Author: monika

At 4566 meters, Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania. It is sometimes treated as an acclimatization trip before an attempt on Mount Kilimanjaro,

1st Day

Momela Gate (1500 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)

Hiking Time: 4 – 5 Hours

Distance: 10 km

From the Momela Gate cross the Ngare Nanyuki River and follow the track into the forest. The sacred Fig Tree Arch is reached after an hour. After reaching Miriakamba, you can walk to Meru Crater Floor (a 2 to 3 hour return trip) either in the afternoon Day 1 or before the start of day 2. The path across the floor leads to Njeku Camp (an old forest station) and Njeku viewpoint on a high cliff overlooking a waterfall, with exellent views of the Ash Cone and the entire extent of the crater.

2nd Day

Miriakamba Hut (2514 m) – Saddle Hut (3570 m)

Hiking Time 2 – 3 Hours

Distance: 4 km

From Miriamkamba, the path climb steeply up through pleasant glades between the trees to rich Tope la Mbogo (Buffalo Swamp) after 45 minutes and Mgongo wa Tembo (Elephant Ridge) after another 30 minutes. Continue through some open grassy clearings and over several stream beds (usally dry) to Saddle Hut. Saddle Hut, you can walk up to Little Meru (3820 m) in about an hour on a clear path. Allow 45 minutes to get back to Saddle Hut.

3rd Day

Saddle Hut (3570 m) – Miriakamba Hut (2514 m)    Summit Day

Hiking Time: 9 – 11 hours

Distance: 10 km

Start ascent early morning 2 am to 3 am to reach the summit 4566 meters in time to the sun rising from behind Mount Kilimanjaro. This is 5 km climb up 996 m to the peak, followed by descent to Miriakamba Hut for the evening.

4th Day

Miriakamba Hut (2514 m) – Momela Gate (1500 m)

Time: 2 – 3 Hours

Distance: 10 Km

Descent using the same route that you used to climb the mountain.

Alternativly: Some Groups combine the third (summit) day and the fourth (descend) day. This is entirly possible, but does mean that the summitday is very lengthy, since you must descent right of the mountain in the same day.

Please do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cooks and Porters.

Equipment you need, which you can hire if you do not have it:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

This is probably the most hardest route up Kilimanjaro. A thoroghly tough uphill struggle liked by most mountaineers. As a reward for your Endevour’s however a clear day will provide you with views that many guides and porters insits are the best there are at Kilimanjaro.

1st Day

Umbwe Gate (1800 m) – Umbwe Cave Camp (2940 m)

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

From Umbwe Gate you asched through forestry track before it narrows and steepness to climb a ridge between Lonzo and Umbwe Rivers. This is the steepest part of the entire trek. Eventually after hours of this exhausting exercise, and again in altitude of 1050 m approximatley, you reach a rocky overhang. This is Umbwe Cave (29440 m) a popular first night Campsite with plenty of water sourcesavailable.

2nd Day

Umbwe Cave (2940 m) – Barranco Hut (3860 m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: 6 km

Habitat: Heather and Moorland

Roughly after 45 minutes after breaking camp, you emerge from the forest gloom onto the heather, to be presented with two awesome sights. The breathtaking Breach Wall  – all 1000 m of it – and the glory of the Kibo summit. Finally the gradient eases and the day is spent ambling through moorland vegetation to the Barranco Hut Campsite on your right time to enjoy your dinner and camp overnight.

3rd Day

Barranco Huts (3840 m) – Karanga Valley (4200 m)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Barranco Camp and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall to Karanga Valley Camp for Overnight.

4th Day

Karanga Valley (4200 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Karanga Valley Camp and scrabble up cliff to leave the valley. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 meters. You have completed the Southern Curcuit, which offers views of the summit from many different angles. Here you camp, rest, enjoy, dinner and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzi und Kibo are to be seen from this position.

5th Day

Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Hiking Time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak

Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit

Early morning, you continue your way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meter. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will wnat clothing for both extremes with your. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the Continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite at 3100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well earned sleep.

