In the country of the highest single standing mountain in the world, mountain climbers’ hearts beat faster. With breathtaking scenery, rugged mountains, diverse vegetation in front of unique cultural backdrops Tanzania fascinates visitors young and old alike. Our various trekking routes offer hiking fun for everyone, for every level of fitness and experience.
The majestic snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5895metres, and is Africa’s Highest Mountain, and the world’s tallest free standing mountain. Apart from its dramatic geological features and the beautiful montane vegetation, Mount Kilimanjaro is also notable for its birdlife, which is plentiful in the rich forest zone. You also have a chance of seeing many mammal species, including elephants, buffalos, eland, leopards, duikers, blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed by any reasonably fit person.
The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in Simple Mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Day 1
Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, BLiT representative will be waiting for you. He/she will take you to the hotel where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha or just relax at the hotel. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. Dinner
Day 2
Arusha – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Mandara hut (2,700 m)
After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2,700 m).
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3
Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at an altitude of about 3,700 m. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4
Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a 2 to 4 hour trek to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5
Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 h.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6
Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,860 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to your hotel. At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 8
Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Breakfast
- Package Price inclusive:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
- Package Price Exclusive:
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
The Machame route is one of the most beautiful routes to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. The climb begins in the lush rainforest and follows a path that offers occasional views of Mt Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of Mt Kilimanjaro – Kibo. The Machame route contains more steep passages and higher altitudes than the Marangu and the Rongai route and is slightly more demanding.
DAY 1
Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be welcomed by our BLiT representative and transfer to your hotel. The rest of the day will be at leisure and you can either relax at the hotel or explore the town of Arusha. In the evening you will attend a briefing in preparation of the upcoming trek.
Dinner and overnight.
DAY 2
Arusha – Machame Gate (1,790 m) – Machame Camp (3,010 m)
After breakfast you will be picked up at your hotel and taken to the entrance gate of Kilimanjaro National Park. While your guide is busy with the registration forms, you can watch the mountain team prepare for the climb and once this is all done, your Kilimanjaro adventure will begin. In no time you will be deep within the magnificent mountain rainforest with ancient trees, primeval ferns, liana, lichen and moss that carpets the ground and drapes from the trees. You will hear and with a little luck, even spot the beautiful black and white colobus monkeys in the treetops. After 5 to 6 hours, you will reach today’s destination – the Machame Camp which is situated just above the tree line at 3,010 m. Here, at the base of Mt Kilimanjaro, you will have your first dinner followed by an overnight stay in tents.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 3
Machame Camp (3,010 m) – New Shira Camp (3,845 m)
After an early morning start, the path steepens and the landscape changes into moor- and heathland and the open landscape allows you to see the impressive mountain range. Today’s stage is shorter than the previous day and you will arrive at the New Shira Camp by mid-afternoon. The camp has a breath-taking view of the mountain and during sunset, the evening sun lights the rock face and glacier of Kibo.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 4
New Shira Camp (3,845 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Today you will climb about 800 m but you will be camping at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise better. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to an afro-alpine desert. The route passes through the sweeping Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours, you will arrive at the most beautiful camp on the mountain – the Barranco Camp.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 5
Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
Today’s stretch starts with the climb of the “Barranco Wall”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you wherever necessary. Following the ridge as it traverses up and down, you can enjoy the splendid views of the south glacier of Kibo. In the Karanga Valley you will have lunch, followed by a 2 to 3 hours climb to Barafu Camp (4,640 m). Once at the camp, you can relax, have dinner and call it an early night.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 6
Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
After hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight, you will climb the screes of Kibo. After 5 to 7 hours of ascending in the dark you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). Here you will see Kilimanjaro in all its glory, enjoying the 360° view over the landscape below as the sun rises. You are now standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The simple descent runs almost along the same route and shortly before midday you should arrive at Barafu Camp, where the porters and the cook will be waiting for you. After a warm meal and a well-deserved break of approximately 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to Mweka Camp (3,080 m) where supper and a well-earned rest await you.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
DAY 7
Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where BLiT representative will be waiting for you. He will take you back to your hotel and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to relax, unwindat the pool or celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Dinner
DAY 8
Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Breakfast
- Package Price inclusive:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
- Package Price Exclusive:
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance
The lesser-known Lemosho route begins on the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro. The first 2 days of the tour cross the thick rainforest belt which then changes into heath and moorland with many ferns and ericas along the way. The small trail sometimes has very steep passages and goes through diverse landscapes. On the third day, the trail joins the Machame route. Compared to the Marangu and the Rongai route, the Lemosho route is more challenging.
