45

***

DAY	SHIRA 7 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Londorossi gate to Murram Barrier	7350	12205	12205	4855	0	8.3	14	7
2	Murram Barrier to Shira 1	12205	12600	12600	395	0	6.2	10	5
3	Shira camp 1 to Barranco camp	12600	15100	12800	2500	2300	6.5	11	8
4	Barranco camp to Karanga camp	12800	13780	13450	980	330	3.1	5	4
5	Karanga camp to Barafu camp	13450	15100	15100	1650	0	1.95	4	3
6	Barafu to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Stella Point to Barafu	15100	19340	15100	4240	4240	4.4	8	10
	Barafu to Millenium	15100	15100	12340	0	2760	2.3	4	2
7	Millenium camp to Mweka gate	12340	12340	5900	0	6440	7	12	5
				TOTALS	14620	16070	39.75	68	44

***

DAY	LEMOSHO 8 DAYS	start altitude	max altitude	end altitude	vertical gain	drop	Miles	KM	Hike Time (hrs)
1	Lemosho to Forest camp	7380	9385	9385	2005	0	3	5	7
2	Forest to Shira 1 Camp	9385	11680	11680	2295	0	4	7	7
3	Shira 1 to Moir Camp	11680	13451	13451	1771	0	5.5	9	5.5
	Moir Camp to Barranco Camp	12600	15100	12800	2500	2300	6	10	8
4	Barranco camp to Karanga camp	12800	13780	13450	980	330	3	5	4
5	Karanga camp to Barafu camp	13450	15100	15100	1650	0	2	4	3
6	Barafu to Stella Point to Uhuru Peak to Stella Point to Barafu	15100	19340	15100	4240	4240	4	8	10
	Barafu to Millenium	15100	15100	12340	0	2760	2	4	2
7	Millenium camp to Mweka gate	12340	12340	5900	0	6440	7	12	5
				TOTALS	15441	16070	37	64	52

Crater Camp Decisions

Crater Camp lies at an altitude of 18,800 feet/5,750 m and is a very unique place that allows you to explore the glaciers or even hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit. Yet, because of it’s extreme altitude, if you are not acclimatized properly, it can be very dangerous and serious AMS is a strong possibility. If you wish to include a night at crater camp please inquire with us. All our crater camp overnight treks have mandatory Gamow Bag as part of the standard equipment. We only recommend an overnight at Crater Camp if you choose an itinerary with 9 nights on the mountain and 3 nights near or above 15.000 feet before sleeping at Crater Camp.

Western Breach Option

Ascents via the Western Breach are inherently more dangerous than other routes due to the increased danger of rock fall as well as short sections of scrambling at high altitude and the possibility of increased snow and ice with the associated slipping hazards. It is mandatory for all climbers on the route to wear safety climbing helmets. Please inquire with us for several options on this route.

Considerations for your route selection*

Route	Days	Adventure	Scenery	Remoteness	Exertions
Lemosho 8 day Stella Point	8	8	9	8	9	A great Lemosho trip
Machame 7 day Stella Point	7	7	8	7	7	The best all round trip. Yes it’s busy,because it is a great route.
Lemosho 7 day Stella Point	7	8	9	8	10	Exertive Lemosho
Lemosho No Circuit 8 days Gilman’s	8	9	6	9	9	Off the beaten track, ascends via Gilman’s point
Machame 6 day Stella Point	6	7	8	7	10	Price conscious OR very fit
Rongai 7 day Gilman’s Point	7	8	9	9	7	A great all round trip, more off the beaten track than Machame
Rongai 6 day Gilman’s Point	6	6	6	8	9	Fit people, off the beaten track
Umbwe 6 day Stella Point	6	8	6	8	8	Fitter / adventurous types
Marangu 6 day Gilman’s (note: in huts)	6	5	4	5	8	Those that want huts
Extreme program:
Shira Northern Circuit 7 days Gilman’s	7	9	6	10	10	Off the beaten track– extreme
Additional Trip Options:
Mt. Meru 4 days (note in huts)	4	9	7	6	8	The best Meru trip
Kilimanjaro day trip – Murram Gate	1	5	5	5	4	A taste of Kilimanjaro for those that don’t have time / energy for more
A Taste of Kilimanjaro – 3 days	3	5	6	6	5	A taste 3 day program
The Shira Plateau – 4 days	4	5	6	6	7	A taste 4 day program
High Altitude Ramble – 5 days	5	5	6	7	5	A taste 5 days – highest without summiting

