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Saturday, August 16, 2025

MOUNT KILIMANJARO ROUTES


Kilimanjaro Mountain, has seven possible hiking and Trekking routes and only two exit gates. Out of all the open routes, There were best routes which we recommended,to our clients who booking with us, so as to suit desire of everyone who wishes to conquering the Kilimanjaro Mountain Peaks.

Lemosho Route – The Most Scenic (But Most Expensive) Route

Distance: 67km / 7 – 8 Days

The Lemosho Route departs from the west side of the mountain, offering plenty of spectacular views of the dramatic gorges of the western side of Kilimanjaro. The route starts by taking you through the remote rainforest, before joining the Machame Route.

This route can be completed in either seven or eight days, with plenty of time for acclimatization – and a high success rate! One of the only downsides of this option is that, due to the length and remoteness, it tends to be a more expensive option.

Pros: Very high summit success rate due to gradual ascent; traverses the scenic Shira Plateau.

Cons: Can get busy during the high seasons; higher cost.​

Rongai Route;Approaching from the Northern side of Kilimanjaro Mount, Rongai offers a drier and less crowded experience, with 6- or 7-day options. It’s a solid option for rainy-season climbs.

Pros: Less rainfall and fewer trekkers; diverse scenery including coniferous forests.

Cons: Longer drive to trailhead; 6-day option may not provide adequate acclimatization.

Machame RouteThe Popular Route

Distance: 61km / 6 – 7 Days

The Machame Route is one of the more scenic routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is also known as the “Whiskey Route” – as it’s tougher than the Marangu (Coca-Cola) Route. Even though the climb is more difficult, it has a much higher success rate than the Marangu route.

There are six-day and seven-day itinerary options, with the preferred option being the seven-day route, allowing for an extra day of acclimatization. The route has some steep sections and involves numerous ups and downs – including taking on the Barranco Wall! But with the right preparation, The Machame Route is definitely achievable. 

Pros: Highly scenic with varied landscapes; good acclimatization profile on longer itineraries.

Cons: Can be crowded during peak seasons; 6-day option offers less time for acclimatization.

Umbwe Routes,The steepest and most direct route, Umbwe is suitable for experienced trekkers seeking a challenge, available in 6- or 7-day itineraries. It merges with the Machame route two days into the hike.

Pros: Least crowded route; offers a challenging and rewarding climb.

Cons: Steep initial ascent; the 6-day option is not recommended for beginners.

Marangu Route – The Tourist Route also known as CocaCola Route, because it is easy and more refreshable routes.

Distance: 70km / 5 – 6 Days

The Marangu Route is known as the “tourist route” or “Coca Cola Route”, due to its popularity and fact that coca cola used to be sold in all the huts along the way. This is one of the easiest routes up the mountain, following a steady, gradual slope until the last night – when the incline significantly increases.

The route has a low success rate, due to the fact that the five day climb doesn’t allow for sufficient acclimatisation. Also, the Marangu Route, attracts lots of tourists who are unprepared and untrained, resulting in many people having to turn around before reaching Uhuru Peak.

The Marangu route is also the only route on the mountain that uses the same path up and down – so expect it to be busier than other options. However, this is the only route with dormitory style huts along the way, and camping is not permitted. So, if you can’t bear the thought of camping for a week, then this option is for you!

Pros: Hut accommodations provide comfort; more affordable option.

Cons: Same trail used for ascent and descent; shorter duration can make acclimatization more difficult.

Mweka Route.

The steepest and most direct route, used for descend after summit “Kili” Mountain is suitable for experience trekkers seeking a challenge, available in 6- or 7-day itineraries. It merges with the Machame route two days into the hike.

Pros: crowded route; offers a challenging and rewarding climb meet with a lot of descend climbers

Cons: Steep initial ascent; the 6-day option is not recommended for beginners because its too slippery.

Northern Circuit – The Longest Route as In swahili known as “Njia ya Kuzunguka Mlima”

Distance: 88km / 8 – 9 Days

This is the longest route to the top of Kilimanjaro, with one of the highest success rates. The trek takes either eight or nine days, with plenty of climb high, sleep-low opportunities, which is great for acclimatization.

The trek starts west of the mountain and follows the Lemosho route for the first two days. The route then veers north near Lava Tower and traverses around the mountain to the summit.

The Northern Circuit offers a 8-day trek circling the mountain, providing exceptional acclimatization and solitude.

Pros: High summit success rate due to gradual ascent; panoramic views with minimal crowds.

Cons: Longest duration increases cost and time commitment; requires good endurance.



 

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