Tanzania
Uganda
Kenya
Zanzibar
Finding the best Mount Kilimanjaro Route for your trekking or climbing holiday can be a difficult decision. There are several routes to choose from, including Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame. Each one offers its own unique experience depending on what type of adventure you’re looking for. The Machame route is considered one of the most scenic routes up Mt Kilimanjaro while also being a great alternative for avid hikers as it allows more time to take in unrivaled views along each trail. Alternatively, if you would prefer something with less exposure then the Lemosho route is ideal as it skirts around some of Kilimanjaro's ridges but still reaches all summits successfully whilst giving you plenty of time to acclimatize en route. Whichever route you decide upon hopefully this guide will help narrow down your search!
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and straddles the border of Tanzania and Kenya. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires physical strength, expertise, grit, determination, and a good sense of humor! With dozens of routes to choose from ranging in difficulty levels, you will need to research well your choice prior to embarking on this adventure. Here are some popular routes:
• Lemosho Route - The longest route up Mt Kilimanjaro; spread out over 8 days it gives ample time for acclimatization which makes it an attractive route for first-timers. It takes an extra day at Barafu Camp before the summit attempt on the descent via Mweka Trail.
• Machame Route - This route is suitable for both first-time climbers as well as those who have tried climbing before due to the gentle gradient during its 7-8 days ascent. Though considered by many more difficult than other routes due to steeper sections along with overnight stay beneath dense forest canopies make Machame one of most beloved trails among previous hikers!
• Rongai Routes - This Northern Approach trails stand apart from others thanks partly to its less crowded paths but also because incredible rewards await you after such a hike – unspoiled plains filled with various wildlife wandering around poleéhat hilltops situated far away from any human traces! The difficulty level rises gradually throughout a 6-day round trip that starts and ends at either Marangu Gate or Kikelelwa Cave depending selected hiking package between the two starting points (Rongai side).
• Shira Route & UmbweRoute – While the latter pattern follows a straight line– the steepest course available is arguably best left until the participant gains a few higher altitude experiences elsewhere. former being one longest and shortest options simultaneously presenting stunning views on multiple sides environment.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is a classic climbing route for Mount Kilimanjaro located in Tanzania. It allows climbers to experience the most beautiful and scenic path on the mountain with its gradual ascent profile over 8 days, followed by a short summit night that will leave you breathless. This rewarding trek passes through stunning rainforests, and exquisite valleys full of wildlife such as buffalo, elephant, and antelope species along Machame campsite before reaching Shira Plateau at 3820m elevation on day three. Continue following the trail eastwards towards Moir Hut camp (4330 m) where you start your preparation for summiting Uhuru Peak (5895 m), passing through Alpine desert conditions around Barafu High Camp (4640 m). On your final morning cross several glaciers before reaching Stella Point then hours later arrive at Uhuru Peak - the highest point in Africa giving you an unprecedented view from above the clouds!
Machame Route
Machame Route is one of the most popular trekking routes in Tanzania. It starts from Machame Gate and follows an increasingly difficult path through dense forests, alpine meadows, volcanic rock fields, vertical landscapes with scree slopes, and breathtaking views of snow-capped peaks that will leave you breathless. The trail passes several highland villages which are home to the indigenous Chagga people who have lived here for generations. During this route travelers pass over vast amounts of diverse terrain including rainforest sites full of exotic plants & animals, contrasting starkly against grasslands above tree lines where larger wildlife such as buffalo & antelope may be occasionally spotted. This adventure culminates at Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro (altitude 5895m/19340ft), Africa's highest mountain!
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route (also known as the "Coca-Cola" or "tourist route") is one of five routes used to climb Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The route utilizes five high mountain huts for overnight stays and takes an average of 5–6 days on the ascent and 3–4 days on the descent due to its relative ease. It is sometimes referred to as the easiest path up Kilimanjaro because it has a well-established trail, does not require any climbing equipment other than trekking poles, offers relatively easy terrain compared with other routes, and allows climbers greater opportunities for acclimatization.
However, Marangu's popularity can also lead to overcrowding during peak seasons; along with closer quarters between sleeping arrangements at night due to communal dormitory rooms instead of private tents from most other major Kilimanjaro trails. Despite being assigned the nickname “the tourist route” by some mountaineers who view this trail as too crowded or unadventurous, many serious hikers choose Marangu given that time may be limited — especially those attempting only a 4 day/3 night crossing – since the absence of heavy ascents allowed are attractive motivators.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is one of the most challenging and steep routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit. It's renowned for its relentless elevation gain over a short distance with no real flat sections along the way; perfect for experienced hikers who want an intense ascent in a fraction of the time it takes on other trails. The route begins at Moshi Town and heads almost straight up through thick rainforest, before climbing to Barranco camp near Lava Tower where rocky ridges are crossed as altitude increases through sparse moorland vegetation then into alpine desert until finally reaching Uhuru Peak over five days. Along this difficult ascent traversing dense clouds, impressive gorges, rock slides, and sharp drops you can expect astounding vista points like Kibo Caldera that shine brightly from snow patches that remain year-round even during the dry season when ascending climbers arrive around dawn or dusk out of dramatic silhouettes produced by swirling cloud distortions above setting sunsets below.
Shira Route
The Shira Route is a challenging mountaineering trail that traverses one of the most remote and beautiful parts of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Located on the western side of Kilimanjaro, it lies south-southwest to north-northeast between Londorosi Gate and Arrow Glacier Camp. Named after an influential chief who helped make contact with early expeditions, the route was re-opened by local guides in 2015. It features some extraordinary views and unmatched wildlife sightings while offering climbers a long summit day 19 kilometers (12 miles) from the start to Uhuru Peak - every step will be rewarded; blue morning skies, lush wetlands adored by flamingos and shy antelopes as well as a dry tropical forest full of curious monkeys!
Climbers should expect extremely varied terrain ranging from ice fields at 5600m/18400ft all through alpine meadows before reaching bare rock ridges near Summit Crater. The beginning part is especially unpredictable due to geological activity likely caused by mountain glaciers movement – making each climb unique though sometimes more demanding than other routes can provide. Taking around 6 days or longer depending on your speed level, this strenuous yet rewarding path is definitely worth taking time for any keen hiker looking up towards summiting the highest peak on the African continent!
Mweka Route
The Mweka Route is a popular route among climbers of Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania, and the most common way downhill. It starts from Uhuru Peak (the summit), and winds through several other camps near ridge points along its path such as Barafu Camp, Kibo Hut, and Arrow Glacier Camp before ending at Mweka Park Gate which lies 20 kilometers to the South. Some notable landmarks on this route include Stella Point, Rebmann Glazier, Ratzel Glacier, and more. Due to its close proximity to rainforest zones, it is laden with lush vegetation making for breathtaking views while climbing down from the mountain peak.
Get ready for an unforgettable experience on the slopes of Kilimanjaro with our world-class Kilimanjaro Routes! Take your pick from a selection of trekking routes that will allow you to explore some of East Africa's most breathtaking landscapes. Our experienced guides are dedicated to ensuring safety, success, and a unique cultural experience as well. Whether it's one day or six, or seven days - we guarantee unbeatable service quality and lifelong memories. Start planning today!
