Embarking on the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro is a compelling endeavor, drawing adventure enthusiasts to the challenge of conquering the tallest freestanding mountain globally. Standing proudly as the highest point in Africa, the journey to its summit promises a wilderness adventure of unparalleled distinction. Kilimanjaro, with its well-established and easily accessible trails, unveils its breathtaking scenery and unique vegetation as you gradually ascend its slopes, providing a serene escape from the bustling noise of civilization.
While the trek up this renowned mountain demands physical endurance, the reward of reaching Uhuru Peak is an experience that transcends description. Standing at the summit, you not only conquer "the roof of Africa" but also immerse yourself in a vista that unfolds the beauty of the surrounding landscapes in all their grandeur.
Travel Wise Safari stand as your trusted companions in this extraordinary journey. With a skilled, determined, and highly dedicated climbing team, your dream of summiting Kilimanjaro becomes an achievable reality. The company's expertise ensures that your ascent is not just a climb but a holistic adventure, where every step is guided by experienced hands, making your once-in-a-lifetime journey an indelible and cherished memory. Whether you are an avid trekker seeking a new challenge or a nature enthusiast yearning to witness Africa from its highest point, Travel Wise Safari invite you to turn your dream into a reality and conquer the majestic heights of Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Best kilimanjaro tour 2024 - 2025
Choosing the right route for your Kilimanjaro trek is a crucial decision, and this page is here to guide you through the process. Each route comes with its unique set of advantages and challenges, catering to different preferences and considerations. Whether you prioritize enjoying the landscape, acclimatization, or reaching the summit with high success rates, understanding the intricacies of each route is essential to ensure a safe and fulfilling trek. Let's delve into the details and explore the diverse Kilimanjaro routes, helping you make an informed decision for an unforgettable climbing experience.
There are six main Kilimanjaro routes that one can use to trek the highest mountain in Africa. The seventh Kilimanjaro route, Mweka, is used for decent only.
Mweka Route (descent only)
Shira Route
Umbwe Route
In addition to these routes, trekkers can also take the Northern Circuit or the Western Breach.
Kilimanjaro Route Summaries
Best Kilimanjaro Routes.
Machame Route
The Machame route is highly recommended for its scenic value and has a high success rate, especially if you choose the 7-day route.
Six-day options are not recommended for beginner hikers.
This is an excellent Kilimanjaro route for acclimatization as it offers hikers an opportunity for high climb and low sleep on day 3. Here, hikers ascend from Shira Camp 2 to the Lava Tower at 4,600 meters, where they have lunch, then go back down to Camp Barranco. (3,900 meters) to sleep
Like all Kilimanjaro routes, Machame is a challenging hike with stunning scenery across four diverse climate zones.
There is a good opportunity to split the pre-summit ascent day by adding an extra rest day at Karanga Camp (only available to seven-day trekkers) to leave trekkers well-rested before the summit.
The route has however become very popular in recent years, meaning it can be very busy, particularly at Barranco where climbers join hikers on the Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe routes (see details on Barranco Wall).
The Machame route only offers fully supported camping
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho is a beautiful route that departs from the West side of Mount Kilimanjaro
Due to its route profile the Lemosho can be completed on a seven or eight day itinerary and offers lots of opportunities to properly acclimatize. Because of it’s versatile route profile it is one of the best Kilimanjaro routes and has high summit success rates
It is also recommended as the starting point is relatively remote and hence provides trekkers with a rather untouched and wild start to their Kilimanjaro adventure. Spotting large wildlife, like antelope, buffalo and even elephant is unusual but not impossible
The route also provides unparalleled and spectacular views of the dramatic gorges that characterize the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau – one of the largest high altitude plateaus in the world
Trekkers on the Lemosho typically converge with Machame route on day 3 at Barranco camp and use the Barafu camp route to the summit; however, it is now quite common for Lemosho trekkers to veer north before Lava Tower to join the Northern Circuit (see details below) which circles the north side of Mount Kilimanjaro and follows the summit passage via Gilman’s Point.
The Lemosho route can also be used by trekkers planning to climb the Western Breach to the summit
Like the Machame Route, the Lemosho is fully catered camping only
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro and has one of the highest summit success rates as the route offers lots of climb high, sleep-low opportunities, and time to acclimatize.
The route departs from the same start point as Lemosho but then joins the Northern Circuit near Lava Tower, before traversing the north slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro
The summit passage is via Gilman’s Point
The route can be completed on an eight or nine-day itinerary
If you are looking for a quiet and wild Kilimanjaro experience, then this route is for you.
