Climb Kilimanjaro with UMOJA ADVENTURES

If it is your dream to summit Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain, you have come to the right place.Umoja Adventures is a Tanzania-managed, Tanzanian-registered and fully licensed company, based in Moshi, and has been conducting unforgettable Kilimanjaro treks, climbs and safaris since 2002. So let us take you to the Roof of Africa.

Why summit Kilimanjaro?

At 5895m high, the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is not only the highest mountain in Africa and one if the world’s “Great 7” summits, it is also the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

This dormant volcano has drawn climbers from all over the world for more than 120 years.

Aside from the striking natural beauty, the breathtaking vistas and sunsets and the distinct and often other-worldly ecological systems that are boasted by this snow-capped giant, Kilimanjaro’s popularity also stems from the fact that it can be summited without technical gear or extreme fitness, and fairly cheaply. You will need willpower, a sense of humor, a healthy body and a little bit of luck. Aside from that, with Umoja Adventuresat your side there is nothing to stop you from standing on the roof of Africa, a moment that you will never forget

Our 4 routes up Kilimanjaro

We offer four routes to the top of Kilimanjaro, each with their own distinctive features and with an option to choose a private departure or a scheduled climb, depending on your personal needs.

MARANGU ROUTE

Nicknamed ‘Coca- Cola’ route and generally the most popular. Accommodation in rustic huts.

MARANGU ROUTE

Length: 72km

Days to complete: Five days is the minimum, but UMOJA ADVENTURES only does the six day trek

Marangu route is the oldest route and is often considered the easiest. It is nicknamed the Coca Cola Route, it is popular and can be crowded. It approaches Kili from the southeast and passes through beautiful rainforest and moorlands. The ascent on this route is constant and moderate, and the trekking is relatively relaxed compared to sections of other routes. This is a good bet for those concerned about their fitness. Marangu has good paths and gradual tracks. However, the constant ascension makes for a poor acclimatisation profile.

In contrast to the other routes, you overnight in mountain huts that will protect you from the elements, as opposed to sleeping in tents. Following this route, you ascend and descend on the same route and you will meet other groups travelling in the opposite direction

MARANGU 6 DAY CLIMB

6 day trekking tour with accommodation in mountain huts + 2 nights hotel stay

The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable way to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. The route is popular, well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. The approach to the summit is the exception, however, and demands more from the body and mind. Accommodation is in dormitory style rustic huts that are more comfortable and sheltered from the elements on cold nights. This is the only route on the mountain where you do not sleep in tents.

Highlights

Day 1

Start: Marangu Gate (1860m)
Finish: Mandara Hut (2700m)
Altitude: ↑ 840m
Walking time: 3-4h

Beautiful passage through the forest with trees, ferns, flowers and birds. Look out for the monkeys.

Day 2

Start: Mandara Hut (2700m)
Finish: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Altitude: ↑ 1000m
Walking time: 5-6h

Long day hiking through moorland with Senecio and Lobelia plants. Views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Day 3

Start: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Finish: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Altitude: ↑400m ↓400m
Walking time: ca 4-5h

Acclimatise with a hike to the interesting Zebra rocks; return the afternoon to rest at the camp.

Day 4

Start: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Finish: Kibo Hut (4700m)
Altitude: ↑ 1000m
Walking time: 5-6h

Landscape changes to barren rock. Passing the Last Water Point and cross over the Saddle to Kibo hut.

Day 5

Start: Kibo Hut (4700m)
Finish: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Altitude: ↑1200m ↓2200m
Walking time: 12-16h

Up at witching hour to head up to Gillman’s Point on the crater’s edge. Then on towards the summit on Uhuru Peak. A dusty fast descent via Kibo hut to Horombo Hut.

Day 6

Start: Horombo Hut (3700m)
Finish: Marangu Gate (1860m)
Altitude: ↓1840m
Walking time: 6-7h

After a farewell ceremony at the hut by the crew you will descend through the cool forest to the park gate. Transfer to Moshi.

Machame routeNicknamed ‘Whiskey’ route, this boasts stunning views of the summit. Accommodation in tents.

MACHAME ROUTE

Length: 62km

Days to complete: Minimum six days

The Machame route is often considered the most striking and has spectacular views of the summit, but it is weather dependant. The route faces the wind and is on the southern side of the mountain where rainfall is heavier and the vegetation more dense.

The route is steeper than both the Marangu and the Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but is very good for acclimatization. It joins the Lemosho route from New Shira Camp. Machame route is the most popular route with our clients nowadays –about 60 % of clients book the Machame route. Machame is nicknamed the ‘whiskey route’. You will descend along the Mweka route. This option is generally for slightly fitter hikers

MACHAME 6 DAY CLIMB

6 day camping trekking tour + 2 nights hotel stay

The Machame route is one of the most beautiful and most popular trekking tours on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts in the lush rainforest with views of Mount Meru, Shira Ridge as well the main summit of the Kilimanjaro – Kibo peak. The Machame route contains more steep passages at higher altitudes than for example the Marangu or Rongai routes and requires better fitness and determination from the mountain climber, but it’s worth it. The terrain is diverse and interesting and the views are spectacular. This route joins the longer Lemosho route at Shira Camp 2.

Highlights