6th Day

Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1500 m)

Hiking Time: about 3 Hours

Habitat: Forest

After Breakfast, you continue the descend down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A Vehicle will meet your at Mweka village and take you to Moshi/Arusha.

Please do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cooks and Porters.

Equipment needed which you can hire if you do not have it:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

-. Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro just like the Machame route. Accomodation on the Marangu route is huts, the Lemosho route offers strictly tents only. This makes Lemosho Route better suited to the slightly more adventuros hiker, however rewarding him/her a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route, from late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Lemosho route normally complted in a minimum of 7 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The Lemosho Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630 m) on the day 4 and brings you down by nealy 700 m for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization recommended.

1st Day

Londros Gate (1800 m) – Mti Mkubwa Camp (2250 m)

Hiking Time: 3 – 5 Hours

Distance: 7 km

Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Prk takes about 5 – 6 hours. The journey passes through the village of Sanya Juu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the starting point, porters will be seen arranging their packs containing the food and other equipment. Make sure that you have al your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional Information. You now trek through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp, which is located at an altitude of 2250 m. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. You continue a short distance until you reach the Mti Mkubwa Camp, rest and enjoy your dinner and overnight. You have now reached an altitude of 2250 meters.

2nd Day

Mti Mkubwa (2250 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3500 m)

Hiking Time: 4 hours

Distance:  7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the forest to continue on an ascending path crossing the Heather and Moorland up to Shira 1 Camp at 3500 meters. Time for restm dinner and overnight at Shira 1 Campsite.

3rd Day

Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) – Shira 2 Camp (3840 m)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Distance: 7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the Heather to continue on an ascending path, through the Moorland, until the end of the trek. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at the Shira 2 Campsite.

4th Day

Shira 2 Capsite (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4620 m) – Barraco Camp (3950 m)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

Distance 10 km

Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateu, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3860 m. Here you rest, enjoy dinner and overnight.

Although, you end the day at the same elevation, as when you started, this is very important for acclimatization and will help your body prepare for summit day. For acclimatization purpors, some parties stay here an extra night.

5th Day

Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Hiking Time: 6 Hours

Distance: 6 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200 m),  and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 meters. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views ot the summit from many different angles. Here you camp, rest enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit day. The two peaks of Mawenzu and Kibo are to be seen from this position.

6th Day

Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Hiking Time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru peak

Distance: to Uhuru Peak 4 . 5 km

Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit

Early morning, you continue your way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5985 meters. This part of the climb takes about 6 hours. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descend continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite at 3100 meters. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and a well earned sleep.

7th Day

Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1500 m)

Hiking Time: about 3 hours

Habitat: Forest

After Breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate, at lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. A Vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and drive you back to Moshi/ Arusha.

Do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cooks and Porter

Equipment needed which you can hire if you don’t have:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

This is probaly the older route up Kilimanjaro just like the Lemosho Route. Accomodation on the Marangu route is in the huts, the Londross route offers strictly tents only. This makes Londross better suited to the slightly more adventures hiker, however rewarding him as scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route, form late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco wall, the Landross route is normaly completed in a minimum of 7 days. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodigy on the mountain- acclimatization. The Londross Route takes you high to Lava Tower (4630 m) on the day 4 and brings you dawn by 700 m for an overnigth at Barranco Camp Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization, it is recommended.

1st  Day

Londross Gate (1800 m) – Simba Camp (3450 m)

Hiking Time: 3 – 5 Hours

Distance: 15 Km

Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshi/Arusha to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 5 -6 Hours. The journey passes through the village of Sanya Juu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Ince you reach the Park gate, climbers are gequested to register for the climb. After that you drive for 2 hours to the starting point  Morum Barrier, 11 km Porters will be seen arranging their Packs containing the Food, water and other equpment. Make sure that you hace all your day pack items with you as the porters travel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. You now trek for 1 1/2 hours through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp 5 km, which is located at an altitude of 3450 m.

