Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes

In this blog, we embark on a journey through the diverse trekking routes of Kilimanjaro, unraveling their unique characteristics, scenic wonders, and challenges. From the well-trodden paths to the less-frequented trails. 

Here are the most popular Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes:

1. The Marangu Route.
2. The Machame Route.
3. The Lemosho Route.
4. The Rongai Route.
5. The Northern Circuit Route.
6. The Umbwe Route.

The Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

The Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of the popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Some key features of the Marangu Route.

1. Accommodation: The Marangu Route is the only route on Kilimanjaro that offers hut accommodations along the trail. The availability of huts makes it a preferred choice for climbers seeking more comfort during their ascent.
2. Well-established: The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. It follows a direct path to the summit, with a gentle gradient. 
3. Scenery: The Marangu Route offers diverse scenery, including lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert landscapes. 
4. Shorter Duration: The Marangu Route typically takes around 5 to 6 days to complete, making it one of the shorter routes on Kilimanjaro. 
5. Challenges: While the Marangu Route is considered less challenging compared to other routes, it still requires a good level of physical fitness and acclimatization. The steady and direct ascent can pose challenges for altitude adjustment, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.
6. Crowds: The popularity of the Marangu Route means that it can be more crowded compared to other routes.

The Machame Route (Whiskey Route)

The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

 

Key features of the Machame Route.

1. Scenic Beauty: The Machame Route is known for its breathtaking and diverse landscapes. Climbers on this route get to experience lush rainforests, moorlands, rocky terrain, and the stunning Barranco Wall. 
2. Good Acclimatization: The Machame Route provides excellent opportunities for acclimatization due to its gradual ascent and longer duration. It is considered one of the routes with a higher success rate because it allows climbers more time to adjust to the altitude, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
3. Varied Climatic Zones:  The Route exposes you to different climatic zones as you ascend the mountain. Starting from the lush rainforest zone, you gradually transition through the heath and moorland zones before reaching the alpine desert and eventually the summit.
4. Challenging and Steep: The Machame Route is considered moderately difficult and involves steep sections, particularly the Barranco Wall. This section requires some scrambling and can be physically demanding.
5. Crowds: The Machame Route is one of the popular routes on Kilimanjaro, which means it can have moderate to high levels of traffic.
6. Camping: Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame Route involves camping throughout the journey. This provides a more immersive and adventurous experience.
7. Duration: The Machame Route typically takes around 6 to 7 days to complete, allowing for better acclimatization. 

The Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is a popular and scenic route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

Key features of the Lemosho Route.

1. 1. Scenic Beauty: The Lemosho Route is renowned for its stunning and varied scenery. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes, including lush rainforests, heath and moorland zones, alpine deserts, and the snow-capped summit.
   2. Longer Duration for Acclimatization: The Lemosho Route is considered one of the longer routes, typically taking around 7 to 8 days to complete. The extended duration allows for better acclimatization to the altitude, increasing the chances of a successful summit. 
   3. Lower Crowds: The Lemosho Route is generally less crowded compared to the more popular routes like Marangu and Machame.
   4. Remote and Less Traveled: The Lemosho Route starts on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a more remote and off-the-beaten-path experience. 
   5. Diverse Flora and Fauna: The Lemosho Route passes through various ecological zones, each with its unique flora and fauna. You will encounter a rich array of plant life, including giant lobelias and heather, as well as wildlife such as colobus monkeys and birds.
   6. Challenging but Rewarding: The Lemosho Route is considered moderately challenging, with some steep sections and demanding terrain. 
   7. Camping: Similar to the Machame Route, the Lemosho Route involves camping throughout the climb. 

The Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is one of the main routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

Key features of the Rongai Route.

1. Northern Approach: The Rongai Route starts on the northeastern side of Mount Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border. 
2. Scenic Landscapes: The Rongai Route offers diverse and picturesque landscapes. you will traverse through lush rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert zones.
3. Crowds: The Rongai Route is known for being less crowded compared to the popular routes like Machame and Marangu.
4. Wilderness Experience: As the Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, it passes through relatively untouched wilderness areas. You have the opportunity to witness pristine natural beauty and encounter wildlife like colobus monkeys, antelope, and a variety of bird species.
5. Good Acclimatization: The Rongai Route provides good acclimatization opportunities due to its gradual ascent. It offers a more moderate slope compared to some other routes, reducing the risk of altitude sickness and increasing the chances of a successful summit.
6. Camping: Similar to other routes like Machame and Lemosho, the Rongai Route involves camping throughout the climb.
7. Summit Approach: The Rongai Route approaches the summit from the northeastern side of the mountain. You will reach the summit via the Gilman’s Point, which is also the final ascent point for the Marangu Route.

The Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route is a relatively new and increasingly popular route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. 

Key features of the Northern Circuit Route.

1. Longest Route: The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route available for climbing Kilimanjaro, usually spanning over 9 to 10 days. Its extended duration allows for excellent acclimatization, giving you a higher chance of reaching the summit successfully.
2. Remote and Less Crowded: The Northern Circuit Route is known for its remote and less crowded nature compared to other routes on Kilimanjaro.
3. Scenic Beauty: The Northern Circuit Route offers stunning panoramic views and diverse landscapes. You traverse through lush rainforests, heath and moorland zones, alpine deserts, and glaciers. 
4. Unique Wildlife Encounters: The northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro are home to a variety of wildlife. On the Northern Circuit Route, you have the opportunity to encounter wildlife such as elephants, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, and a rich variety of bird species. 
5. Excellent Acclimatization Profile: The Northern Circuit Route has an exceptional acclimatization profile, which contributes to its higher success rate. You gradually ascend to higher altitudes, spending more time at intermediate camps, and allowing your body to adjust to the changing altitude.
6. Summit Approach: The Northern Circuit Route approaches the summit from the east, following a clockwise direction around the mountain. You reach the summit via Gilman’s Point on the crater rim and continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak.

The Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is a challenging and less-traveled route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. 

Key features of the Umbwe Route.

1. Steep and Direct: The Umbwe Route is known for its steep and direct ascent. It is considered one of the most challenging routes on Kilimanjaro, requiring a good level of physical fitness and previous high-altitude trekking experience.
2. Scenic Beauty: The Umbwe Route offers stunning and untouched natural beauty. You pass through dense rainforests with rich vegetation with a chance to spot unique wildlife such as colobus monkeys. 
3. Remote and Less Crowded: The Umbwe Route is less crowded compared to other popular routes. It offers a quieter and more secluded climbing experience. 
4. Shorter Duration: The Umbwe Route is typically completed in 6 to 7 days, although some variations may extend the duration for better acclimatization. 
5. Camping: Similar to other routes, the Umbwe Route involves camping throughout the climb. Camping adds to the adventure and allows you to connect closely with nature.
6. Summit Approach: The Umbwe Route merges with the Machame Route at Barranco Camp, and you will follow the same path to reach the summit. 
7. Experienced Climbers: Due to its steepness and demanding terrain, the Umbwe Route is recommended for experienced climbers who have previous high-altitude trekking experience and are well-prepared physically and mentally. 

In conclusion each route has its own charm and allure, but what unites them is the sense of awe and accomplishment that comes with standing atop the Roof of Africa. The sheer magnitude of Kilimanjaro, both in physical stature and symbolic significance, inspires us to push beyond our limits and embrace the extraordinary. At Ahambi Tours we make it happen for you based on your preference.