CLIMBING MOUNT KILIMANJARO

To climb Kilimanjaro is literally reaching the roof of

Africa. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano, with 3

peaks, the highest being Kibo (Uhuru) Peak, which

reaches to 5,895m above sea level. This makes

Kilimanjaro Africa's highest mountain and the

world's tallest freestanding mountain.

Climbing Routes

There are several routes by which to reach Kibo, or Uhuru Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame.

Machame - 6 day mountain trip - 1,650 US$ per person

This route is highly recommended for it's scenic value, with medium success rate.Nicknamed the "Whisky" route as the climb is tougher than on the Marangu Route and you need a Whiskey first to tackle this adventure.

Great for acclimatizationwith lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities.
Extra acclimatization day available at 215$ per person
Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones
Very popular trail, therefore can be busy
Fully catered camping only

Marangu- 5 day mountain trip - 1,410 US$ per person

Nicknamed the "Coca-Cola" route due to the older days when Coke used to be bought along the way in tea huts

Often selected by unprepared, inexperienced climbers because of its reputation for being the "easiest" route, attributing to the lower success rate.
The shortest route, but less time to acclimatize, therefore lower success rate
Dormitory style accommodation in huts
Less scenic due to ascent and descent on same route

Shira / Lemosho- 6 day mountain trip -1,700 US$ per person

The Shira trail is one of the two longer Kilimanjaro climb routes that start on the western side. (The other route starting here is the Lemosho Route.)Those routes both cross the Shira Plateau before joining the Machame Route near the "Lava Tower". Lemosho, a relatively new route, is preferred by reputable operators due to its beauty, remoteness and success rate. In short, it maximizes the chances that a climber will reach the summit, and enjoy the experience overall.

High success rate. Good for acclimatization
Remote and spectacular, dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro
Converges with Machame on day 4 at Barranco
Shira offers higher start point compared to Lemosho and poorer acclimatization
Fully catered camping only

Rongai- 6 day mountain trip -1,700 US$ per person

The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).

Least scenic route
Offers a true wilderness experience on the early stages of the climb
Very tough final summit night from the north
Less acclimatization opportunities
Less scenic and flat
Fully catered camping only

Umbwe- 6 day mountain trip -1,700 US$ per person

The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro.Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb.

Steep, short route with lower success rate
Poor acclimatization because of rapid ascent
Very remote and quiet
Fully catered camping only

Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Although the Rongai route is a flatter walk, it offers less opportunities for acclimatisation. The Machame and Lemosho routes both allow better opportunities to "walk high and sleep low", which is critical to avoiding altitude sickness.

Please note all our Kilimanjaro prices include the following: