Mount Kilimanjaro
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Lemosho Route
This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west. It offers a chance to visit Shira Plateau (Cathedral peak) and Shira Caldera. Lemosho Route crosses from Shira Ridge to Shira 2 Camp, in a pleasant hike. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route joins the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route as Machame Route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.
The minimum days required for this route is 7 days, but eight days is recommended as it will give more chance to acclimatize and achieve the summit. Like Machame, this is a scenically spectacular and varied route. Lemosho is highly recommended and it has an abundance of wildlife such as elephant, buffalo, eland and lion which come over to forage during dry season from Longido Game Controlled Area.
Duration
7-8
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Camping
Machame Route
Machame Route, also known as the Whisky Route, has become very popular. This is camping route which offers spectacular views of various landscapes such as Mt Meru, Pare Mountains, Lake Chala, and Lake Jipe. This is a well designed route for altitude acclimatization. While the 6 day itinerary is very possible, it is very benefitable to choose the seven days Machame climb because of having one more extra day for acclimatization and resting before the summit day. Doing this will maximize your chance of reaching the top.
Duration
6-7
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Camping
Northern Circuit Route
Duration
8-9
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Camping
Rongai Route
This is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes, and its popularity has been increasing in recent years. This route is located on the northern side of Mount Kilimanjaro with a variety of spectacular landscapes together with different plants and animals species. A six day itinerary for this route is also commonly used but adding an extra day makes reaching the summit more obtainable yet.
The Rongai Route is more scenic than the Marangu Route and easier than other camping routes in climbing Kilimanjaro and the success rate on the Rongai Route is very high. Unlike the Marangu Route where you sleep in huts, on the Rongai Route you sleep in tents, the porter will have your tent pitched and waiting for you at the end of each days trek. On the descent, there are shared camps with Marangu Route at Kibo Huts and Horombo Huts, but the huts are not used for those using Rongai Route.
Duration
6-7
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Camping
Marangu Route
Also known as “Coca-Cola” Route, Marangu approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast of the mountain. It is the oldest established route. Many favor the Marangu Route because it is a short route and has the comfort of sleeping in huts overnight. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time is a bit low.
Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended, increasing the chance of reaching to the summit. Marangu is the only route where overnights are in dormitory style accommodations with solar panel lighting. Camping is not an option for this route. This route is not as scenic as the others though and it is the only route where the descending path is the same as the ascending path, making some of the camps more crowded from people going both directions.
Duration
5-6
Difficulty
Moderate
Accommodation
Huts
Umbwe Route
Umbwe is a short route, providing challenges as it is very difficult to climb due to its steepness. Due to the fast ascension, this route does not provide the enough time for altitude acclimatization for most people, so proceeding slowly is vital. This route is not busy at all until it merges with the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes.
There is an option for a 6 days or 7 days itinerary. Since this route is chosen almost exclusively by seasoned mountaineers who are looking for the biggest possible challenge, the 6 days itinerary is the most common choice so it is the only itinerary listed here, but if you are interested in an Umbwe 7 Days itinerary, we can arrange this upon request.