Kilimanjaro has 6 official routes, via the South, North, East, and Western sides. Different summiting trails all lead to Uhuru peak at 5898m! While Boma Africa offers the classic climbs, we are proud to also offer routes that are unique to Boma Africa- that break away from the well-worn path. Lawrence, Boma Africa’s founder has spent a great deal time exploring the mountain and has created these new routes which improve summiting success, and offer our clients the finest experience of Kilimanjaro.
Rongai
With a North-eastern starting point, Rongai is known for unique views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Rongai is also rich in animal life and unique flora. Rongai route is sold as a 6, 7, or 8 day climbs; the 8 day climb includes spending a night at crater camp. Clients that are climbing Rongai for 7 or 8 days will be taking Boma Africa’s unique route, and will benefit from increased acclimatization points.
Machame
The “Whisky route”; Machame offers the classic Kilimanjaro climb. Starting from the South West, it is one of the most popular routes on the mountain, and can be done in 6, 7, or 8 days. Machame can be climbed in 6, 7, or 8 days. Boma Africa’s 7 day program passes via a unique route, while the 8 day climb includes the crater excursion. Highlights of Machame include the best views on Kilimanjaro, and good trails for acclimatization. While the trail can be busy, many climbers enjoy the camaraderie with other guests on the mountain.
Marangu
Known as Kilimanjaro’s “Coca-Cola route”, Marangu was the first official route of Kilimanjaro. Usually taking only 5 days, trekkers stay in comfortable mountain huts at each of the camps. The summit trail leaves directly from Kibo hut, via Gilleman’s point. Climbers of this route ascend and descend on the same trail. Summiting success is slightly lower as fewer days are used to acclimatize and the conditions on Kibo face while summiting can be less than ideal. For those on a budget, this route is more economical than others as it’s shorter, and less porters are needed due to the permanent camps.
Umbwe
This trail has been described as the most beautiful route of the mountain. It departs from the South, and is known as one of the steepest routes to get to Kibo camp. Umbwe can be a climb of 5 days, or 6, and is ideal for an experienced hiker with limited time and resources. A less popular course, climbers enjoy the serenity of Kilimanjaro, are they are unlikely to come across other groups until reaching Barranco.
Lemosho
Lemosho starts at the Northwest edge of Kilimanjaro. You will pass the unique features of Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and the Barranco Valley to reach the summit cap. This is the route with the richest flora and fauna, such as dense rainforest, colobus monkeys and elephants. You can choose to climb Lemosho as 7, 8, or 9 days. Both 8 and 9 day expeditions include crater camp excursion.
Northern Circuit
This route is special as it offers the most wildlife of all the routes and you will spend most days in solitude, without the interruption of other groups. Starting at Londros, west of Kilimanjaro, you will cross Shira plateau, and stay on Northern side of the mountain. Summiting starts and returns to Kibo camp. Offered as 8, 9, or 10 days, Northern Circuit is the longest route. Nine and 10 days both have a night at the crater camp.
What is crater camp excursion?
The Crater Camp Excursion literally means that you camp at the crater of Kilimanjaro. Instead of summiting in one night, you will climb until you reach 5700m for the first assault. Here at the crater camp you will acclimatize overnight. Early the next morning you will do the last 2 hours, reaching summit in time to enjoy the sunrise. The crater camp excursion improves your chances of reaching Uhuru peak!
Other highlights of the crater excursion include hiking to the Northern ice field, the ash pit, and Fut Angular Glacier.
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