Ready to add 2024 Kilimanjaro Tours to your New Year travel bucket list? Let’s deep dive into the experiences you can get with Kilimanjaro.
Embarking on a journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Located in Tanzania, this freestanding volcanic mountain is the tallest in Africa and offers various routes and vistas for adventurers.
This guide is designed to provide you with all the crucial information you need for a successful climb, including how to get there, popular routes, cost, and why Altezza Travel should be your go-to choice for this adventure.
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Where is Mount Kilimanjaro Located?
Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, stands majestically in northeastern Tanzania, near the border with Kenya. Rising to an elevation of 19,341 feet, it is the highest peak on the African continent.
Kilimanjaro National Park
The mountain is the main attraction of Kilimanjaro National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This park not only attracts trekkers for its geographical significance but also for its diverse ecosystems. The area around the mountain is rich in biodiversity, featuring everything from lush rainforests at the base to arctic conditions at the summit.
Accessibility
One of Kilimanjaro’s major appeals is its accessibility. Unlike other high peaks requiring technical skills, reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit is largely a trek, making it accessible even for less experienced hikers. The nearest city is Moshi, easily reachable via Kilimanjaro International
Mount Kilimanjaro is not just a geographical marvel; it’s a symbol of adventure and a rich biodiversity hotspot, drawing thousands of trekkers from around the globe each year.
How to Get There
The most convenient way to get to Mount Kilimanjaro is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Once you arrive, it’s a relatively short drive to Moshi town, where most treks begin. Transportation to Moshi can easily be arranged through Altezza Travel, making your journey seamless from start to finish.
Popular Routes on Kilimanjaro
Marangu Route
Also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. It offers hut accommodations and is generally considered the easiest path, making it popular among less experienced climbers.
What to Expect
- Duration: Typically a 5-6 day climb.
- Difficulty: Easier than most routes, which makes it ideal for beginners.
- Accommodation: Offers communal huts at each stopping point, some with solar power.
- Scenery: Forests, moorlands, and the ‘Saddle’—a high-altitude, semi-desert region.
Highlights
- Visit the Maundi Crater for an optional acclimatization trek.
- The comfort of sleeping in huts as opposed to tents.
- The scenic overlook of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s second-highest volcanic cone.
Machame Route
The Machame or “Whiskey” route is more challenging but also more scenic. It offers stunning vistas and different landscapes, from rainforests to alpine deserts. It’s the perfect choice for those looking for a bit of a challenge and exceptional views.
What to Expect
- Duration: A 6-7 day climb, depending on acclimatization.
- Difficulty: Moderately difficult, suitable for climbers with some prior trekking experience.
- Accommodation: Tent camping only.
- Scenery: Rainforests, alpine meadows, lunar-like landscapes, and the beautiful Barranco Wall.
Highlights
- Scale the Great Barranco Wall, a challenging but exhilarating experience.
- Walk through the lush, towering trees of the Machame forest.
- Views of Mount Meru floating above the clouds.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route is less crowded, offering a more intimate experience with nature. It is a relatively newer route but has rapidly gained popularity for its panoramic vistas and high summit success rate.
The Lemosho route is relatively newer but has quickly gained popularity for its panoramic views and less crowded paths. The route offers a more remote experience and has a high success rate for reaching the summit.
What to Expect
- Duration: Generally an 8-day climb, offering better acclimatization.
- Difficulty: Moderate, but longer acclimatization time increases summit success.
- Accommodation: Tent camping only.
- Scenery: Dense rainforest, the Shira Plateau, and the Arctic conditions of the summit.
Highlights
- Cross the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus on earth.
- An optional night-time trek to catch the sunrise at the summit.
- A more personalized experience due to fewer crowds.
Each route offers its own unique set of challenges and highlights. Your choice may ultimately depend on your trekking experience, fitness level, and what kind of scenic backdrop you prefer for this adventure of a lifetime. Always consult with your chosen outfitter—in this case, the highly recommended Altezza Travel—for the most current and tailored advice.
Pricing and Additional Information: What You Need to Know
Cost Considerations
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro can be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, but it’s essential to budget wisely. While you might come across deals for under $1600, be cautious. A price tag this low is usually a red flag indicating the tour company may be cutting corners on safety measures, hiring inadequately trained guides and porters, or even neglecting to pay their staff fair wages.
A “bargain” expedition often means outdated equipment, poor nutrition, and insufficient operational support, putting your safety at risk and perpetuating unfair labor practices.
What Altezza Travel Offers
Altezza Travel stands out for its commitment to safety, quality, and fair labor practices. The company provides a range of package options for climbing Kilimanjaro tours that may vary in terms of accommodations before and after the climb, as well as additional services on the mountain.
