Kilimanjaro Climbing
The Roof of Africa Kilimanjaro
There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.
Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain. Its snow-capped peak dominates the region, which takes its name. The Mount Kilimanjaro is spectacular from its superb forested slopes (which clearly show the change in composition with altitude) and for the glacier and volcanic scenery of the higher slopes.
All the costs Include transport to the mount Kilimanjaro and back, accommodation, park entry fee, hut fees ( gate fees), guides, porters and their hut fees, rescue fee ( on mountain only), food, cook and transfers according to itinerary
Marangu route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a gradual ascent on well-maintained tracks.Marangu Hiking towards the summit there is a steep zigzag scree path up to Gilman's Point. The Marangu route then flattens out to hike around the crater; Marangu 'the coca cola route' is the most popular route. More details can be found on the Marangu Route page
Machame route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb - Baranco wall. However, it's easier than it looks. More details are available for Machame Route
Rongai route of Mount Kilimanjaro begins with a rough drive to the eastern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The road can be difficult in bad weather. Easy and gradual hiking for the beginning of the ascent but hiking days get longer. The route joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut for the summit ascent. The Rongai Route program page has more details
Lemosho route of Mount Kilimanjaro starts with a rough drive through western Kilimanjaro to Londrossi gate. Remote and spectacular with dramatic gorges and views of West Kilimanjaro Climbers join Machame route for the summit ascent after a tough hike on Shire Plateau (weather exposed) - see the Lemosho Route for more information
Umbwe route of Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent, which may increase problems with altitude sickness. For more information on Umbwe Route check out the program page
This trek is often done as a warm up and acclimatisation climb for Mount Kilimanjaro. Many tour companies offer a combination package. The mountain is un spoilt and less congested as compared to it's Mount Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya counterparts. Marangu Route + Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route combined with Mount Meru Machame Route + Mount Meru
Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu route combined with Safari to Manyara ,Serengeti,Ngorongoro and Tarangire Nationla park Marangu Route + Safari
Kilimanjaro Climbing Machame route combined with Safari to Manyara ,Serengeti,Ngorongoro and Tarangire Nationla park Machame Route + Safari
NOTE: In the event that one hiker is unable to continue on the climb, the sick climber will be escorted down by the assistant porter, while the other climber is able to continue to ascend the summit
Accommodation is camping on all routes of Mount Kilimanjaro except Marangu Route, is throughout in 3 person mountain tents shared by two people. Vehicles or local porters will carry all your equipment; you only carry a daypack with personal gear. When camping you will not have to participate in camp chores. We buy fresh produce locally and to ensure good standards of hygiene all food is prepared by our own staff. We can cater for special dietary requirements and there are no extra food-kitty payments.
Western Breach
and Crater Camp - CLOSED
An alternative route to the summit approaches Uhuru Peak from the west, called
the Western Breach. The strenuous Western Breach ascends 2,800 ft (850 m)
in about 1.25 miles (2 km), and requires some scrambling (climbing on hands
and feet) at certain points. This path is very beautiful but also very challenging
due to its rocky, steep slope. The
Western Breach was gaining popularity by climbers using the Umbwe, Lemosho,
Shira and Machame routes until rockfall claimed the lives of three climbers
in January 2006. In response, Kilimanjaro National Park (KINAPA) closed the
Western Breach.
The Western Breach re-opened in December 2007. However, the route is still considered by prominent Kilimanjaro operators to be unsafe and to carry an unreasonable degree of risk. Dovesafaris no longer utilizes the Western Breach approach due to safety concerns for clients and staff.

