1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert
Success Rate: Moderate
The Marangu Route, often called the Coca-Cola Route, is a 5-6 day trek that covers approximately 72 kilometers (45 miles). It is considered moderate in difficulty and features hut accommodations. This route is suitable for beginners due to its gradual ascent and the comfort of dormitory-style sleeping huts. However, it has limited acclimatization opportunities.
2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Scenery: Diverse, including rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert
Success Rate: High
The Machame Route, also known as the Whiskey Route, takes 6-7 days to complete and spans about 62 kilometers (38 miles). It is a challenging route with tent accommodations. Trekkers experience a variety of landscapes, from lush rainforests to arid alpine deserts. The “climb high, sleep low” approach improves acclimatization, leading to a high success rate. This route is known for its scenic beauty, including the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall, making it ideal for those with some hiking experience seeking a visually rewarding climb.
3. Lemosho Route
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, alpine desert
Success Rate: High
The Lemosho Route is favored for its beautiful and remote landscapes. Starting from the west, it crosses the Shira Plateau, providing stunning vistas and excellent acclimatization. It’s less crowded than Machame and offers a high success rate due to its longer duration and gradual ascent.
4. Rongai Route
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert
Success Rate: High
The Rongai Route, a 6-7 day trek of approximately 73 kilometers (45 miles), is moderate in difficulty and features tent accommodations. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, this route is known for being one of the drier options, making it suitable during the rainy season. It offers possible wildlife sightings in the early stages and a more gradual ascent, aiding acclimatization. This route is ideal for climbers seeking a quieter path with fewer crowds and a unique perspective of the mountain.
5. Shira Route
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Hard
Scenery: Similar to Lemosho, but starts higher
Success Rate: Moderate
The Shira Route is similar to the Lemosho Route but starts at a higher elevation, which can make acclimatization more challenging. It offers beautiful views and follows the same path as Lemosho after the Shira Plateau.
6. Northern Circuit Route
Duration: 9-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Scenery: Varied, including rainforest, moorland, alpine desert
Success Rate: Very High
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route, offering a 360-degree trek around the mountain. It’s the best route for acclimatization due to its extended duration, leading to the highest summit success rate. The route is less crowded and provides a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience with diverse scenery and ample time to adjust to the altitude.
When selecting a Kilimanjaro trekking route, consider the duration, difficulty, scenery, and crowd levels. Longer routes generally offer better acclimatization and higher summit success rates. Match the route’s difficulty to your fitness level and trekking experience, and choose a route that offers the scenery and wildlife sightings you desire. Some routes are more popular and crowded than others, so consider your preference for a quieter or more social trek. Each route provides a unique adventure, allowing you to experience the natural beauty, wildlife, and challenge of Mount Kilimanjaro. Choose the route that best suits your preferences and abilities to ensure a memorable and successful climb.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is governed by the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park. According to official rules, all hikers must be accompanied by a local guide. Park rangers will not permit entry to anyone without a professional Kilimanjaro guide.
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are from late December to early March and mid-June to late October. During these periods, the weather conditions are nearly ideal for trekking.
Although other months have rain, it doesn’t mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, rains begin in the latter half of the day. This allows trekkers a significant window of clear weather every day during the rainy season. There are also days without any rain.
While wildlife sightings are not the main attraction, you might see various birds, monkeys, and smaller mammals in the lower forested zones.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is generally safe when done with a reputable tour operator. The main risks are related to altitude sickness and weather conditions. Proper preparation and acclimatization are crucial.
The best route depends on your preferences for scenery, difficulty, and crowd levels. Popular options include the Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and Northern Circuit routes.
The time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the chosen route. Most expeditions last between 6 to 8 days. An experienced hiker with prior acclimatization can complete an accelerated 5-day program. If you opt to stay overnight in the crater, climbs can extend to 9 days or longer.
No technical climbing skills are required. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak, but it demands good physical fitness and acclimatization to high altitudes.
Accommodations vary by route. The Marangu route offers hut accommodations, while other routes use tents. Expect basic but adequate facilities.