Regardless of the package you choose, you can be assured that all expeditions maintain the same high safety standards and professional staff, making your trek not only memorable but also secure and ethical.
Prices for Climbing Kilimanjaro Tours 2024
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny for the experience of a lifetime. The cost typically ranges from $2,000 to $2,300 per person, which includes park fees, guides, porters, and meals.
When it comes to conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, choosing the right route is paramount for a memorable and successful climb. Altezza Travel, a top-rated company with an office near Moshi town, offers various routes to cater to both novice and experienced climbers. Below, you’ll find a curated selection of their most popular trails, each offering a unique experience on this majestic mountain.
Lemosho Route Tour and Pricing
Starting from the western side, the Lemosho Route is often regarded as the most scenic trail, giving climbers a chance to witness the stunning Shira Plateau. Offering diverse landscapes and excellent opportunities for acclimatization, it is particularly recommended for first-time climbers. This 8-day tour is priced from $2043 and includes 2 days in a hotel.
Rongai Route Tour and Pricing
If you’re in search of solitude, the Rongai Route is for you. This trail starts from the mountain’s less-visited northern side and is ideal for those looking for a more secluded trekking experience. The 7-day tour costs around $2062 and includes an additional 2-day hotel stay.
Machame Route Tour and Pricing
Known as the “Whiskey Route”, the Machame Route is a popular choice that provides varied landscapes and excellent acclimatization opportunities. Conveniently located just a short drive from the Aishi Machame Hotel, this 7-day journey is priced at approximately $1988, including a 2-day hotel accommodation.
Northern Circuit Tour and Pricing
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s newest route and is highly recommended for those who wish to enjoy a longer trek with excellent acclimatization conditions. This route takes climbers around the rarely visited northern slopes and offers a sense of exclusivity. This 8-day tour starts at $2668 and includes 2 days in a hotel.
Umbwe Route Tour and Pricing
For the seasoned adventurer, the Umbwe Route provides a thrilling yet demanding climb. This is the shortest and steepest route up Kilimanjaro and is best suited for those with prior mountain climbing experience. This 6-day climb is priced from $2008, with 2 days in a hotel included.
Marangu Route Tour and Pricing
Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route”, Marangu is Kilimanjaro’s most popular trail. Unique to this route are the comfortable sleeping huts at each campsite. The 6-day journey is available from $2045 and comes with an extra 2 days in a hotel.
Each of these routes offers a distinctive experience and is designed to cater to varying levels of expertise. No matter which path you choose, Altezza Travel ensures a well-organized and unforgettable expedition. So go ahead, pick your route, and prepare for the adventure of a lifetime!
Why Choose Altezza Travel for Kilimanjaro
When it comes to planning your Kilimanjaro expedition, Altezza Travel is the leading choice, and here’s why:
Expertise and Experience
Located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, Altezza Travel is in full command of its hiking and safari adventures. Their team members are avid travelers with extensive knowledge of Tanzania’s National Parks.
High-Quality Services
Altezza Travel offers more than just a climb; they offer an all-rounded experience. They own two hotels, a large safari fleet, and top-quality equipment for Kilimanjaro expeditions.
Certified Guides
Their wildlife guides are certified professionals who undergo regular training to ensure you have a safe and informative adventure.
Reviews and Rankings
As of January 2022, Altezza Travel ranks as the number one Kilimanjaro company on TripAdvisor. They run 15% of all Kilimanjaro expeditions, adding to their credibility and reliability.
Altezza Travel offers group tours every 2-3 days, allowing for flexibility in planning your trip.
Final Thoughts on Kilimanjaro Tours
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an achievement of a lifetime, and choosing the right partner for your journey is crucial. With Altezza Travel, you’re not just gaining expert guides; you’re becoming part of a community of adventurers who prioritize safety, enjoyment, and the overall experience.
Ready for your Kilimanjaro adventure?
We hope this guide serves as a comprehensive resource for your Kilimanjaro expedition. If you have any questions or need further information, feel free to reach out to us and we’ll help you with your questions!
About the Author: Ruben, co-founder of Gamintraveler.com since 2014, is a seasoned traveler from Spain who has explored over 100 countries since 2009. Known for his extensive travel adventures across South America, Europe, the US, Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and Africa, Ruben combines his passion for adventurous yet sustainable living with his love for cycling, highlighted by his remarkable 5-month bicycle journey from Spain to Norway. He currently resides in Spain, where he continues sharing his travel experiences with his partner, Rachel, and their son, Han.