Kilimanjaro & Treks
Sustainable Trekking & Local Porters’ Welfare
- Minimal environmental impact on mountains, forests, and trails.
- Fair treatment, safety, and proper welfare for local porters and guides.
- A richer cultural experience for our guests while supporting local livelihoods.
By choosing our treks, travelers are not only climbing mountains—they are contributing to responsible tourism and community empowerment.
Our Sustainable Trekking Practices
1. Eco-Friendly Camps & Routes
- Use of eco-lodges and low-impact camping equipment.
- Strict carry-in, carry-outpolicy for all waste.
- No single-use plastics; biodegradable soaps and detergents.
2. Responsible Trekking Groups
- Small group sizes to reduce trail congestion and environmental impact.
- Leave-no-trace principlestaught to all trekkers before departure.
3. Wildlife & Habitat Protection
- Awareness of local wildlife behavior; no interference.
- Trekking routes planned to minimize disturbanceto animals and plants.
Practical Info for Travelers
Group Size
4–12 trekkers per guide for optimal eco-impact.
Trekking Gear
Trekking poles, layered clothing, and reusable water bottles are recommended.
Tips & Gratitude
Standard tipping practices directly reward porters and guides; all tips go directly to staff.
Responsible Behavior
Respect local culture, follow guides’ instructions, and avoid littering.
Featured Packages
Mount Meru Trek – 5 Days / 4 Nights
Mount Meru (4,562m) is Tanzania’s second-highest peak and a spectacular trek for eco-conscious travelers. Known for its dramatic views, diverse wildlife, and scenic landscapes, it’s often used as a preparation climb for Kilimanjaro.
This trek allows hikers to experience:
- Dense rainforest with exotic wildlife.
- Open moorlands and volcanic landscapes.
- Stunning summit views over Kilimanjaro, Arusha National Park, and surrounding plains.
Price:
Group Trek (per person):$1,350
Private Trek (per person):$1,650
- Airport Transfers
- Pre & Post-Trek Accommodation
- Professional Guides
- Mountain Crew
- Camping Equipment
- Meals on Trek
- Safe Drinking Water
- Safety Gear
- Summit Certificates
- International flights
- Visa Fees
- Travel insurance
- Personal Gear
- Alcohol & Soft Drinks
- Optional Excursions
- Hotel Upgrades
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Arusha / Pre-Trek Briefing
- Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) or Arusha.
- Transfer to eco-lodge in Arusha.
- Trek briefing: route, safety, eco-practices, gear check.
- Meet local guides and porters.
- Overnight: Eco-lodge.
Day 2: Arusha → Miriakamba Hut (2,550m)
- 3–4 hour drive to Ngare Sero Gate, the trek’s starting point.
- Begin trekking through montane forest, spotting Colobus monkeys, bushbucks, and bird species.
- Gentle ascent along rivers and waterfalls.
- 5–6 hrs trekking.
- Overnight: Miriakamba Hut (dormitory-style camping)
Day 3: Miriakamba → Saddle Hut (3,560m)
- 6–7 hrs trek through forest to moorland transition.
- Pass volcanic rocks, giant lobelias, and wildflowers.
- Stop at scenic viewpoints overlooking Ngorongoro Highlands.
- Overnight:Saddle Hut.
Day 4: Saddle Hut → Summit (4,562m) → Miriakamba Hut
- Early start around 1–2 am for summit attempt.
- Trek 5–6 hrs to Mount Meru Summit, panoramic views including Kilimanjaro & Meru crater rim.
- Descend 6–7 hrs back to Miriakamba Hut for overnight rest.
- Optional sunset photography at viewpoint.
Day 5: Miriakamba Hut → Ngare Sero Gate → Arusha
- 3–4 hrs descent through rainforest, spotting wildlife along the way.
- Exit Ngare Sero Gate.
- Transfer to Arusha eco-lodge or airport for onward travel.
Kilimanjaro Machame Route – 7 Days
The Machame Route is the most popular and one of the most beautiful ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Known as the Whiskey Route, it offers diverse landscapes, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, before reaching the snow-capped summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m) — the highest point in Africa.
- Duration:7 Days / 6 Nights
- Difficulty:Moderate to Challenging (good fitness required)
- Success Rate:85–90%
- Best for:Adventurous trekkers looking for stunning scenery and strong acclimatization.
Price:
Group Trek (6+ people): from $2,450
Private Trek (2–5 people): from $2,850
Prices include park fees, guides, porters, meals, camping equipment, and transfers.
