Kilimanjaro

Bucketlist!

The roof of Africa, where adventure and awe meet at the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. With our expertly guided Kilimanjaro hikes, you’ll experience the majesty of this iconic peak, rising above the clouds, while enjoying the best care and support from start to finish.

Picture yourself trekking through lush rainforests, crossing alpine meadows, and walking among glaciers as the air thins, and you inch closer to Africa’s highest point. Kilimanjaro offers a range of routes, each unique in its beauty and challenge, taking between 5 and 9 days to complete.

There’s no technical climbing involved, and with the right preparation, anyone in reasonable physical condition can take on this incredible journey. Success rates vary depending on the route and duration, with longer routes offering a higher chance of summiting—around 85% of trekkers on the 9-day routes successfully reach Uhuru Peak.

We work exclusively with the finest partners who prioritize the safety and well-being of their climbers and crew, ensuring fair wages and ethical treatment for every porter and guide. This is more than a climb; it’s an adventure of a lifetime, one that rewards persistence with the breathtaking views and a profound sense of achievement as you stand at the top of Africa, gazing across the endless horizon.

Most adventurers choose to make their Kilimanjaro climb part of a larger African journey. After conquering the summit, many add a few days of well-deserved relaxation on the pristine beaches of Zanzibar or embark on a thrilling safari to witness the continent’s iconic wildlife in their natural habitat. Whether you’re unwinding by the crystal-clear waters of the Indian Ocean or spotting the Big Five in Tanzania's renowned national parks, these unforgettable experiences provide the perfect balance of exhilaration and relaxation before you return home. It’s the ideal way to round off your Kilimanjaro adventure, creating lasting memories of Africa’s diverse beauty.

6 Day Marangu Route

Starting from USD1950 pp

This route can be done in one day less by leaving out the acclimatisation day, but we don’t recommend it as the success rate of summiting is lower.

The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most traditional and oldest paths to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro, beginning on the mountain's southeastern side. This route holds historical significance as it was the one taken by Hans Meyer during the first successful summit in 1889. Typically completed in 5 to 6 days, Marangu is unique in offering hut accommodations instead of tents, appealing to climbers who seek a bit more comfort on their journey. The trail leads through all of Kilimanjaro’s diverse climatic zones, from lush tropical forests to alpine deserts. Marangu Gate, which also serves as the headquarters of Kilimanjaro National Park, marks both the starting point and the conclusion, as this is the only route where the ascent and descent follow the same path.

Summit Success Rate

  • Lower summit success rate of approximately 60%

  • Shorter duration makes acclimatization more challenging

  • Skipping the acclimatization day at Zebra Rock on the 5-day trek can add to the difficulty

Jamluti’s Experience with the Marangu Route

  • Ideal for climbers who prefer the comfort of sleeping in huts rather than tents

  • Well-suited for the rainy season (March to May) as huts provide necessary shelter

  • Recommended for physically fit climbers, especially for the demanding final ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

  • Offers a distinct historical experience as the oldest established route to Kilimanjaro’s summit

  • You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

    Meals: Dinner Only. 

    Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

  • After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

    Distance: 8.3km / 5.2mi

    Duration: 5 – 6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Mandara Hut

  • The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.

    Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi

    Duration: 8 – 9 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Horombo Hut

  • Leaving the pine forest behind we carry on Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4-hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.Distance: 9.5km / 5.9mi

    Duration: 7 – 8 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Kibo Hut

  • Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.

    Distance: 9.5km / 5.9mi

    Duration: 7 – 8 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Kibo Hut

  • Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 – 2-hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

     Distance: 22km / 13.7mi

    Duration: 12 – 15 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Horombo Hut

  • The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro.

    Distance: 20.8km / 12.9mi

    Duration: 7 – 8 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge

  • The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking. You can choose to extend for Zanzibar Beach Experiences or Wildlife Safari in Near National Park Like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, or if your schedule is not allowing you for safari Extension, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport to fly home.

2025 Departure Dates

May: 19. July: 15. August: 18. November: 3; 17. December: 4.

5 day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro

7 Days Machame Route

Starting from USD2160 pp

This route can be done in one day less by leaving out the acclimatisation day, but we don’t recommend it as the success rate of summiting is lower.

The Machame Route, commonly known as the “Whiskey Route,” starts on the southwestern side of Mount Kilimanjaro and is typically completed in 6 to 7 days. Renowned for its breathtaking scenery, this route is a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Its "hike high, sleep low" approach promotes better acclimatization, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking a more gradual ascent. Along the way, trekkers pass through Kilimanjaro's diverse landscapes, from dense rainforests to moorlands and glacier fields. The journey culminates at Mweka Gate, marking the end of an unforgettable adventure.

Summit Success Rate

  • 95% summit success rate

  • Highest success rate among all Kilimanjaro routes

  • Effective acclimatization through “hike high, sleep low” strategy

Jamluti’s Experience with Machame Route

  • The Machame Route is Jamluti’s favorite and highly recommended route

  • Holds personal significance as this is the second time Jamluti summited

  • You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by an Ahsante Tours representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

    Meals: Dinner Only. 

    Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

  • Half an hour drive from Moshi lies the gate to the Machame route, where you will complete park registrations, then you are off on your 6-day trek. The first section of the route climbs steadily and passes through magnificent, dense rainforest. This path is less well-trodden so it can get somewhat overgrown in places and it is often wet and muddy underfoot.

     

    Distance: 10km / 6.2mi

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Machame Camp

  • Our route continues on up through the forest until we reach the steep ascent onto the Shira Plateau, where there are rewarding views of the mountain. Looking back, you will be able to see Mt Meru rising high above Arusha City in the distance.

