The name Kilimanjaro kilemajyaro was derived from Wachagga, a local tribe living around this  mountain, saying that the mountain was not climbable and porters misinterpreting it as being the name of the mountain. This huge mountain is in Kilimanjaro National Park and administered by Tanzania National Park Authority (TANAPA).

Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5895 m and 4,900 meters high from its base, being the highest mountain in Africa “The roof of Africa” . It is the world free standing and a dormant volcanic mountain. Mawenzi, Kibo and Shira are the 3 volcano cones found at the summit of this mountain.

Mt Kilimanjaro is located in north Tanzania, in Kilimanjaro region, just 40km from Moshi Town, around 1 hour drive and about 120km, 3 hrs drive from Arusha Town. The distance and time spent to the mountain depends on which gate one wants to start the climbing.

There are routes that lead to mt. Kilimanjaro summit

  1. Marangu route
  2. Mwika route
  3. Machame route
  4. Lemosho route
  5. Umbwe route
  6. Rongai route
  7. Shira route

The duration taken to reach the Mt. Kilimanjaro summit ranges from 5 – 8 days, depending on various factors

  • Route
    Some routes are longer and more challenging than others.
  • Weather
    Rainy make the paths slippery. Several stops have to be made to wait for rain to stop. But dry season is best for Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing.
  • Age
    Young people do trek faster than most older people. We will recommend you the number of days according to your ages.
  • Personal Preference
    Some mountain climbers prefer to stay longer on the mountain despite the fact that they might have chosen the shortest and  simplest route.

For a successful summit, one has to prepare oneself physically and mentally before arriving to Tanzania for a climb to Mt. Kilimanjaro unlike game drive (safaris) where physical activities are less. Long walks in between the stops for overnights need some rehearsal at home. For mountaineers, this is not necessary. Here is a list of things to have before climbing.

After trekking, one can also opt to do safari in the nearby national parks like Serengeti, Lake Manyara, Tarangire and Arusha park. Ngorongoro Crater can also be reached in 3 hours drive.

Other activities that one can do after trekking are:

  1.  Cultural tour to museum, local village, local market
  2. Town tour in Arusha or Moshi
  3. Walking safari to coffee tour, waterfall
  4. Canoeing
  5. Bike tour

List of Safari Programs/itineraries that has Kilimanjaro

  1. 5 days: Climb Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route
  2. 8 days: Climb Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
  3. 7 days: Trek Mt. Kilimanjaro: Machame Route
  4. 9 days: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro & Ngorongoro Crater Safari
  5. 7 days: Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro & Arusha Park Safari

All these itineraries can be tailor made to luxury, budget or mid range.