Trekking Kilimanjaro & Salkantay

Jan 12, 2021

Last Updated on: Jan 30, 2025

Africa

Trekking across mountains and rolling hills is always a pleasureful practice, but there are certain trips that will always stand out. The Kilimanjaro climb is often considered one of the best in the world, and an excellent means through which to experience Africa. But other, slightly lesser-known treks, such as the Salkantay Trek are special and challenging in their own right.

The Kilimanjaro climb is an infamous one for its challenge. It’s a five-day climb at minimum for the average backpacker, with most people making it to the peak in an average of six days. The African searing heat and the mountain’s vegetation are often what cause this reduced pace – and what separates a mountain like Kilimanjaro from a climb in the Tatras.

Kilimanjaro: What you need to know

Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in all of Africa, and a rather hefty trek for any experienced traveler. It peaks at 5,895 meters (19,340 ft) and has attracted all sorts of visitors over the years. It’s worthy to note that whilst not the most dangerous climb, it would still do one well to be careful whilst making the trek, as an average of ten deaths are reported on the mountain every year. Altitude sickness tends to be the main risk factor – making the climb is more so recommended for the experienced mountaineers.

Not to say that it isn’t entirely friendly for beginners too. But it’s important to remember that the mountain never be underestimated by any means. The Kilimanjaro climb is attractive for its beauty and its relative difficulty – and both are exactly what you ought to expect during the long trek.

The Marangu and Lemosho Routes to Kilimanjaro

There are various routes to choose from, with various guides to book along the way. The Marangu route is a particularly popular one when it comes to the Kilimanjaro climb, after taking around seven days to traverse. It’s one of the shorter ways of course, alongside such routes as the Rongai route and Machame route, both of which usually take an average of eight days to travel.

There are some longer routes, for the travelers interested in enjoying the climb and putting some focus on admiring the gorgeous surroundings. Examples of this would be the Lemosho route, averaging at about 10 days of travel. All the routes up the isolated Mount Kilimanjaro have their own variations in terms of length and difficulty, but regardless of this, whichever route fits you best – only you can determine. You will have to fly to Kilimanjaro airport, which is quite close to Moshi, the starting point of the Kilimanjaro climbs. When you get delayed you will be able to get compensation through Aviclaim.

The Salkantay Trek and why it is Everyone’s Favourite?

The Salkantay Trek is an equally friendly and famous trek, found in the breathtaking mountainous region in Cusco, Peru. The city of Cusco is famed mostly for its elevation, located at an altitude of 3,399 meters – and renowned as the historic capital of the Inca Empire until the 16th century. The entire city is a world heritage site, and home to one of the finest treks the world has to offer.

The Salkantay Trek is of course a means through which to reach the esteemed Machu Picchu, and it serves as an excellent alternative to the well-traveled Inca Trail. It serves to know that the majority of treks in Peru, including the Salkantay Trek, are a bit more difficult than your average mountain routes. Traveling here comes with a heavy recommendation of good health and some minor experience at the very least.

The Salkantay Trek is much longer, and much more difficult than the Inca Trail thanks in large part to the general height and length. It’s known to be twice as long as the Inca Trail, meaning that you’ll find yourself walking around and pausing for rest breaks on more frequent occasions. As well as this, the Salkantay Trek goes much higher in altitude, making the nights all the colder and the risk of altitude sickness all the greater. Remember – altitude sickness was the very same threat that led to the deaths of people on Kilimanjaro, and that risk remains here if you’re not careful and don’t respect the dangers of the mountain.

The Scenic Beauty on the Salkantay Trek

Don’t let these facts convince you that this is anything but an easy-moderate path, which can be navigated without a guide if you know what you’re doing. Not to mention that the views, both at the peak and along the journey to it, are some of the finest you’ll ever have the pleasures of seeing. It’s these factors that lead to the great popularity of the Salkantay Trek, which has become almost as well known as the Kilimanjaro climb throughout the years.

The Salkantay Trek has been wonderfully preserved by the Peruvian people, and to this day serves as one of the country’s finer means to access natural beauty and breathtaking sights. The best time to go by the Salkantay Trek is typically between March and October time. Of course, this is bound to be the busiest season, but that fact has its reasons – it just so happens to be the country’s dry season.

