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Origin Trails

About Us

Who we are

Emanuel Motta

Born and raised at the base of Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ema Motta first climbed Africa’s highest peak in 2001. For the following 15 years, he has led climbing expeditions on Kilimanjaro and other peaks as a certified licensed guide, in addition to designing, organizing and leading a wide range of biking and safari adventures.

Ema is a Certified Wilderness First Responder (WFR) and has been trained and certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and high altitude sickness by the Outdoor Institute from Montana, USA. He is passionate about providing his clients with outstanding experiences that feature the best of Tanzania, taking into account clients’ interests and aspirations.


Ema

We offer more than 15 years of experience organizing, outfitting and delivering tours in collaboration with both international and local tour operators.

Our expertise ranges from large group charity expeditions up Kilimanjaro to multi-week family biking and hiking adventures. We have delivered tours to clients from six continents, from countries as diverse as Australia, Brazil, Germany, UK, US, Singapore, Trinidad and Tobago, and many others in between.

We are committed to an equitable and sustainable tourism industry, and so work closely with the Kilimanjaro Porters Association Project (KPAP), which is the International Mountain Explorers Connection’s Partner for Responsible Travel Program here in Tanzania.

Adventure Climbs

Origin Trails organizes expeditions to Mt. Kilimanjaro, Mt. Meru, as well as Mt. Kenya, the most popular peaks in East Africa. We also organize treks to the less travelled yet challenging Oldoinyo Lengai, Usambara Mountains (Lushoto) and other mountain ranges across Tanzania. need to understand what lies ahead.

Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest freestanding mountain on earth. Crowned with an everlasting snow-cap, this majestic mountain can be found inside the Kilimanjaro National Park of Tanzania, at 005.00 degrees south, 036 degrees east, 5895m a.m.s.l Every year, over 50,000 people just like you come to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain and Africa's highest peak.Located 200 miles (325 km) from the equator, the mountain defies logic with its crown of ice. Climbing Kilimanjaro does not require any technical skills or special equipment, just some physical fitness and determination. People from all walks of life, from a 7 year old child to an 85 year old man, have successfully summited. But the challenge should not be taken lightly. You need to understand what lies ahead.

When is it best to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The popular times to climb Kilimanjaro tend to be the warmest and driest months - January, February, and September. June, July, August and October are also good months. Temperatures and weather are unpredictable, and can change drastically based on the time of day and altitude. It's best to avoid the long rainy season, from the end of March to early June, and the short rainy season, from November through the beginning of December. However, these rain season tend to be the best time for climbers who prefer less crowded trails, camps or huts and don’t mind if it rain sometimes.

Which routes should I climb?
The routes each have different characteristics which may or may not appeal to you. Consider the difficulty, scenery and crowds when you select your route. Other factors that should be considered are your age, fitness level, medical conditions, backpacking and hiking experience, experience at high altitude, degree of motivation, and any other special considerations. We at Origin Trails recommend the Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Machame and Rongai Routes.

Our Trails / Routes
There are several routes by which to reach Kibo, or Uhuru Peak, the highest summit of Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Being one of the most popular mountains in the world, roughly 30,000 trekkers every year try to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. According to research published by the Climb Kilimanjaro Guide, the average summit success rate across all climbers and routes is 65%. However, summit success rate heavily depends upon what route is climbed as routes vary considerably in terms of acclimatization profile and duration.

Machame Route
The Machame route is probably the most popular route these days and is also called "the whiskey route". This route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding and for that reason better suited for the more determined and fitter climbers


  • Highly recommended for scenic value

  • Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities
  • Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones

  • Good opportunity to split pre-summit day climb to leave climbers rested before summiting

  • Very popular trail

  • Fully catered camping only

  • it takes 6–7 days for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west. Rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit. There are several options to complete the trek over [1](8 or 9 days) based on your experience

  • High summit success rate. Good for acclimatization, especially on the longer itineraries
  • Remote and spectacular, dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro

  • Converges with Machame on day 4 at Baranco

  • Fully catered camping only

Machame Route - 7 DAYS

Day 1: Machame Camp
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro Machame gate. Once the necessary park formalities are completed the permit will be issued and the hike will begin. You will traverse through afromontane forest, and under the tree canopy a picnic lunch is taken along the trail.
Overnight at Machame camp. (Full board)

Day 2: Shira Camp
The the first part of the hike and altitude gain is relatively quick. Lunch is taken at the camp. We suggest a walking activity after lunch to keep your body active in order to acclimatize better.
Overnight Shira Camp. (Full board)

Day 3: Baranco Camp
The hike today consists of a gentle incline into the alpine desert to a suggested lunch spot (Created by Emanuel Motta) at about 15,000feet, then descending to Baranco valley for overnight. This ‘climb high and sleep low’ method helps your body acclimate to the high altitude. From this camp you can experience a stunning view of the southwest face of Kibo peak.
Overnight at Baranco Camp (Full board)

