Welcome to your guide for conquering Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the most iconic mountains in the world. Learn about the challenges you may face when summiting this majestic peak, explore some of the best routes, and find out how you can prepare for a successful climb. Whether you’re new to trekking or an experienced climber, we’ll help you find the right route for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Before embarking on your Kilimanjaro journey, it's important to understand the magnitude of this mountain and the challenges it presents. Standing at a staggering 5,895 meters (or 19,340 feet), Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa. For most adventurers, climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro takes an average of five to 10 days, depending on your experience level and route.
Summiting this mountain is no small feat. For your safety and the protection of the mountain, all Mt. Kilimanjaro climbers are required to hire a registered guide. The cost of a tour operator or guide typically averages around $3,000. Keep in mind that the total cost of your climb may include an additional $1,500 to $2,000 for flights, vaccines, insurance, visa paperwork, and tipping.
The best Kilimanjaro guides have the knowledge and experience to help make your multi-day hike more successful, safe, and enjoyable. However, some challenges are unavoidable. One of the most common challenges climbers face is the dramatic variations in weather. Kilimanjaro's climate can change drastically day to day, ranging from scorching heat to freezing temperatures. During the trek, you’ll pass through four climate zones: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic ice. Not only does the increase in elevation mean varying weather and terrain, the rise in altitude can pose a physical challenge. Additionally, the steepness and pitch of the hiking trails vary, making some sections more demanding than others.
The timing of your trip can majorly impact your experience. For optimal weather conditions, most climbers choose to go between December and March or June through October. While the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the warmest and driest times of year, these are typically also the busiest.
Choosing the best route for your climb is crucial for a successful experience. Each route has its own difficulty level and offers unique advantages and disadvantages. Let's explore some of the most popular routes.
With several routes to choose from when climbing Kilimanjaro, it’s important to weigh the characteristics and appeal of each option. The best Kilimanjaro route for you will depend on your individual preferences and abilities, and the more you know about your options, the better decision you can make.
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is a popular choice among climbers due to its stunning scenery and breathtaking views. As a newer route with less traffic compared to other routes, it offers a more secluded and peaceful experience while providing a sense of exploration and adventure.
One of the key advantages of the Lemosho Route is its strong success rate. The longer duration of the route allows for better acclimatization, increasing the chances of reaching the summit successfully. It’s important to note, though, that the Lemosho Route requires training in advance due to its distance and longer daily hikes.
During peak season, the Lemosho Route of Kilimanjaro can be busy, so it’s advisable to plan your climb during less crowded periods if possible. Additionally, the forest section of the route can be muddy, so proper footwear and trekking poles are a must for both comfort and stability.
The Lemosho Route is limited to camping only. This route might suit you if you’re seeking a less crowded, more scenic adventure, and you are willing to train in advance.
The Machame Route is the most popular route for climbing Kilimanjaro—with several reasons why. It attracts a large number of climbers each year, likely because of its success rate, which stands at around 70% for seven-day climbs. The longer acclimatization schedule allows climbers to adjust to the altitude more effectively, increasing the chance of reaching the summit.
The Kilimanjaro Machame Route offers stunning views throughout the climb, making it a favorite among photographers and nature enthusiasts. Still, it can be physically demanding, with ups and downs in altitude along the way and some moderately steep sections. Hiking poles are recommended to assist with stability during the steep sections.
Tent camping is the only accommodation option available on the Machame Route. This allows climbers to fully immerse themselves in the mountain environment. It is important to pack appropriate camping gear and be prepared for the camping experience.
The Machame Route seven-day climb is best suited for climbers who are physically fit and seeking a challenging but rewarding adventure. Seasoned hikers may favor this route as well as climbers who don’t mind a more crowded trek.
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, is the oldest and most established route for climbing Kilimanjaro. It’s considered one of the easier walking routes, making it suitable for those with less hiking experience.
The Marangu Route offers sleeping huts along the way, providing a more comfortable accommodation option compared to tent camping. However, because of its accessibility and more beginner-friendly difficulty level, this route tends to be more crowded than others, especially during peak season.
With its gentle slopes and well-defined paths, the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route provides a unique experience and extraordinary adventure. The Marangu Route is best suited for climbers who prefer a more comfortable accommodation option and are looking for a less physically demanding route. Keep in mind that while this path is considered easier than others, it still requires proper training and preparation.
