Africa’s highest peak. Conquer Uhuru Peak with our expert guides, proven routes, and unmatched safety record.
Summit Height
Expert Routes
Summit Success
Days to Summit
Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of life's most extraordinary achievements — and with Climbing Lions Safari, you'll have the expertise, equipment, and support to summit safely and successfully.
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Success Rate | Scenery | Traffic | From Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame Route | 6–7 Days | Challenging | 90% | ★★★★★ | High | $1,950/pp |
| Marangu Route | 5–6 Days | Moderate | 75% | ★★★☆☆ | High | $1,750/pp |
| Rongai Route | 6–7 Days | Moderate | 85% | ★★★★☆ | Low | $1,850/pp |
The most popular and scenic route on Kilimanjaro. Known for its diverse landscapes — lush rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and the spectacular Barranco Wall scramble. The "walk high, sleep low" profile gives excellent acclimatization.
Day 1: Machame Gate (1,640m) → Machame Camp (2,848m) — Drive from Moshi (~50 min) to Machame Gate. Register with TANAPA, then trek through dense rainforest on a winding ridge trail to Machame Camp. 11km / 5–7 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 2: Machame Camp → Shira Cave Camp (3,810m) — Leave the rainforest and ascend a steep rocky ridge into heather and open moorland. Cross the Shira Plateau to Shira Cave Camp with expansive crater views. 5km / 4–6 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3: Shira Cave → Lava Tower (4,630m) → Barranco Camp (3,976m) — Acclimatization day. Climb east up a ridge to Lava Tower — a 300ft volcanic rock formation. Descend through the otherworldly Senecio Forest to Barranco Camp. Begin and end at similar elevation for optimal acclimatisation. 10km / 6–8 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,000m) — Descend to the base of the Great Barranco Wall, then climb this steep (non-technical) 300m cliff face — one of Kilimanjaro's most exhilarating sections. Cross a series of ridges and valleys to Karanga Camp. 5km / 4–5 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 5: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,673m) — Trek to the Mweka Trail junction then ascend rocky terrain to Barafu — your high camp. Rest and eat a substantial early dinner in preparation for the summit push. 4km / 4–5 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 6: Summit Night — Barafu → Stella Point (5,756m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,068m) — Begin the final ascent around midnight on steep scree and switchbacks. Near Stella Point witness a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Continue the final ridge to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa at 5,895m. Descend to Mweka Camp via Barafu for lunch. 17km / 12–14 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) — Final descent through the rainforest. Collect summit certificates at the gate (green for Stella Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Vehicle meets at Mweka Village for return to Moshi. 10km / 3–4 hrs. Meals: B, L.
The oldest and most established route — and the only one with permanent dormitory-style hut accommodation. A gentle, gradual ascent through five distinct climate zones. Often underestimated; the 6-day option is strongly recommended for acclimatization.
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) → Mandara Hut (2,700m) — Register at the gate then trek through lush montane rainforest to Mandara Hut. 8km / 3–5 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 2: Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut (3,720m) — Leave the forest and ascend through open moorland with giant heather, lobelias, and groundsel plants. First views of Kibo summit. 12km / 5–7 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3: Horombo Hut — Acclimatization Day — Rest and recover at Horombo. Optional acclimatization hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m) for views across the plateau. "Walk high, sleep low" principle. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4: Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut (4,703m) — Trek across the barren alpine desert known as the Saddle, the lunar-like plain between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut for early dinner and rest. 10km / 5–7 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 5: Summit Night — Kibo Hut → Gilman's Point (5,681m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut — Begin the summit push around midnight. Ascend rocky switchbacks to Gilman's Point on the crater rim (green certificate level), then continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the Roof of Africa. Descend all the way to Horombo Hut. 21km / 12–15 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 6: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate (1,860m) — Final descent through the moorland and rainforest. Collect summit certificates at the gate. Transfer back to Moshi. 20km / 5–7 hrs. Meals: B, L.
The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. Offers a remote wilderness experience with far fewer climbers. Drier conditions make it ideal for the rainy season. A gentle ascent profile with stunning views of the ice cap.
Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950m) → Simba Camp (2,600m) — Transfer from Moshi (2.5 hrs) to the remote Rongai trailhead near the Kenyan border. Hot lunch at the gate, then trek through montane forest with rich flora and fauna. 8km / 4 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 2: Simba Camp → Kikelewa Cave (3,600m) — Ascend through open moorland with panoramic views of the northern slopes. Pass Second Cave (3,450m) for a lunch break. Continue to Kikelewa Cave camp — a cold night lies ahead. 14km / 6–7 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 3: Kikelewa Cave → Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m) — A shorter but steep trail through high moorland. Spot giant lobelias and groundsel plants. Arrive at the stunning Mawenzi Tarn — a glacial lake beneath the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Spectacular sunset views. 6km / 3–4 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 4: Mawenzi Tarn — Acclimatization Layover — Rest day at 4,330m. Morning hike to higher ground (climb high, sleep low). Your guides share Kilimanjaro stories and summit techniques. Prepare gear for the final push. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut (4,700m) — Half-day hike across the high-altitude Saddle — the alpine desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Arrive Kibo Hut for an early dinner by 19:00 in preparation for the midnight summit attempt. 8km / 4–5 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 6: Summit Night — Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Horombo Hut (3,720m) — Wake at 23:30 for tea and biscuits. Ascend steep rocky trail past Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), through Gilman's Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. Descent to Horombo Hut for dinner and rest. 27km / 14 hrs. Meals: B, L, D.
Day 7: Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate (1,980m) — A joyful final descent with your crew celebrating with traditional song and dance. Receive your summit certificate at the gate (green for Gilman's Point, gold for Uhuru Peak). Transfer back to Moshi. 20km / 6 hrs. Meals: B, L.
Certified lead guide, assistant guides, cook, and porters (4:1 porter-to-climber ratio)
4-season tents, insulated sleeping mats, dining tent, toilet tent, and camp chairs
Three nutritious meals daily, hot beverages, snacks, and purified water throughout
Park fees, rescue fees, emergency oxygen, pulse oximeter, and airport transfers
What to bring for a successful Kilimanjaro summit — we provide a detailed packing list upon booking.
Yao Kisamo
Founder & Lead Guide
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Yao has personally guided hundreds of travellers across Tanzania's greatest landscapes. Get honest advice, a custom itinerary, and instant answers — no sales pressure, just genuine expertise.
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