*these ratings are subject to individual experience and interpretation

Our Climbs

Although we do offer group climbs (see dates and details below) our most popular climbs are private climbs just for you and your climbing partner, due to our competitive pricing. You can start a private climb any day you desire and the advantages are multi-faceted. Walk and rest at your own pace without the limiting factor of the group. Your guides are focused on you and not distracted by other members in your group. Tanzanians are very social and chatting with your crew will give you better local insights and deeper experience than talking with other climbers.

PRIVATE CLIMBS

Please click on the + for complete information on the climb.

Hotel Upgrade: If you prefer to stay at Rivertrees Country Inn   or other hotel in lieu of the hotel in Moshi please inquire.

Add a Day on the Mountain: Adding an extra day for your climb on the mountain for better acclimatization is easily possible from only US$300.-per person, per night. You will feel more comfortable and have a higher success rate to reach the top. Available on all climbs except group climbs.

SOLO Climbers: We can organize solo (1 person) climbs. Please inquire for pricing.

GROUP CLIMBS

If you wish to join a group departure together with other climbers, we will be undertaking such trips throughout the year.

2025 Machame Route Climbs – 8 Days with 5 night on the mountain plus pre/post night in hotel: February 15, July 12, Aug 9, 2025; Ladies only climb February 8 and Oct 4, 2025.

All climbs include:

Fully outfitted climb (3 meals per day), meet and greet at Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to your hotel, 2 nights accommodation at Ilboru Safari Lodge with breakfast, pre climb briefing,  transfer to the trailhead. Standard medical emergency evacuation insurance from the mountain to nearest local medical facility. Kilimanjaro National Park Fees, detailed itinerary and hike information packet, Kilimanjaro certificate issued by Kilimanjaro National Park post hike (if you reach Stella Point/Gilmans point or Uhruru Peak)

Please check out the equipment details under the equipment tab on the left;

All climbs exclude:

Bottled water (we do provide boiled/filtered drinking water to avoid littering the mountain with bottles), staff tips, flights, visa, mandatory travel/evacuation insurance,

 Example of crew for 2 climbers: 11 crew total consisting of 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide (if you split up in emergency each one of you will still have a guide) 1 cook and 8 porters

Example of crew for 4 climbers: 16 crew total consisting of 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide (if you split up in emergency you will still have guide to lead you , 1 cook and 13 porters.

VERY IMPORTANT NOTE:

If you interrupt your climb, for whatever reason (illness, through choice, bad weather, etc), and return from the mountain early, then you will be liable for extra transport and additional hotel nights, meals, etc. No climbing fees and related costs will be refunded. Extra nights in Arusha due to your early departure from the mountain will have to be settled in Arusha.

Non Peak Options

Perfect itineraries for people who just like to get a “taste” of the mountain without going all the way to the top.

Please click on the + for more details.

Why trek with us

We are very conscientious not just about our guest’s experience but also our staff.
All our climbs adhere to the following:

