Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

Kilimanjaro Routes & Which is the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro boasts several enchanting routes, each offering a distinctive trekking experience. The choice of the best route hinges on factors such as the desired challenge level, scenic preferences, and acclimatization needs. The Marangu Route, known as the Coca-Cola Route, is favored for its comfortable sleeping huts, while the Machame Route, dubbed the Whiskey Route, stands out for its breathtaking landscapes and more adventurous terrain.

The Lemosho Route, with its gradual ascent and diverse ecosystems, is often praised for its scenic beauty and lower traffic. For a quieter trek, the Rongai Route, approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, provides a less-traveled alternative. The Umbwe Route, though challenging with steep inclines, attracts seasoned hikers seeking a direct ascent. The Northern Circuit, the longest route, offers extensive acclimatization opportunities and panoramic views. While preferences vary, the Machame and Lemosho Routes are commonly recommended for their balanced blend of scenery, acclimatization benefits, and a higher likelihood of success.

Ultimately, the best route is a personal choice, and consulting with experienced guides can help tailor the selection to individual preferences and aspirations.

KILIMANJARO HIKING HIGHLIGHTS

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES - INFORMATION

MACHAME ROUTE

Machame route, also known as the whiskey route is the most famous route in Kilimanjaro due to its scenic landscapes. However, this mountain trail is challenging due to its steep hills and difficult path.

Thus, this route is ideal for more adventurous types of people or those who have experience in hiking, backpacking, or dealing with high altitudes. However, if you’re hell-bound to try this route, make sure that you’re physically fit to tread on this trail.

PROS IN USING THE MACHAME ‘WHISKEY’ ROUTE

Scenic landscapes
Good acclimatization
High success rates

CONS IN USING THE MACHAME ROUTE

Challenging trails
Crowded

LEMOSHO ROUTE

Choosing the Lemosho route for your trek can provide you with the most spectacular path on Kilimanjaro. This route will grant you scenic views on different sides of the famous mountain.

This is one of the newer routes in Kilimanjaro and one of the most recommended due to its beautiful scenery, high success rates, and low crowds. This route advances Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, commencing from Arusha to the Londorossi Gate.

From the Londorossi Gate, you’ll spend the first two days trekking the rain forest to Shira Ridge. This path traverses the Shira Plateau from west to east, having only a few crowds until route intersection on the Machame trail near the Lava Tower.

The route then crosses underneath the Southern Ice Field of Kilimanjaro on a trail known as the Southern Circuit. Then, descend through the Mweka route.

PROS IN USING THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

has the most spectacular panoramas
better acclimatization opportunities
higher success rates
low crowds

CONS IN USING THE LEMOSHO ROUTE

Longer trek days
more expensive than shorter routes

MARANGU ROUTE

The Marangu ‘Coca Cola’ route is the oldest, most well-established path on Kilimanjaro. Many trekkers prefer this route as this is the most straightforward course on the mountain due to its gradual slope.

In addition, it’s also the only track that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations. Using this route will only take you five days to complete your climb.

However, the success rate of this route is pretty low due to acclimatization. Using a longer route will help your body acclimatize better to the mountain’s environmental conditions.

The route’s short time frame makes the acclimatization more difficult. This trail approaches from the southeast and is less picturesque compared to other tracks as it has the same ascent and descent route.

PROS IN USING THE MARANGU ROUTE

It’ll take five to six days to climb
The easiest and most established path out of the seven Kilimanjaro routes
The only route that offers sleeping huts
cheapest route

CONS IN USING THE MARANGU ROUTE

low success rate
need to have a better acclimatization
less scenic
Most crowded route

RONGAI ROUTE

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience.

Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route.

PROS IN USING THE RONGAI ROUTE

Low crowds
Gradual slope
Highly recommended for newbie trekkers
Less rain expected on the trek

CONS IN USING THE RONGAI ROUTE

Not varied scenery

UMBWE ROUTE

The Umbwe route is deemed the most challenging track on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not present the required steps for acclimatization.

