Which route should you choose? the pros & cons of each route

There are 6 routes to take you to the top of Kilimanjaro: these are Machame, Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai, Shira, Marangu and Umbwe.
We recommend taking 6 or 7 days for any route of your choice (8 days for Lemosho and northern circuit). This is because you will have enough time for your body to acclimatize with the altitude and give you the best possibility of successfully summiting to Uhuru Peak 5895m above sea level

ROUTE DETAILS AND PRICE

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – MACHAME ROUTE

• The Machame is the most popular route & can be busy. To overcome this, we start our trek early each morning – usually by 8am.
• The minimum time to climb Kilimanjaro via this route is 6 days. However, it is recommended to take 7 days to improve acclimatization and increase the chances of summiting Uhuru (the final peak).
• This route has a high summit success rate as it allows opportunities to ‘walk high, sleep low so you will acclimatize better.
• It offers stunning scenery with lots of diversity in the landscape, flora and birds. You will trek through Kilimanjaro’s five distinct climatic zones – Cultivation, Montane, Moorland, and Alpine Desert & Ice Cap and experience the expansive views of the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, the Great Barranco Wall and Southern Ice field.
• Like all the routes on Kilimanjaro, the Machame route is physically challenging. This route does have areas of steep descents over rocks and there is a section where you will need to scramble up the Barranco Wall. Although for anything you will have help and directives from our professional guide
• The ascent to the peak starts at midnight at Barafu base Camp (4,600m) for the final ascent to Kilimanjaro highest point. You can also start this ascent in the morning if you would prefer. The midnight start you will summit at dawn and you can see sunrise from crater rim, also descent will not be as hot as if you will do it in the afternoon.
• The descent is via Mweka route.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – LEMOSHO ROUTE

• The Lemosho, a relatively new route, starts from Londorossi Gate and as you trekking through rainforest for 2 days.  You then cross up to Shira Ridge, Kilimanjaro’s third summit, and trek Shira Plateau while witnessing the stunning view of Shira Cathedral.
• Due to the high success rate and and the fact that it’s a very scenic and mostly unspoiled route where you might see wild game, Lemosho is highly recommended. The route is longer with a steadier climb which helps acclimatization.  After 3 days it connects into the Machame route.
• The descent is along the Mweka Route. 7 days is the minimum time for Lemosho route. An extra day to acclimatize is recommended to improve the chances of summiting.
• The Lemosho route via Northern circuit or the Western Breach can also be done.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – NORTHERN CIRCUIT TRAIL

• See the unknown side of Kilimanjaro. This is the spectacular route which starts in the west and traverses along the remote North side of Kilimanjaro where you can see down into Kenya and ascend the summits via School Hut (4,720m).
• It gives you the best combination of Lemosho and Rongai Routes.
• It is true wilderness and rarely trekked, if you looking for something different then this is the best choice.
• Because of the longer duration you get greater acclimatization.
• It doesn’t include the Barranco Wall so it’s good for trekkers who prefer not to scramble up.
• This climb can be done in 7 days but it makes a huge difference to acclimatization to take an extra day.

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro – RONGAI ROUTE

• The Rongai route starts on the North Eastern side of the mountain and has fewer climbers than most of the other routes.
• The drive to the trail has improved over the years with a new tarmac road.
• This trail can be used at any time of the year, even in the rainy season.
• On this trek you may see some animals as the forest is not very thick which means there is always enough food for animals to eat on the ground.
• On this route you will enjoy the view of the beautiful Mawenzi peak which is the second highest on Kilimanjaro, and also spend a night on its base.
• This route descends via the Marangu route.