Kilimanjaro Routes description and duration.
1.) Marangu route 5-6 days.
Easily known as the "Coca-Cola route", Marangu is by far the most popular route to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 6 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier than on the Machame route. It is the easiest route to Kilimanjaro Uhuru Peak but least scenic.
2.) Machame route 6-7 days.
Sometimes called the Whisky Route, This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro.. Where accommodation is strictly in Tents. this makes Machame route better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, rewarding him/her with a scenic splendor such as not seen on the Marangu route. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days.
3.) Lemosho route 7-8 days.
Lemosho Route This is the longest and most remote route to Kilimanjaro 7-8 days. After beautiful forests and moorlands it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game.
4.) Rongai route 5-6 days.
Rongai Route: This remote and less frequently used route is the second easiest route to Kilimanjaro. The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations; the one described below is a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn. We offer this Rongai Route climb for both groups; joining group existing Kilimanjaro climb or private Kilimanjaro treks every year. 6-7 Days
5.) Umbwe route 6-7 days.
The Umbwe route is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. 6 days 5 nights.
Kilimanjaro and Safari Testimonial.
1.) I cannot praise Jipe trekking and Safaris enough. After I made the initial inquiry on their site Francis got in touch with me on a timely basis. I did receive answers to my inquiries from him; and he was by far the most efficient and offered the best value for money. All my questions were answered and Francis told me things I never thought to ask. At our request he added on a few days in Zanzibar after the safari and that too was excellent. Francis was in Moshi to meet us when we arrived at the hotel and he explained everything we needed to know. He came to see us again when we got back from the safari to make sure everything went well and to explain the Zanzibar portion of the trip. Our guide was also outstanding. During the entire safari his eyes were constantly on the landscaping looking for game for us to view. We saw all of the big five up close. We even saw 4 black rhinos thanks to Miraji, and I understand they are hard to see. The safari that they offer is 30% cheaper than other tour companies. I was a little concerned that we may get a cut rate safari but that was not the case. The customer service, accommodation, food and our guide was first rate. All of us have no hesitation in recommending Francis and his Team of Jipe, We had a wonderful time!
Martha.
2.) We started with some questions to the company and during the planning we exchanged a lot of e-mail. During this e-mail exchange we identified that the company was serious, they had a lot of knowledge and not to forget they had a good price for the journey. They gave us relevant information whatever we asked about. We experienced that the company had very good guides; these guides have knowledge of human nature and they where professional in there guiding and well-informed. We feel that the Kilimanjaro trip and the Safari both where good organized. Everything was planned to our best. We where especially impressed over the food during the Kilimanjaro trip, considering the conditions the guide and his staff had to work in. None of us became ill. After all we had a very nice journey with this company and I can recommend it as a good choice, To end with, I will like to encourage you all to visit Tanzania with Jipe trekking and safaris as they will organize you everything and take care of you all time if surrounding problems come by..
Joe.
Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high summits, a beacon for visitors from around the world. Most climbers reach the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, proper clothing and determination. And those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman's Point on the lip of the crater, will have earned their climbing certificates. And their memories.
3.) We had a well organized journey to Mt Kilimanjaro with this company. Before the trip Francis gave us all the information we needed to prepare for a successful climb.We took six days Marangu route to climb to the Uhuru Peak and to descend back to the gate and for my opinion it was good to have this one extra day for acclimatization at Horombo camp. There were five people in our group and we all made it to the top! After the climb we made a four day safari with this company and I could consider it as a very nice experience. We visited Lake Manyara, Serengeti and Ngorongoro National Parks and viewed the whole big five. Also the guide had a pretty good knowledge about the animals and the chef cooked excellent meals. I would without hesitation recommend them for any Kilimanjaro Climb attempt and most certainly would suggest that you ask for Francis. I am reasonably confident that should you be looking for other adventures in northern Tanzania that you give them a try.
