Bush Lion Tours
Stand on the Roof of Africa. Expert-guided treks on all six Kilimanjaro routes, 98% summit success and memories that last a lifetime.
The Roof of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Though many of its routes are not for the faint-hearted, with an experienced guide at your side you do not need to be a technical climber to reach the summit.
At Bush Lion Tours, we guide you through five climate zones — from tropical rainforest and heather moorland to alpine desert and glaciers — on a fully supported expedition. With proper acclimatization and our WFR-certified guides, most fit travellers successfully reach Uhuru Peak.
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Fully supported expeditions
Three Volcanic Giants
Kilimanjaro is not a single mountain — it is a dormant volcanic massif made up of three distinct cones. Each peak tells a different chapter of the mountain’s ancient story.
Kibo is Kilimanjaro’s youngest, highest and only dormant volcanic cone. It cradles the famous Rebmann Glacier, the rocky rim of the inner crater and Uhuru Peak — the highest point on the African continent. Summit night begins under a canopy of stars and ends with one of the most rewarding sunrises on Earth.
Mawenzi is Kilimanjaro’s jagged second summit — a dramatic tower of rock pinnacles and gullies that is too dangerous to climb without technical gear. It is usually viewed from the Rongai route and from the Saddle, where its serrated silhouette creates unforgettable photographs.
Shira is the oldest and most eroded of Kilimanjaro’s three peaks. Its collapsed caldera now forms the sweeping Shira Plateau, a high-altitude moorland crossed by the Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes. Here, the mountain feels wild, open and utterly silent.
From Rainforest to Arctic Ice
No other mountain lets you walk from the equator to the arctic in a single week. Every day on Kilimanjaro brings a new landscape, a new temperature and a new sense of wonder.
The journey begins through green foothills where local Chagga communities grow coffee, bananas and maize. The air is warm, the villages are welcoming and the mountain still feels like a friendly giant in the distance.
A lush, misty belt of tropical forest where ancient trees drip with moss and black-and-white colobus monkeys watch from the canopy. It is the wettest zone, so expect mud underfoot and the fresh, earthy smell of an untouched ecosystem.
The forest gives way to rolling moorland dotted with giant heather, lobelias and everlasting flowers. Days become warmer and nights cooler, while wide-open views of the summit begin to dominate the horizon.
A stark, rocky wilderness where little grows and the temperature swings from scorching sun to freezing wind. It is the realm of the Barranco Wall, the Saddle and the high camps — where the climb starts to feel truly otherworldly.
Ice, rock and thin air. The final zone is a frozen, lunar landscape of glaciers, scree and endless sky. Every step here is earned, and standing on Uhuru Peak is a moment you will carry with you forever.
What you need to know
Yes. Kilimanjaro is accessible to beginners with no trekking experience. The key factor is not hiking skill but proper acclimatization — best achieved on a 7–8-day route.
The biggest risk is AMS caused by poor acclimatization. Choose a longer route, stay hydrated, walk slowly and let our guides monitor your health twice daily.
You should be able to run 5 km and hike 10 km in a day. Swimming, cycling, stair climbing and weekend hikes are the best preparation in the months before your trek.
Temperatures range from +20°C at the base to -15°C at the summit. You will need proper layers, waterproof boots, a warm sleeping bag, trekking poles and a daypack.
Route overview
The “Whiskey Route” — popular & scenic
The Machame Route is one of the most popular climbing routes on Kilimanjaro. It circles the mountain, offering spectacular views and a wide variety of landscapes. The 7-day option is strongly recommended for better acclimatization and a much higher summit chance.
The most beautiful & best-acclimatized
Starting on Kilimanjaro’s remote western side, Lemosho crosses the famous Shira Plateau and passes Cathedral Peak. It offers the finest acclimatization profile, panoramic scenery and one of the highest summit success rates.
The “Coca-Cola Route” — hut comfort
Marangu is the only route with shared wooden dormitory huts, making it a popular budget and rainy-season option. Because it follows the same trail up and down, you see less variety than on other routes.
The quiet northern approach
Rongai is the only route on the northern side, close to the Kenyan border. It receives less rainfall, sees fewer trekkers and passes through beautiful coniferous forest before descending via the Marangu trail.
Steep, direct & challenging
Umbwe is the steepest and most direct route. It takes you to higher camps faster than other routes, so good fitness and prior acclimatization are advisable. It is best suited to experienced trekkers seeking solitude.