Beginning near the Kenyan border, the unique Rongai Route is the only climbing route that approaches the mountain from the north. Despite its popularity, it has less traffic compared to other top-rated routes, providing a more secluded and peaceful experience.
The Rongai Route takes climbers through a stark wilderness, offering a different perspective of the mountain. Although striking, the scenery of this route doesn’t offer as much variety as some others. The terrain is relatively flatter compared to other Kilimanjaro options, potentially making it a good choice for those who prefer a less steep climb. As always, climbers should be prepared for a moderate level of difficulty, as the route has its own challenges.
One of the newest routes for Kilimanjaro trekking, the Northern Circuit offers a relaxed pace, allowing climbers to fully enjoy the stunning views over nine days. With plenty of time for acclimatization, this route has a high success rate, standing at an impressive 95%.
The Northern Circuit is the longest route, taking climbers on a scenic journey around the mountain. Approaching from the west, it offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape while crossing the infrequently visited northern slopes.
Because of its length, the Northern Circuit comes with a higher cost compared to other routes. Additionally, it is impassable during the rainy season, so you must plan your ascent accordingly if you decide on this option for your Kili climb.
Overall, the Northern Circuit is best suited for climbers who prefer a longer and more relaxed climb, with a focus on enjoying the scenery.
If you’re an experienced climber seeking a challenging adventure, the Umbwe Route could be for you. With a 70% success rate, this quick, steep climb is no joke—but the outstanding scenery and low traffic are tough to beat. While Easy Travel doesn’t offer this route, we still recommend it. From lush rainforests to spectacular views from the summit, the Umbwe Route provides trekkers with five to seven days of a visually stunning experience.
The Umbwe Route is the shortest route, which means climbers have less time to acclimatize. The rapid ascent combined with steep inclines and some strenuous terrain mean that this route is best suited for climbers who are physically fit, highly prepared, and not afraid of heights.
Even with the best Kilimanjaro guides, you should only attempt this route if you are experienced and eager to reach the top as directly as possible.
The Shira Route is another option to climb Kilimanjaro, approaching from the west side. It starts at a higher altitude than other options and typically has fewer crowds during the initial days of the trip. You might consider Shira for its outstanding scenery, with picturesque views throughout the journey.
Because of its longer duration, Shira can be more costly compared to other routes. Its difficulty may not be ideal for beginners, and some climbers may experience altitude-related symptoms on the first day while camping at nearly 12,000 feet. Toward the end of this route, climbers will merge paths with the Machame Route, which can lead to higher-traffic days.
While this route has some popularity, it’s not one that Easy Travel offers. Instead, we recommend considering other routes with similar views and difficulty levels for a more successful and enjoyable experience climbing Mt.Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route is an excellent alternative that’s considered to be an improved variation of Shira.
Choosing the best Kilimanjaro route depends on several factors, including your experience level, fitness level, and personal preferences. Be sure to consider the following before making a final decision:
Experience Level: Assess your climbing experience and choose a route that matches your skill level. Beginners may opt for less challenging routes with gradual inclines and more acclimatization time, while experienced climbers can take on more demanding, steep, or direct routes.
Fitness Level: Evaluate your baseline physical fitness and the training you are willing to put in. While all routes will present physical challenges, some require more stamina and endurance than others.
Personal Preferences: Consider factors such as scenery, foot traffic levels, and accommodation style. Some routes offer more diverse landscapes, while others provide a more secluded experience. Decide whether you prefer tent camping or sleeping in huts along the way.
Once you’ve narrowed down two or three routes that interest you most, you might want to read reviews or testimonials from other climbers to get additional perspectives on the potential experiences.
To increase your chances of a successful summit, keep these Kilimanjaro climbing tips in mind:
Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a remarkable adventure that requires careful planning and consideration. By choosing the best Kilimanjaro route for your abilities and expectations, you can make your summit dreams a reality. Easy Travel offers a library of resources to help you research Kili routes, and a range of expertly guided Kilimanjaro treks to ensure an unforgettable experience on the mountain. Start planning your Kilimanjaro adventure today and embark on a journey of a lifetime.