Mount Kilimanjaro

CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest single free-standing mountain above sea level in the world: 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) above sea level and about 4,900 metres (16,100 ft) above its plateau base. It is the highest volcano in Africa and the Eastern Hemisphere.

Kilimanjaro is the fourth most topographically prominent peak on Earth. It is part of Kilimanjaro National Park and is a major hiking and climbing destination. Because of its shrinking glaciers and ice fields, which are projected to disappear between 2025 and 2035, it has been the subject of many scientific students

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed via several established routes, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, duration, and accommodation style.

The Marangu Route is known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” offering hut accommodation and a shorter, more direct climb.

The Machame Route, or “Whiskey Route,” is more scenic and popular, with camping and better acclimatization.

The Lemosho Route is a longer, quieter trail offering stunning views and a high success rate. Shira Route is similar to Lemosho but starts at a higher altitude, requiring good acclimatization.

Umbwe Route is the steepest and most challenging, suited for experienced climbers. Rongai Route approaches from the north, offering a drier and less crowded path, ideal during the rainy season.

Finally, the Northern Circuit is the longest and most panoramic route, offering the best acclimatization and highest success rate for summiting Africa’s highest peak.

Find Your Ideal Route to the Top of Africa

Each Kilimanjaro route offers a unique challenge, beauty, and experience. Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed via several official trekking routes, each with distinct scenery, altitude profiles, duration, and difficulty levels. At Kiriwe Travel, we help you choose the perfect route based on your experience, fitness, and schedule.

Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

Duration: 5–6 Days
Accommodation: Mountain huts (the only route with dormitory-style sleeping huts)
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Moderate; same trail up and down
Pros: Comfortable huts, budget-friendly
Cons: Less scenic, lower summit success rate due to quick ascent
Best for: First-time trekkers seeking a shorter and easier route

Machame Route (Whiskey Route)

Duration: 6–7 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Scenery: Very scenic, varied landscapes
Pros: Great acclimatization profile, high success rate
Cons: Popular and can be crowded
Best for: Adventurous hikers looking for a scenic and successful climb

Lemosho Route

Duration: 7–8 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Scenery: Spectacular, less crowded
Pros: Excellent acclimatization, high success rate, beautiful views
Cons: Slightly more expensive
Best for: Trekkers seeking a scenic and quieter route with high success

Shira Route

Duration: 7–8 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Challenging
Scenery: Scenic but starts at higher elevation
Pros: Beautiful west-side approach
Cons: Higher risk of altitude sickness due to sudden elevation gain at the start

Best for: Experienced hikers already acclimatized

Umbwe Route

Duration: 6–7 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Very challenging
Scenery: Dramatic and steep
Pros: Quiet, less crowded
Cons: Poor acclimatization profile, low success rate
Best for: Experienced and physically fit climbers seeking a demanding ascent

Rongai Route

Duration: 6–7 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Drier northern approach with views over Kenya
Pros: Less rainfall, less crowded
Cons: Less scenic than western routes
Best for: Climbers looking for a quieter, easier route during the rainy season

Northern Circuit Route

Duration: 8–9 Days
Accommodation: Camping
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Most panoramic and varied route
Pros: Longest route, excellent acclimatization, highest success rate
Cons: Longest and more expensive
Best for: Trekkers with more time seeking the most comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience

Kilimanjaro Trek & Tours

Kilimanjaro trekking tours are guided multi-day hikes to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, passing through diverse landscapes like rainforests, alpine deserts, and glaciers. Several routes offer varying difficulty levels, and proper fitness and acclimatization are key to a successful climb.