• 24 hour back-up and off mountain team monitors all climbs twice a day
• Current team of guides, crews and managers have all been working together for over a decade.
• Mt. Kilimanjaro emergency evacuation insurance included. We take safety seriously.
• Member of Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project KPAP plus going beyond adhering to their standards and guidance.
• Member of International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) which is actively following the WTO Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program to promote responsible, sustainable tourism that facilitates benefits from tourism “trickling down” to all members of the local population.
• Attention to detail: most everything is systemized. Managers follow pre-set checklists and routines for the preparation, execution and completion of every trip to make sure that nothing is missed. We require full client information pre trip and this is used for safety briefings to the crew and kept on file for the duration of any trip. Every item from all zips to the stools are checked pre trip. Our cooks organize purchasing in accordance to dietary limitations and allergic considerations.
• All mountain guides undergo frequent Mountain Rescue Refresher Courses as well as rope courses
• All guides are Red Cross First Aid certified or similar
• All climbs include: pulse oximeter, stethoscope, altitude sickness checklist,  first aid kit, emergency oxygen, cell phone, portable altitude chamber for overnight in crater camp or upon request (extra charge from US$155 per climb)
• Pre and post climb hotel choice according your budget level
• Private porter available to carry your hand luggage if you wish (extra charge)
• High altitude alpine tent. 3 man tent shared only by 2 persons per tent (or one person if you booked a single tent in advance). The tents have aluminium frames with aerodynamic design and a streamlined profile which helps it to stay under the wind. The flysheet is made from Ripstop Nylon, so it won’t be tearing on sharp rocks or branches.
• We provide compressed foam rubber mattress (1 per climber). You only need, sleeping bag (-15C) ,  hiking poles and personal gear. Staff set up your tents, cook for you and provide you with drinking water and washing water in a bowl.
• Complete pre-planning and safari or beach add-on choices
• Group, private and custom treks available
• There is always a full trip and safety briefing
• We provide our staff with year round chef training, porter, guide training and refreshers
• We have in house rental facility so you don’t have to purchase gear you might never use again
• High guide to climber ratio so you receive the attention you deserve
• Economical private departures  at any time (versus pre-set group dates) just for the two of you or with friends, for maximum experience
• Some small group departures available throughout the year to save even more money
• Complete pre-climb trip planning and physical preparation guidance so you are fully prepared
• The owner of Adventure To Africa has been a high altitude guide for many years. We understand what’s happening on the mountain, understand the guests concerns and most importantly, understand the utter importance for safety. We not only understand the hard work of the porters but more than respect it.
• 

Important Preparations

1.Pre Trip: Even before you travel with Adventure To Africa you are expected to furnish us with important information about your health as well as what training you are undertaking and what kit you are bringing. We will assist you with those decisions for you to have the best experience possible. Dietary and allergy information is part of the course.
2.Pre Start: During your briefing, your details and kit are double checked. Guides and crews are fully briefed on all guests.
3.Event: Guides monitor you daily with pulse oximeters and altitude sickness scorecards. If evacuations are required then supplementary oxygen (for high altitude trips) and stretchers are provided.
4.Post Trip: Your feedback is essential and combined with proper guide and crew debriefings and your input we expect our trips to continue to develop and improve, and have done so for 14 years.

Our Crew

We take care of our crew because we understand that it takes a team to make your trip a success. We work as
as a member of KPAP and adhere to the following ethics standards:

Our Kilimanjaro Porter Ethics

We deeply respect our hardworking porters on Kilimanjaro. Without our porters, our treks would not be what they are. We understand and respect that.

• Member of Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project KPAP and going beyond adhering to their standards and guidance.
• In addition to being a member of KPAP, an independently employed porter liaison member monitors porter rights and accommodation and provides direct feedback to senior management as an additional layer that porters get what they deserve.
• Member of International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) which is actively following the WTO Sustainable Tourism Eliminating Poverty (STEP) program to promote responsible, sustainable tourism that facilitates benefits from tourism “trickling down” to all members of the local population.
• Implementation of tipping procedure to ensure that the porters receive the full amount of tip intended for them, we provide details for you in your pre-trip planner for you to double check
• Upholding mandated weight limits for porter loads – no more than 44 pounds of company weight (your personal allowance is 25 pounds or you may hire additional porter)
• Ensuring porters have adequate footwear, warm clothing and sleeping gear, tents and groundsheets.
• Assist with the descent of an ill porter and provide for medical treatment as indicated
• Our porters have insurance
• Ensuring transparency in the tipping process.

Career progression for our staff

The formal career progression path for most team members is as follows:

Porter
Camp crew
Trainee guide
Assistant guide
Head Guide
Trip leader

Our management team is also made up from head guides and trip leaders that have taken the initiative and shown interest in management. Where ever possible we always try to hire from within and promote according to initiative and competence backed up by supplemental training.

How many crew?

