ABOUT MOUNT KILIMANJARO
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 metres above sea level and about 4,900 metres above its plateau base.
There are many different trekking and climbing tours available for those wishing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Even those who have climbed the mountain before can find a new adventure on this stunning mountain. You can choose whether to climb alone, join an existing climb, or bring a group of your own.
KILIMANJARO ROUTES
There are many different trekking and climbing tours available for those wishing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Even those who have climbed the mountain before can find a new adventure on this stunning mountain. You can choose whether to climb alone, join an existing climb, or bring a group of your own.
MARANGU (COCA COLA) ROUTE
Marangu Route is often called the Coca Cola Route, and is both the least difficult and the shortest way to reach Uhuru Peak. It is also the oldest of the routes. 70% of all climbers choose to take this route, as it mostly consists of easy hiking. While this is the ‘easiest’ route, it also has a high failure rate due to poor preparation. If you take the route seriously and prepare adequately, you’ll be fine.
Marangu is not considered as scenic as other routes, but it has the benefit of boasting hut accommodation along the route – which makes it a good choice in the rainy season. You can choose to complete this route in either five days or six days. More on Marangu route itinerary.
MACHAME (WHISKEY) ROUTE
Machame route is known as the “Whiskey” route because is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous trekkers and those with some hiking or backpacking experience. The Machame route is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to its popularity there are increased numbers of trekkers, it loses some of its splendor.
The Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest and descends using the Mweka route, rewarding climbers with views of the expansive Shira Plateau, an optional scramble up Lava Tower, a climb up the Great Barranco wall, and a traverse underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field. In certain sections this route is steeper than the Marangu and Rongai routes and physically more demanding but is easier overall. Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
RONGAI ROUTE
The six day Rongai Route is the only route up the north-eastern part of the mountain. Second to the Marangu Route in terms of difficulty, this path is also gaining popularity due to the stunning and unique wilderness conditions it features. You spend several days hiking through true wilderness before joining up with the Marangu Route at Kibo Camp.
Caves along the way offer an opportunity to overnight in a completely unique fashion, and the route is a popular choice for those wanting to avoid the Marangu crowds. The Rongai Route takes six days or seven days. More on Rongai route itinerary.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
Lemosho offers a great combination of scenic views, low climber density, and a high success rate. It is recommended to allow seven to eight days. The early stages of Lemosho route are also your best chance of seeing some wildlife on Mount Kilimanjaro, with monkeys prevalent in the forest.
The Lemosho route is perfect for those who want to talk a slightly longer, more relaxed approach to climbing Kilimanjaro. The route takes seven to eight days to reach to the summit. More on Lemosho route itinerary.
SHIRA ROUTE
The Shira plateau is less crowded and one of the most fascinating and scenic areas on Kilimanjaro (Shira plateau and western breach wall). It is well worth visit to explore the ridges and moorland. Shira Route is very similar to Lemosho Route, but starts at a higher altitude. In fact, Lemosho was a route designed to improve upon Shira Route, and is considered a vastly superior climbing experience.
Climbers will need to be very confident in their ability to acclimatize should they take this route. Given Lemosho is an improved version of this route; we discourage people using the Shira Route. You can complete this route is seven to eight days. More on Shira route itinerary
UMBWE ROUTE
One of the shortest routes to the southern glaciers and the western breach of Kibo. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technic’ mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful, fewer people pristine forest, greater chance of seeing wildlife and birdlife in the lower level, and shorter walking distance.
The hardest and steepest route to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, Umbwe is recommended only for truly experienced climbers. You can complete this in six days or seven days. More on Umbwe route itinerary
NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
The newest route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit is the longest of the routes but promises a quieter, more personal climb. Beginning on the Lemosho Route, climbers will eventually split away and traverse the mountain’s northern slopes far away from the crowds.
The extra time taken to adjust to high altitude on this climb mean it boasts the highest success rate of all routes.The Northern Circuit takes nine days to complete.
MOUNT KILIMANJARO ONE DAY HIKE
If you want just a taste of what Mount Kilimanjaro has to offer, we can cater to you too. Starting from your hotel after breakfast, our driver will take you to Marangu Gate. You’ll start from here and hike through the rainforest to visit Maundi Crater and the Mandara enscampment.
This half-day trip gives you an opportunity to spot colobus monkeys and a startling array of birdlife in their natural habitat