Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in the United Republic of Tanzania, 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level.
There are several Mount Kilimanjaro routes which are: Northern Circuit, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Londorossi Lemosho, Umbwe, Shira and Mweka (downhill only).
One of the most popular mountains in the world, Mount Kilimanjaro is visited annually by approximately 50,000 hikers aspiring to reach its summit, with an average summit success rate across all climbers and routes of 70-80%. However, the summit success rate is highly route dependent, as routes vary considerably in terms of acclimatization profile and climbing duration.
Lemosho Route: This is a slightly more relaxed route, allowing 8 days for acclimatization and with a good balance in the height of the camp sites. The scenery is really beautiful, passing through forests and traverses. The success rate is 88% to Uhuru Peak and 94% to Stella Point.
- Kilimanjaro Tour Lemosho Route 7 Days From US$1,650/Person
- Kilimanjaro Tour Lemosho Route 8 Days From US$1,850/Person
Marangu Route: Often called the "Coca-Cola route," is the oldest path up Mount Kilimanjaro and one of the most popular ones. Opting for the Marangu route, you will repeat the very first successful Kilimanjaro summit by Hans Meyer that took place in 1889. The trail lies inside Kilimanjaro National Park, traversing all climatic zones of the mountain from tropical forest to alpine desert. Uniquely, it is the only route that offers dormitory-style huts for overnight stays.
- Kilimanjaro Tour Marangu Route 5 Days From US$1,250/Person
- Kilimanjaro Tour Marangu Route 6 Days From US$1,450/Person
Machame Route: This is the most popular route, and as such it can get pretty busy. It has overtaken the Marangu Route in terms of popularity, and although it does boast spectacular views to the west of the mountain, we feel like it’s popularity has somewhat stunted its quality.
Northern Circuit: Being a 9-day climb, virtually everyone reaches the summit on the Northern Circuit climb. You can do it in 8, but 9 is a bit more relaxed! It is for mountain lovers and also for those who seek solitude on the mountain – it is a hard thing to come by on Kilimanjaro and so this is a welcome bonus to the Northern Circuit route.
- Kilimanjaro Tour Machame Route 6 Days From US$1,450/Person
- Kilimanjaro Tour Machame Route 7 Days From US$1650/Person
Rongai Route: This is our favourite 6 day route. It begins the ascent up the northern side of the mountain, and is unparalleled in terms of scenery and summit success. There is some flexibility here too, as you can add a day giving you extra time for acclimatization and increasing the chances of summiting. The success rate for the 7-day route is 74% to Uhuru and 88% to Gilman's Point.
Shira Route: This is an 8 day itinerary which takes you through the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau and around the hilly and beautiful Moir Hut and the Lent Hills, before traversing underneath the Kibo icefields to summit via the Barafu Camp.
The Shira Route approaches the summit from the western side and is for those who want uninterrupted scenery and away from the crowds. The summit success is 86% to Uhuru Peak, and 93% to Stella Point.
The Umbwe route - is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by very strong hikers who are also confident in their ability to acclimatize.