     

    Distance: 4.8km / 3mi

    Duration: 5 – 6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

  • Walking now on high moorland, the landscape changes the entire character of the trek. We traverse the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, passing underneath the Lava Tower and the final section of the Western Breach and finally reach camp. The day has been spent at altitude (up to 4600m), but we have followed the mountaineering code of ‘walk high, sleep low’ to aid your body’s acclimatization to altitude.

    Distance: 10km / 6.2mi
    Duration: 7 – 8 hours
    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.
    Accommodation: Barranco Camp

  • After a restful night and a hearty breakfast, we begin our trek toward Barafu Camp, located at 4,640 meters. The climb takes us across barren scree slopes, with no vegetation in sight, as we traverse through an increasingly stark landscape. The steep ascent is made even more challenging by the high altitude. Upon reaching camp, we settle in for a meal and spend the afternoon resting, conserving our energy for the demanding journey ahead. Staying hydrated and keeping warm is crucial. After an early dinner, we try to get some sleep, as we will be waking between 11 p.m. and midnight to begin our final push toward the summit.

    Distance: 8.5 km / 5.3 mi
    Duration: 7 – 8 hours

  • After breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

     Distance: 3km / 1.9mi

    Duration: 3 – 4 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Barafu Camp

  • We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

     

    Distance: 13.4km / 8.3mi

    Duration: 12 – 15 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Millennium Camp

  • A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.

     

    Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Weruweru (or Booked Accommodation)

  • The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking. You can choose to extend for Zanzibar Beach Experiences or Wildlife Safari in Near National Park Like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, or if your schedule is not allowing you for safari Extension, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport to fly home.

2025 Departure Dates

January: 7; 12; 20. February: 19. March: 20. April: 11. May: 10. June: 4; 5; 17. July: 20. August: 10. September: 13; 27. October: 4; 12. December: 3; 10; 19; 21.

Machame Route Map
Machame Route
Tents at Baranco Camp

8 Day Lemosho Route

Starting from USD2350 pp

This route can be done in one day less by leaving out the acclimatisation day, but we don’t recommend it as the success rate of summiting is lower.

The Lemosho Route is often regarded as one of the best routes to summit Mount Kilimanjaro, providing climbers with the flexibility of a 7- or 8-day trek. Starting on the western side of the mountain, the journey begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to the Lemosho Gate. Known for its stunning and varied landscapes, the route offers a quieter, less crowded experience in the early stages and a more gradual ascent, allowing for better acclimatization. The descent is via the Mweka Gate, with a slightly altered path for those taking the 7-day option.

Summit Success Rate

  • Lemosho Route boasts the highest summit success rate among all Mount Kilimanjaro routes.

  • 95% of climbers reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

  • The 8-day itinerary is particularly recommended for optimal acclimatization.

  • Enhanced acclimatization further increases the chances of a successful summit.

Jamluti’s Experience with Lemosho Route

  • Jamluti highly recommends the 8-day Lemosho Route for those with more time.

  • Ideal for climbers wishing to maximize their chances of a successful and enjoyable climb.

  • The route offers a balanced and rewarding experience.

  • Provides the best conditions for acclimatization.

  • Ensures a memorable adventure to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

  • You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) by a Jamluti representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town. Your guide will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Gear which is missing can be rented on this day.

    Meals: Dinner Only. 

    Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

  • You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process you will still start our climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.

     

    Distance: 7km / 4.3mi

    Duration: 3 – 4 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Big Tree Camp

  • Today you will cover a lot of ground as you trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. We will trek through Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds as we head towards our destination which is Shira 2.. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude as we head towards Shira 1 and parts of the route are fairly steep. As you proceed towards Shira 2 you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views.

     

    Distance: 16.5km / 10.3mi

    Duration: 9 – 11 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Shira 1 Camp

    Distance: 12.5km / 7.8mi

    Duration: 8 – 9 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Horombo Hut

  • Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.

     

    Distance: 8km / 5mi

    Duration: 5 – 6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Shira 2 Camp

  • Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking in to the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located in the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.

     

    Distance: 10km / 6.2mi

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Barranco Camp

  • Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.

     

    Distance: 5.5km / 3.4mi

    Duration: 5 – 6 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Karanga Camp

  • After a good night’s rest and breakfast, we set off on our walk to Barafu camp at 4640m. The climb will take us across desolate scree slopes with no vegetation around us at all. It’s a tough steep walk made more difficult by the altitude. On arriving at camp, we eat and spend the afternoon resting as we prepare for a long night and day ahead. It is important to keep hydrated and warm. We have an early dinner and then try to get some sleep as we will be getting up at between 11pm and 12pm to start the climb to the summit.

    Distance: 3km / 1.9mi

    Duration: 3 – 4 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Barafu Camp

  • We start off at around midnight, and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on scree slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.

     

    Distance: 13.4km / 8.3mi

    Duration: 12 – 15 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Millennium Camp

  • A gentle trek takes us down through the rain forest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a welcome shower (and a cold beer or two!) before our big celebration.

     

    Distance: 12.1km / 7.5mi

    Duration: 6 – 7 hours

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included.

    Accommodation: Weruweru River Lodge.

  • The day is left free to rest and relax after a long, challenging week of trekking. You can choose to extend for Zanzibar Beach Experiences or Wildlife Safari in Near National Park Like Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park, or if your schedule is not allowing you for safari Extension, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport to fly home.

2025 Departure Dates

January: 6;17;23. February: 18;21.March: 19. April: 7. May: 4. June: 16; 25. July: 5; 22; 30. Aug: 9; 23. September: 6; 12; 27. October: 3; 12; 13; 24. November: 24. December: 2; 9; 25.

Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route