Rongai Route
The Rongai route is the only northern start point to Kilimanjaro, beginning on the North East side of Kilimanjaro National Park
The Rongai offers a true wilderness experience on the early stages of the climb, and like the Lemosho route it is possible to see large wildlife like buffalo, antelope and elephant
The Northern slopes tend to be dryer than the southern slopes which makes the Rongai a great Kilimanjaro Route for trekking during the wet season.
However, because the northern slopes are dryer they can also be considered less scenic. That being said, a northern approach is often characterized by clear views of Kilimanjaro – something that is not that common from the southern side
The Rongai is also a flatter route for the first few days which makes for easy trekking. The route is usually completed on a seven-day itinerary but has limited climb high, sleep-low opportunities which means that acclimatization opportunities are not as good as on other Kilimanjaro routes
Typically the Rongai route uses the passage from School Hut up past Hans Meyer Cave and Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak
The route descends via the Marangu route, hence the route has fully catered camping until the last night on the mountain – beers at Horombo Hut anyone?
Marangu Route
The Marangu route was Nicknamed the ‘Coca-Cola’ route as Coke used to be bought along the way in tea huts
The route is often selected by unprepared, inexperienced climbers as a result of the reputation for being the “easiest” Kilimanjaro route, attributing to the lower success rate
It is also the shortest Kilimanjaro route with a relatively poor acclimatization profile, which is a major contributor to the low success rates on the Marangu.
The six-day itinerary does give trekkers an opportunity to climb high, and sleep low; however the elevation is moderate and not as effective as other climb-high, sleep-low opportunities that are present on other Kilimanjaro routes
Out of all the Kilimanjaro routes, the Marangu route is the only one with dormitory-style accommodation in huts for the whole duration of the climb. The huts come with mattresses and basic amenities, making them a popular choice for budget tour operators who don’t have the right equipment to tackle the other Kilimanjaro routes
The Marangu offers beautiful views from the Saddle but can be considered less scenic than other Kilimanjaro routes due to ascent and descent on same trail.
Below is our Climbing Kilimanjaro Packages.
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Kilimanjaro packing list
It's really important to have the right stuff when you try to reach the top of Kilimanjaro. We made a list to help you pack properly. Remember, don't make your bag too heavy, keep it under 20 kg (44 lbs.) because that's the most a porter can carry. Your sleeping bag is part of this weight, but things like sleeping mats and tents don't count.
If you want to travel light, you can rent equipment or buy it in Tanzania.
Here's what you need:
Travel Documents:
Passport and visa
Airline ticket
International health card with immunizations
Travel insurance
Medical insurance
Cash, travelers checks, or credit card
Essential Items:
Duffel bag (for climbing gear)
Small lock
Day backpack
Sleeping bag
Ski-pole/walking stick
Water bottle
Kilimanjaro map
High-altitude gear (jacket, pants, fleece, thermal wear, gloves, socks, balaclava, gaiters, thermal flask)
Hiking Gear:
Shorts
Hiking pants
T-shirts
Raincoat or poncho
Footwear:
Hiking boots
Shoes for overnight camps
Socks
Equipment:
Sun hat
Knit hat
Collapsible ski sticks (optional)
Water bottles
Headlamp
Water purification tablets
Sunglasses
Flashlight
Backpack cover (optional)
Camp pillow
Personal Items:
Toiletry kit
Towel
Sunscreen and lip protection
Ziploc bags
Toilet paper
Wet wipes
Pee bottle (recommended)
Money belt
Medical and First Aid Supplies:
Headache tablets
Altitude sickness medicine (Diamox)
Diarrhea medicine (Imodium)
Nausea medicine (Valoid)
Malaria prophylaxis
Painkillers
Bandages and first aid items
Optional Items:
Camera and accessories
Binoculars
Sports drinks
Pocket knife
Notebook and pencil
Plastic bags
Energy snacks.
Embarking on our climbing safari isn't just an adventure; it's a transformative experience. Guided by our team of seasoned professionals, including expert guides and skilled cooks, your journey with Travel Wise Safari guarantees not only an ascent to new heights but also an immersion into the heart of the Tanzanian wilderness. Our commitment to excellence ensures that every step of your climb is supported by knowledge, safety, and an unwavering dedication to making your safari extraordinary. Prepare to leave with more than memories – with Travel Wise Safari, you'll carry the indelible mark of a truly remarkable adventure.
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