2nd Day

Simba Camp (3000 m) – Shira 1 Camp (3450 m)

Hiking Time: 1/2 hour

Distance: 2 km

Habitat: Heather

After Breakfast, you leave the forest to continue on an ascending crossing through the Heather and Moorland up to Shira 1 Camp at 3500 m, until the ridge ends. Time for rest, dinner and camp overnight at the Shira 1 Campsite.

3rd Day

Shira 1 Camp (3500 m) – Shira 2 Campsite (3840 m)

Hiking Time: 3 hours

Distance: 4 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the Heather to continue on an ascending path, through the Moorland, until the end of the trek. Time for rest, dinner and overnight at Shira 2 Camsite.

4th Day

Shira 2 Campsite (3840 m)  – Lava Tower (4630 m) – Barrancu Camp (3950 m)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

Distance: 10 km

Habitat: Semi Desert

From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continue, your direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue down to the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3950 m. Here you rest, enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

Althrough 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.

5th Day

Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Karanga Valley (4200 m) and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 m. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers view of the summit from many different angles. Here you camp, rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit night.

6th Day

Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Hiking Time: 8 Hours to reach Uhuru Peak

Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit

Early morning, you continue your way to the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extremes with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the contingent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut Campsite at 3100 m. This part of the decent takes about 5 hours.

7th Day

Mweka Camp (3100 m) – MMweka Gate (1500 m)

Hiking Time. about 3 hours

Habitat: Forest

After Breakfast, you continue the dscent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will hel. A Vehicle will meet you a Mweka village to take you back to Moshi/Arusha.

Please do not forget to Tip your Guides, Cook and Porters.

Equipment needed, which you can hire if you do not have:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac/ Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

Also known as the Nalemoru Route, this route, like Marangu Route is nicknamed ‘Coca Cola Route’ local wildlife here are greater than any other routes. Troops of colobus monkeys, elephant droppings, buffalo dung etc.

1st Day

Nalemuru Gate (1950 m) – First Camp  – Sekimba  camp (2700 m)

Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Cypress plantations and heather

Having registered with the park authorities, climb start through pine forest where Colobus monkeys can be viewed. Overnight will be at Sekimba camp 2700 m.

2nd Day

Sekimba Camp – Kikelelwa Camp (3600 m)

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 hours

Distance: 6 km

Habitat: Heather and Erica

Lunch will be taken at second cave 3300m. The path will take abrupt South – easterly turn directly towards the jagged peak Mawenzi. Since the second cave you have walked about 3 km, but have gained just 150 m altitude. Overnight at Kikelelwa Camp (3600 m).

3rd Day

Kikelwa Camp – Mawenzu Tarn Hut Camp (4330 m)

Hiking Time: 3 – 4 Hours

Distance: 5 km

The path heads south from Kikelelwa camp and climbs steadly on a ridge through an area of scenecio. The path climbs fairly steeply and you ascend towards Mawenzi rapidly. Hot lunch will be served here.                                                                                                                Dinner and Overnight at the Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp (4330 m)

4th Day

Mawenzi Tarn Hut Camp  – Kibo Hut Camp (4703 m)

Hiking Time: 5 – 6 Hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Desert

You kike to Kibo Hut Campsite 4703 m. This is a simple day that culminates with you being in a position to tackle the final summit bid. Little additional height is gained as your forge across the lunarlike saddle landscape between Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak, allowing you to prepare physically and psychologically for the challenge ahead. The rest of the day is spent resting and preparation for the ascent starting at midnight.

5th Day

Kibo Hut Campsite – Horombo Hut Campsite (3720 m) (Summit Day)

Hiking Time:  11 – 15 hours

Distance: 3.5 Km

After a short night and hot drink, the final ascend starts at about mid-night. The path heads through gradually steeper getting sreed to the Gilman’s point (5685 m) where you can watch the sunrise and the magnificent ice fields. After a short break, you now proceed around the crater rim to the Uhuru Peak (5895 m) reaching there at about 08.00 am. After your summit photo, you then descent to Kibo Hut Campsite for lunch before dropping to Horombo Hut Campsite (3720 m) where the night will be spent.

