KILIMANJARO
What makes Mt. Kilimanjaro special
As the tallest walkable peak on the planet, it’s no wonder hiking and outdoor adventure enthusiasts are keen to have a go at reaching the snow-capped summit of Kilimanjaro. Plus there are seven established routes up the mountain depending on your mountaineering experience and hiking gear.
KILIMANJARO ROUTES
Lemosho Route
- A 4×4 vehicle is used to bring hikers to the gate where the trail begins
- A newer route on Mt Kilimanjaro that approaches from the west, plus a long distance to cover in the rainforest ecosystem than other routes
- Difficulty Level: High
Marangu Route
- Also known as the Coca-Cola Route and the Tourist Route, the Marangu Route is the most popular route on Mt Kilimanjaro
- The only route that offers sleeping huts that serve beverages while on the way
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Machame Route
- The Machame Route trek begins in the South-west area of the mountain at Machame gate
- Popularly known as the Whiskey Route, it is the second most popular route on the mountain
- Difficulty Level: High
Rongai Route
- The only route that approaches Mt Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border
- The climb is gradual and steady, making it one of the easier routes on Mt Kilimanjaro
- Difficulty Level: Moderate
Northern Circuit
- It’s the only route that involves a visit to Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes
- It’s also the longest route up the mountain in terms of time and distance, though it makes up for this by boasting the best acclimatization profile
- Difficulty Level: High
Shira Route
- A 4×4 vehicle transports hikers to the Shira gate, located 11,500 feet, where the hike begins to Simba Camp
- The first section of the trail involves a short drive before the real hiking begins
- Difficulty Level: High
Umbwe Route
- The success rate is low and it is mostly avoided because the ascent profile does not give climbers much time to adjust to the altitude
- Its steep, constant, and straight climb to the top make it the most difficult route on the mountain
- Difficulty Level: Very High
KILIMANJARO TOURS
8 Days / 7 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route
This is more difficult than the Marangu Route and suitable for experienced climbers. The approach is from the southwest, with fascinating rainforest and spectacular views over Mount Meru.
6 Days / 5 Nights Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route
This is the easiest and most popular route to the summit; this is classified as a moderate trek, rather than a climb. It is suitable for those adventure seekers who are not particularly experienced in the mountains.
WHEN TO VISIT
Due to its proximity to the equator, Mt Kilimanjaro does not experience the extremes of winter and summer, but rather wet and dry seasons, making it possible to climb the mountain all year round.
BEST WEATHER
The dry seasons are considered to be the best weather conditions to climb as there is a lower possibility of precipitation
WORST WEATHER
The rainy seasons are the worst times to climb the mountain as it can be very wet, and visibility may be low due to heavy clouds
BEST TIME
The best times to climb Mt Kilimanjaro are from the beginning of December through the beginning of March, and then from late June through the end of October
HIGH SEASON
Group climbs are scheduled to correspond with the dry season (December through March, late June through the end of October) as they are the busiest months
LOW SEASON
From the end of March to early June, the crowds are gone during this period and it is considered to be the low season