Kilimanjaro Mountain|Tanzania

Kilimanjaro, at 5,895 meters, is the highest point in Africa. This volcanic mountain range stands in the beautiful isolation on the nearby plains, with its snow peak over the savanna. The mountain is surrounded by mountain forest. Many mammals, many of which are endangered, live in gardens.

Mt Kilimanjaro is located in North Tanzania next to some of the top safari parks in Africa, so while making an ascent it would be a shame not visit the northern parks and experience the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire.

There are hundreds of operators that work on Mount Kilimanjaro but over the years we have decided to work with only 2 companies based on their safety track record, guides and cost. Climbing Kilimanjaro is potentially very dangerous so its important to be with the right company!

Climbing Kilimanjaro

• Lemosho Route: This is a slightly more relaxed route, allowing 8 days for acclimatisation and with a good balance in the height of the camp sites. The scenery is really beautiful, passing through forests and traverses. The success rate is 88% to Uhuru Peak and 94% to Stella Point.
• Machame Route: This is the most popular route, and as such it can get pretty busy. It has overtaken the Marangu Route in terms of popularity, and although it does boast spectacular views to the west of the mountain, we feel like it’s popularity has somewhat stunted it’s quality.
• Northern Circuit: Being a 9 day climb, virtually everyone reaches the summit on the Northern Circuit climb. You can do it in 8, but 9 is a bit more relaxed! It is for mountain lovers and also for those who seek solitude on the mountain – it is a hard thing to come by on Kilimanjaro and so this is a welcome bonus to the Northern Circuit route.
• Rongai Route: This is our favourite 6 day route. It begins the ascent up the northern side of the mountain, and is unparalleled in terms of scenery and summit success. There is some flexibility here too, as you can add a day giving you extra time for acclimitisation and increasing the chances of summiting. The success rate for the 7 day route is 74% to Uhuru and 88% to Gilmans Point.
• Shira Route: This is an 8 day itinerary which takes you through the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau and around the hilly and beautiful Moir Hut and the Lent Hills, before traversing underneath the Kibo icefields to summit via the Barafu Camp. The Shira Route approaches the summit from the western side, and is for those who want uninterrupted scenery and away from the crowds. The summit success is 86% to Uhuru Peak, and 93% to Stella Point.

A free-standing, snow-covered dormant volcano, majestic Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Located in northeast Tanzania, it can be seen from far into Kenya and Amboseli National Park.