Climb Kilimanjaro.
Your own journey.

A southern approach with a changing landscape each day. Machame begins in rainforest, climbs onto the Shira Plateau and crosses via Lava Tower into Barranco. The Barranco Wall is a steep scramble where your guide helps you find your footing. From there the trail continues through Karanga to Barafu, with a summit approach via Stella Point and a descent through Mweka.

The seven-day version gives Karanga its own overnight stop. The six-day itinerary combines more walking before Barafu. Compare the walking pace and overnight stops before choosing.

A rewarding option if you want varied scenery and are comfortable with camping and a steep walking trail.

A western beginning, with room to enjoy the journey. Start in the forest on Kilimanjaro's western side and walk onto the open Shira Plateau. Lemosho later joins the southern trail through Lava Tower, Barranco and Karanga before the summit attempt from Barafu. The descent follows Mweka.

Our eight-day itinerary separates Shira 1 and Shira 2 into two overnight stops. The seven-day itinerary crosses between them in a longer stage. Both include the Barranco Wall; the difference is how your early mountain days are spread out.

A scenic choice for travellers who can allow more time and want to experience forest, plateau and high mountain landscapes.

A hut-based climb on the southeastern side. Marangu follows the trail from the gate through Mandara and Horombo to Kibo Hut. The summit attempt climbs towards Gilman's Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak when conditions permit. You return down the same side of the mountain, with your last mountain night at Horombo.

The six-day itinerary adds an acclimatisation day at Horombo. The five-day version is more compressed. Huts provide a different sleeping arrangement from tents, but they do not make the altitude or summit day easy.

Consider Marangu if shared hut accommodation appeals to you and you understand the demands of the shorter schedule.

A different perspective from the northern side. Rongai approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border, and gives a contrasting view of Kilimanjaro. The route crosses open mountain country towards the summit base on the eastern side. The summit approach is via Gilman's Point, with a descent along Marangu.

The longer version gives more time on the mountain. Ask us to explain the overnight stops and how the six- and seven-day schedules differ before choosing. Your final itinerary will confirm the exact camps.

Worth discussing if a northern approach interests you and you would like an alternative to the busier southern trails.

A steep, direct start for a more demanding climb. Umbwe climbs sharply through forest on the southern side and joins the southern circuit around Barranco. The standard onward trail goes through the Karanga and Barafu area before the summit approach and the Mweka descent.

The fast early height gain leaves less room to settle into altitude. This is a route to discuss carefully with the mountain team, particularly if you have little high-altitude trekking experience. A challenging trail should not be mistaken for a better chance of reaching the summit.

A specialist choice for experienced trekkers who understand the pace and want a serious route discussion.

See a quieter side of the mountain over a longer journey. The Northern Circuit starts on the western Lemosho approach, crosses Shira and turns around the northern slopes. Our nine-day itinerary passes Moir, Buffalo and Third Cave before School Hut, then approaches the summit via Gilman's Point and descends towards Mweka.

The longer itinerary spreads the ascent over more days and gives you time to experience different sides of Kilimanjaro. It also means more nights in a tent and a longer commitment away from town.

A strong option to discuss if you have the time for a longer mountain journey and enjoy camping.

The western plateau, reached from a higher starting point. Shira is related to the Lemosho approach but traditionally reaches the plateau at a higher starting altitude, with vehicle access taking you past much of the lower forest walking. From the plateau, the trail connects with the mountain's other western and southern routes.

Starting higher can give your body less time to adjust early in the trip. We'll explain the approach and the exact schedule before you decide whether it is appropriate for you. Lemosho provides a lower forest start to compare against it.