Mount Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, making it the highest free-standing mountain in the world and known as the “Roof of Africa.”
It’s one of Africa’s top travel destinations, attracting over 40,000 visitors each year. The climb offers stunning views, and you don’t need any technical climbing skills. All you need is a good level of fitness to reach the summit.
We’ve created this guide to help you get ready for your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure. The advice here comes from our 5+ years of experience with Kilimanjaro climbs. At Wild Rhythm Adventures, we’ve helped over 500 people successfully reach the top.
The Marangu Route is the only route with hut accommodations, making it more comfortable compared to camping. It’s one of the most popular and easiest routes, but it also has a higher success rate due to its shorter trek. The route starts and ends at the same point, and the path is well-established, with a steady ascent. However, the shorter acclimatization period makes it harder for some climbers to adjust to the altitude.
Known for its stunning views and diverse landscapes, the Machame Route is one of the most scenic and popular routes. It takes you through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, providing a variety of environments. The route is more challenging than Marangu, as it involves camping and longer trekking days, but it allows for better acclimatization due to the “climb high, sleep low” approach.
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded routes. Starting on the western side of the mountain, it provides a gradual ascent, which helps with acclimatization. The route is longer than Machame, but this gives you more time to adjust to the altitude, leading to a higher success rate. It also offers beautiful views and a variety of landscapes.
The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the northern side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. It is considered one of the easier routes because it has a gradual ascent and is less crowded. The route has beautiful views and takes you through dry, forested areas and moorlands. However, it’s not as scenic as some of the other routes.
The Umbwe Route is one of the steepest and most difficult routes, recommended only for experienced trekkers. It’s not ideal for beginners due to its quick ascent and challenging terrain. Although it’s a short route, the difficulty can make it more dangerous, especially if acclimatization is not managed properly.
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route, offering a unique experience of the mountain’s northern slopes. It’s one of the most scenic and least crowded routes. The longer duration allows for better acclimatization, improving your chances of summiting successfully. It’s a relatively quiet route, with stunning views and diverse landscapes.
The Shira Route is similar to the Lemosho Route but begins at a higher elevation. This longer route provides more time for acclimatization, helping climbers adjust to the altitude gradually. The terrain is diverse, offering stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s summit and the surrounding landscapes. However, starting at a higher altitude can make it more challenging for climbers who are not well-prepared for high elevations.
The Mweka Route begins at the summit of Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak) and descends through the alpine desert and rainforest zones. It is a direct, well-maintained path that allows climbers to descend quickly and safely.
As a descent route, the Mweka Route is generally easier than most ascent routes. However, it is still important to be cautious because of steep sections and the potential for fatigue after summiting the mountain.
Our guests love their adventures with us! From the thrill of climbing Kilimanjaro to the excitement of a Tanzania safari, we create unforgettable experiences. With expert guides and stunning landscapes, we make every journey special. Hear from our happy travelers and start your adventure today!
Quest298350070392024-10-30 Ungorgettable 4 days Safari.. Wild Rhythn is the Best We had an amazing 4-day safari with Wild Rhythm Adventures, guided by the incredible Juma! From start to finish, the experience was beyond our expectations. Juma’s knowledge and passion for wildlife brought every moment to life as we explored the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater. We saw a stunning variety of animals, from lions and elephants to elusive leopards and colorful birds. Every detail was thoughtfully handled, making the trip seamless and memorable. Highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures for anyone wanting an unforgettable safari experience! Marco A2024-10-29 Tanzania withWild rhythm ADV I recently completed a 5-day trek on the Kilimanjaro Marangu route with Wild Rhythm Adventures, and it was an incredible experience! The guides were knowledgeable and supportive, ensuring our safety and comfort throughout the journey. The stunning landscapes and diverse ecosystems kept me motivated every step of the way. The accommodations were comfortable, and the food was delicious. I highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures for anyone looking to conquer Kilimanjaro! Arnold S2024-10-03 Unforgettable Serengeti Our 4-day game drive with Ramso and Emmanuel was nothing short of extraordinary! These expert guides impressed us with their keen ability to spot and identify wildlife effortlessly, while sharing captivating insights into the animals’ behaviors