Is summiting Kilimanjaro still on your wish list? Make that wish come true! Climbing Kilimanjaro is a unique experience and achievement because Mt. Kilimanjaro is a very special place on its own. In this relatively flat continent stands the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Yet to reach its peak of 5895m above the sea level, you do not need special climbing skills and gears. All you need is inner motivation, strong will, desire and a bit of luck. Then rest leave on us
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Six Possible Routes to Reach the Top of Africa
There are several routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of the routes are used for descending only and some for both. Each route offers different scenery and different levels of challenges, hence different number of days to reach the summit.
We explain to our clients all the possible routes, and it is up to our clients to choose their most favourite route among all the six routes.
The Marangu Route – ’the Coca-Cola Route’
This is the only route with hut accommodation and uses the same path for ascending and descending. No wonder it acquired nicknames as ‘the Coca-Cola route’ or ‘the tourist route’. The name Coca-Cola route is derived from the hut accommodation and sometimes there is a possibility to buy some stuff such as water or fizzy drinks. The name ‘tourist route’ is derived from the route being crowded as it is used for ascending and descending and also many unprepared tourists tend to use this route as it is known to be the easy one.
Although the path is comfortable with a gradual slope. However, once you reach the last camp, where usually some of the other routes also meet here, the path becomes more demanding and hence most ‘unprepared tourists’ unfortunately fail to concur the change in altitude and demandingness of the final part and therefore unable to reach the summit, which also contributes to the lowest success rate of the Marangu route when compare to other routes.
You can climb through this route for 4 to 5 nights. However, to increase your chances to reach the summit, we recommend you to opt for an extra day for acclimatization.
The Machame Route – ‘The whiskey Route’
As the name ‘whiskey route’ refers, the Machame route is harder than the Marangu route. Surprisingly, although this route is more difficult, the success rate is higher than that of Marangu. Usually, 60% of climbers in this route make it to the summit.
As all other routes, apart from Marangu, you will be sleeping in the tents.
The route itself is not technically demanding and you do not need any mountain gears and special climbing skills, but it is strenuous with a lot of ups and downs.
There are breath-taking views on this route, making it the most scenic route. In the past few years, Machame route has become one of the favourite routes, which unfortunately makes it also crowded. This is an ascending only route with a descending route via Mweka route.
The shortest time to climb via Machame Route is 6 days, but we recommend 7 days climb to allow more time for your body to cope with the changes.
The Rongai Route
This is also a tent-based route, the only route approaching the mountain from the North. You will have great views of both Tanzania and Kenya sides. You will descend via the Marangu route, which gives you the opportunity to see the mountain from different angles.
The Rongai Route is less crowded than both Machame and Marangu routes. If you are lucky, in this route you may meet some wildlife.
It is a gradual climb, similar to that of Marangu, but with a much higher success rate of up to 90% depending on your physical conditions. It tends to be much drier in this side of the mountain, increasing your chances of not getting wet at the lower altitudes.
We recommend climbing this route within 6 days, although you can also make it in 5 days.
The Shira Route
This route starts on as a separate route then it joins the Machame route at some point. The beginning of the route follows a road rather than a path. Some climbers tend to drive as high as possible (3 500 m), then start the hike. This can be very shocking for your body if it is not used to high altitudes.
You will also sleep in the tent and descend via Mweka route. There is an excellent chance to make it to the top, but we recommend rather a longer acclimatization. Therefore, instead of taking the jeep up to 3 500m, better hike.
The usual climb via Shira route is 6 days, but you can also extend it by making a longer version.
The Lemosho Route
This route also approaches the mountain from the west and joins the Machame route at some stage similar to the Shira route.
This is the longest route and can be done in a different version. The minimum climb is 7 to 8 days, offering a really adventure of Kilimanjaro climbing. With much fewer climbers at the beginning, the route leads through a beautiful and remote rainforest. Unlike the Shira route, you will start hiking on a remote path as the route is not crowded, you can enjoy nature at your own pace.
Due to its length and less popularity, this route remains to be one of the most expensive ways to go, but with spectacular views.
The success rate is also very high as the route itself allows your body to acclimatize.
The Umbwe Route
This is the most direct route to Mount Kilimanjaro. Although it is not technically demanding, it is the most difficult route to climb Kilimanjaro and not recommended to unexperienced climbers.
The route joins the Machame route, but through a very steep and uphill climb, which requires from time to time, to hold yourself on the tree roots to maintain the balance. You will climb on the exposed ridge called ‘Jiwe Kamba’ (Rope Rock), which is not recommended to people who are uncomfortable with height.
This route is recommended for those who want to challenge their abilities and climbing skills.
Price List for Different Routes
*All prices are for a group of 4 – 6 people
| Route | No. of days | Price/person |
| Marangu | 5 days 4 nights | |
| Machame | 6 days 5 nights | |
| Machame | 7 days 6 nights | |
| Rongai | 5 days 4 nights | |
| Rongai | 6 days 5 nights | |
| Shira | 7 days 6 nights | |
| Lemosho | 8 days 7 nights | |
| Umbwe | 5 days 4 nights |
Prices include: All park fees, professional guide(s), porters, cook, accommodation, transport from and back to your hotel, all meals and drinking water during the trip, all taxes and government charges.
Prices exclude: airport transfers, flights (domestic and international), visas, insurance, gratituity for guides and other staff, alcoholic drinks and other meals not described in the itinerary, hotel accommodation, personal items such as laundry, hygiene kit. For hygiene purposes, we recommend bringing your own sleeping bag.