Day 4: Karanga Camp
From Baranco camp to Karanga camp the ‘climb high and sleep low’ continues. Ascending Baranco wall after breakfast is your first assignment, followed by a hike through deep glacial valleys crossing to Karanga camp. Lunch is taken at the camp. An afternoon walk may be suggested for better acclimatization
Overnight at Karanga Camp (Full board)

Day 5: Barara Camp
Today is another half day ascending to Barafu camp where lunch will be taken. In this alpine desert zone the camp is exposed to cold winds from which this camp got its name. The view of Mawenzi peak and the glacial valleys below is remarkable. Dinner will be had relatively early to allow time to rest before the summit bid.
Over night Barafu camp. (Full board)

Day 6: Mweka Camp
Most people start at midnight for the summit attempt aiming to reach the top by sun rise. This final ascent bid is a mental challanging game which require patience and persistance.. Most people see the sun rise before reach crater rim and left with a short final section to reach Uhuru peak. After taking suvenior photographs at the highest point of Africa your final mission is to reach Mweka camp.
Overnight Mweka camp (Full board)

Day 7: Out
The final descend down the mountain to your hotel accommodation. After saying a fond farewell to the crew at Mweka exit gate you will be transferred to your hotel.

Lemosho Route - 8 DAYS

Day 1: Forest Camp
From your hotel we drive to the park entry gate where you meet the rest of the crew. After registration and other formalities we set out to the starting poing and into afromontane forest. Luch is taken on trail.
Overnight Forest camp. (Full board)

Day 2: Shira One Camp
From the Forest Camp you break out to the heath zone. You will notice the changes of trees. The trail ascend trough the slopes of Shira mountain to the Shira Plateau. Lunch is taken on trail.
Overning Shira One Camp (Full board)

Day 3: Shira Two Camp
Early morning cup of tea of coffee watching the first light coming behind the mountain and bring all in sight. Today is a half day trek to Shira 2 Camp or Moir Hut Camp, crossing the Shira plateau. On sight is the geological features of the mountain from the western side. Lunch is taken at the camp. Afternoon at leisure. And for those with energy can take a short hike near the camp.
Overnight Shira two Camp (Full board)

Day 4: Baranco Camp
From the camp we trek on the semi alpine desert, weather condition can be a bit extreme. Lunch is taken at lava tower rock at 15,000ft. After lunch we descend to about 13,000ft Baranco Camp famous for the giant scenicio plants found at high altitude.
Overnight Baranco Camp (Full board)

Day 5: Baranco Camp
Today is a half day walk to the camp. Just after breakfast we will hike the Baranco Wall also known as Breakfast Wall. It will take about 2 hrs to reach the top. After several glacier valleys will reach Karanga Camp. Lunch will be saved at the camp. For those who feel better an afternoon walk is recommended.
Overnight Karanga Camp (Full board)

Day 6: Barafu Camp
Today is another half day ascend to Barafu Camp. Your body will test again the 15,000ft after Lava Tower. The camp is exposed to the cold wind and get its name. Barafu means ice. Spectacular view of Mawenzi peak . Lunch is taken at the camp.
Overnight Barafu Camp (Full board)

Day 7: Mweka Camp
Most people start at midnight for the final ascend to the summit. Slow pace will nearly guarantee you to reach the top. Polepole is the name of the game. After reaching the summit you are left with one goal of getting down to the camp. Mweka Camp or Millennium camp.
Overnight Mweka Camp (Full board)

Day 8: This is our last day on the mountain. After breakfast we descend through the afromontane forest to Mweka gate, our exit. After fond farewell to the crew you will be transferred to your hotel for a well deserve shower.

Map of Kilimanjaro

Biking Tours

Tanzania is a spectacular destination for mountain biking safaris. The country is rich in history, with gorgeous and varied landscape and open and friendly people. Origin Trails runs adventure trips to various breathtaking places in Northern Tanzania, catering to your interests and preferences. Our trips are over 95 percent off road and flexible to the fitness level of the client.

Day trips

Starting from Moshi Kilimanjaro to the outskirts of town and back to Moshi or to your hotel. This trip can be half day to a full day. In good days the view of magnificent Kilimanjaro raise above Moshi town is breathtaking.

Mix adventure trips

Combine /biking and game drive/Mountain climbing/culture tours/camping and lodges These trips are suitable for everyone. Families, solo bikers, buddys, Organized groups. The trips combine

  • Biking and game drive in the National Parks and conservation areas

  • Biking and mountain climbing (mt Kilimanjaro or mt Meru or Oldoinyo Lengai)
  • Biking and Culture- Coffee tours, Visiting cultural sites and people Accommodation is camping (sleeping in the tent) and can alternate with lodges

Extreme biking

Long distance/multiple days
Usually it ‘s point A to point B:

  • From the slopes of mt Kilimanjaro to the Indian Ocean
  • Round Kili challenge

Contact Us

If you would like to book a trip, or enquire further details about the climbs and adventure itineraries that we feature, please get in touch with us.

Email: info@origintrails.co.tz

Phone: +255 754 276 944 / +255 787 130 666 Facebook: www.facebook.com/origintrails/