The Routes

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The Marangu Route is also known as the "Coca-Cola" route because it offers comforts such as sleeping huts and the ability to buy soft drinks, chocolate bars, and other comforts at camps along the route. If you are looking for classic Kilimanjaro, look no further! Marangu is the oldest and most well defined route - it is the quintessential Kilimanjaro trek. We selected this route for our shortest ascent because the gradual slope makes it the easiest climb. (Although the shorter trek can be difficult. If you want more days to acclimatize, please ask.) It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro in 5 days on this route, but the extra day Kilimanjaro and Beyond includes increases acclimatization time, and your chances of summiting, while still keeping the trek short.

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The Machame Route, has become the most climbed route on Kilimanjaro. This scenically beautiful route approaches from the southwest, offering a varied view of the mountain, but requiring a longer and steeper climb days than Marangu.  This is a good choice for those with some hiking and backpacking experience. 

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The Rongai Route is unique in that it approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border, traversing through wilderness areas. Rongai is the right route as it has low traffic, receives less precipitation, and is moderately difficult making it ideal for those with less backpacking experience.

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The Lemosho Route is unspoiled, remote, and little used with one of the highest summit success rates. The forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife (you may hear the monkeys during the night at your first camp). The rest of the trek boasts the most beautiful climb on Mount Kilimanjaro with stunning scenery and panoramic views on multiple sides of the mountain.

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The Northern Circuit Route is a fantastic route and certainly one of the most enjoyable ways to climb Kilimanjaro. The northern side of Kilimanjaro is more remote, offering less traffic, and an abundance of untouched surroundings. You circle most of the mountain at 13,000 ft (4000 m), allowing unequaled  views of this majestic and highly diverse region. The Northern Circuit is also the longest route, but this allows for the best acclimatization, making it one of the safest and most successful routes. The result is a unique and lovely climbing experience and a truly fantastic trek.

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The Shira Route is a remote, varied, and beautiful trek up Kilimanjaro. However, Shira has a high starting point, increasing the chance of altitude sickness, and should only be attempted by climbers who are confident they can acclimatize quickly. Shira was the original western route for Kilimanjaro, but was eventually improved upon to become the Lemosho route. 

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The Umbwe Route is a southern route know for being a steep and short climb. Due to the directness of the route, Umbwe is considered the most difficult path up Kilimanjaro. This trek offers very low traffic, but does not provide the acclimatization time necessary for most climbers. Umbwe should only be attempted by those very confident in their ability to acclimatize.

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