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Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Reaching 5,895 meters at Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft.), it towers above the surrounding plains that include famous sites like the Serengeti and the Ngorongoro Crater. Uhuru Peak sits on the rim of the extinct volcano’s crater and promises some of the most spectacular views you can comprehend.
Located in northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro sits practically on the Equator and enjoys a relatively consistent year-round climate. Tanzanians, while quite poor by standard economic measures, live a rich life in harmony with our surrounding environment, which includes mountains, oceans, and some of the most stunning wildlife on the planet. We are also incredibly friendly – expect a warm welcome!
Kilimanjaro is a great climb for all adventurers. The name “Kilimanjaro” is derived from Swahili, loosely translated to mean ‘mountain of greatness’ (though no exact definition exists).
There are five main Kilimanjaro routes that one can use to trek the highest mountain in Africa as described below;
The Machame route on Mount Kilimanjaro is slightly more challenging than the other routes. The Machame route is also referred to as the whiskey route as it is considered to be more difficult and more intoxicating than the Marangu (coca-cola) route. The trek begins at Machame Gate in the Kilimanjaro rainforest and ascends through the forest on the South Western side of the mountain until it reaches the Shira Plateau, where you will enjoy stunning views across the Shira Plateau, Western Breach and Kibo.
From the Shira two camp you will hike across the plateau to the Barranco wall and then will follow the southern circuit path to Barafu Camp. The descent for the Machame route is via the Mweka route; this route is typically completed in 7 days allowing for good acclimatization.
The Marangu route is one of the easiest and most popular on the mountain. Known as the coca-cola route due to its mass appeal and accessibility you will never feel completely alone or isolated on this route. It is the only route where you sleep in huts with bunk beds and mattresses. Your ascent begins at Marangu Gate on the south east side of the mountain. You will trek through the forest and moorland before passing to the south of Mawenzi and crossing the saddle on route to Kibo Hut. You will then ascend to Gilman’s Point and then onto Uhuru Peak. Descent is back to Marangu Gate.
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is an unspoiled and tranquil route that approaches Kibo from the West. The first two days of the trek are spent in the rainforest enjoying the peace and quiet of this less populated route. On the second day of the climb you will emerge out of the forest and onto the Shira Plateau. Once across the Plateau the route then follows the Southern Circuit route to Barranco Wall, Lava Tower and Barafu Hut, before the final ascent to the summit. The Lemosho route is one of the longest routes on the mountain and utilizes the additional day to assist with acclimatization.
The Lemosho route is also one of the quietest routes on the mountain and has some of the most spectacular scenery of all the routes. Descent is via the Mweka route on the southern side of the mountain. This route is typically completed in 8 days allowing for excellent acclimatization.
The Umbwe route is the most demanding route on Kilimanjaro due to the direct approach. This less climbed route begins at Umbwe Gate and ascends the Western side of the mountain until it reaches Barranco Camp.From there it joins the Southern Circuit and the summit ascent is via the Barafu Hut route. Descent is via the Mweka route. This is the most physically demanding of all the routes and should be attempted in no less than 6 days.
The Rongai route is the only trail to approach Kibo from the North, on the Kenyan side of the mountain. The Rongai route is considered more scenic than the Marangu route, easier than the Machame route and has a high summit success rate. The Rongai route is also one of the quietest routes as it does not converge with any other route until it joins the Marangu for the ascent on the summit. Descent is again via the Marangu route on the southeast side of the mountain. This route is typically completed in 7 days allowing for good acclimatization.