Day 1
Kilimanjaro Airport – Arusha
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our BLiT team representative and transfer to the hotel, the rest of the day will be at leisure and you may choose to relax at the hotel or perhaps explore the town of Arusha. In the evening, you will attend a briefing in preparation of your upcoming trek.
Dinner
Day 2
Arusha – Starting point – Big Tree Camp (2,780 m)
In the morning, you will be picked up at the hotel and taken to the Londorossi Gate (2,250 m). Here you will be registered by the national park authorities. Then you will drive an approximate 15 km on a bumpy track that will take you into the dense rainforest to the drop-off point where your trek begins. You will follow a moderately steep track, which leads you through an amazing and unspoilt natural forest to the Big Tree Camp (2,780 m). This camp is about 2½ hours away and it’s your destination for today. As this region is also home to wild game, you will be accompanied by an armed ranger during the first 2 days of your trek.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 3
Big Tree Camp (2,780 m) – Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m)
Today’s long trek starts on a small trail that passes through the rainforest. As one climbs, the forest gradually thins out and the landscape changes into heath and moorland where plants like ericas and lobelia start to dominate the landscape. You will cross the Shira Ridge and after 4 to 5 hours of trekking, you will reach the Shira Camp 1. Here you will stop for lunch, relax a bit and enjoy the fantastic views of Mt Meru and the Rift Valley. For the last part of the climb (approximately 3 hours), you will climb another 400 m in altitude. The landscape will change again and at Shira Camp 2, you will camp for the night and with a little luck, enjoy the wonderful view of the Kibo summit at sunset.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4
Shira Camp 2 (3,900 m) – Lava Tower (4,640 m) – Barranco Camp (3,960 m)
Today you will climb approximately 740 m but you will spend the night at an elevation only slightly higher than the previous night. This will allow your body to acclimatise, as a height of over 4,600 m will be reached before descending again. In doing so, you will be able to see how your body reacts to such an altitude. The trek begins with a long ascent above the Shira Plateau in the direction of the Lava Tower (4,640 m). The vegetation becomes sparser as the landscape changes to alpine desert. The climb passes through the wide Barranco Valley with its lobelia and giant senecio plants. After 6 to 7 hours’ walking, you will arrive at the Barranco Camp – perhaps the most beautiful camp on Kilimanjaro.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3,960 m) – Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
Today’s trekking leg has many ascents and descents and shortly after the start, you will tackle the steepest part of the entire route – the Barranco Wall. Every now and then, you may need your hands to hold on as there are no climbing “paths”. Safety is paramount and your guides will assist you whenever necessary. After reaching the top of Barranco Wall, you will walk along the mountain ridge. From here you will have fantastic views of the southern glacier of Kibo as well as of the Kibo summit. You will get to Karanga Camp around lunch time.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4,035 m) – Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
After breakfast you will walk along a trail that passes through an alpine desert area until you reach the destination of today – the Barafu Camp. This camp is situated at an altitude of 4,640 m and will be reached in about 3 to 4 hours. In the afternoon you can relax and stretch your legs in preparation of the upcoming summit night. You will have dinner early in order to catch a few hours’ sleep, before you will be woken up at around midnight.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4,640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Mweka Camp (3,080 m)
After some hot tea and a light snack, the climb begins at around midnight. By torchlight you will start walking on the lava ash that is still frozen. After 5 to 7 hours you will arrive at Stella Point, the crater rim of Mt Kilimanjaro. Another 1 to 2 hours climb along the crater ridge will lead you to the summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). From “Africa’s Roof”, you will be able to see the surrounding landscape being lit up by the rising sun – a truly liberating experience. After a short break and taking photos, you will return to Barafu Camp just before midday where the rest of the crew will be waiting for you. You will have a warm lunch and rest for about 1 to 2 hours before you make our way down to the Mweka Camp (3,080 m) about 3 hours away.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 8
Mweka Camp (3,080 m) – Mweka Gate (1,630 m) – Arusha
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours’ descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where our representatives will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the hotel where you can enjoy a warm shower. The rest of the day is free to rest or to celebrate your achievement.
Breakfast; Dinner
Day 9
Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari.
Breakfast
- Package Price inclusive:
- Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
- Professional, English-speaking guide
- Mountain crew (cook & porters)
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts
- Meals according to the itinerary
- Drinking water
- All national park fees
- All mentioned transfers
- Package Price Exclusive:
- Sleeping bag
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance