Kilimanjaro

Quick Facts
Size:755 sq km (292 sq mi)   Location: Northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi   Best Time: All-year, clearest and warmest conditions from Dec-Feb but also dry (and colder) from Jul-Sept   Duration: At least 5 days, depending on route

At 5896 m, snow capped Mt. Kilimanjaro, known as the ceiling of Africa, has the highest peak in Africa. It is one of the continent’s most magnificent sights. It rises through lush rainforest, alpine meadows and barren lunar landscape to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi. For most of the trekkers the goal is always to reach Uhuru peak, Kibo’s highest point.
 
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is not a technical climb but it necessitates several days of steady trekking as you ascend the mountain. A person of average health and strong determination can reach the summit without ropes of technical climbing experience.
 
Mt. Kilimanjaro is a fairly difficult journey and one that needs to be respected. The gain in altitude is more severe than other high-altitude climbs and it is for this reason that there is such a high failure rate. If you do not have extensive physical training in high altitude areas, we will ask that you spend at least 6 days climbing the mountain. We truly want to see you summit this mountain, and we don’t want a poorly chosen route to get in the way of a once-in-a-lifetime experience!
 
There are 5 different routes that can be chosen, each with a different approach route and with a different number of recommended days, and hence different prices. Most of our climbers prefer the Machame Route (6 days and 5 nights) or the more secluded Shira Route (8 days and 7 nights). All climbs can be combined with a safari afterwards and are therefore custom designed. All trips must include one night of lodging prior to the climb (we recommend 2 nights so you can adjust after your long international flights), and one night after your descent. Given below are the minimum and recommended duration ranges for each route, but we can always add additional days, if you desire.
 
Machame
Minimum: 6 days
Recommended: 7-9 days
 
This is a popular route up the Kilimanjaro and is quite scenic as it allows you to see both sides of the mountain, one as you ascend and the other as you descend.
 
Marangu
Minimum: 5 days
Recommended: 6-7 days
 
Campers are able to sleep in huts on this route, while they sleep in tents on all other routes. This is often thought of as the easiest route up the mountain because of the accommodation, but do not be deceived as the huts will not assist with your acclimatization. This is the most popular route, and also the route with the highest failure rate as people attempt to climb the mountain too quickly.
 
Lemosho / Shira
Minimum: 7 days
Recommended: 8-9 days
 
This route is similar in terms of steepness to Machame, but it takes a more remote route from the west. This is one of the 2 routes where you can encounter wildlife on your climb, and as a result you will be accompanied by an armed ranger. The wildlife is restricted to large mammals like buffalo and elephants, and some primates like colobus monkeys. There is no need to worry about dangerous predators.
 
Umbwe
Minimum: 5-6 days
Recommended: 7-8 days
 
A steeper and more challenging route up to the peak, and is an exhilarating experience for those who are up to it. This is a strenuous, scenic route that offers a direct climb to Uhuru peak. This is route is suitable for more experienced trekkers provided that they avoid rushing up. It is recommended to take seven to eight days on this route.
 
Rongai / Loitokitok Minimum: 7 days
Recommended: 8 days
 
This route offers great views of the Kenyan savannahs, and is relatively quiet compared to the other routes. Like the Lemosho/Shira route, you can encounter wildlife on this route so you are accompanied by an armed ranger. The wildlife is restricted to large mammals like buffalo and elephants, and some primates. However, no dangerous predators are found in this area.
 

Mount Meru

Quick Facts
Altitude:4,566 m   Location: Northern Circuit, forms western boundary of Arusha N.P.   Best Time: Jun - Feb   Interesting Facts: - Is just below permanent snow line, so there are no glaciers or snowfields on its slopes - Great for preparing for Kili hike   Duration: 3 to 4 days, depending on physical fitness and altitude acclimatization

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania and fifth largest in Africa, and is the only great isolated stratovolcano in East Africa that is still active. Needless to say, to climb it is an absolutely unique experience. As you begin the hike in the foothills of the mountain, you are surrounded by lush, dense forests with Spanish moss dripping from the tree branches and floor carpeted with clover. All the while, you can hear the Black and White Colobus Monkeys playing and see buffaloes grazing beneath the thick foliage.
 
As you ascend, the forests start to clear to reveal a moorland habitat with strangely shaped vegetation such as the magnificent lobelias and heather. From here, you can look out over the mountain’s slopes to see colored Momela Lakes densely populated with flamingos and even see the green Ngurdoto Crater.
 
Although this hike is not as long or as strenuous as Kilimanjaro, it is a serious climb and has pretty steep gains each day. Nevertheless, it can be done by any person of good physical health. Huts are available for sleeping on the mountain and firewood is supplied. Since so many often aim to climb Mt. Meru’s domineering neighbor, you often have this magnificent mountain to yourself.
 
This is a great hike for those who want to physically and mentally prepare for their climb to Kili, but it can also be great for the adventurous type who wants to witness this spectacular mountain or even avoid the heavy heavier foot traffic of its neighbor. The 3-day hike is recommended mainly to those who are accustomed to climbing in the high altitude; otherwise the 4-day option is best. Additional days can be added upon request.