- Park fees & camping equipment
- Professional mountain guide & crew
- 3 healthy meals/day on trek
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights eco-lodge accommodation (before & after climb)
- Private Portable toilet
- Flights, visa, travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides & porters
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Transfer to eco-lodge in Moshi with lush gardens and Kilimanjaro views.
- Evening briefing with your guide: gear check, trek overview, eco-practices.
- Dinner with fresh, locally-sourced ingredients.
- Overnight:Eco-lodge in Moshi.
Day 2: Moshi → Machame Gate (1,800m) → Machame Camp (3,000m)
- Drive to Machame Gate, meet porters and complete park registration.
- Trek through rainforest, spotting black-and-white colobus monkeys and tropical birds.
- Trail is steep but shaded by giant fig trees and lush vegetation.
- Trekking Time:5–7 hours.
- Overnight:Machame Camp, forest zone.
Day 3: Machame Camp (3,000m) → Shira Camp (3,850m)
- Leave the forest, entering moorland zone with giant heathers and volcanic rock.
- Steady climb along a ridge with panoramic views of Shira Plateau.
- Short acclimatization walk before sunset.
- Trekking Time:4–6 hours.
- Overnight: Shira Camp, plateau setting
Day 4: Shira Camp → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,900m)
- Cross the dramatic Shira Plateau into alpine desert.
- Lunch at Lava Tower (4,600m)– high-altitude acclimatization.
- Descend to Barranco Camp, nestled under the Great Barranco Wall.
- This day follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle.
- Trekking Time:6–7 hours.
- Overnight:Barranco Camp.
Day 5: Barranco Camp → Karanga Camp (4,000m)
- Morning scramble up the Great Barranco Wall– thrilling but non-technical.
- Trek across ridges with views of glaciers and valleys.
- Afternoon rest at Karanga Camp, known for golden sunsets.
- Trekking Time:4–5 hours.
- Overnight:Karanga Camp.
Day 6: Karanga Camp → Barafu Camp (4,600m)
- Steady climb to Barafu Camp, perched on a barren ridge above the clouds.
- Early dinner, briefing, and preparation for summit night.
- Sleep early (wake-up is around midnight).
- Trekking Time:3–4 hours.
- Overnight:Barafu Camp.
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate → Moshi
- Leisurely descent through rainforest.
- Celebrate at Mweka Gate with climbing certificates.
- Return to Moshi for hot shower and celebration dinner.
- Overnight:Eco-lodge in Moshi.
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route – 8 Days
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the most scenic Kilimanjaro route, beginning on the western slopes and traversing through remote rainforest before merging with the Machame trail. With 8 days, it allows excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate.
- Duration:8 Days / 7 Nights
- Difficulty:Moderate
- Success Rate:90–92%
- Best for:Trekkers wanting beauty + acclimatization.
Price:
Group trek: from $2,650
Private trek: from $3,050
- Park fees & camping equipment
- Professional mountain guide & crew
- 3 healthy meals/day on trek
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights eco-lodge accommodation (before & after climb)
- Private Portable toilet
- Flights, visa, travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides & porters
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Welcome at JRO airport, transfer to eco-lodge.
- Trek briefing, gear check, introduction to Conscious Way’s eco-practices.
- Overnight: Eco-lodge.
Day 2: Moshi → Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
- Drive through coffee farms & villages to park gate.
- Trek through dense rainforest, spotting monkeys & exotic birds.
- 3–4 hours gentle hike.
- Overnight: Forest camp.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa (2,650m) → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
- Out of forest into moorland with giant lobelias.
- Stunning views of Shira Plateau.
- Overnight: Shira 1 Camp.
Day 4: Shira 1 (3,610m) → Shira 2 Camp (3,850m)
- Cross the wide Shira Plateau.
- Acclimatization hike possible in the afternoon.
- Overnight: Shira 2 Camp.
Day 5: Shira 2 (3,850m) → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Barranco Camp (3,900m)
- Trek to high point at Lava Tower for acclimatization.
- Descend to Barranco, below the Great Barranco Wall.
- Overnight: Barranco Camp.
Day 6: Barranco → Karanga (4,000m)
- Climb the Barranco Wall – adventurous & rewarding.
- Short trekking day with rest at Karanga.
- Overnight: Karanga Camp.
Day 7: Summit Day (Uhuru Peak 5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Midnight ascent, sunrise at Stella Point.
- Reach Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest.
- Descend via Barafu to Mweka Camp.
- Overnight: Mweka Camp.
Day 8: Mweka → Moshi
- Gentle walk through rainforest to Mweka Gate.