Sometimes people are a little shocked at the numbers of crew involved in these expeditions but bear in mind that you are trekking for multiple days where complete camps have to be carried up and down with all food as well. The employment benefits from these trips are significant and with our teams you’ll love the camaraderie too.

We do not overload our porters and we carry essentials extras such as, oxygen, first aid kits, mess tents, fresh food and so on.

Example of crew for 2 climbers: 11 crew total consisting of 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide (if you split up in emergency each one of you will still have a guide) 1 cook and 8 porters

Example of crew for 4 climbers: 16 crew total consisting of 1 senior guide, 1 assistant guide (if you split up in emergency you will still have guide to lead you , 1 cook and 13 porters.

We adjust crew according to requirements when needed, ie people that wish to move slower or like to add an extra day ( add a day from only US$300.- per person, per day includes Park fees)

Equipment

Category	Item	STANDARD
CREW
	Mountain guide with Mountain Rescue and rope technique	y
	Assistant guide (s) ( red cross first aid certificated or similar)	y
	Camp Crew (s)	y
	Cook (s)	y
	Porters	y
CLIENT TENTS
	3 person “pup” alpine tent used for 2 people	y
	Compressed Foam Rubber Pad	y
MESS TENT
	Walk in mess tent	y
	Lightweight tables	y
	Stools	y
	SAFETY DEVICES
Pulse oximeter		y
Altitude sickness checklists	y
	Stocked first aid kit	y
	Stethoscope	y
	Oxygen	y
	Portable altitude chamber	upon request
OTHER	Toilet tent in camp	y
	Private portable toilet	upon request
	Full trip and safety briefing	y

Example of Client Sleeping Tent – NOTE: used for 2 people only

We have the following personal gear available for rent:

Ventex Jacket

Waterproof Pants

Down Jacket

Sleeping Bag and inner sheet

Walking Stick/ski pole

Gaiters

Gloves

Kit bag

Private Portable Toilet

Prices are for weekly rent and require deposit

We are able to provide optional Luxury Outfitted Climbs (upon request and extra cost)

Luxury Specification has a larger mess tent than the lightweight specification, backed chairs instead of stools, a larger client tent with a 3 inch foam mattress. A pillow and -18 Celcius rated sleeping bag with liner are also included. There is a private portable toilet. Evening meals have an additional course (entrée) and there is fresh pressed coffee available. All in all, highly recommended.
V.I.P Climb available upon request (extra charge)VIP Specification is similar to the Luxury specification but with a larger walk in client tent with a sleeping cot so that guests are raised above the ground. The most comfortable all inclusive specification on the mountain, this is the specification to choose.

Safety is our priority!Safety Devices: We carry the following safety equipment
We carry professional safety equipment and our mountain guides are Mountain Rescue Guides with frequent refreshers.    Assistant Guides are up to date with Red Cross First Aid Certifications or similar.
Emergency oxygen (each cylinder gives -+7 hours of supply) Portable Altitude Chamber provided on any trek staying in Kibo crater as secondary support for supplementary oxygen. Other climbs upon request only.

Conscientious Care of EnvironmentThrough our Tanzania partner we adhere to strict ethical and environmentally responsible standards. We are members of Carbon Tanzania:A global community fully committed to the sustainable management of nature.CONSERVING FORESTS · PRESERVING CULTURES · MITIGATING CLIMATE CHANGE

Experience & Expertise

Our Tanzania partner team has been working together for over 20 years. All guest feedback is analyzed and this has allowed us to fine tune our operations over the years.
We are committed to being wage leaders. On high altitude mountains your team is your life line.
Our commitment to our team is your peace of mind. The owner of Adventure To Africa has been a high altitude guide for many years, and understands the importance of a team that has the equipment and ability to take care of you.

SAFARI EXTENSIONS Some of Tanzania’s best safari areas are located within a short distance of Mt. Kilimanjaro. the following are safaris that are ideal for tacking on to a Kili climb. Short on time but not on substance. Our very new acclimitazition safari allows you to see the “Big 5” whilst getting your body ready for your climb at the high altitude retreat. This is a win-win situation and gives you a much better chance to summit and on top of it you will be feeling better because you are acclimatized!For additional  longer safaris please see here.