Kilimanjaro Hiking

Sange safari organizes variety of hiking routes  in climbing mountain Kilimanjaro. Madaraka Nyerere is the group leader of all these hiking routes, some of these routes are as follows:

MACHAME ROUTE.

Gate

• Machame Gate (start of trek) 5,718 feet (1,743 m)
• Mweka Gate (end of trek) 5,423 feet (1,653 m)

Camps

• Machame 9,927 feet (3,026 m)
• Shira 12,355 feet (3,766 m)
• Barranco 13,066 feet (3,983 m)
• Karanga (optional camp, used by 7-day climbers)
• Barafu (high camp before summit) 15,239 feet (4,645 m)
• Mweka (descent) 10,204 feet (3,110 m)

Day 1:

 Drive from the lodge to Machame Gate where we will pack our luggage and start the hiking.

 The Machame route starts from Machame Gate and travels upwards through the montane rainforest, with dense vegetation, a muddy trail, and short sections of steep climbs. The first campsite, Machame Camp, is right after the dense tree cover in an area with lower but still thick bush lands.

Day 2:

After breakfast at Machame Camp we will hike to Shira Camp  it is between 5 to 7 hours depending on speed.

The day finishes with Shira Camp,  a small plateau in the high moorlands, and features views of Kibo in the northwest and Mount Meru towards the east. White necked ravens can be seen throughout the day. There is also a set of small caves a short walk from the campsite known as the Shira .

Day 3:

Starts in the moorlands and moves into alpine desert, with fewer trees and more rocks. The highest point is the base of the Lava Tower, after which the trail descends into the Barranco Valley. More vegetation is present in this zone, especially the area just before the campsite.  Which features many of the huge senecio plants. Shorter lobelia plants are also present.

Day 4:

Starts with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, which is considered a scramble in climbing terms. The trail continues with many up and down sections across small streams and rivulets and finally crosses the Karanga River to the Karanga campsite.

Day 5:

Follows the path up and across  a rocky zone, up to Barafu. Very little vegetation can be found on the inhospitable terrain. A field of sedimentary rocks litters the ground. (Note - the six day trek omits the Karanga campsite, and trekkers continue directly to Barafu on the same day.)

The summit is usually on the very early morning of the sixth day (around midnight). Barafu is also used as a summit campsite for the Umbwe route. Trekkers typically take somewhere between five and seven hours to ascend, using headlamps and cold weather gear. Making the  at Mid night on day 5 start a Hiking to to summit . Stella Point (18,652 feet (5,685 m)), which is on the crater rim. Following Stella Point, the trail continues for another 60 minutes to Uhuru Peak, the summit.

Day 6:

Descent back to Barafu takes roughly four hours. Some trekkers scree slide down the slope, which entails skidding/running down the loose gravel at medium speed. From Barafu, trekkers typically take a short break, and continue downwards to Mweka Camp.

Day 7:

And final day has trekkers continue through the montane forest to Mweka Gate. Troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys can often be seen in the dense growth.

Prices will depend on the number of clients.

  

MACHAME ROUTE.

Gate

• Machame Gate (start of trek) 5,718 feet (1,743 m)
• Mweka Gate (end of trek) 5,423 feet (1,653 m)

Camps

• Machame 9,927 feet (3,026 m)
• Shira 12,355 feet (3,766 m)
• Barranco 13,066 feet (3,983 m)
• Karanga (optional camp, used by 7-day climbers)
• Barafu (high camp before summit) 15,239 feet (4,645 m)
• Mweka (descent) 10,204 feet (3,110 m)

Day 1:

 Drive from the lodge to Machame Gate where we will pack our luggage and start the hiking.

 The Machame route starts from Machame Gate and travels upwards through the montane rainforest, with dense vegetation, a muddy trail, and short sections of steep climbs. The first campsite, Machame Camp, is right after the dense tree cover in an area with lower but still thick bush lands.

Day 2:

After breakfast at Machame Camp we will hike to Shira Camp  it is between 5 to 7 hours depending on speed.

