Routes
Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
There are seven established routes that lead climbers to the summit of Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Each route offers a unique experience, with varying levels of difficulty, scenery, and acclimatization options.
These routes are divided into two categories: one starts on the northern side of the mountain, while the other six begin on the southern side. The routes are:
1. Marangu Route ("Coca-Cola" Route) , 2.Machame Route ("Whiskey" Route") , 3.Lemosho Route , 4.Shira Route , 5.Rongai Route ,
6.Umbwe Route and 7.Northern Circuit Route
A common question we get asked is: "Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?" The answer depends on your personal preferences and climbing goals. Each route has its own set of advantages, so it’s important to consider factors like your fitness level, time available, and desired experience.
To help you choose the best route for your Kilimanjaro adventure, read on for a detailed breakdown of each one below.
1. Marangu Route ("Coca-Cola" Route)
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” Route, is the oldest and most well-established route on Mount Kilimanjaro.
It is unique in that it is the only route offering sleeping huts rather than camping, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking
more comfort during their trek.
Accommodation: The huts along the route are dormitory-style, with Mandara Hut and Kibo Hut each featuring 60 bunk beds, and Horombo Hut offering 120 bunk beds. Climbers are provided with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. Each hut has a communal dining hall and basic washroom facilities. At the lower huts (Mandara and Horombo), you'll find flushing toilets and running water, while at Kibo Hut, the facilities are more basic, with long drop toilets and buckets of water.
Route Overview: Many climbers favor the Marangu Route because it is considered one of the easiest paths to the summit, thanks to its gradual slope and direct path. However, its shorter duration can make altitude acclimatization more challenging, which is an important factor to consider for your summit success.
Scenic Experience: While Marangu is the quickest route to the summit, it is generally considered less scenic compared to other routes. This is because climbers ascend and descend along the same path, limiting the variety of landscapes encountered. As a result, it is also the most crowded route on Kilimanjaro.
Popularity: Due to its ease of access, established infrastructure, and hut accommodations, Marangu attracts large numbers of climbers. While this means it is often the most crowded route, it is also a reliable choice for those who prioritize comfort and a quicker ascent.
Marangu Route Climbing Itineraries
2. Machame Route ("Whiskey" Route")
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” Route, is the most popular and one of the most scenic routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Known for its stunning landscapes, it offers climbers breathtaking views and a diverse range of ecosystems.
Difficulty: While the route is famous for its beauty, it is also considered one of the more difficult routes due to its steep sections and relatively short itinerary. The ascent is challenging, particularly for those with limited high-altitude or hiking experience. As such, the Machame Route is best suited for adventurous climbers or those with some background in high-altitude trekking, backpacking, or mountain hiking.
Route Overview: The Machame Route begins with a short drive from Moshi to the Machame Gate, where the hike starts. From there, climbers pass through lush rainforests, experiencing a rapid change in vegetation as they ascend. The trail leads to the Shira Plateau, where several Kilimanjaro routes converge, offering incredible panoramic views.
Southern Circuit: The route continues by traversing underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit, which provides some of the best vistas of the mountain. The final summit push is made from Barafu Camp, followed by descent via the Mweka Route.
Scenic Beauty: One of the biggest draws of the Machame Route is its scenic variety, which takes climbers through different ecosystems, from the lush rainforest to alpine desert and glaciers. The route offers some of the most beautiful and diverse landscapes on Kilimanjaro.
Machame Route Climbing Itineraries
3. Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, offering panoramic views from various sides of
the mountain.
As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is an excellent choice for climbers, and it’s our preferred route due to its perfect
balance of low crowds, stunning scenery, and a high summit success rate. The route begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to
Londorossi Gate, then treks through the lush rainforest to the Shira Ridge over the first two days. From there, the route
crosses the beautiful and relatively flat Shira Plateau from west to east, providing incredible views along the way.
Crowds remain low until the Lemosho route joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower. Afterward, the trail traverses beneath
Kilimanjaro’s majestic Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit, before summiting from Barafu Camp. The descent is made
via the Mweka Route.
Lyimo Africa Adventures offers several flexible itineraries for the Lemosho Route, including 7-day, 8-day, and 9-day climbs, available for both private and group trekking experiences.
Lemosho Route Climbing Itineraries
4. Rongai Route
The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the north, close to the Kenya border. It is also the least crowded of the main routes, offering a more tranquil trekking experience.
With a steeper incline than other routes, the Rongai Route is ideal for those who are confident in their ability to hike challenging terrain. This route is a preferred choice for trekkers seeking an alternative to the more popular routes, those looking for a more remote and peaceful hike, or climbers tackling Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, as it experiences less rainfall compared to other routes.
If you're looking to avoid the crowds and enjoy a quieter trek, the Rongai Route offers an excellent option for a serene and rewarding climb.
Rongai Route Climbing Itineraries
5. Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is renowned for being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, it offers a short, steep, and direct climb to the summit. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the Southern Circuit before continuing to the summit. The descent is made via the Mweka Route.
The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most difficult and taxing paths on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced hikers who are confident in their physical strength and ability to acclimatize to high altitudes. Due to its rapid ascent to higher elevations, this route lacks the gradual acclimatization stages found on other routes, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Umbwe Route Climbing Itineraries
6. Northern Circuit Route
The Umbwe Route is renowned for being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the south, it offers a short, steep, and direct climb to the summit. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail follows the Southern Circuit before continuing to the summit. The descent is made via the Mweka Route.
The Umbwe Route is considered one of the most difficult and taxing paths on Kilimanjaro. It is best suited for experienced hikers who are confident in their physical strength and ability to acclimatize to high altitudes. Due to its rapid ascent to higher elevations, this route lacks the gradual acclimatization stages found on other routes, which can increase the risk of altitude sickness.
Northern Circuit Route Climbing Itineraries
Factors to Consider When Choosing the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
When planning your Kilimanjaro adventure, it’s important to carefully consider several factors to ensure you choose the route that best suits your goals and abilities. Here are six key factors to keep in mind when deciding on the best route for your climb:
Acclimatization
Proper acclimatization is crucial for a successful summit. Different routes offer varying opportunities for altitude adjustment. Some routes have longer trekking durations, allowing for more gradual acclimatization, which can increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Difficulty of Summit Night
The final summit night on Kilimanjaro can be extremely challenging. Some routes have a shorter ascent to the summit, making summit night more strenuous, while others provide a longer approach with additional rest time to ease the final push.
Crowd Levels
Some routes are more popular than others, leading to larger groups and more crowded trails. If you prefer a quieter, more secluded experience, you might want to consider a less-traveled route.
Accommodation Options
Depending on the route, you will encounter different types of accommodation, from campsites to huts. Routes like Marangu (the "Coca-Cola" route) offer huts, while others like Machame and Lemosho use campsites. Consider what level of comfort you prefer during your climb.
Safety
While Kilimanjaro is a generally safe mountain to climb, some routes have better-established safety protocols, including more reliable emergency access and guides who are highly trained in first aid and high-altitude mountain climbing.
Success Rate
Each route has a different success rate depending on the length of the trek and the opportunities for proper acclimatization. Longer routes tend to have higher success rates due to better acclimatization opportunities.
