Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest peak in Africa, attracts thousands of hikers each year. Its diverse routes offer unique experiences and varying levels of difficulty. This guide explores the nine best routes to hike Kilimanjaro, providing detailed information to help you choose the perfect path for your adventure.
6 Best Routes to Hike Kilimanjaro
1. Marangu Route
Overview
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the most popular and oldest route on Kilimanjaro. It is renowned for its relative ease compared to other routes.
Key Features
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Dense rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts
Accommodation: Huts
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut. Enjoy a gradual ascent through lush rainforests.
Day 2: Continue from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut, crossing the moorlands and viewing Kilimanjaro’s glaciers.
Day 3: Acclimatize at Horombo Hut or take a day hike to the Zebra Rocks.
Day 4: Trek from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut, passing through the alpine desert.
Day 5: Summit night ascent to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Complete the trek from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.
Why Choose Marangu?
The only route with hut accommodations.
Straightforward and less strenuous compared to others.
Ideal for hikers seeking comfort and efficiency.
2. Machame Route
Overview
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is popular for its scenic variety and challenging ascent.
Key Features
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Scenery: Rainforests, alpine deserts, and glaciers
Accommodation: Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: Begin at Machame Gate and hike to Machame Camp through dense forest.
Day 2: Trek from Machame Camp to Shira Camp, crossing the moorlands and enjoying panoramic views.
Day 3: Move from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via the Lava Tower, which aids in acclimatization.
Day 4: Climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, navigating the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Continue from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, preparing for the summit attempt.
Day 6: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Why Choose Machame?
Offers diverse landscapes and challenging terrain.
Good acclimatization opportunities with its “climb high, sleep low” profile.
Ideal for more experienced hikers seeking a tougher challenge.
3. Lemosho Route
Overview
The Lemosho Route is known for its stunning scenery and less crowded trails. It offers a longer trek, enhancing acclimatization.
Key Features
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Scenery: Rainforests, highland deserts, and glaciers
Accommodation: Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: Start at Lemosho Gate and hike to Big Tree Camp.
Day 2: Trek from Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp, traversing the rainforest and moorland.
Day 3: Move from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp, passing through the Shira Plateau.
Day 4: Climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp, including the Barranco Wall.
Day 5: Continue from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp, with a night ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Day 6: Summit to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Why Choose Lemosho?
Less crowded with breathtaking views and varied landscapes.
Extended duration improves acclimatization.
Ideal for those who prefer a quieter, more scenic route.
4. Rongai Route
Overview
The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It is known for its gentle ascent and unique perspectives.
Key Features
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Savannah, moorlands, and alpine desert
Accommodation: Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike from Rongai Gate to Simba Camp, traversing the northern slopes.
Day 2: Trek from Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp through the moorlands.
Day 3: Move from Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp, with views of Mawenzi Peak.
Day 4: Continue from Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Camp.
Day 5: Summit night ascent to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Horombo Hut.
Day 6: Final descent from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate.
Why Choose Rongai?
Provides a less-trafficked, quieter approach.
Gentle ascent compared to other routes.
Ideal for those seeking a more serene trekking experience.
5. Northern Circuit Route
Overview
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro. It offers a complete circumnavigation of the mountain.
Key Features
Duration: 9-10 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Scenery: Diverse landscapes including the Shira Plateau, alpine desert, and glaciers
Accommodation: Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: Start at Lemosho Gate and hike to Big Tree Camp.
Day 2: Trek from Big Tree Camp to Shira Camp.
Day 3: Move from Shira Camp to Barranco Camp, crossing the Shira Plateau.
Day 4: Climb from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Day 5: Continue from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Day 6: Summit to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 7: Final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Why Choose Northern Circuit?
Provides a comprehensive circuit of Kilimanjaro with varied views.
Longer duration for better acclimatization.
Less crowded and offers a unique perspective of the mountain.
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6. Umbwe Route
Overview
The Umbwe Route is known for its steep and challenging ascent. It is one of the most direct and demanding routes on Kilimanjaro.
Key Features
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Scenery: Dense forest, moorlands, and alpine desert
Accommodation: Tents
Itinerary
Day 1: Hike from Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Camp, navigating through dense forest.
Day 2: Trek from Umbwe Camp to Barranco Camp, a steep and demanding ascent.
Day 3: Continue from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp.
Day 4: Move from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp.
Day 5: Summit night to Uhuru Peak, then descend to Mweka Camp.
Day 6: Final descent from Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate.
Why Choose Umbwe?
Ideal for experienced climbers seeking a challenging route.
Provides a sense of adventure with its steep trails.
Less frequented, offering a more solitary experience.
Conclusion
In summary, Mount Kilimanjaro offers a range of hiking routes, each providing a distinct experience. The Marangu Route is known for its comfort with hut accommodations and moderate difficulty, making it a popular choice. The Machame Route provides diverse scenery and challenging terrain, ideal for more experienced hikers. The Lemosho Route combines stunning views with a longer trek for better acclimatization, while the Rongai Route offers a quieter, less trafficked experience from the north. The Northern Circuit provides a comprehensive circuit around the mountain, perfect for those seeking a thorough exploration. The Umbwe Route is highly challenging and suited for experienced climbers. The Shira Route is good for those with prior acclimatization or high fitness levels. The Kili-Meru Route combines climbs of both Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro, offering a dual-mountain adventure. Lastly, the Western Breach Route is known for its technical demands and rugged terrain, appealing to seasoned climbers. Each route has its unique features, allowing hikers to choose based on their preferences and experience levels.