Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
There are three different approaches, West, North and South.
Choice of route depends on the amount of time you have available, the importance of the route’s scenery for you, degree of difficulty, and how crowded a route can get depending on time of year. It is important to keep in mind that acclimatization takes time and the more time you have available the better your body will be able to cope with the altitude and you will have an increased success in reaching the top. The Machame and Marangu are the busiest in regards to foot traffic followed by less traffic on the Lemosho and Rongai Route.
Here Is a List Summary of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes:
- The Marangu Route: the only Kilimanjaro climb route that offers hut accommodation.
- The Machame Route: the most popular climbing route up Kilimanjaro.
- The Rongai Route: the easiest route on Kilimanjaro.
- The Shira Route: this one catapults you to some serious altitude on the first day.
- The Lemosho Route: hands down the most beautiful Kilimanjaro climb route, but expensive.
- The Umbwe Route: the most difficult and demanding route on Kilimanjaro, and the most spectacular.
- The Northern Route: Low traffic with amazing things to see.
Crater Camp lies at an altitude of 18,800 feet/5,750 m and is a very unique place that allows you to explore the glaciers or even hike to Reutsch Crater and the ash pit. Yet, because of it’s extreme altitude, if you are not acclimatized properly, it can be very dangerous and serious AMS is a strong possibility. If you wish to include a night at crater camp please inquire with us. All our crater camp overnight treks have mandatory Gamow Bag as part of the standard equipment. We only recommend an overnight at Crater Camp if you choose an itinerary with 9 nights on the mountain and 3 nights near or above 15.000 feet before sleeping at Crater Camp.
Western Breach Option
Ascents via the Western Breach are inherently more dangerous than other routes due to the increased danger of rock fall as well as short sections of scrambling at high altitude and the possibility of increased snow and ice with the associated slipping hazards. It is mandatory for all climbers on the route to wear safety climbing helmets.
Kilimanjaro Trekking Route Overview
Marangu Route
Also referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu stands as the most popular and easiest trail up Kilimanjaro. It uniquely offers huts for accommodation, making it suitable for novice hikers or those preferring indoor sleeping arrangements.
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Scenery: Least scenic due to shared ascent and descent route
- Altitude Profile: Gradual ascent, but limited time for acclimatization
- Traffic: High traffic due to popularity
- Success Rate: Lower summit success rates (around 50% for a 5-day itinerary)
Machame Route
The Machame route, the second most popular, boasts stunning scenery and a challenging trek, making it ideal for experienced hikers seeking picturesque views of the mountain.
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Difficulty Level: Challenging
- Scenery: Beautiful and varied
- Altitude Profile: Steep ascent with adequate acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Moderate traffic due to popularity
- Success Rate: Highest success rate (around 85% for the seven-day route)
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route offers a less crowded and longer journey with breathtaking mountain views, catering to climbers seeking a more secluded experience and ample time.
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Scenery: Stunning vistas of dramatic gorges and western Kilimanjaro
- Altitude Profile: Gradual ascent with sufficient acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Less crowded than other routes
- Success Rate: Excellent success rate
Rongai Route
Approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, the Rongai route provides a unique, steady ascent for climbers seeking a distinctive experience.
- Duration: 6-7 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Scenery: Less scenic compared to other routes
- Altitude Profile: Gradual ascent with adequate acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Less crowded route
- Success Rate: Higher success rates with longer trek options
Northern Circuit Route
As the newest and longest route, the Northern Circuit offers breathtaking panoramic views and is recommended for climbers seeking a challenging yet rewarding adventure.
- Duration: 9-10 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
- Scenery: Beautiful and varied
- Altitude Profile: Gradual ascent with ample acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Less crowded
- Success Rate: Highest success rate (around 98%)
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route, the shortest and most challenging, is suited for experienced hikers seeking a less crowded, rigorous climb.
- Duration: 5-6 days
- Difficulty Level: Very Challenging
- Scenery: Beautiful and varied
- Altitude Profile: Steep ascent with limited acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Least crowded route
- Success Rate: Low success rate (around 70%)
Shira Route
The Shira route, a longer and less popular alternative joining the Lemosho route, is recommended for climbers seeking a quieter, more acclimatization-focused experience.
- Duration: 7-8 days
- Difficulty Level: Moderate to Challenging
- Scenery: Beautiful and varied
- Altitude Profile: Gradual ascent with good acclimatization opportunities
- Traffic: Less crowded
- Success Rate: Similar to Lemosho route, boasting a high success rate.
Please inquire with us for several options on this route or learn more here.
