Very few people haven't heard of this majestic and mysterious snow-capped mountain, Africa's highest peak, standing 3 degrees south of the Equator. Kilimanjaro is one of the most famous and highest free-standing mountains in the world, rising from the northern part of Tanzania. Kilimanjaro comprises 3 volcanoes of which the most famous (and the most recent), snow-capped dormant Kibo stands at 5,895 m (19,455 ft). The rugged peak of Mawenzi (also dormant) is 5,149m (16,992 ft) and Shira (the oldest and extinct) stands at 3,962 m (13,075 ft).

The mountain is situated in the Kilimanjaro National Park entirely in Tanzania. The Kilimanjaro trek (as it is more of a "walk" than a "climb") crosses five distinct eco zones: The rainforests have an abundance of flora and fauna and is one of the most important water sources supplying Northern Tanzania. This is followed by a beautiful moorland which not only has an absolutely inspiring view but which gives protection to exotic plants like the giant groundsel and the giant lobelia. More rare plant species such as the delicate Impatiens Kilimanjaro do not occur anywhere else in the world. The next eco-climatic layer is the alpine desert where bird species such as the rare African crowned eagle, (aka African hawk-eagle) and the Lammergeier vulture (aka the Bearded vulture) may occasionally be seen at higher altitudes. The penultimate eco-zone is the volcanic scree desert - barren and sparse, the more challenging part of the trek up this mighty mountain. The ice or glacial cap at the summit is the final layer, which has made Kilimanjaro legendary (although this layer is receding due to global warming).

Very few places exist in the world where a unique combination of such zones exists in one area to support ecosystems ranging from the Equator to the Arctic.

The trek up Kilimanjaro, although non-technical and suitable for any fit and able-bodied person, should not be underestimated. Climbing Kilimanjaro involves lots of hard work and physical (and mental) stamina!

ROUTES UP KILIMANJARO

There are many routes up Kilimanjaro, however the most popular routes are Machame, Rongai, Marangu and Lemosho (also known as Shira or Londorossi).  Click on the images above for detailed itineraries for the above routes.  Or Contact us for more information or to book your trek.

PRIVATE SMALL GROUP KILIMANJARO TREKS
Aim 4 Africa organises private Kilimanjaro treks for small groups in order that people get to have the best experience, without having to keep up with a large group. Trekkers proceed at their own pace and have personal attention from a qualified and experienced mountain crew. Our success rates up Machame and Lemosho/Shira routes are 95% increasing to 98% with an extra day to assist with acclimatisation. On the Rongai and Marangu routes our success rates are higher (97% with the standard trek rising to over 99% with the additional day to assist with acclimatisation). Umbwe route is one we would only recommend to experienced high altitude mountaineers; whilst this too requires no technical expertise, care and consideration about ascending the mountain whilst avoiding the effects of high altitude illness is one we take very seriously. All too often we have witnessed people with other tour organisations being carried down on stretchers fighting for their lives.

We at Aim 4 Africa, have personally done the treks up to the summit several times using different routes (Kili has been our playground whilst we were growing up!!). Our mountain crew is second to none - amiable, extremely professional, experienced and knowledgeable. Our guides and cooks are trained to recognise symptoms of high altitude illness and take appropriate action if necessary. We have a responsible tourism policy which mirrors our ethos for ethical working conditions for all of our staff including mountain porters. Our staff are paid more than the average recommended wage. This means that whilst we are not the cheapest tour operator, we know that the safety and welfare of our personnel as well as our clients is fundamentally important.

Climb Kilimanjaro with Aim 4 Africa and see Africa the way it is meant to be seen - through the eyes of those who live in this beautiful part of the world. Enjoy the landscape, the beautiful surroundings, learn about the flora and fauna on Kilimanjaro and relish the entire experience. Our services are second to none, our high attention to detail, professional and highly experienced crew and proven high success rates using different routes up Kilimanjaro will ensure that your trek up this iconic mountain is an achievement well worth remembering for many years to come.

There are several routes up Kilimanjaro the main ones being Marangu (most popular) and Machame. Others are more challenging treks - more for the seasoned mountaineer or the more adventurous.

Our favourite routes for trekking Kilimanjaro are Rongai and Londorossi/Lemosho or Shira - which are quieter, scenic and better for acclimatisation, and Machame which is more challenging. Umbwe route is only recommended for seasoned experienced mountaineers.
- Marangu Route - Machame Route - Lemosho/Shira/Londorossi Route - Rongai Route - Mweka Route - Umbwe Route

JOIN A GROUP AND TREK KILIMANJARO IN 2011
Although Aim 4 Africa organises privately guided treks for a minimum of two persons, we have the following dates scheduled for those who would prefer to join a group (minimum of four persons).

Aim 4 Africa has organised the following treks for those wishing to join a group (minimum four persons) up Kilimanjaro using three of our most popular routes - Rongai, Machame and Lemosho/Shira:

6 DAY RONGAI ROUTE TREKS (2011)
12th - 17th June, 12th -17th July, 11th -  16th September, 18th-25th October,16th -23rd November, 16th-23rd December and in 2012: 14th-21st Jan and 13th-20th Feb 2012 (more dates for 2012 to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = GBP£1310 per person

6 DAY MACHAME ROUTE TREKS (2011)
14th -19th  June, 5th - 10th July, 19th-26th August, 9th-14th September, 18th-25th October,16th -23rd November, 16th-23rd December and in 2012: 14th-21st Jan and 13th-20th Feb 2012 (more dates for 2012  to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = GBP£1275 per person

8 DAY LEMOSHO/SHIRA/LONDOROSSI ROUTE TREKS (2011)
20th-29th June, 18th-27th June, 17th-28th October, 15th-24th December 2010 and in 2012: 13th-22nd Jan and 12th-21st Feb 2012 (more dates for 2012 to follow later)
Price in Sterling Pounds = £1650 per person

Note: the above group treks are based on minimum 4 persons. For only two persons add supplement of £110pp

2012 GROUP TREK DATES DUE TO BE PUBLISHED SOON - WATCH THIS SPACE!

COSTS INCLUDE
Return Kilimanjaro airport transfers, 2 nights pre and post trek half board accommodation at hotel in Arusha, services of full mountain crew (guide, cook and porters), all meals on mountain, camping equipment, all park and camp fees, rescue fees, transport to and from mountain base.

COST EXCLUDE
international flights, visas, insurance (recommended), hire of climbing gear or equipment, sleeping bags and towels, personal items, safari or beach extensions (contact us for more information).
Contact us to register for any of the above group treks or for more information.

TREKKING KILIMANJARO FOR CHARITY?
The above treks can be undertaken for your own personal charity or in aid of Comic Relief/Red Nose Day.

The above group or private treks can be undertaken for your favourite charity or a local school in Tanzania (ask us for details)

Aim 4 Africa can also arrange for you to personally deliver gifts of books, sports and art equipment to needy schools around Kilimanjaro. Let us know if you would like more information on our special projects that we support in Tanzania including our own project The Sasha Foundation Trust which helps build and supply schools and hospitals in the local community in Northern Tanzania.

Contact us to register for any of the above group treks or for more information on private treks up Kilimanjaro.

To Book your Private Kilimanjaro Trek fill in the enquiry form for Kilimanjaro trek booking or Contact Us with your requirements or for any specific questions or to enquire about treks to Mount Meru, Mount Kenya or Mount Oldo-inyo L'engai.