The day finishes with Shira Camp,  a small plateau in the high moorlands, and features views of Kibo in the northwest and Mount Meru towards the east. White necked ravens can be seen throughout the day. There is also a set of small caves a short walk from the campsite known as the Shira .

Day 3:

Starts in the moorlands and moves into alpine desert, with fewer trees and more rocks. The highest point is the base of the Lava Tower, after which the trail descends into the Barranco Valley. More vegetation is present in this zone, especially the area just before the campsite.  Which features many of the huge senecio plants. Shorter lobelia plants are also present.

Day 4:

Starts with the ascent of the Barranco Wall, which is considered a scramble in climbing terms. The trail continues with many up and down sections across small streams and rivulets and finally crosses the Karanga River to the Karanga campsite.

Day 5:

Follows the path up and across  a rocky zone, up to Barafu. Very little vegetation can be found on the inhospitable terrain. A field of sedimentary rocks litters the ground. (Note - the six day trek omits the Karanga campsite, and trekkers continue directly to Barafu on the same day.)

The summit is usually on the very early morning of the sixth day (around midnight). Barafu is also used as a summit campsite for the Umbwe route. Trekkers typically take somewhere between five and seven hours to ascend, using headlamps and cold weather gear. Making the  at Mid night on day 5 start a Hiking to to summit . Stella Point (18,652 feet (5,685 m)), which is on the crater rim. Following Stella Point, the trail continues for another 60 minutes to Uhuru Peak, the summit.

Day 6:

Descent back to Barafu takes roughly four hours. Some trekkers scree slide down the slope, which entails skidding/running down the loose gravel at medium speed. From Barafu, trekkers typically take a short break, and continue downwards to Mweka Camp.

Day 7:

And final day has trekkers continue through the montane forest to Mweka Gate. Troops of black-and-white colobus monkeys can often be seen in the dense growth.

Prices will depend on the number of clients.

Rongai Route 
Itinerary for 6 days.

The Rongai route has several variations. It can be done as a five, six or even seven day trek.

The extra day is not spent in the same camp as the previous day (on the Marangu route it is). The six day trek usually follows a different trail after day two. Some operators of six day treks simply ascend slower, making an extra camp instead of the detour. All seven day treks make the detour.

This itinerary describes the six day trek with the detour via Mawenzi Tarn, one of the most scenic campsites on the montain.

(Note: altitudes and distances are approximations. Different sources will give you different numbers.)

Starting Point: Nalemoru (about 1950 m/6400 ft)

6 Days Hiking

Day 1 - Nalemoru (1950 m/6400 ft) - First Cave Campsite (2650 m/8700 ft)

Walking distance: 6.5 km/4 miles

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Altitude gain: 700 m/2300 ft

Day 2 - First Cave Campsite - Kikelewa Caves (3600 m/11810 ft)

Walking distance: 9 km/5.6 miles

Walking time: 6-7 hours

Altitude gain: 950 m/3110 ft

Day 3 - Kikelewa Caves - Mawenzi Tarn (4330 m/14210 ft)

Walking distance: 6 km/3.7 miles

Walking time: 3-4 hours

Altitude gain: 730 m/2400 ft

Afternoon acclimatization walk to about 4500 m/14760 ft

Day 4 - Mawenzi Tarn - Kibo Huts (4700 m/15420 ft)

Walking distance: 9 km/5.6 miles

Walking time: 4-5 hours

Altitude gain: 370 m/1215 ft

Day 5 - Summit attempt via Gilman's Point (5700 m/18700 ft) to Uhuru Peak (5895 m/19340 ft) and descent to Horombo Huts (3700 m/12200 ft)

Walking distance: 5 km/3.1 miles ascent + 15 km/9.3 miles descent

Walking time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 5-6 hours down (the overall walking time may vary from 10 - 16 hours)

Altitude gain: 1000 m/ 3280 ft (Gilman's Point) or 1195 m/3920 ft (Uhuru Peak)

Descent: 2195 m/7200 ft

Day 5 - Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate

Walking distance: 20 km/12.5 miles

Walking time: 5 hours

Descent: 1840 m/6040 ft

UMBWE ROUT
Itinerary for 6 days

Umbwe Gate (1614m) – Umbwe Cave camp (2850m)

