Mountain Trekking
Mount Kilimanjaro
Conquaring the Roof of Africa
For a truly special and personalized safari experience that defies the traditional style, Old Trails Safaris best combines Tanzania’s premier national parks with deep expertise in guiding off-the-beaten-path adventures.
This stunning African gem, known as the mother of African safaris, offers dramatic scenery, abundant wildlife, intimate encounters with the Big Five, and welcoming people. Luxurious camps and bush drives bring you excitingly close to the animals, giving you the best possible chance for watching wildlife in its natural setting.
Our typical safari tours include wildlife drives led by the wisdom of Africa’s finest safari guides to help you make the most of every activity, comfortable accommodations, local flights (in the case of a mainland safari with a beach holiday in Zanzibar), all transfers, and all meals, allowing you to dine with like-minded group of travelers while enjoying locally sourced cuisines.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO TREKKING PACKAGE
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain above sea level in the world, rising at 5,895m above sea level and 4,900m above its base.
POPULAR ROUTES
Old Trails Safaris offers trekking expeditions through 5 out of 7 routes on Mount Kilimanjaro
Machame Route
Also known as the Whisky Route, Machame offers good acclimatisation, with three campsites at the same altitude, allowing the body to adjust through “climb high, sleep low” strategy.
Machame spans about 62 km from gate to gate, starting at 1,640 metres. It passes through five ecosystems, from farmland to glaciers, making each day feel completely different.
Campsites vary in setting, and the scenery changes dramatically as you ascend. Machame is a camping route, best for hiking experience. The seven-day itinerary has a high success rate of around 85%, though it is physically demanding.
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the ‘Coca Cola Route’, is the oldest and most established trail on Kilimanjaro. It’s considered the easiest in terms of gradient and terrain and is the only route with hut accommodation.
Both ascent and descent follow the same trail, making it busier than other routes, especially at the huts. Still, it’s a practical choice for families and groups preferring huts over tents, particularly in the rainy season. The trail is steady with no major technical challenges, though it lacks the scenic variety found on other routes. Summit day remains equally demanding.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro and is typically done in eight days, though seven days is also possible. It joins the Machame Route at Shira Plateau and is preferred for its gradual forest ascent and better acclimatisation.
The first two days traverse through Lemosho Glades, where you may spot Colobus monkeys and birdlife. The trail continues across thee Shira Plateau, then along the mountain’s southern side with key camps at Barranco and Karanga Valley. The final push to the summit begins from Barafu Camp at 4600 metres.
Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is the only trail that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, starting near the Kenyan border and passing through remote wilderness before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp. The descent follows the Marangu Route, creating a near north-south traverse.
With lower rainfall due to its location in the rain shadow, this route is better suited for the rainy season. It’s also quieter, partly because of the longer drive to the starting point, which makes it a preferred choice for those seeking a less crowded experience.
The Northern Circuit
One of the newest and longest routes on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit offers broader views of the mountain and higher summit success rates due to better acclimatisation. It begins on the Lemosho Route, then veers north before the Lava Tower, circling around the mountain’s northern side and reaching Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point.
This route passes through the quieter northern slopes, offering a strong sense of remoteness and adventure rarely found on more popular trails.
Let’s Make Trekking Dreams Real
Each route offers its own unique experience of the climb. Our job is to help you choose the one that suits your pace, and is physically and mentally perfect for you.
OTHER MOUNTAINS
MOUNT MERU
Often overshadowed by Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is in no one’s shadow once you begin the climb. It’s steep, wild, and utterly captivating. Located in Arusha National Park, it offers a quieter, sharper trek with ridgeline walks, crater views, and a clear sense of isolation.
What makes Mount Meru such a powerful climb isn’t just its size, it’s the silence. The trail cuts through forest where giraffes and buffalo roam freely, and then quickly gains altitude as you hug exposed edges overlooking ancient volcanic scars. For some of our clients, Mount Meru is a warm-up for Kilimanjaro climb.
MOUNT OL DOINYO LENGAI
Mount Ol Doinyo Lengai, meaning “Mountain of God” in Maasai, is an active volcano in northern Tanzania, specifically in the Arusha Region. It is known for its unique carbonatite lava, which is much cooler than typical lava and is the only volcano known to produce it..
The mountain is located in the East African Rift Valley, near Lake Natron, this active volcano rises from the plains like a dagger. You start late at night to avoid the extreme heat during the day. The climb is direct, more vertical hike than trail, and by dawn, you reach a lunar-like summit where you can feel the earth shifting below your feet.