4.) We could not have asked for a better way to end our incredible adventures in Tanzania. We saw everything and did everything we could have ever imagined. From the big game watching in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, to ascending the highest peak in Africa Mt. Kilimanjaro; it was all so unbelievably incredible. A total dream comes true!
I have had a number of prior safari experiences ranging from tent camping (alone, with groups, and with my children) to high-end lodges (with spouse) in Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Unlike other tours with other companies, Francis did not combine us with other groups in the vehicle, allowing for a completely personalized vacation. This added to the flexibility of timing and accommodations.
Overall, this experience ranks an excellent value that allows one to "rough it" but with some unexpected added creature comforts (cots, personal cook). I recommend Francis and his team of JIPE TREKKING AND SAFARIS to my colleagues and anyone who is considering safaris in Tanzania.
5.) We could not have asked for a better way to end our incredible adventures in Tanzania. We saw everything and did everything we could have ever imagined. From the big game watching in the Serengeti, Ngorongoro, and Lake Manyara, to ascending the highest peak in Africa Mt. Kilimanjaro; it was all so unbelievably incredible. A total dream comes true!
I have had a number of prior safari experiences ranging from tent camping (alone, with groups, and with my children) to high-end lodges (with spouse) in Uganda, South Africa, Kenya, and Tanzania. Unlike other tours with other companies, Francis did not combine us with other groups in the vehicle, allowing for a completely personalized vacation. This added to the flexibility of timing and accommodations.
Overall, this experience ranks an excellent value that allows one to "rough it" but with some unexpected added creature comforts (cots, personal cook). I recommend Francis and his team of JIPE TREKKING AND SAFARIS to my colleagues and anyone who is considering safaris in Tanzania.
6.) Thank you very much Francis! For an incredible trip, Everything concerning the accommodations, guides, transportation and wildlife viewing exceeded our expectations. Francis was very professional and took care of all the details concerning the 7 days trek Machame route and 5 day Safari. our mountain guide John was great! and Wilson, our diver guide, was an excellent traveling companion, wildlife finder, safety manager and teacher. We strongly recommend using JIPE TREKKING AND SAFARIS for your once in a lifetime safari to Tanzania.
NOTE:
Climb slowly to increase your acclimatisation time and maximize your chances of reaching the summit. To avoid altitude sickness, allow a minimum of five
nights, preferably even more for the climb. Take your time and enjoy
the beauty of the mountain.
Route Summary:
You should plan spending at least 6 days (5 nights) on the mountain (5 days on the Marangu Route if already acclimatized). This is a Kilimanjaro Park guideline which should be adhered to. -1 indicates the possibility of shortening the trip by one day.
|
Route |
Description |
Days |
Length |
|---|---|---|---|
|
LEMOSHO |
Long access drive, remote, less frequented, beautiful forests, scenic traverse to Barafu, camping. Excellent for acclimatization.BOOK NOW |
8 (-1) |
56km |
|
MACHAME |
Second most popular route. Beautiful forest, very good for acclimatization, scenic traverse to Barafu. BOOK NOW |
7 (-1) |
49km |
|
MARANGU |
Very popular. Gentle gradients and long sections up to 4700m. Beautiful forests and moorlands, comfortable but basic huts. The 6 day variant provides good time for acclimatization. BOOK NOW |
6 (-1) |
64km |
|
RONGAI |
Long access drive, remote, less frequented, some fine, wild, high-altitude mountain scenery, camping. Good for acclimatization. BOOK NOW |
6 |
65km |
|
UMBWE |
Shortest and steepest route, tough. Beautiful forest, spectacular ridge, good for acclimatization, scenic traverse to Barafu, camping. BOOK NOW |
6 |
37km |
|
SHIRA |
Short route omitting the forests of the Lemosho
or Machame Routes by using a vehicle to the Shira Plateau. Only suitable for the
well-acclimatized. Available on request. Extra vehicle costs apply. BOOK NOW |
6 |
37km |