and habitats. One of the most memorable moments was witnessing the wildebeest migration across the Mara River – an experience we will never forget.In addition to their remarkable expertise, Ramso and Emmanuel were warm, friendly, and attentive, ensuring our comfort and engagement throughout the trip. They took the time to answer all our questions and made us feel truly at home. We highly recommend them for anyone seeking an unforgettable safari adventure in Tanzania!Wild Rhythm Adventures comes highly recommended! Bernhard C2024-10-01 Amaizing trip recently completed a 6-day trek on the Marangu Route with Wild Rhythm Adventures, and it was an incredible experience! Our guide, Emran, was exceptional—knowledgeable, supportive, and passionate about the mountain.The itinerary was well-structured, allowing for gradual acclimatization and breathtaking views at every turn. The accommodations were comfortable, and the meals were delicious, fueling us for our hikes.Emran’s insights and encouragement made the journey enjoyable and memorable. I highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures and Emran for anyone looking to summit Kilimanjaro. It was a life-changing experience! softwareman p2024-07-10 Marangu route with Wild Rhytm I recently completed the Marangu route on Mount Kilimanjaro with Wild Rhythm Adventures. The experience was exceptional, thanks to the expertise and dedication of our guide, Johnson. The organization and support provided by Wild Rhythm Adventures ensured a safe and memorable trek. Johnson's knowledge of the terrain, coupled with his encouraging demeanor, made the challenging journey enjoyable. I highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures for anyone looking to conquer Kilimanjaro. Геннадия Р2024-07-09 Truly Unforgettable Adventure Wild Rhythm Adventures provided an exceptional 2-day safari experience that exceeded all expectations. From the moment we departed, every detail was meticulously arranged, ensuring seamless transitions between parks and maximizing our time with wildlife. Lake Manyara National Park showcased its famed tree-climbing lions and diverse birdlife, while Tarangire National Park offered unforgettable encounters with elephants and stunning baobab trees. The knowledgeable guides made each game drive informative and exciting, enhancing our understanding of the ecosystem. Accommodations were comfortable, meals delicious, and the overall service impeccable. A truly unforgettable adventure, highly recommended for anyone seeking a glimpse into Tanzania's natural wonders. naomie m2024-06-07 Amazing A serious agency, i highly recommend. During these 3 days in Tanzania, Hammad listened to our needs and expectations, we were able to discover wonderful places. Thank you again for the professionalism of the agency! Abeid J2024-05-31 incroyable experience We traveled with Wild Rhythm Adventures, and it was wonderful! Our guide, Hussein, was excellent—highly knowledgeable about Tanzania, adept at locating wildlife, efficient on the roads, and fluent in French. Our accommodations were amazing, and the itinerary was perfect. We highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures! jesca m2024-05-31 *Exceptional Safari Experience with Wild Rhythm Adventures* Last year, I had the pleasure of experiencing a two-day safari in Tanzania with Wild Rhythm Adventures, exploring the incredible Tarangire and Ngorongoro. It was an unforgettable adventure.The safari was meticulously organized, and every detail was taken care of, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience. Our guide Hasheem, was knowledgeable, friendly, and passionate about the wildlife and the environment. They took us to some of the most stunning spots, where we witnessed an incredible array of animals and breathtaking landscapes.Wild Rhythm Adventures provided excellent service from start to finish. The accommodations were comfortable and well-chosen, adding to the overall enjoyment of the trip.I highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures for anyone looking to explore the beauty of Tanzania through a well-curated safari experience. Their professionalism and dedication to creating memorable adventures truly set them apart.Thank you, Wild Rhythm Adventures, for an amazing journey! Albright N2024-05-30 Unforgettable Safari Experience with Wild Rhythm Adventures My name is Jimmy, and last year I had the privilege of embarking on a 5-day safari in Tanzania with Wild Rhythm Adventures. Our journey took us through the breathtaking landscapes of Tarangire, Ngorongoro, and the Serengeti, and it was truly a journey of a lifetime.Our guide, Ian, was exceptional. He was not only extremely knowledgeable about the wildlife and environment but also a genuinely nice and personable guy. Ian showed us an incredible array of animals and provided deep insights into the diverse ecosystems we explored. His enthusiasm and expertise made our experience all the more memorable and enjoyable.Wild Rhythm Adventures provided us with outstanding service. The entire team was highly professional, organized, and attentive to every detail. Their dedication to ensuring a seamless and unforgettable experience was evident throughout our trip. We felt safe, well-cared-for, and thoroughly enjoyed every moment.I highly recommend Wild Rhythm Adventures to anyone seeking an extraordinary safari experience in Tanzania. Their expertise, dedication, and warm hospitality set them apart. If you're planning a safari, look no further than Wild Rhythm Adventures!Thank you, Wild Rhythm, for an amazing adventure