Though the traffic of this trail is quite low, the success rate is also low. This route is very challenging to climb and is ideal only for those who can acclimatize to the altitude quickly.

PROS IN USING THE UMBWE ROUTE

Low traffic

CONS IN USING THE UMBWE ROUTE

Fast ascent
Difficult trail

NORTHERN CIRCUIT

The Northern Circuit route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka route.

PROS IN USING THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT

Better acclimatization
Scenic views
Highest success rates
Very low traffic
Highly Recommended

CONS IN USING THE NORTHERN ROUTE

Difficult trail
Long climbing days
More expensive than other short routes

You will never regret a hike, but you will always regret not going

Embark on an unforgettable adventure with our Kilimanjaro tours! Conquer the iconic peak, witness breathtaking landscapes, and immerse yourself in the rich culture of Tanzania. Our expert guides ensure a safe and rewarding journey. Book now for a once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Conclusion: Our favourite route

Our favorite out of all routes, considering the scenery, difficulty, and traffic, is a combination of the Lemosho route and the Machame route. The Lemosho route takes around 8 days to trek while the Machame route takes around 7. These routes offer some of the best views of the mountain with less traffic and good acclimatization opportunities. If you need help planning your route, safari or any itineraries for your adventure in Tanzania, contact Mighty Africa Xpeditions and our team of experts will assist you every step of the way.

What customers have to say about what we do

We have been receiving reviews from our served clients, and Mighty Africa Xpeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.

jo2580

2024-01-23

I’m beyond satisfied with my lemosho trek together with Mighty Africa Xpeditions We did the 8 day Lemosho trek with Mighty Africa Xpeditions and we had the most incredible time. Our guide Damian, Joel and Jackson took amazing care of us, the porters were great fun and impressed us with their strength and speed everyday and the food was really tasty every breakfast, lunch and dinner. Once in a lifetime experience and I wouldn't hesitate to do it with Mighty Africa Xpeditions again. You really feel part of the family by the end of the trip.

Cavin marcov

2024-01-22

Best experience ever Our safari experience was fantastic and exceeded my expectations. The trip with Mighty Africa Xpeditions was amazing, featuring competitive pricing and a well-crafted itinerary. The guide was Excellent, highly experienced, trustworthy, and provided valuable assistance and information. Each evening, we collaborated to plan the schedule for the next day after sunset. I strongly recommend this company.

At Mighty Africa Xpeditions, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences, and our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Mighty African Xpeditions is an Eco tourism company registered in Tanzania with the registrar of companies, conducting tours in Tanzania. We plan wildlife safaris, birding safaris, hiking, cultural & community tours and educational tours.

IMPORTANT INFO

Join our mailing list to receive the latest updates and travel inspiration

ICONIC DESTINATIONS

DISCOVER : TANZANIA (THE LAND THAT SINGS)

NATIONAL PARKS

ZANZIBAR

MOUNTAINS

TANZANIA UNFORGETTABLE : HOLIDAY TOURS

CULTURAL TOURS

DAY TOURS

WILDLIFE SAFARI

KILIMANJARO CLIMB

MERU HIKING TOURS

BEACH EXCURSIONS

START THE ADVENTURE

Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

Are you ready to travel?

Kilimanjaro Routes & Which is the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?

KILIMANJARO HIKING HIGHLIGHTS

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES - INFORMATION

You will never regret a hike, but you will always regret not going

Conclusion: Our favourite route

What customers have to say about what we do

MOST RECOMMENDED KILIMANJARO HIKING TOURS

Duration

Adventure

Duration

Adventure

Duration

Adventure

Duration

Adventure

Duration

Adventure

Duration

Adventure

MAKE YOUR DREAM TRIP COME TRUE WITH US

IMPORTANT INFO

Newsletter

LOCATION