Northern Circuit -> Mount Kilimanjaro -> Lower Slopes

Lower Slopes

Marangu is the starting point for the most popular and well-known route to climb Kilimanjaro and lies on the slopes of the mountain. Climbing Kilimanjaro along the Marangu (or Coca-Cola) Route is the easiest route to the summit and therefore there are several different accommodation options around Marangu Village and the Kilimanjaro National Park HQ.

Machame is the starting point of the lesser-used Machame Route (or the "Whisky Route") taken to climb Kilimanjaro. The Machame Route is known as a wilderness route, providing stunning views and a remarkable variety of vegetation and habitats at intervals throughout its length. The trek from Machame is popular among those looking to escape the main tourist trails, although considered physically challenging - it is recommended that people looking to climb Kilimanjaro along the Machame Route are fit and healthy. Due to the poor quality of the huts along the route camping in tents is recommended when you climb Kilimanjaro along this route.

Materuni Waterfall

is a very impressive falls of around 100m falling from the jungle slopes of Kilimanjaro into a valley farmed with coffee, bananas and avocados. There are two possible walks: a short walk of 20 minutes, and a longer hike through "Shamba" (farms) of about 2 hours round trip. The long trail is an ideal warm up before a kili climb. The pleasant path through the cultivation on the lower slopes traverses slowly up the steep valley sides passing small shops and bars. You can see the local "Chagga" people working in the fields and oftern doing what they like best - drinking "beer" - a locally made bucket of brown frothy brew. Banana beer is also popular here and can be bought in one of the basic wooden bars. The long trail meets the track at the start of the short trail and from here is is 10mins downhill to the bottom of the impressive white vertical falls. It is possible to bathe in the plunge pool at the bottom if you can tollerate glacier melt water temperatures - few people are mad enough!

For more information on Machame and Marangu contact us.

Accommodation

Coffee Tree Camping more info ->

 Coffee Tree Camping is a well-equipped and friendly campsite in Marangu Village, providing a clean and comfortable base from which to begin your Kilimanjaro climb. Conveniently located only 1 km from the Kilimanjaro National Park HQ, the campsite has a fantastic view of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, promising you excitement in the Kilimanjaro climb to come! Coffee Tree Camping also has a few basic but comfortable chalets available for those who are not yet ready to commit to canvas!

Marangu Hotel more info ->

 The Marangu Hotel sits in 12 acres of beautiful tropical gardens on the slopes of the towering Mount Kilimanjaro. The main hotel building, once a farm house before its conversion, hosts the restaurant, bar and lounge areas as well as reception, while guests are housed in the attractive cottages spread out through the grounds of the old farmhouse. Each cottage has its own ensuite bathroom providing hot and cold running water.

Protea Hotel Aishi Machame more info ->

 Protea Hotel Aishi Machame is situated just a few kilometers from the Machame Gate, entrance to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and start of the Machame (Whiskey)Route up the mountain. With 30 newly refurbished, luxuriously decorated rooms available, this hotel provides superb accommodation for those looking to prepare to climb Kilimanjaro in comfort.