Annually, approximately 15,000 people attempt to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, of whom 40% do so.
There are 5 major routes up Kilimanjaro. It is important that you choose the right route for you as they differ in duration, traffic, difficulty, cost, location and altitude acclimatization.
Marangu - Key points
The most popular tourist route is Marangu. It is also known as the "coca cola" route, this is due to the huts on the way up that you can buy coca cola in. You travel approx 72km on your journey.
- Easiest route (low-medium difficulty)
- Oldest Route
- Oldest Route
- Shortest Route
- Cheapest Route
- Ascent and descent on the same trail
- Ascent and descent on the same trail
- Beautiful scenery in the rain forest and moorlands
- Basic, but comfortable accommodation in huts
Machame Route - Key points
The Machame route is the route I am going to be travelling on. It is also called the "Whiskey Route" as it has a reputation for being a tough climb, especially compared to the "coca cola" Marangu Route. It is one of the harder routes and you travel approx 67km from gate to gate.
- Machame approaches from the South
- It is one of the best for altitude acclimatization with plenty of walk high, sleep low opportunities
- It is best suited for those who have previous climbing or backpacking experience
- You travel through 5 different eco-systems so you get fantastic views and animal spotting
- Traffic can be busy
- Sleep in tents - no huts on this route
Machame Route - Key points
The Machame route is the route I am going to be travelling on. It is also called the "Whiskey Route" as it has a reputation for being a tough climb, especially compared to the "coca cola" Marangu Route. It is one of the harder routes and you travel approx 67km from gate to gate.
- Machame approaches from the South
- It is one of the best for altitude acclimatization with plenty of walk high, sleep low opportunities
- It is best suited for those who have previous climbing or backpacking experience
- You travel through 5 different eco-systems so you get fantastic views and animal spotting
- Traffic can be busy
- Sleep in tents - no huts on this route
Rongai Route - Key Points
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches from the North, near the Kenyan border. It is the quietest route on the mountain, this is mainly due to the likelihood of people summiting. There are not enough features for the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
- Least scenic route
- Less traffic
- Pass through some amazing views - especially at the start when you go through the wilderness
- Moderately difficult
- Camping in tents
- 73km from start to end of route
Lemosho Route - Key Points
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes up Kilimanjaro. It is considered the most scenic, mainly due to the small amount of traffic so it will be quieter and you also get some incredible views of the mountain from different sides.
- This route starts from the West of the mountain
- One of the quietest routes
- First 2 days of the trek are through the rain forest
- Meets with the Machame route on day 4
- No huts - tents like the Machame Route
- One of the longest routes. A plus for those who need to acclimatize to the altitude.
Umbwe Route - Key Points
The Umbwe route is the shortest, and steepest route up Kilimanjaro. It is the most challenging route up the mountain and should only be tackled by those with a lot of climbing experience. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization.
- Umbwe starts from the South of the mountain.
- The traffic is low, but so are the chance of summiting.
- It is dangerous and should only be tackled by those confident in their climbing abilities.
- Fantastic views in the forest and on the spectacular ridge
- 53km from start to end of trek.
There is one other route which was closed in 2004, but then reopened in 2007. This is the Western Breach. It is a gap which has been formed by lava flow, it sits on the western outer rim of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's main summit.
The Western Breach offers one of the shortest routes to the summit. It ascends 2800ft in 1.25 miles and there are sectuons of the route that require rock climbing and scrambling. It is a beautiful route but it is very difficult due to the rocky, steep slope.
Sadly in January 2006, rockfall claimed the lives of 3 climbers. In response to this tragic accident,the route was closed. It was then re-opened in December 2007, however most operatrors will still not utilizie that route.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches from the North, near the Kenyan border. It is the quietest route on the mountain, this is mainly due to the likelihood of people summiting. There are not enough features for the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
- Least scenic route
- Less traffic
- Pass through some amazing views - especially at the start when you go through the wilderness
- Moderately difficult
- Camping in tents
- 73km from start to end of route
Lemosho Route - Key Points
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes up Kilimanjaro. It is considered the most scenic, mainly due to the small amount of traffic so it will be quieter and you also get some incredible views of the mountain from different sides.
- This route starts from the West of the mountain
- One of the quietest routes
- First 2 days of the trek are through the rain forest
- Meets with the Machame route on day 4
- No huts - tents like the Machame Route
- One of the longest routes. A plus for those who need to acclimatize to the altitude.
Umbwe Route - Key Points
The Umbwe route is the shortest, and steepest route up Kilimanjaro. It is the most challenging route up the mountain and should only be tackled by those with a lot of climbing experience. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization.
- Umbwe starts from the South of the mountain.
- The traffic is low, but so are the chance of summiting.
- It is dangerous and should only be tackled by those confident in their climbing abilities.
- Fantastic views in the forest and on the spectacular ridge
- 53km from start to end of trek.
There is one other route which was closed in 2004, but then reopened in 2007. This is the Western Breach. It is a gap which has been formed by lava flow, it sits on the western outer rim of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's main summit.
The Western Breach offers one of the shortest routes to the summit. It ascends 2800ft in 1.25 miles and there are sectuons of the route that require rock climbing and scrambling. It is a beautiful route but it is very difficult due to the rocky, steep slope.
Sadly in January 2006, rockfall claimed the lives of 3 climbers. In response to this tragic accident,the route was closed. It was then re-opened in December 2007, however most operatrors will still not utilizie that route.
Photo: Courtesy of Ultimate Kilimanjaro
