CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide

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.

Mount Kilimanjaro Routes

Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

 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.

  • Duration: 5-6 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best for: Beginners or those looking for a more comfortable climb.

Map

Machame Route (Whiskey Route)

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.

  • Duration: 6-7 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Adventurous trekkers looking for a more scenic and challenging experience.

Map

Lemosho Route

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.

  • Duration: 7-8 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Those who want a quieter, less crowded route with great scenery.

Map

Rongai Route

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.

  • Duration: 6-7 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate
  • Best for: Those seeking a quieter, less demanding route.

Route

Umbwe Route

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.

  • Duration: 5-6 days
  • Difficulty: Very challenging
  • Best for: Experienced climbers looking for a tough challenge.

Map

Northern Circuit Route

 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.

  • Duration: 8-9 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Those seeking a longer, quieter route with incredible views.

Map

Shira Route

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.

  • Duration: 7-8 days
  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
  • Best for: Climbers looking for a longer, more gradual ascent who are ready to tackle altitude-related challenges.

Route

Mweka Route

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.

  • Duration: 1-2 days (depending on where you start your descent)
  • Difficulty: Easy to moderate (for descent)

Route

Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Package

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