The longest route with 360° views
The Northern Circuit circles the mountain, offering exceptional acclimatization, solitude and panoramic four-faced views of Kilimanjaro. It is the best choice if you have the time and want the highest chance of success.
Kilimanjaro packages
Choose a route from the sidebar to filter our hand-picked Kilimanjaro climbing itineraries. Every package includes park fees, guides, meals, equipment and airport transfers.
Lemosho Route
7 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Lemosho Route
8 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Lemosho Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Machame Route
7 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Machame Route
6 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Machame Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Marangu Route
6 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Marangu Route
5 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Rongai Route
6 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Rongai Route
7 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Umbwe Route
6 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Umbwe Route. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
Northern Circuit
9 days
Classic Kilimanjaro climb via the Northern Circuit. Fully supported trek with professional guides.
No packages match your selected route. Try another route or contact us for a tailor-made itinerary.
Group climbs
Join a fixed-date group climb and share the adventure with fellow trekkers from around the world. Guaranteed departure with full support.
Expert advice
Late December to early March and mid-June to late October are the best windows. These dry seasons give you clear skies, stable trails and the highest summit success rates.
Hiking tips
Aim to run 5 km and hike 10 km comfortably. Cycling, swimming and stair climbing all help.
Temperatures range from +20°C at the base to -15°C at the summit. Bring proper layers.
Quality waterproof hiking boots with ankle support are essential. Break them in before the trip.
Drink 3–4 litres daily. Dehydration worsens altitude sickness symptoms.
A 7–9 day itinerary gives your body time to acclimatize and greatly improves success.
Report headaches, nausea or dizziness immediately. Our WFR-certified guides monitor you daily.
How it works
Pick the itinerary, pace and group size that suit you.
Tell us your dates and we will hold your preferred climb.
We fine-tune the details, send your itinerary and confirm.
Arrive in Moshi, meet your team and start the ascent.
Real experiences
"Absolutely incredible. I did the 6-day marangu route solo with a crew of 5 and it could not have gone better. Denis was my guide and he did an excellent job pacing me up. The whole team worked extremely hard to make sure the climb and summit went as smooth as possible."
"A huge thank you to Jackson and his amazing team for making our dream come true! Our group of four recently completed a 17-day journey with Bush Lion Trekking & Tours—10 days of cultural immersion followed by 7 days of safari—and it was one of the most unforgettable travel experiences we have ever had."
"I am a solo traveler to Tanzania and joined a private 7-Day Safari Tour covering Tarangire, Serengeti, and Ngorongoro Crater. Everything was well-organized and personalized. One of the absolute highlights was witnessing the Great Migration at the Mara River."
"I did book the tour one week ahead. When I arrived I was informed that I was the only one on the tour. This did not change anything about the price for me. The owner Jackson was very good in keeping in touch and is a very friendly guy. Also the guide, chef and the porters were experienced and friendly."
"That was a top trip! Everything was very well organized! Pickup from the airport, transfer to and from, and the hotel stay were very good. Jackson and the team are highly recommended!"
"Great experience, very organized and an amazing team. From day one to the last, they made it very special. Will definitely use Bush Lion for my next Africa visit."
Why Bush Lion Tours
We do not just sell treks — we craft safe, responsible and life-changing mountain experiences. Our crew is trained, our equipment is top-tier and our success rates speak for themselves.
Questions
Yes. Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek, not a technical climb. The key factor is proper acclimatization, which is best achieved on a 7–8-day route. Good general fitness and a reliable outfitter are the main ingredients for success.
A comfortable 7-day group climb with Bush Lion Tours starts around $2,000–$2,400 per person. Shorter 5–6-day trips start from $1,550. All prices include park fees, guides, meals, equipment and airport transfers.
Routes take 5–9 days. We recommend 7–8 days for the best acclimatization and highest summit success rates.
For the highest success rate, choose the 8-day Lemosho route or 9-day Northern Circuit. For a scenic and challenging trek, the Machame route is popular. For a shorter, easier climb, the Marangu route offers hut accommodation.
January–March and June–October offer the driest, clearest weather and best summit conditions. Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round; northern routes are drier during the rainy seasons.
Yes, with proper preparation. We provide WFR-certified guides, twice-daily health checks, emergency oxygen and AMREF Flying Doctors evacuation cover. Our itineraries are designed to minimize altitude sickness risk.
Start planning your Kilimanjaro climb today. Choose your route, join a group or request a private expedition — our team is ready to guide you.
Plan your climb