MT KILIMANJARO
Kilimanjaro, the iconic, snow-capped symbol of Tanzania, stands at 19,341 ft (5,895 m); the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Despite its grandness, Mt. Kilimanjaro is considered a fairly easy mountain to climb; being more of a long hike than a technical climb.
There are seven official routes to the summit at Uhuru Peak: Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Mweka, Rongai, Shira and Umbwe. While each route has advantages and disadvantages, we offer treks using Lemosho, Machame, Marangu and Western Breach (a variant of Lemosho or Machame).
At Natural Attraction Safaris, safety is our number one priority. Our guides are trained as Wilderness First Responders (WFR) and for every trek on Kilimanjaro we bring oxygen and a comprehensive first-aid kit. One of the biggest obstacles to a successful summit is the high altitude. We make sure all of our guides are trained to recognize, monitor and treat the signs of altitude sickness.
Your comfort, privacy and success are also high on our list of priorities. We supply a private bathroom tent, high quality sleeping tents and mess tent (including table and chairs). Our guides, porters and cooks are experienced, well-trained and friendly. We also work hard to ensure that our staff (porters, guides and cooks) are treated well and paid fairly.
What’s included:
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All park fees and taxes
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Airport pickup/drop-off
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Transportation to and from the mountain
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Experienced guide(s), porters and cook(s)
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Meals while on the mountain
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High-quality bathroom, dining and sleeping tents
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First-aid kit and oxygen (in case of emergency)
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Hotel accommodation for day before and after climb
What’s not included:
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Tips for staff
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Airfare
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Visa fees
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Personal gear
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Travel insurance (recommended)
Not sure which route is for you? Check out our route comparisons or sample Kilimanjaro itineraries.
Which route is right for me?
Every route to the summit of Kilimanjaro has its own advantages and disadvantages, so when choosing a route it is important to consider your own priorities. Below we have included a chart giving a side by side comparison of the routes we offer to help you determine which route is best for you. While these are our preferred routes, we are happy to tailor a trek for you if you would like to add days or choose one of the other routes. Prices and itineraries for all of our Kilimanjaro trek options can be found by scrolling down.
Lemosho Routes
Lemosho is our favorite route and most recommended. This route can be completed in eight or nine days and has a few variations. Being longer, Lemosho gives clients a better chance of a successful summit by allowing more time for acclimatization. This route also takes advantage of the "climb high, sleep low" philosophy which allows your body to acclimatize better. A less popular route than Marangu or Machame, this route is also less busy, letting you enjoy your surroundings as you pass through diverse vegetational zones (forest, heather & moorland, alpine desert, arctic).
Our Lemosho treks have three choices of path to the summit: Southern Circuit, Northern Circuit & Western Breach. With these routes, there is the option to sleep at Crater camp (a camp close to the summit at 18,500 ft) or to descend down to Barafu camp after your summit. Although Crater camp is at a high altitude, it gives you the advantage of a shorter hike on summit day, a great view and a chance to explore the glaciers and volcanic ash pit.
Cost
8 day/7 night trek - $2600 USD per person
9 day/8 night trek - $2925 USD per person
*Additional (per group) fee of $600 for groups of 1-2
** Extra $150 (per person) if sleeping at Crater camp
Machame Route
Machame (also known as the "Whiskey Route") is the most popular route up Kilimanjaro. While this means it is usually crowded, it also has its advantages. It is shorter and therefore cheaper than Lemosho and it is better for acclimatization than Marangu, since it uses the "climb high, sleep low" method. Machame also takes you through the four climate zones and you will see interesting plant life along the way.
Machame meets up with Lemosho on day 3 and uses the same Southern circuit path to the summit (or Western Breach if you choose). This also means that you could sleep at Crater camp if you want to shorten the long hike of summit day (only for 7 day option).
Cost
6 day/5 night trek - $1950 USD per person
7 day/6 night trek - $2275 USD per person
*Additional (per group) fee of $600 for groups of 1-2
** Extra $150 (per person) if sleeping at Crater camp
Itineraries
Western Breach Route
Western Breach is a lesser-used route, great for those looking for an extra challenge. This route will require you to do some scrambling, but you will be rewarded with a spectacular view. There have been rock falls along this route and it can be dangerous. However, our guides are experienced on the route and know to start before the sun comes up in order to avoid loosening rocks as the sun melts the ice. You will also be provided with a helmet to protect you in case of smaller loose rocks.
This route also requires a night at crater camp. Since it is a shorter hike, you will arrive to crater camp early and have time to rest or explore the glaciers and ash pit in the area and enjoy the beauty of the mountain.
Cost
7 day/6 night trek - $2425 USD per person
8 day/7 night trek - $2750 USD per person
9 day/8 night trek - $3075 USD per person
*Additional (per group) fee of $600 for groups of 1-2
**Night at crater camp included
Marangu Route
Marangu is unique from the other routes as it is the only route on which you will be sleeping in huts rather than tents. You will share a hut with other climbers along the way, where there are bunk beds for your accommodation.
Marangu is also a very popular route and often crowded. The advantages of the Marangu route are that it is the shortest and cheapest route and therefore great for climbers who are short on time and money. A disadvantage of this route is that you gain altitude quickly, meaning it is not ideal for acclimatization and has a lower success rate.
Cost
5 day/4 night trek - $1500 USD per person
6 day/5 night trek - $1800 USD per person
*Additional (per group) fee of $600 for groups of 1-2
