Machame Route   Marangu Route   Rongai Route   Shira Route   Umbwe Route

This route is the hardest but most spectacular and direct way to reach Uhuru Peak. Extra days can be added to our itinerary to explore or relax along the route or to camp in the Karanga River valley. Accommodation on the mountain is in tents. The Umbwe route can also be used to access arrow glacier. From Barafu camp the trail leads to the summit via Stella Point. In climbing, the terrain passes from a tropical to an artic clime in just a few days. The encircling rain forest ensures the fertility of the lower lying shambas and is rich in birdlife. Above the rain forest lies the Alpine Meadow, a beautiful moorland, offering many splendid views. Exotic plants such as the giant Lobelia and the fork-like Groundsel are to be seen. The latter blooming once every 50 – 70 years. Leaving the Alpine Meadow we reach the Alpine Desert and eventually the ‘’snows of Kilimanjaro’’. Book with us.

Day 1 : Welcome to Africa!

Arrival day to Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met and transferred to hotel in Moshi or Arusha.

Day 2: Orientation day

This day is designed to give you plenty of time to relax, pack and recoup from the long journey. We will meet you late in the morning for a short climbing orientation. We will give you a climb briefing and answer any questions you have about the climb. We will also do an equipment check with each person to be sure that you are fully prepared. We have designed this day to allow for walking, game viewing or cultural exchange with indigenous people.

Day 3: Montaine Forest (9,700').  Hiking time : 5 - 6 hrs

The majority of the hike on this first day is through the Montaine Forest. Lush vegetation with very old trees and lilts of ferns and mosses mark this as an area that gets reliable rain year round. The forest abounds with wildlife; small bushbuck and duikers as well as monkeys. There is also rich and varied bird life. The first three hours or so is on gently rising land before steepening for the last two hours. The camp for the night is in a small clearing on the trail.

Day 4: Giant Heath Land (13000').  Hiking Time : 4 - 5 hrs

Shortly after starting the hike the forest gradually gives away to the giant heath. The trail has been following a ridge for some time and as it ascends through the heath land the ridge narrows and sharpens, finally becoming knife edge with steep drops on each side. As the height of the heath reduces there are stunning views of both Kilimanjaro's southern flank and across the Mount Meru some 50 miles away. Wildlife changes with the vegetation, jackals may be heard barking and the huge Lammergeyer seen circling overhead. The camp is overlooking the Barranco Valley with views up towards Arrow Glacier.

Day 5: Arrow Glacier (15800'). Hiking time: 4 - 5 hrs

The day starts through the unique Barranco valley with its lush vegetation and giant senisios. As the valley steepens we strike off up a scree ramp on the most direct route to Arrow Glacier. The vegetation is left behind as we move through old weather rock and alongside old lava runs. A final boulder slope brings us to the Arrow Glacier Campsite.

Day 6 : Day Hike - Acclimatization (15800')

This day is a chance to acclimatize and rest before the push to the summit. During the day we will take a hike up the Western Breach Route to familiarize ourselves with it and if necessary kick steps in the snow. This hike will also help with our acclimatization.

Day 7 : Summit and begin descend (19340').  Hiking Time : 9 - 10 hrs

Leaving at midnight we will wind our way up the Western Breach non-technical climbing route, for about six hours to the crater rim. Moving around the massive Furtwrangler Glacier as the skies lighten we will see the shape of Mt. Meru to the west. Having crossed the crater plateau we begin the final 800 ft climb to the summit (19,340ft) arriving shortly after dawn. Having enjoyed the view we begin the long descent to Barafu Hut then on down to Mweka Camp for the night.

Day 8: Arusha. Hiking Time : 4 - 7 hrs

Hiking time will vary depending on the trail conditions while traveling through the lush vegetation at this elevation. Rain can occur any time of year at this location and can make the trail muddy requiring a slower pace. Once we have descended the 4,500 feet to the roadhead we will have our lunch and say good-bye to our mountain staff before driving back to Moshi or Arusha for a nice hot shower and time to relax, ready for departure home or onto wildlife safari the next day. To book this trip please click here