6th Day

Horombo Huts Campsite – Marangu Gate (1800 m)

Hiking Time: 6 hours

habitat: Forest

An easy descend to Marangu Gate (1800 m) via Mandara Huts 2700 m where you will take your lunch, transfer to Moshi

Equipement needed which you can hire if you don’t have:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac / Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pair of Socks

Do not forget to Tip Guides, Cooks and Porters.

This is proberly the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. Accomodation on the Marangu route is in huts, the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the ”Whisky Route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, however rewarding him/her a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. There is an added benefit to this, as you are afforded the most valuable commodity on the mountain – acclimatization. The 700 m for an overnight at Barranco Camp (3950 m). This is the secret to successful acclimatization recommended.

1st Day

Machame Gate (1800 m) – Machame Camp (3000 m)

Hiking Time: 7 hours

Distance:  10 Km

Habitat: Montane Forest

The drive from Moshei to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Machame, which is located on the lower slope or the mountain. Upon reaching the Park Gatem climbers are requested to make their final preperations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging their packs containing food, water and other equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items with you as the porters ravel very quickly. The guides will be pleased to assist with any additional information. We now leave the Park Gate and walk through the main forest on a winding trail to the first camp, which is located at an altitude of 3840 m. Lower down, the trail can be muddy and slippery. Gaiters and trekking poles are good idea here. You continue a short distance until you reach the Machame Hut, where camps are put up for rest and enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

2nd Day

Machame Camp (3000 m) – Shira Camp (3840 m)

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Distance:  7 km

Habitat: Moorland

After Breakfast, you leave the glades of the rain forest and continue on an ascending path, crossing the little valley walking along a steep rocky ridge, covered with heather, until the ridge ends. The route now turns west onto a river gorge at 3658 m. Time for rest, dinner and  overnight at the Shira Campsite.

3rd Day

Shira Campsite (3840 m) – Lava Tower (4600 m) Barranco Camp (3950 m)

Hiking Time:  7 hours

Distance:  10 km

Habitat: Semi desert

From the Shira Plateau, you continue to the east, passing the junction towards the peak of Kibo. As you continuem the direction changes to the South East towards the Lava Tower, called the ”Shark’s Tooth”. You now continue downwards the Barranco Camp at an altitude of 3950 m. Here, you rest enjoy dinner and camp overnight.

Althrough 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.

4th Day

Barranco Camp (3860 m) – Barafu Camp (4600 m)

Hiking Time: 6 hours

Distance: 8 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

After Breakfast, you leave Barranco and continue on a steep ridge passing the Barranco Wall, through the Kanrang Valley (4200 m),  and the junction that connects with the Mweka Trail. You continue to the Barafu Hut, which is located at an altitude of 4600 m. You have completed the Southern Circuit, which offers views for the summit from many different angles. Here you can rest, enjoy dinner and prepare for the summit night.

5th Day

Barafu Camp (4600 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Mweka Camp (3100 m)

Hiking Time: 8 hrs to reach Uhuru Peak

Habitat: Stone scream and ice capped summit

Ealy morning, you continue towards the summit of Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters. It can be bitterly cold at night at these elevations, but it will be quite warm by the end of the hiking day. You will want clothing for both extrems with you. At Uhuru Peak, you have reached the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. Faster hikers will see the sunrise from the summit. You now make your descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut campsite at 3100 m. This part of the descent takes about 5 hours. You will want gaiters and trekking poles for the loose gravel going down. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner on the mountain and well earned sleep.

6ed Day

Mweka Camp (3100 m) – Mweka Gate (1500 m)

Hiking Time: about 3 Hours

Habitat: Forest

After Breakfast, you continue the descent down to the Mweka Park Gate. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters  and trekking poles will help. A vehicle will meet you at Mweka village and drive you back to the Hotel in Moshi.

Equipment needed for the Climb:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– Warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

– Head Torch

– Rain Mac / Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks and Porters.

This is the most popular and easiest way to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The trail has huts along ist route with all the basic necessities. No technical skills are required for this six days trek. This six days trek, includes acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo.