How to Prepare for the Trek according to Experts

Weather on the mountain will range from daringly hot, demanding wide-brimmed hats and sunscreen, to horribly cold. It’s also worthy of note that the mountain is known to have a disturbing quantity of mosquitoes flying around, and as such, long-sleeves and closed-toe shoes are more than recommended. I’d go so far as to say they’re necessary! But you’ll mostly come across these at Santa Teresa and Aguas Calientes, so it’s not a disaster if all you bring is mosquito repellent.

Whether you take the Salkantay Trek up Machu Picchu or try your hands at the Kilimanjaro climb, you’ll find yourself having undergone a journey unlike any other. The fauna and flora on the way to the peaks are unforgettable, and will always add to the joy of the experiences. If ever, on the way up, you find yourself feeling tired, don’t forget to use that as an opportunity to remember where you are, and give a moment of wonder to the surrounding landscapes. It may be the last time you see them – or only the first of many.

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Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.

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BY  Mashum Jul 19, 2017

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What Is Traditional Moroccan Food? (Know Traditional Dishes, Street Food, And More Before A Gastronomic Tour) 

BY  Sibashree Sep 4, 2025

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READ MORE São Tomé eco-lodges

What Are The Best São Tomé Eco-Lodges? A Fusion Of Luxury And Sustainability 

BY  Sibashree Oct 29, 2025

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It is a leader of sustainable tourism in São Tomé and Príncipe.  Local artists and craftsmen are involved in the operations of the Omali Lodge, staying true to its commitment to community development. Furthermore, the menu here focuses on national dishes prepared with locally-sourced ingredients.  However, it offers adequate Wi-Fi connectivity. So, if you are not looking for a complete digital detox and want to work remotely, then it is also a good choice.  2. Bom Bom Island Resort (Príncipe) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Maria Helena Vinhas Frade (@mhvf) The Bom Bom Island Resort is the first African hotel to receive the Biosphere certification from the Instituto de Turismo Responsable (ITR).  Currently, the main aim of the hotel is to go completely diesel-free in its daily operations. The hotel has 68 local workers, as Sérgio Duarte has mentioned in a recent conversation with the Sustainability Leaders United.  Furthermore, the hotel procures resources from the local producers. Also, it collects donations from the guests to invest in employee training programs. Thus, it helps in educating and empowering the community.  The experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling It is also a friendly accommodation for digital nomads with Wi-Fi connectivity, included within the accommodation package. Moreover, the main part of the resort is wheelchair-accessible.  So, it is one of the accessible eco-lodges in São Tomé and Príncipe.  3. Praia Inhame Eco Lodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by PATRÍCIA PINHEIRO (@patrwisha) Claimed to be “Naturally Comfortable,” Praia Inhame Eco Lodge is one of the best eco-lodges with turtle watching in São Tomé. A local NGO, MARAPA, runs the Tatô Program to protect marine turtles in São Tomé.  Praia Inhame Eco Lodge has been working with this NGO since 2012. It has helped the NGO to implement this program on Inhame and Cabana beaches.  The wilderness and outdoor activities offered by this eco lodge are: Marine turtle observation Whale watching Birdwatching Diving Fishing Boat trips Moreover, places such as Hell's Mouth, Saint Sebastian Museum, St. Nicholas Waterfall, St. Thomas Peak, and Jale Beach are some nearby attractions of this eco-lodge.  In addition, it is one of the São Tomé eco-lodges with Wi-Fi connectivity. So, it is also a favorite of digital nomads who can travel and work remotely.  4. Sundy Praia (Príncipe Island) View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBD Príncipe (@hbd_principe) Sundy Praia has a dedicated team for waste management and recycling. Furthermore, it leads community cleaning drives to spread awareness about the impact of litter.  Also, the “screw-in” mechanism of the eco lodge’s architecture ensures a minimal impact on the environment of the island.  Moreover, located inside the beachside rainforest, it is indeed an eco lodge.  The experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling Moreover, you can be a part of the 3-hour Discover Santo António tour. Also, it is a favorite of digital nomads for Wi-Fi connectivity.  In addition, Sundy Praia offers wheelchair accessibility to make the travel experience more inclusive.  5. Roça Sundy (Príncipe) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Nina Scott (@nina.wolfs.scott) As part of the Príncipe Collection, like Sundy Praia and Bom Bom, Roça Sundy also follows that when you visit it, you make a Conservation and Communities Contribution (CCC).  You spend a night here, and they will contribute €25 for the environmental and community development of Príncipe. In addition, nearly 10% of the adults of Príncipe work with them.  Moreover, the experiences it offers are: Turtle watching Maria Correia waterfall trail hiking Birdwatching Parrot Peak trail hiking Roça Infante trail hiking Stand-up paddleboarding Snorkeling 6. Mucumbli Lodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mucumbli Explore (@mucumbli.explore) Mucumbli Lodge overlooks the Atlantic Ocean, and it offers the quintessential eco-lodge experience with wooden chalets.  Furthermore, due to its unique location, it is one of the best remote eco-lodges for digital detox in Africa.  Lesser-Known Accommodations Following The Best Sustainable Practices In São Tomé And Príncipe Island The options for São Tomé eco-lodges are more varied than you can expect. Here are the lesser-known ones or the hidden gems.  1. Jalé Ecolodge (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by IATI Seguros PORTUGAL (@iatisegurospt) Jalé Ecolodge offers beautiful sea views from all units. You can enjoy snorkeling nearby and have the best continental breakfast sourced from local ingredients.  2. Roca Monte Forte (São Tomé) It is the first rural tourism place to open in São Tomé. Here, you will be staying inside a cocoa plantation with history, and you will lead the quintessential Santomean farm life.  Furthermore, it offers easy access to nearby beaches in the northern area, such as Governador, Tamarindos, Conchas, and Blue Lagoon.  3. Domus Praia Jalé (São Tomé) View this post on Instagram A post shared by Domus Praia Jalé (@domuspraiajale) Domus Praia Jalé is the best location if you want to have good food and relax in nature. It has an on-site restaurant serving international delicacies made with local ingredients.  Also, they have a private beach where you can relax and listen to the waves.  Seasonal Travel Tips For Staying At The Eco Lodges In São Tomé and Príncipe June to September, or the dry season, is the best time to stay at the eco-lodges in São Tomé and Príncipe for mild weather conditions and wildlife watching.  1. For Whale Watching Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe and Mucumbli in São Tomé are some of the best eco-lodges for whale watching. July to October is the whale watching season here.  2. For Sea Turtle Nesting Praia Inhame Eco Lodge in São Tomé and Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe are the best eco-lodges for seeing turtle nesting. November to March is the ideal time for this experience.  Budget Breakdown: What Is The Average Cost Per Night At Eco Lodges In São Tomé and Príncipe? Here is a cost comparison between eco-lodges, not budget-friendly options. Find out the budget eco-lodges in the islands.  Name of the Eco-LodgeApproximate Cost Per Night/ Per Person (€)Omali Lodge222Bom Bom Island Resort250Praia Inhame Eco Lodge95Sundy Praia420Roça Sundy150Mucumbli Lodge45Jalé Ecolodge55 5-Day Sustainable Travel Itinerary In São Tomé And Príncipe Here is a quick 5-day sustainable travel itinerary in São Tomé and Príncipe.  DaysActivitiesDay 1• Staying at Omali Lodge• Visiting São Tomé city center and local marketsDay 2• Transfer to Mucumbli Lodge• Guided hiking and cacao farm visitDay 3• Moving to Praia Inhame Eco Lodge• Evening turtle tourDay 4• Flight to Príncipe• Staying at Sundy Praia• Exploring a biosphere reserveDay 5• Visiting Roça Sundy• Cultural tour and local lunch Hidden Gems In São Tomé And Príncipe If you want a deeper, more authentic connection to the islands’ nature, culture, and history, you must explore these hidden gems. 1. Malanza Mangrove Canoe Tour: Ideal For Nature Lovers And Photographers View this post on Instagram A post shared by Santo Tomé y Príncipe ESP (@santotomeyprincip) Take a canoe ride through the mangrove forests of southern São Tomé. It is a delightful eco-tour through waterways blessed by lush greenery, endemic flora, and a vibrant birdlife.  