Hiking time: 6 Hours 

Distance: Approximately 10.3 km

Habitat: Forest (Montane)

Day 1

After breakfast  drive  to the Machame gate where registration formalities will be completed. From the Machame gate you will be transferred to the Umbwe Gate (1641m), passing through villages with coffee and banana plantations. The air is thick with moisture and the path is usually muddy. The route initially follows a forestry track winding up through the natural rain forest. It then narrows and steepens to climb the ridge between the Lonzo and Umbwe rivers, with huge trees surrounding you. The path offers some spectacular views of deep gorges and if you are lucky, glimpses of Kilimanjaro towering above you in the distance. The camp is perched between huge trees and thick undergrowth. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Umbwe Cave Camp (2 850m).

Day 2

Umbwe Cave camp (2850m) - Barranco camp (3985m)

Hiking time: 6 hours 

Distance: Approximately 6.3 km

Habitat: Moorland

Shortly after leaving the camp the forest starts thinning and is replaced by rockier terrain, sparser undergrowth and straggly, moss-covered trees. The path continues along a narrow, but spectacular ridge. As you gain higher altitude, catch glimpses of Kilimanjaro rising majestically ahead of you - etched against the blue sky. The path flattens as you approach Barranco Valley.

From the Umbwe ridge the route descends slightly to the Barranco camp. The camp is situated in the valley below the Breach and Great Barranco Wall, which should provide you with a memorable sunset while your dinner is being prepared.

Day 3

Barranco camp (3985m)  to  Karanga Camp (4040m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 6 km

Habitat: Moorland / Semi desert

After spending a night at the great Barranco Wall (a very imposing sight at first), you make your way up this awesome looking obstacle, which in the end normally turns out to be easier than anticipated. Topping out just below the Heim Glacier, you will now appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is. The route then heads down through the Karanga Valley over intervening ridges and valleys, and then joins up with the Mweka route. This is the preferred route down from the summit, so remember it. The last water stop on the route is the Karanga Valley, as there is no water available at Barafu camp. Enjoy dinner and overnight at the Karanga camp.

Day  4

Karanga camp (4040m)  to Barafu camp (4681m)

Hiking time: 4 hours

Distance: Approximately 3.4km

Habitat: Alpine desert

Breakfast at Karanga camp and after breakfast turn left up the ridge and the route ascends 640m towards Barafu Camp. Barafu is the Swahili word for "ice" and it is a bleak and inhospitable camping area to spend the night. Totally exposed to the ever-present gales, the tents are pitched on a narrow, stony, and dangerous ridge. Make sure that you familiarise yourself with the terrain before dark to avoid any accidents. 

The summit is now a further 1214m higher and you will commence with your final ascent attempt, the same night. Prepare your equipment, hiking poles and thermal clothing for your summit attempt. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed as early as possible and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

Day 5  to  summit attempt

Barafu camp (4681m)-Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka (3090m)

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Mweka Camp 

Distance: Approximately 4.5 km ascent and 10.8 km descent 

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will get up around 23h30, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night. You will head in a north-westerly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. For many climbers the 6-hour walk to Stella point is mentally and physically the most challenging on the route. At Stella Point (5739m) you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak. The time you will spend on the summit will depend on the weather conditions. Do not stop here for too long, as it will be extremely difficult to get going again due to cold and fatigue. 

Enjoy your accomplishment and a day to remember for the rest of your life! 

The walk back to Barafu from the summit, takes about 3 hours. Here you will have a well earned but short rest and collect the rest of your gear, before heading down to Mweka hut (3090m). The route is not difficult and will take you down the rock and scree path into the moorland and eventually into the forest. The camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Dinner and washing water will be prepared.

Day 6

Mweka camp (3090m) - Mweka Gate (1641m)

Hiking time: 4 to 6 hours

Habitat: Forest

Distance: Approximately 8.5 km

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 4 to 6 hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. Some hikers do experience knee problems which could make the descend longer than planned. 