1st Day

Marangu Gate (1850 ) – Mandera Huts 2700 m

Hikiung Time: 3-4 Hours

Distance: 7 km

Habitat: Forest

From the Marangu Gate, you ascend a cleard ridge trail to Mandera Huts. The path to Mandera Huts, the first overnight stop, passes through rain forest where you can see vervet monkeys birds like the turraco, trees like Macarnaga Kilimandscharica, flowers like yellow impatiens kilimanjari, violet impatiens pseudoviola and the sweet-scented white Begonia meyeri-johannis.

2nd Day

Mandera Huts – Horomobo Huts 3720 m

Hiking Time: 5-6 Hours

Distance: 11 km

Habitat: Moorland

From the Mandera Huts, the trail passes through a short stretch of forests and skirts teh base of Maundi Crater, crosses a meadow and a wooded stream, then emerges into grassland. Is is well worth the short detour to scramble up to the rim of Maundi Crater for a superb view of the mountain and its surroundings. The trail descend numerous moorland, ravies before ending at Horombo Huts, which is set in a rocky valley with a fine stand of giant groundsels (Senecio  kilimanjari) and phallic lobelias deckenii. Leaving behind the forest and following the ascending path through alpine meadows on the slopes of Mawenzi, Horombo Huts are reached.

3rd Day

Horombo Huts 3720 m

Acclimatization day with all meals.

After Breakfast, the guide will take you to Zebra Rock (4100 m) or Saddle Point (4200 m) and back to Horombo Huts.

4th Day

Horombo Huts – Kibo Hut (4700 m)

Hiking Time:  5-6 Hours

Distance:  11 km

Habitat: Alpine Desert

From Horombo Hut there are two trails to the Saddle. The right fork is very stoney and eroded and is the most direct route to the Saddle and Mawenzi. From the Saddle (about 2 Hours from Horombo), there are trails to Mawenzi Huts (1 Hour) or Mawenzi Tarn Huts (2 Hours) and across the length of the Saddle to Kibo Hut (3 Hours). The left fork from Horombo Hut is an easier trail and emerges on the Saddle much closer to Kibo and about 1 km from Kibo Hut. The landscape now becomes rockier and rugged until the Saddle is reached. Kibo Hut is the overnight stay.

5th Day

Kibo Hut – Summit Uhuru Peak 5895 m – Horombo Huts

Hiking Time: 10 – 12 Hours

Habitat: Ice capped Summit

The trail to the summit lies directly behind Kibo Hut, to the west. It is nomal to start this day’s climb at midnight. (The reason for this is to see the sun rise over Mawenzi from the top of Kibo, the oose stone scree is frozen – making it easier to climb, and you can get back in good time). The first part is an uneven trail, which leads to the Hans Meyer Cave, a good rest point. After that, the trail makes more regular switch backs most of the way to the top, with a last scramble over the rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillman’s Point. From there, the trail continues past Stella Point to Uhuru Peak. At the top there are stunning views of the ice walls offset by rugged rocks. After a fast descent to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest, continue to descend to Horombo.

6th Day

Horombo Huts – Marangu Gate (185 m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Habitat: Forest

An easy descehnd to Marangu Gate, then transfer to Moshi.

Equipment needed which you can hire (at extra cost) if you don’t have:

– Sleeping Bag

– Mountain Poles

– warm Gloves

– Gaiters

– Balaclava

– Water Bottles

–  Head Torch

– Rain Mac / Poncho

– Warm Jacket

– Warm Trousers

– Sunglasses

– Day Pack

– Mountain Boots

– Scarves

– Pairs of Socks

Do not forget Tips/Gratities for the Guides, Cooks and Porters

The Timau Track, the main acess route on the north side of the mountain lies in a major rain shadow. Because of this there is very little forest on this side of the mountain. However, since you are inside a low rainfall zone it generally makes for a drier safari and a more pleasant trek. The slope is gentle and because the peaks on Mt. Kenya line up east to west the views from north give you the impression you are trekking into a whole mountain range.

