Snow-capped Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest and the world's largest freestanding mountain at 5,895 metres above sea level. It is also one of the biggest volcanoes on the planet and has three major volcanic centres - Shira (4,160 metres), Kibo (5,895 metres) in the middle, and Mawenzi (5,149 metres). The mountain can be climbed any time of the year although the rainy season between mid March to mid June is not advised, nor the period from the start of November to mid December.
To climb Kilimanjaro before one of our safaris you will need to arrive anywhere from seven to twelve days prior to the safari departure depending on which climb you wish to do. We would emphasise that one of the main secrets of a successful climb is to allow adequate time for acclimatisation to altitude. For this reason we would not recommend 5 day climbs and for the more challenging routes in particular such as the Machame recommend allocating 7 days.
Our clients regularly trek the different routes as detailed in the dossiers below. Do feel get back to us if you need more information or have any queries at all.
Here is a sample itinerary for the 6 day Marangu Route, the Marangu being the most popular and easiest way to trek to the summit. The Marangu Route is the only route that has cabins.
KCB II NORMAL MARANGU ROUTE; 6 DAYS, 5 NIGHTS - PRICE £910
Day 1: After breakfast we drive to Marangu gate from Moshi Town to head out on a three to four hour trek through the rain forest trail to the Mandara Hut (2,743 metres).
Day 2: Today’s walk takes 5 to 7 hours, passing through forest, meadow and open moorland with a superb view of Kilimanjaro on the way. We camp tonight at Horombo Hut (3,760 metres).
Day 3: Today is our acclimitisation day so we ascend high up to the lunar desert of the “saddle” over a 2 to 3 hour trek, then relax for lunch. We then return for a second night in Horombo Hut.
Day 4: We leave Horombo for a 6 hour trek through rocky, rough terrain to overnight at Kibo Hut, the last before the summit (4,730 metres.) It takes 5 hours for the 13 kilometre walk.
Day 5: In the first hours of morning, we head out just after midnight for Gilmans Point 5,681 metres about 5 hours away, then on another 1 to 2 hours onto Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After summiting we descend down to the relative warmth of Horombo Hut to overnight.
Day 6: After breakfast it is an easy 5 to 6 hour descent to Marangu Gate where a car is waiting to transfer you back to the hotel and a very welcome hot shower and relax.
Overnight bed and breakfast accommodation is also included the day prior in Moshi, and then on Day 6 at the conclusion of your trek.
This is just one available route though.
For details of the other routes including the Machame, one of the most beautiful routes, and the less frequented Rongai Routes do take a look at the dossiers below. These routes are all camping treks.
We can assist with equipment hire as well as your transfer and accommodation arrangements in Nairobi and Moshi for before and after your trek.
