Kilimanjaro
Experience Africa's highest peak on this 6-day Marangu route trek. Known as the "Coca-Cola" route, this classic journey offers comfortable hut accommodations while passing through diverse ecosystems and stunning landscapes en route to Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
Progressive altitude acclimatization while hiking through Kilimanjaro's distinct climate zones, from lush rainforest to arctic summit.
A six-day ascent via the Marangu Route, featuring comfortable mountain hut accommodations and a gradual climb to Uhuru Peak.
We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead. Upon arrival at the trailhead, we begin hiking through undisturbed forest which winds to the first campsite.
Main Destination: Lemosho Trail
Accommodation: Mti Mkubwa campsite
Meals & Drinks:
We continue on the trail leading out of the rainforest 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. Here we catch our first glimpse of Kibo across the plateau.
Main Destination: Shira Camp
Accommodation: Shira 1 Campsite
Meals & Drinks:
We explored the Shira Plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east on moorland meadows towards Shira 2 Camp. Then we divert from the main trail to Moir Hut, a little-used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. The Shira Plateau is one of the highest plateaus on earth.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Moir Hut
Meals & Drinks:
We begin the day climbing up a ridge and then head southeast towards the Lava Tower – a 300 ft tall volcanic rock formation. We descend down to Barranco Camp through the strange but beautiful Senecio Forest to an altitude of 13,000 ft. Although you begin and end the day at the same elevation, the time spent at higher altitudes is very beneficial for acclimatization.
Main Destination: Barranco
Accommodation: Barranco campsite
Meals & Drinks:
We begin the day by descending into a ravine to the base of the Great Barranco Wall. Then we climb the non-technical but steep, nearly 900 ft cliff. From the top of the Barranco Wall we cross a series of hills and valleys until we descend sharply into Karanga Valley. One more steep climb up leads us to Karanga Camp. This is a shorter day meant for acclimatization.
Main Destination: Karanga Valley
Accommodation: Karanga Campsite
Meals & Drinks:
We leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the rocky section to Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, and enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are viewable from this position.
Main Destination: Barafu Hut
Accommodation: Barafu Hut
Meals & Drinks:
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. Near Stella Point (18,900 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak– the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. 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.
Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro
Accommodation: Mweka Campsite
Meals & Drinks:
On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Main Destination: Mweka Village
Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi or Arusha
Meals & Drinks:
