KILIMANJARO - CLIMBING ROUTES
ROUTES & PRICES
At TUSKER TRAIL, we don't just guide trekkers up any old climb. No, we lead intrepid adventurers up four of the most thrilling and exciting climbing routes you can find. And with the special "Tusker Touch" we add to each journey, you can expect nothing less than an extraordinary adventure every step of the way.
From the Lemosho to the Machame, to the Tusker Spiral routes, each climb offers its own unique challenges and rewards. It's all about pushing yourself to the limit and embracing the unknown, with the guidance and support of our experienced team.
Tusker routes in order of popularity:
From the Rainforest to the Summit. Narrated by Will Lyman from National Geographic.
LEMOSHO ROUTE - 12 DAYS
SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN CAMP
Climb Cost: $6,340
On the Lemosho Route, you approach from the west, with ample time to acclimatize to the high altitude – the key to your summit success. Lemosho has incredible views and is one of the more spectacular routes up Kilimanjaro. You enjoy every night in Tusker’s Signature Mountain Camp that includes walk-in tents and showers.
MACHAME ROUTE - 10 DAYS
SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN CAMP
Climb Cost: $4,520
Climbing the Machame Route you also approach from the south, veering west on your second day. You stay each night in Tusker's Signature Mountain camp that includes showers, full-size walk-in tents and comfy mattresses. Spending a night on the Shira Plateau gives you spectacular views of Kibo Peak in the mornings, and allows you to acclimatize well.
TUSKER SPIRAL ROUTE - 14 DAYS
SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN CAMP
Climb Cost: $6,790
Tusker has pioneered a new route on Kilimanjaro. On the new Tusker Spiral Route, you start from the north and circumnavigate the entire peak. It’s a spell-binding trek on the isolated landscape of Kilimanjaro’s rarely seen northern and western slopes. You enjoy Tusker’s Signature Mountain Camp that includes walk-in tents and showers.
UMBWE ROUTE - 10 DAYS
SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN CAMP
Climb Cost: $4,520
On the Umbwe route you approach the summit from the south, a short drive from Moshi. You stay each night in Tusker's Signature Mountain camp that includes showers, full-size walk-in tents and comfy mattresses. You climb directly up the southern slopes and spend two nights at spectacular Barranco camp, perfect for altitude acclimatization.
THE BEST KILIMANJARO ROUTE?
This is the most common question every climber asks before planning their trek to Uhuru Peak – the summit. The simple answer is: It depends on what you are looking for. It’s a very personal decision. Each of our routes has its own advantages and unique points. Things to consider in picking your route include season, weather, views, duration and most of all, the overall experience that suits you.
NEXT - AFTER CHOOSING A ROUTE
After you have decided on your route, it’s best to contact our office to get some tips and advice from one of our Kilimanjaro experts. They will help plan out your pre-climb prep, like fine-tuning your physical conditioning and making sure you select the right outdoor clothes and gear.
Question? Ask Us Anything • +1.775.833.9700 • 1.800.231.1919
ALL ABOUT THE TUSKER CLIMB
You’ve got the gear. You’re in the best shape of your life. Now what? Start climbing! As we operate our own climbing company on Kilimanjaro, we stay connected with you from the day you sign up on your climb until long after you return home. And while in Tanzania, you feel like you are part of a family, with a familiar sense of belonging, sharing a common goal with your guides and your climbing team.
Once you arrive at the airport, your Tusker driver takes you to your hotel in Moshi, which is our base for the first couple of days. This is our oasis in Moshi town, and where you replenish your energy and make last minute plans with your guides. The primary goal of your guides and your porters is your safety and your success on the climb. As you put one foot in front of the other, your crew provides you with valuable advice and tons of information about the habitat, local culture, and the best climbing strategies.
You spend each day on the mountain in a slightly different vegetation zone, so your experience on Kilimanjaro varies by the hour, with every turn on the trail revealing another wonder and another spectacular view. It’s important to take your time climbing, as this is not a race. It’s also the best strategy to allow your body to adjust to the thinning atmosphere. Time is your best friend – use it wisely. Every morning you start your day waking up to a hot cup of coffee or tea and a delicious yet nutritious breakfast to fuel you for the day’s journey. Your camp is transported by the porters each day and set up before you arrive at the end of each day.
EACH DAY'S CLIMBING STRATEGY
Every day has a goal and a purpose. This is to allow you to fully capture the beauty and exhilaration of exploring the spectacular habitat and putting your body through its paces to acclimatize to the altitude. At the end of your day, you arrive at Tusker’s Signature Mountain Camp, which has already been set up by the Tusker crew. You unzip your tent and change into dry, warm clothes and then join your team in the dining tent for tea and fresh popcorn, roasted peanuts, and a hot cup of tea. You then meet with one of your guides who gives you a brief medical check to ensure that all is well. Then the group enjoys a sumptuous dinner and the shared camaraderie while comparing notes of your day’s adventure. It’s exhilarating.
Check out our routes to learn what makes each one amazing in its own way. If you want more details, give us a call and talk to one of our Kilimanjaro experts at our Lake Tahoe USA office. We are happy to help you decide on a route.
Question? Ask Us Anything • +1.775.833.9700 • 1.800.231.1919
WHAT TO BRING
Your most important gear will be clothing to protect you against the ever-changing weather and the temperature. You probably have some of it in your closet. If this is a one-time experience for you, you can save the expense of buying this gear and rent most of your outer gear from Tusker quite inexpensively. We keep a large supply of top-end gear at our base in Moshi, Tanzania.
There are two things that you can’t rent or buy: your sense of adventure and your sense of humor. And don’t forget a good pair of hiking boots too. If you don’t own a pair, don’t worry. We have worn our fair share boots over our decades of leading treks, and we can point you in the right direction.
WHAT'S A SIGNATURE MOUNTAIN CAMP LIKE?
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- 4-Season walk-in / stand-up tents
- Costs with comfy air-foam mattresses
- Spacious 4-season dining tents with gas lighting
- Dining tables and camp chairs
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- Purified drinking water
- Private toilet tent
- Waterproof drybag (to protect your personal gear)
- Showers in custom shower tents.
PHOTO GALLERY
NEXT • CHOOSE YOUR DATE
CHECK AVAILABLE DATES
Limited Group Sizes
ASK US ABOUT CLIMBING ROUTES
+1.775.833.9700 or 1.800.231.1919