It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely.  

At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5739m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. 

From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!

Please note: Safety conditions or weather may cause the itinerary to change without warning. Hike times are estimated, calculated to form a comfortable pace throughout the ascen

LEMOSHO ROUTE

ITINERARY FOR 8 DAYS

Below is the day by day itinerary for the 8 day Lemosho climb on Mount Kilimanjaro.

The 8 day Lemosho variation is the ideal schedule for this route. On the 8 day Lemosho route, the trek from Barranco to Barafu is broken up into two days, allowing for a short day just prior to the summit attempt. This is important because summit day begins very early, around midnight, so climbers are sleep deprived going into the toughest day on the mountain. By having a short day beforehand, climbers can be better rested.

The 8 day Lemosho route is highly recommended and used by most prominent Kilimanjaro operators.

Day 1

•Londorossi Gate to Forest Camp
•Elevation (ft): 7,800ft to 9,500ft
•Distance: 6 km
•Hiking Time:3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Moshi for Londorossi Gate, which takes about 4 hours, where you will complete entry formalities. Then drive to the Lemosho trailhead (another hour to reach the trailhead). Upon arrival at trailhead, we eat lunch, then commence through undisturbed forest which winds to the first camp site.

DAY 2

•Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1
•Elevation (ft): 9,500ft to 11,500ft
•Distance: 8 km
•Hiking Time 5-6 hours
•Habitat: Moorland

We continue on the trail leading out of the forest and into a savannah of tall grasses, heather, and volcanic rock . As we ascend through the lush rolling hills and cross several streams, we reach the Shira Ridge before dropping gently down to Shira 1 camp. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is amazing.

DAY 3

•Shira Camp 1 to Shira 2 to Moir Hut
•Elevation (ft): 11,500ft to 13,800 ft
•Distance: 14 km
•Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
•Habitat: Moorland

We explore the Shira plateau for a full day. It is a gentle walk east toward Kibo’s glaciered peak, across the plateau which leads to Shira 2 camp on moorland meadows by a stream. Then we continue to Moir Hut, a little used site on the base of Lent Hills. A variety of walks are available on Lent Hills making this an excellent acclimatization opportunity. Shira is one of the highest plateaus on earth.

DAY 4

•Moir Hut to Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,800ft to 13,000ft
•Distance: 7 km
•Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
•Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, we continue to the east up a ridge, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As we continue, our direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the "Shark's Tooth." Shortly after the tower, we come to the second junction which brings us up to the Arrow Glacier at an altitude of 16,000ft. We now continue down to the Barranco Hut at an altitude of 13,000ft. Here we rest, enjoy dinner, and overnight. Although you end the day at the same elevation as when you started, this day is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day.

DAY 5

•Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,000ft to 13,100ft
•Distance: 5km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, to the Karanga Valley campsite. This is a short day meant for acclimatization.

DAY 6

•Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
•Elevation (ft): 13,100ft to 15,300ft
•Distance: 4 km
•Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
•Habitat: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, we leave Karanga and hit the junction which connects with the Mweka Trail. We continue up to the Barafu Hut. At this point, you have completed the South Circuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here we make camp, rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

DAY 7

•Barafu Camp to Summit to Mweka Hut
•Elevation (ft): 15,300ft to 19,345ft (and down to 10,000ft)
•Distance: 5 km ascent / 12 km descent
•Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent / 4-6 hours descent
•Habitat: Arctic

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), we continue our way to the summit between the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers. You head in a northwesterly direction and ascend through heavy scree towards Stella Point on the crater rim. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek.

At Stella Point (18,600 ft), you will stop for a short rest and will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see (weather permitting). From Stella Point, you may encounter snow all they way on your 1-hour ascent to the summit. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit.

From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

DAY 8

•Mweka Camp to Moshi
•Elevation (ft): 10,000ft to 5,400ft
•Distance: 10 km
•Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
•Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate to receive your summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).

From the gate, you continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village to drive you back to hotel in Moshi.

It can be 6, 7 or 8 days route depending on client's time and budget.