Explore Kilimanjaro
Our Routes
Get ready for the ultimate Kilimanjaro trekking experience! Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest peak, stands as an iconic symbol of adventure and natural beauty. Our expertly crafted treks offer you the chance to conquer this majestic dormant volcano, presenting a range of routes to suit your preferences and abilities. Embark on a thrilling journey up Kilimanjaro with our seasoned guides, and witness breathtaking landscapes that transition from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, culminating in a sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa." Join us for an unforgettable adventure of a lifetime.
Rongai Route
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Elevation: 6,398 ft. to 9,300 ft.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We will meet the driver and drive to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Elevation: 9,300 ft. to 11,300 ft.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave.
Elevation: 11,300 ft. to 11,811 ft.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Elevation: 11,811 ft. to 14,160 ft.
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Elevation: 14,160 ft. to 14,400 ft.
Distance: 2 km / 1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
This is an extra day that's meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Elevation: 14,400 ft. to 14,160 ft.
Distance: 2 km / 1 mile
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Mawenzi Tarn for camp.
Elevation: 14,160 ft. to 15,430 ft.
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation: 15,430 ft. to 19,341 ft.
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
Elevation: 19,341 ft. to 12,250 ft.
Distance: 16 km / 10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation: 12,205 ft. to 6,046 ft.
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Insurance
It's very important that you have travel insurance, especially a plan that convers treks up to 6000 meters.
Gear
While we provide all of the communal equipment (tents, food, toilets, etc.), you only need to bring all the personal equipment that you need for your trek.
Guides, Chefs, and Porters
At Tembo Treks, we take pride in employing highly professional guides, chefs, and porters, with a wealth of experience for your trek.
Meals and Drinks
Our chefs are all well experienced in western cuisine, as all our food is fresh, the meals are tasty and well prepared, and served in comfortable dining tents with tables and chairs.
Sleeping and Toilets
We provide high quality Mountain Hardware tents in different sizes, all equipped with sleeping mats. Nearly all the campsites now have newly constructed toilets, and most offer both, sit-down/western style, and also the hole in the ground long drop facilities - the latter being much cleaner to use.
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