1st Day

Morning spent organizing and sorting equipment for your trek to Pt. Lenana (16355 ft) the third highest peak of Mt. Kenya. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will be transported to the Timau roadhead where you will begin your trek up Mt. Kenya from the north. Overnight in high altitude mountains tents – Timau roadhead.

2nd Day

Hiking across beautiful northern moorland of Mt. Kenya with its unique flora and possibly seeing some of the wildlife which wander up these northern slopes – Zebra, Eland, ect. Camp near the Western Marania River

3rd Day

Continue your trek over rolling moorland country to camp at the headwaters of the Kathita East drainage.

4th Day

Hike up to the spectacular Hall Tarns where the beautiful rock formation known as the Temple stands over Lake Michaelson 1000 vertical feet below.

5th Day

Penetrate the defences of the Temple and descent to Lake Michaelson. Truly a trekkers paradise.

6th Day

An early start to ensure a successful summit bid for our main objective Pt. Lenana (16355 ft). Descend to MacKinders Camp on the Naro Moru Track

7th Day

Descend the mountaun via the Naro Moru Route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well earned rest.

The Timau Track, the main acess route on the north side of the mountain lies in a major rain shadow. Because of this there is very little forest on this side of the mountain. However, since you are inside a low rainfall zone it generally makes for a drier safari and a more pleasant trek. The slope is gentle and because the peaks on Mt. Kenya line up east to west the views from north give you the impression you are trekking into a whole mountain range.

1st Day

Morning spent organizing and sorting equipment for your trek to Pt. Lenana (16355 ft) the third highest peak of Mt. Kenya. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you will be transported to the Timau roadhead where you will begin your trek up Mt. Kenya from the north. Overnight in high altitude mountains tents – Timau roadhead.

2nd Day

Hiking across beautiful northern moorland of Mt. Kenya with its unique flora and possibly seeing some of the wildlife which wander up these northern slopes – Zebra, Eland, ect. Camp near the Western Marania River

3rd Day

Continue your trek over rolling moorland country to camp at the headwaters of the Kathita East drainage.

4th Day

Hike up to the spectacular Hall Tarns where the beautiful rock formation known as the Temple stands over Lake Michaelson 1000 vertical feet below.

5th Day

Penetrate the defences of the Temple and descent to Lake Michaelson. Truly a trekkers paradise.

6th Day

An early start to ensure a successful summit bid for our main objective Pt. Lenana (16355 ft). Descend to MacKinders Camp on the Naro Moru Track

7th Day

Descend the mountaun via the Naro Moru Route completing a fine circuit of Mt. Kenya, to the Naro Moru River Lodge for a well earned rest.

The Sirimon Track, one of the finest approaches to the peak area. The Sirimon Track offers some of the best views of the main peaks, with a gradual climb which can be done leisurly. We traverse the mountain by ascending the Sirimon Track and descending the Naro Moru Track.

1st Day

Morning spent sorting and organizing personal equipment for the mountain trek. Lunch at the lodge. In the afternoon you are driven to the Sirimon Gate and then to roadhead at 11000 ft. An easy walk in the afternoon to help acclimatization.

Overnight Judmaier Camp (11000ft) in hight altitude mountain tents

2nd Day

Ascend the Sirimon Track to Liki North Valley and Camp overnight in this beautiful little valley below the subsidiary peaks of Tereri and Sendeyo, two ancient parasitic vents of the main peaks (13000ft)

3rd Day

Climb out of the North Valley and into the MacKinder Valley, one of the broadest valleys on the mountain, with many giant groundsels. Camp at the head of the MacKinder Valley, just below the main peaks Batian and Nelion (14000ft)

4th Day

Alpine ascent of the third highest peak, Pt. Lenana (16355 ft). On route up north vache little used by tourists. Four hours of stiff walking to the summit. Then descent to Taleki Valley on the opposite side of the main peaks, to MacKinders Camp for a good night’s rest (13900 ft)

5th Day

Descend to the Met. Station (road-head)    on the Naro Moru Track and then back to the lodge.