Mt. Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world, the highest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest of the Seven Summits. 

“The mountains,” said the great explorer Francis Young, reserve their greatest secrets for those who attain their summits. There is something exalting and supremely rare about climbing a great peak, a gift that can never be taken away. This is especially true of a legendary Mount Kilimanjaro. It provides dramatic views of the surrounding plains and offers virtually every ecosystem on earth – tropical jungle, savannah, alpine moorland, desert, snowfields and glaciers.

Mount Kilimanjaro is situated entirely in Northern Tanzania, 340 km South of Equator. Its highest point, Uhuru Peak, majestically rises to an altitude of 5,895 m (19,341 feet), and is commonly nicknamed: the Roof of Africa.

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There are six official climbing routes: Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Shira and Umbwe that provide a range of opportunities for experiencing the mountain. The routes very widely, offering different difficulty and varied landscapes. When considering a Mount Kilimanjaro climb, it is very important to remember that every extra day on the mountain will increase the chances of reaching the summit. The major cause of altitude illness is going too high too fast. Given time, your body can adapt to the decrease in oxygen molecules at a specific altitude.  The more days you spent on the mountain the better your acclimatization for the final summit.

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Lemosho Route is a very scenic route with incredible views across the Mt. Meru and Masai Steepe. It starts from a trailhead at Londorossi Gate in Western Kilimanjaro and then merges above the forest on the Shira Plateau with the Machame Route. Read more...

The most popular ascent route is the Machame Route. This longer climb is harder and more spectacular. It is also known as the “Whisky Route”, you will have to follow steeper trails, longer distances while sleeping in the tents.

Of all the routes, Machame is by far the route of choice amongst most climbers because it provides sweeping views across the Maasai Steppe and Mount Meru, the majestic Barranco Valley and variety of habitats. The trail starts from south-west and enjoys some of the finest forest and moorland scenery on the mountain. The descent path for this route is the Mweka Route.

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The most common ascent is via Marangu Route aka the “Coca-Cola” Route. It is the oldest trail, relatively easy ascent from the south-east and the most comfortable in terms of facilities. The lower sections provide fine forest and moorland walking.

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The Rongai Route is the only path that approaches Kilimanjaro from the North. This trek offers a completely different landscape from the other routes. The trail passes through forest and farmlands that provides magnificent views throughout, with possibilities of spotting the wildlife.

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The Shira Route is another trek that approaches Kilimanjaro from the west, crossing the caldera of the Shira volcano. It is quite similar to the Lemosho route.

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The Umbwe Route is the most direct and strenuous ascent route. Climbing stiffly through the thick forest on the southern slopes of the mountain, it rapidly gains height and affords you little time to acclimatize properly. The summit push is often made via the Barafu Route, but is also done via the Western Breach. Regardless, the descent is via the Mweka Route.

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Dutch cavers discover what could be the world’s largest lava tube complex at 3,780 meters above sea level on the North face of Mt. Kilimanjaro.  Kilimanjaro Sunrise Tours expands their Mt. Kilimanjaro climbing packages to include this newly found natural wonder. 

The cavers recently revealed their discovery of this tunnel complex at the 3,780 meter level on the Kibo Slope on the North side of the mountain.  Tubes were discovered up to 4,387 meters.  These have the potential to be the largest lava tube known with one measured at 150 meters long and 8 to 10 meters wide.  They are the highest.  Lava tubes are formed when lava flows from a vent and cools around the outside while molten lava still flows on the inside.  When the flow diminishes and stops and the lava drains out, a hollow tube is left behind.  Most have been eroded by the elements or remain hidden. 

Mt. Kilimanjaro is in amongst the 28 finalists for the Seven New Wonders of Nature and is Africa's highest peak.  It is listed among the 10 leading tourist destinations and is one of only two in Africa.  These newly discovered Lava Tubes are just another recognition of the unique beauty of Mt. Kilimanjaro. 

Kilimanjaro Sunrise Tours has long been known for their eco-friendly, comfortable, and most importantly, safe tours up the flanks of Mt. Kilimanjaro. We are working with the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority to protect and promote this national treasure with new “Lava Tube Route”.

For more information on the upcoming “Lava Tube Expeditons” please contact our office.