Climbing Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro
At 5,895 metres, climbing Kilimanjaro – the highest mountain in Africa – is an adventure that sits at the top of many bucket lists.
Experience the mountain
It’s a tough climb to the summit but as the sun rises and the views unfold, you’d be forgiven for thinking you were on top of the world.
We work with carefully chosen partners locally who have years of experience on the mountain and are ready to advise you on the best way to climb it, whether you want to climb individually or to join with a group.
There is a choice of routes to the summit, some longer than others, and some tougher. We recommend a longer route that allows time for you to acclimatise as you go – the Lemosho and Machame routes via Stella Point are ones we’d suggest you consider. Experienced guides will lead, escort and encourage you throughout.
Accommodation varies according to the route you take and the level of trek you choose – the upgraded options generally offer more comfortable and private camps.
A sample climb itinerary
Machame Route, 7 days
Day 1 - 1,800 metres to 2,835 metres (around 5-7 hours hiking).
After breakfast depart by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park, where your hike will start at the Machame gate, ascending through verdant afromontane forest. A picnic lunch is usually taken on trail during the hike before reaching Machame Camp for the night.
Day 2 - 2,835 metres to 3,750 metres (around 4-6 hours hiking).
The first part of today's hike is relatively steep, passing through what is known as the heath zone. Expect to see geological features such as lava tubes and glacial valleys. You will arrive at Shira Camp in time for a hot lunch. The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising to the new environment.
Day 3 - 3,750 metres to 3,900 metres (around 6-8 hours hiking).
Today is a 'walk high sleep low' day. You ascend into alpine desert to Lava Tower (Alt: 15,092ft, 4600m) where lunch is taken before descending to Barranco Camp. This is a long day but a great acclimatisation day.
Day 4 - 3,900 metres to 3,995 metres (around 4-5 hours hiking).
From Barranco Camp, famous for its giant groundsels (Senecio species), you ascend the Barranco Wall and hike glacial valleys to Karanga Camp. Today is a relatively short day's hike and lunch is taken at Karanga camp. The afternoon is spent relaxing and acclimatising. In the evening a practice walk for the summit is taken to make sure you are completely comfortable with the kit you are going to summit in.
Day 5 - 3,995 metres to 4,673 metres (around 4-5 hours hiking).
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu Camp. Once again lunch is taken in camp allowing plenty of time to relax before the summit bid. Desolate alpine desert and, at times, strong winds rip over this camp; yet in the evening splendid views of Mawenzi are the norm. A relatively early dinner is taken before heading to rest for the rest of the evening.
Day 6 – Summit Day - 4,673 metres to 5,895 metres, and then down to 3100 metres (around 14-16 hours hiking).
Today you head for the summit. Most people depart just before midnight for the final summit bid. Patience and persistence are the name of game to reach the summit (Uhuru Peak: 19341ft, 5895m) and by dawn as the first rays of light start to appear, most arrive near the rim. Ascending via Stella Point (Alt: 18,865ft, 5750m) affords a relatively short final section to Uhuru Peak, the Roof of Africa! What goes up must come down however. The first stage is to get back to base camp for a quick change of clothes and refuel before the long hike downhill to Mweka Camp. The downhill hike is hard on the knees and walking poles at this stage are highly recommended. You should reach Mweka Camp before dusk for your final night on the mountain.
Day 7 - 3,100 metres to 1,640 metres (around 3-4 hours hiking).
After breakfast you descend once again through afromontane forest and around midday you will be picked up and transferred to your lodge for a well-deserved shower and dinner
Follow your Kilimanjaro climb with a few days on safari in the Serengeti or fly straight to a Zanzibari beach or island for some rest and relaxation.
Ask the African Pride team for expert advice on 01904 619428
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
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