KILIMANJARO
Trail Descriptions

Jambo! Travels is able to run climbs on all of the trekking trails on Kilimanjaro, and the different trails offer markedly different experiences.

We do not have a vested interest in promoting one trail above another in all circumstances, but we desire to match climbers to the best trail FOR THEM.

Here is a brief primer on the various trekking trails and their differences:

Marangu Trail
Easiest in terms of terrain, but tough acclimatizing when done in 5 days. Most crowded. Park usually will allow extra days on the trail, but may restrict such during busy season. At Mandara and Horombo huts, sleeping is in 4-person, A-frame huts provided by park. Kibo Hut toughest to sleep in because there is maximum of 12 people per room.

Rongai Trail (or Naro Moru)
Fairly easy in terms of terrain. Northern slope climb, so drier than southern slope during wet seasons. Can be done in 5, 6, 7 or more days. May access Shira Plateau and Western Breach via the Summit Circuit North path. When doing 6 or 7 days, nice side excursion to Mawenzi Peak. Joins Marangu Trail at Kibo Hut. Descend via the Marangu Trail.

Machamé Trail
More difficult and longer. Fairly long first day. Final summit bid is longer and steeper than Marangu Trail. Some light rock scrambling at about 12,000'. Most scenic route around Kibo Peak (Summit Circuit South): trail moves in and out of Barranco and Karanga valleys with views of Heim Glacier, Breach Wall and other glaciers. 6-day standard climb, but 7 days is a better pace as the day just before the summit bid is long (7 to 9 hours) on the 6-day climb. Descent via the Mweka Trail: steep and muddy. May choose to ascend the Western Breach if desired.

Western Breach also called Shira (now using Lemosho Glades trailhead)
Most difficult trekking path on the mountain. Some mid-level rock scrambling at about 17,000'. Most scenic for the first couple of days. From Shira Plateau, you can opt for the Machamé Trail (Summit Circuit South) or for going up the Western Breach. May sleep in the crater (18,500') or continue to summit. Descent is via Mweka as is Machamé Trail.

The other Trekking trails on the mountain are not really used for the ascent for the listed reasons:

Umbwe: Too steep and short to allow proper acclimatization
Mweka: Too steep and short to allow proper acclimatization
Shira Proper (from Landorossi Gate): Closed for rehabilitation (not very scenic)
Njara: Rarely used, indistinct and more suited to technical climbers looking to climb Mawenzi Peak

If you have further questions about which trail might best suit your desires, please contact us.

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