2. Pico Cão Grande: Enjoy The Best View From The Obo National Park Trails Pico Cão Grande is the most dramatic natural view you will enjoy here. This volcanic plug, with a height of 663 meters, is almost surreal.  3. Ilhéu Das Rolas And The Equator Marker: Best For Beach Lovers And Geography Buffs View this post on Instagram A post shared by Viagem a São Tomé (@viagem.a.saotome) Ilhéu Das Rolas is a small island off the south of São Tomé. You can take a boat ride here to stand on the equator line.  Also, you can explore the pristine beaches here and have a delightful snorkeling experience.  4. Roça São João Dos Angolares: Great For Cultural Immersion And Sustainable Tourism Roça São João Dos Angolares is an eco lodge that was formerly a plantation. It is also a cultural center. It offers cooking classes, storytelling events with local artists, and art exhibitions.  5. Boca Do Inferno (Hell’s Mouth): Visit During High Tide For Full Effect This dramatic blowhole on the southern coast of São Tomé is the perfect example of juxtaposition. Here, the waves kiss the volcanic cliffs with the water jets reaching the sky.  6. Praia Jalé Turtle Nesting Site Find the sea turtles nesting here during the November to March season. Praia Inhame Eco Lodge in São Tomé and Bom Bom Island Resort in Príncipe are the best places for watching turtle nesting.  7. Nova Estrela Viewpoint (Príncipe Island): Ideal For Sunrise Hikes And Drone Photography View this post on Instagram A post shared by HBD Príncipe (@hbd_principe) It is a beautiful viewpoint offering panoramic vistas of the rainforest and coastline of Príncipe.  8. Roça Água Izé: Offers Insight Into The Island’s Colonial Past View this post on Instagram A post shared by Francisco Almada Lobo (@almadalobo) It is an abandoned cacao plantation and is almost haunted. It stands out with its overgrown gardens and colonial architecture.  9. Whale Watching Off Príncipe: Best Enjoyed With Snorkeling And Diving Trips Humpback whales migrate to Príncipe through the waterways from July to September. Be a part of eco tours for respectful and sustainable viewing opportunities.  10. Rainforest Retreats At Sundy Praia: Perfect For Eco-Travelers Seeking Tranquility View this post on Instagram A post shared by Ramosdafrica (@ramosdafrica) Sundy Praia is a luxury tented villa in the rainforest of Príncipe. Enjoy yoga, guided nature walks, and conservation education. São Tomé And Príncipe Travel Planning Checklist Here is a list of things to do and things to avoid while planning a trip to São Tomé Eco-Lodges. Things to DoThings to Avoid• Checking visa requirements with the São Tomé embassy or consulate based on your nationality• Checking the availability of the co-lodges and booking them in advance• Plan your visit between June and October for wildlife watching.• Pack breathable clothing, reef-safe sunscreen, insect repellent, and rain gear• Bring malaria prophylaxis, basic meds, and travel insurance.• Check the requirements for a yellow fever vaccination.• Consider the limited availability of domestic flights to Príncipe and book early.• Not all eco-lodges offer transfers. You may have to take shared minibuses and taxis. • Carry some Dobra (STN) for transactions in rural areas. • Portuguese is the official language.• Kafuka or community gatherings are special here.• Avoid single-use plastics and respect wildlife viewing guidelines.• Support community-led tours, conservation projects, and local artisans• Save maps, lodge contacts, and embassy info offline before arrival, as some places will have limited network connectivity.• Not all “eco-lodges” are truly sustainable.• Not looking for transparency in energy use, waste management, and community impact.• Not carrying Dobra (STN) or Euros in cash, as ATMs are limited and not all facilities accept cards.• Medical facilities are basic. So, not having travel insurance with medical coverage or not carrying a medical care box can be a big mistake. • Missing out on the local cooking classes or visiting the villages is a mistake. • Using single-use water bottles and leaving litter everywhere São Tomé Eco-Lodges Are More Than Just Places To Stay Supporting local communities Supporting environmental development Protecting biodiversity Experiencing the authentic charm of the islands These are the benefits of staying in the best São Tomé eco lodges. Furthermore, these lodges are diverse and they offer luxury, simplicity, or cultural immersion in the most responsible way.  So, get ready for the most immersive experience at the best São Tomé eco lodges!