Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro

Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro

So you have your sights set on hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Crater and Machame routes are two of the most beautiful climbs on the mountain. Call us about which tour fits your desire to experience Mt. Kilimanjaro!

Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro: The Two Most Popular Paths

Machame: The Machame route is a 9 day/8 night tour with seven days on the mountain. This trek starts from the south, just above the picturesque mountain village of Machame.

Traveling via the Shira Plateau, you will hike and climb counter-clockwise below the southern face of Kibo, climb Lava Tower for magnificent 360 degree vistas, and ascend the Great Barranco Wall – a challenging and exhilarating rock scramble.

Finally, you’ll approach the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro from Barafu and the ridge that abuts the Southeast Valley.

Lemosho Crater: The Lemosho Crater route is a 11 day/10 night tour with nine days on the mountain.

This popular route has many highlights, including an overnight at 18,800 feet sleeping inside the Mount Kilimanjaro crater! The route takes you to the mountaintop from the west across the Shira Plateau, with an ascent to the base of the Lava Tower, climbing the Lava Tower to enjoy magnificent 360 degree vistas.

You and your fellow travelers and guides will discuss and decide together whether to ascend via the Western Breach (the classic route to the crater with a challenging rock scramble) or the longer but less steep approach from Barafu.

Note: All these treks are physically and mentally challenging adventures. You will be hiking up to seven hours per day on varying terrain – both ascending and descending every day. Expect days of up to 3,500 feet of vertical gain or, on the descent, vertical loss in excess of 5,000 feet.

Kilimangaro is great fun and you should be aware of the challenge and be prepared for it so you maximize your fun. Please contact us discuss your level of physical fitness and if appropriate training is necessary to make the adventure more fun for you.

Important Details For Hiking Mt. Kilimanjaro

Activities:  High elevation hiking and camping

Rating:  Moderately Challenging to Challenging

Group Size:  2-14 guests

Length:  9 days / 8 nights

Meeting Time & Place:  Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) on Day 1. After clearing customs, you will be met by our local representative and transferred to your hotel. Airport transfers on Day 1 and Day 9 are included in the trip price.

Departure Time & Place:  Kilimanjaro International Airport (airport code JRO) on Day 9. Do not book departing flights earlier than noon.

Best Time To Travel:  September, October and February (dry weather, less people), April to early June and early November (rainy seasons), July and August (expensive flights, crowds on the mountain). Please call for more information.

Weather and Climate:  Due to the alpine environment, weather is variable throughout the day and by elevation. Dressing in layers will be essential to your comfort throughout the day. Rain is possible at any time and weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountains, so have good rain gear.

The sun is strong at higher elevations- take adequate precautions should be taken to prevent sunburn, even on cool, sunny days. On average, the temperature in June through August range from highs in the 70’s and 80’s Fahrenheit and lows in the 40’s and 50’s Fahrenheit. 

More detailed weather information is available by visiting www.weatherbase.com.

Physical Preparation:  This tour is designed for energetic and flexible individuals who like to be active, have a spirit of adventure, and possess a positive attitude. The bulk of most days are spent hiking – plan on three to four hours in the morning and again in the afternoon, with a lunch stop in between.

It is very important you realistically assess your physical condition with regard to the demands of this trip. All participants must be in strong enough physical condition to complete the trek. The more physically prepared you are for this tour, the more you will enjoy this unique, adventure experience.

We encourage you to call us and talk more specifically about any questions you have on the activities, your fitness, and any other aspects of the trip – please don’t be shy!