- Transfer to Moshi, hot showers & celebration dinner.
- Overnight: Eco-lodge.
Kilimanjaro Northern Circuit – 9 Days
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest and longest route. Taking 9 days, it circles around the less-traveled northern slopes, offering stunning views, solitude, and the highest summit success rate of all routes (95%).
- Duration:9 Days / 8 Nights
- Difficulty:Moderate
- Success Rate:95%
- Best for:Conscious trekkers wanting the best acclimatization & least crowds.
Price:
Group: from $3,100
Private: from $3,550
- Park fees & camping equipment
- Professional mountain guide & crew
- 3 healthy meals/day on trek
- Airport transfers
- 2 nights eco-lodge accommodation (before & after climb)
- Private Portable toilet
- Flights, visa, travel insurance
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips for guides & porters
Tour Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival in Moshi
- Pickup from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
- Transfer to eco-lodge in Moshi.
- Briefing, gear check, meet your guides.
- Evening cultural welcome dinner.
Day 2: Londorossi Gate (2,100m) → Mti Mkubwa Camp (2,650m)
- Drive 3–4 hours through coffee villages & rainforest.
- Registration at gate, meet porters.
- Trek 3–4 hrs in lush jungle with colobus monkeys & exotic birds.
- Overnight:Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp.
Day 3: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1 Camp (3,610m)
- 5–6 hrs trek, 750m elevation gain.
- Enter heather & moorland zone with giant groundsel plants.
- Panoramic views of Shira Plateau.
- Overnight:Shira 1.
Day 4: Shira 1 → Shira 2 (3,850m)
- 4–5 hrs hike across Shira Plateau.
- Gentle acclimatization day.
- Optional side hike to Shira Cathedral (3,962m).
- Overnight:Shira 2.
Day 5: Shira 2 → Lava Tower (4,600m) → Moir Hut (4,200m)
- Trek 6–7 hrs, crossing alpine desert.
- Lunch near Lava Tower (important acclimatization stop).
- Descend to remote Moir Hut, rarely used by other groups.
- Overnight:Moir Hut.
Day 6: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp (4,020m)
- Optional morning hike to Little Lent Hill (4,375m)for acclimatization.
- Continue 5–6 hrs trekking on Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes, overlooking Kenya.
- Wilderness experience: almost no other trekkers.
- Overnight:Buffalo Camp.
Day 7: Buffalo Camp → School Hut (4,800m)
- Long 7–8 hrs trek with gradual ups and downs.
- Traverse alpine desert ridges with spectacular views of Mawenzi Peak.
- Arrive at School Hut (summit base camp).
- Early dinner, rest before summit night.
Day 8: Summit Day – School Hut → Uhuru Peak (5,895m) → Mweka Camp (3,100m)
- Start at midnight, climb 6–7 hrs to Gilman’s Point (5,685m)on the crater rim.
- Continue to Stella Point (5,739m)and finally Uhuru Peak, highest point in Africa.
- Celebrate with photos & sunrise views.
- Descend 6–7 hrs to Mweka Camp.
- Overnight:Mweka Camp.
Day 9: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate (1,640m) → Moshi
- Final 3–4 hrs descent through rainforest.
- Receive summit certificates.
- Transfer back to Moshi eco-lodge for hot shower & farewell dinner.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Which route should I choose?
Machame (7 Days):Most scenic, popular, moderate difficulty.
- Lemosho (8 Days):Longest scenic route with great acclimatization.
- Northern Circuit (9 Days):Longest, quietest, highest summit success.
- Rongai (7 Days):Northern approach, less crowded, wilderness feel.
What’s the best time to climb?
- Jan–Mar: Cold, fewer crowds.
- Jun–Oct: Clear skies, best photography.
Avoid:Apr–May & Nov due to heavy rain.
Why is Machame called the “Whiskey Route”?
Because of its steepness and challenging profile, compared to Marangu, the “Coca-Cola Route.”
How long are the trekking days?
4–7 hrs on most days; summit day 12–15 hrs.
Why is Lemosho the most scenic?
It starts from the western slopes, traverses rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and ends at Kibo summit.
What’s the summit success rate?
Highest of all routes at ~95%, due to gradual altitude gain over 9 days.
Can I see wildlife?
Yes — monkeys, small antelope, and elephant tracks on lower slopes.
Do I need travel insurance?
Yes, mandatory for high-altitude trekking. It should cover emergency evacuation.
What about summit certificates?
Official Kilimanjaro certificates are issued at the end of each trek.