Tanzania / mountain journeys
Six routes. Nine itineraries. Find the mountain journey that speaks to you.
A closer look
Explore Kilimanjaro through the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe and Northern Circuit routes. Our published trekking packages range from five to nine days.
Compare the route stages and duration, then tell us which itinerary interests you. We'll help you discuss travel dates, accommodation and equipment before you make a decision.
Explore the trekking packagesTrekking packages
Six distinct routes, with nine existing trekking programmes. Discover the scenery and choose the itinerary you want to explore.
9 trekking packages
Marangu Route / 5 days
A hut-based journey from the forest near Marangu Gate through Mandara and Horombo to the open landscape around Kibo Huts. The descent returns along the same route.
Who it may suitMay suit trekkers who prefer mountain huts to tented camps and want a clearly established out-and-back trail.
Marangu Route / 6 days
A hut-based journey from the forest near Marangu Gate through Mandara and Horombo to the open landscape around Kibo Huts. The descent returns along the same route.
Who it may suitMay suit trekkers who prefer mountain huts to tented camps and want a clearly established out-and-back trail.
Machame Route / 6 days
Start in the forest at Machame Gate, cross the Shira landscape and continue towards Lava Tower and Barranco. The published programmes finish with a descent through Mweka.
Who it may suitMay suit walkers drawn to changing scenery and a camping itinerary with a different descent trail.
Machame Route / 7 days
Start in the forest at Machame Gate, cross the Shira landscape and continue towards Lava Tower and Barranco. The published programmes finish with a descent through Mweka.
Who it may suitMay suit walkers drawn to changing scenery and a camping itinerary with a different descent trail.
Lemosho Route / 7 days
The western approach leads from Londorossi Gate and Mti Mkubwa into the open Shira landscape, then continues towards Barranco and the upper mountain.
Who it may suitMay suit travellers interested in the western side of Kilimanjaro who can allow seven or eight trekking days.
Lemosho Route / 8 days
The western approach leads from Londorossi Gate and Mti Mkubwa into the open Shira landscape, then continues towards Barranco and the upper mountain.
Who it may suitMay suit travellers interested in the western side of Kilimanjaro who can allow seven or eight trekking days.
Rongai Route / 7 days
Approach from the northern slopes through Rongai Cave and Kikelewa towards Mawenzi Tarn. The itinerary crosses towards Kibo before returning through Horombo and Marangu.
Who it may suitMay suit trekkers who want a northern approach, views around Mawenzi and a descent on the southern side.
Umbwe Route / 6 days
A direct, steep approach from Umbwe Gate leads towards Barranco, Karanga and Barafu. These are the stages available in the current published programme.
Who it may suitMay suit experienced trekkers considering a demanding ascent. Confirm the missing final stages with the team before choosing this programme.
The published six-day programme currently lists Days 1–4 only. Ask the team to confirm the complete itinerary before booking.
Northern Circuit / 9 days
Begin through Londorossi and Shira, then explore the northern circuit through Moir, Pofu and Rongai Third Cave before the summit stage and Mweka descent.
Who it may suitMay suit travellers who can allow the longest trekking programme in our collection and want to explore the northern side.
The published nine-day climb includes arrival and departure entries labelled Day 0 through Day 10. These entries are retained below.
Planning your travel window
The generally drier windows are a useful starting point for planning, rather than a promise of clear weather. Conditions change as you climb from forest to the upper mountain.
Late June to September
Rainfall is generally lower, with clearer days and cool nights. Rain and cloud are still possible; prepare for cold conditions higher on the mountain.
December to early March
Often a useful period to consider for a trek. Rain can return as March progresses, so check conditions close to your departure.
March to May
Expect a greater chance of wet lower slopes, muddy trails and cloud. Snow can accumulate higher up, affecting the character of the trek.
October to November
Showers become more likely as the shorter rainy season arrives. Timing varies between years; keep rain protection and flexible expectations.
Seasonal patterns cannot predict conditions on your dates or guarantee summit success. Discuss current trail conditions and suitable equipment with the team.
Seasonal references: TANAPA: Kilimanjaro climate guide
Discuss your travel datesBefore you set out
Your route is the starting point. Tell us what you have in mind and ask about the details that matter to you.
Discuss your trekCompare the day-by-day itinerary and tell us which programme interests you.
Share your preferred travel date and the number of adults and children in your group.
Ask about equipment, accommodation and what is included in your chosen programme.
Good to know
Six distinct routes, with nine existing trekking programmes. Discover the scenery and choose the itinerary you want to explore.
Explore 9 programmesChoose “Enquire” beside its programme, or select the programme in the form below. Your enquiry will include the exact package name and itinerary.
Open “View Trek” for the day-by-day description, photographs and the details listed with that package.
Dedicated private consultation
Tell us a little about your travel plans and our team will help shape the journey around you.
Another mountain, another journey
Looking at another mountain? Compare the three- and four-day Mount Meru programmes.
