Kilimanjaro Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro has seven main routes, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, and crowd levels. The Marangu Route is the easiest and only route with hut accommodations, while the Machame Route is the most popular for its stunning landscapes. The Lemosho Route is longer and less crowded, ideal for better acclimatization, and the Rongai Route approaches from the north, offering solitude. For experienced climbers, the steep and challenging Umbwe Route provides a thrilling adventure, while the Northern Circuit is the longest route with the highest success rate. Each route varies in duration (5-9 days) and difficulty, so choosing the right one depends on your fitness, experience, and preferences.
Nickname: The “Coca-Cola” Route
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hut-based (shared sleeping huts with basic amenities)
Highlights: Known as the easiest and most affordable route, Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations. It’s a steady climb through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. However, its shorter duration can lead to lower acclimatization success rates.
Best For: Beginners or those who prefer a more comfortable climb with huts instead of tents.
Nickname: The “Whiskey” Route
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The most popular route, Machame offers stunning scenery, including lush rainforests, Shira Plateau, and the Barranco Wall. Its longer duration allows for better acclimatization, making it a favorite for many climbers.
Best For: Adventurers seeking a scenic and rewarding climb with a good balance of challenge and beauty
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: Starting on the western side of the mountain, Lemosho is known for its breathtaking views and low traffic. It’s a longer route, allowing for excellent acclimatization and a high success rate. The trail passes through remote rainforests, Shira Ridge, and the iconic Barranco Wall.
Best For: Those who want a less crowded, scenic, and well-paced climb.
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, Rongai offers a more remote and tranquil experience. It’s less scenic than other routes but provides a unique perspective of the mountain. The trail is gentler, making it a good option for those seeking solitude. Best For: Solitude seekers and those who prefer a quieter, less crowded climb.
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The steepest and most direct route, Umbwe is for experienced climbers seeking a tough challenge. It’s less crowded and offers dramatic views, but the rapid ascent can lead to lower acclimatization success rates.
Best For: Experienced climbers looking for a physically demanding and adventurous climb.
Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit offers the highest success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. It circles the mountain, providing unparalleled views and a truly remote experience.
Best For: Those who want the best chance of summiting and enjoy longer, more immersive treks.
Every Kilimanjaro route offers a unique adventure, from the scenic Lemosho trail to the challenging Umbwe path. Whether you seek breathtaking views, optimal acclimatization, or a quieter trek, we’ll help you choose the best route for your dream summit. Ready to take the first step?
You may choose any group or date that suits your schedule. We arrange the climbs each and every month of the year for groups of any size, on any route, both private and open climbs.
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We are a well-established business, founded in 2018 by Benjamin Kirenga (Managing Director) who worked as a tour guide and before founding the company.
We are locally owned and based in Tanzania and Kenya.
We also operate our own fleet of vehicles and employ our own drivers and guides which makes our prices competitive as it eliminates commission to third parties.
Mwondoko Complex Building, Along Market Street Rd. Moshi Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.