KILIMANJARO ROUTES
Lemosho Route
- Begins on the western side of Mt. Kilimanjaro at Londorossi Gate, where a 4×4 vehicle brings hikers.
- The hike across the entire Shira Plateau from west to east is pleasant and relatively flat.
- The most stunning and picturesque of all the trails up Mount Kilimanjaro that you can complete in as little as 6 days and as many as 9 days.
- One of the newer Kilimanjaro routes offers tourists many rewarding views, low crowds and a high summit success rate.
- Although the route is not technical, its distance and elevation gain make it a moderately difficult route that demands physical fitness.
Marangu Route
- The Marangu route, often dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route,” approaches Mt. Kilimanjaro from the southeast.
- The oldest and most unique Mount Kilimanjaro tour route with constantly changing scenery.
- Extremely popular route that is mainly famous because it is the only route on the mountain that does not allow camping and offers hut accommodation with beverages for trekkers.
- Offers sweeping views, steady climb and amazing hiking adventure to the summit of Uhuru Peak.
- Can be completed in just five days and provides trekkers with the classic Kilimanjaro climbing experience.
- Best route for trekkers who have a limited amount of time for their climb.
Machame Route
- Popularly known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame Route does not have sleeping huts. However, it provides impressive views and a wide variety of habitats.
- Offers many scenic views and famous landmarks like the famed Lava Tower, the lunar landscape and the Shira Plateau on the way
- Trekking from the route involves longer hiking days, steeper climbs and challenging hiking situations.
- The trekking difficulty level from the Machame route is high, and the climb can be done in a minimum of 6-7 days on the mountain.
- The perfect route for those with above-average fitness, who have some experience in hiking and have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
Rongai Route
- Easiest and the only route up Mount Kilimanjaro that approaches from the northeastern or Kenyan side of the mountain.
- One of the least visited and driest of all the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro.
- The route offers trekkers a seven-day climb and an unspoiled wilderness experience.
- Gives many potential opportunities to spot wildlife, such as Colobus Monkeys in the first few days of the climb, but the route is not as scenic as other routes up Mt. Kilimanjaro are.
- Excellent success rates, steady climb and lovely surroundings make Rongai the perfect route for first-time trekkers and those who want to experience peace for much of the trek.
Northern Circuit
- The newest and longest Kilimanjaro route on Kilimanjaro that offers nearly 360 degrees of dramatic scenery.
- Begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and has the highest summit success rate.
- The route has the most acclimatization time and involves a visit to Kilimanjaro’s quiet and rarely visited northern slopes.
- Typically done in 9 days. Best for those who enjoy backpacking, quiet trekking for many days, beautiful scenery and plenty of solitude and wildlife.
Shira Route
- One of the oldest, most varied and beautiful routes that offers excellent views of the summit crater of Kilimanjaro, Kibo.
- Begins from the west at Shira Gate, the Shira Route is best known for its breathtaking views and dramatic landscapes across the vast Shira Plateau.
- A moderately difficult route from an acclimatization point of view.
- Best for climbers who want a scenic and thrilling trail and have experience in high-altitude trekking.
Umbwe Route
- The hardest and challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro with a quiet, seldom-used path that can be very difficult.
- Less crowded path characterized by its wild and rugged terrain and steep ascents.
- Best suited for experienced trekkers who want to complete a challenging trek.
- Perfect for those who want to test their trekking skills and want a rewarding experience away from the crowds.
KILIMANJARO TOURS
BEST WEATHER
The dry seasons are considered to be the best weather conditions to climb as there is a lower possibility of precipitation
WORST WEATHER
The rainy seasons are the worst times to climb the mountain as it can be very wet, and visibility may be low due to heavy clouds
BEST TIME
The best times to climb Mt Kilimanjaro are from the beginning of December through the beginning of March, and then from late June through the end of October
HIGH SEASON
Group climbs are scheduled to correspond with the dry season (December through March, late June through the end of October) as they are the busiest months
LOW SEASON
From the end of March to early June, the crowds are gone during this period and it is considered to be the low season
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Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro usually takes between 5 to 9 days. However, it depends on the route you travel and your energy speed. The regular route of climbers during their journey is The Marangu Route, which typically takes 5 to 6 days in total. There are even longer routes like Lemosho or Machame routes which usually take 6 to 9 days of journey. The effective hiking duration varies but, in general, it ranges from 4 – 8 hours in total. It also takes some extra time due to some external factors like health conditions, weather etc.
You have to carry specific equipment and clothing for a safe climb journey to make sure about your comfort and safety. Equipment includes a personal first aid kit, flashlight, trekking poles, UV protection sunglasses, a sleeping pad safeguarded for comfort and to bear cold temperatures and finally a large backpack to carry all your necessities.
The clothing contains hiking pants and boots, wool socks with extra pairs, and waterproof outer jackets and pants. Furthermore, balanced layering is essential to stay in warm and dry weather conditions. Choose your clothing that is intended for outdoor adventures.
You have to carry some necessary things to support your weight during your journey to Mount Kilimanjaro in order to reduce strain on your body and maintain stability. Firstly, carry Trekking poles, these help minimise the effect on your joints and knees. Ensure that your backpack is a padded one with shoulder straps and a waist belt, this helps to distribute your weight equally across your body. Go with high-quality hiking boots that give ankle support and prevent discomfort. Keep yourself hydrated. Avoid carrying unnecessary items like camping equipment that may burden your back. Take planned timeouts to rest and stretch.
When you begin your final ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro before dawn, upgrade safety and maximise the probability of summit success. It is also recommended that early starting allows climbers to experience the breathtaking sceneries of sunrise and the Mount Kilimanjaro summit. Climbing early with headlamps in the dark gives better visibility of the way and its surroundings and also helps you to locate tricky locations.
Ascending before dawn saves your time in reaching the summit and reduces the chances of being at risk and caught in unpredictable weather at those summit areas. You will also reach lower altitudes early before nighttime onset. Furthermore, winds are calm in the early hours and can be manageable, also safe for you.
Upon reaching the climb on Mount Kilimanjaro, you are allotted to a team of experienced guides, and carriers based on our tour package. Our experienced guides are certified and very knowledgeable. They are integrated for assistance, support and guidance during challenging situations and emergency cases. They are trained to manage team interactions, navigate the mountain’s geography and make sure about your safety in your climbing journey.
Based on your package, you will be accommodated with mountain huts or shelters rather than tents on your way to the Marangu Route. It is expected to be a comfortable option for the climbers. During your 4 to 5 days travel, you can experience 3 kinds of huts during your visit.
Firstly, Mandara Hut on Day 1 where the trek usually begins at Marangu Gate, and climbers register and start their ascent from the rainforest. Marangu huts are facilitated with bunk beds, with a cosy atmosphere, also surrounded by the sounds of dense forest. Then, the trek continues and you will be reaching Horombo hut where you spend your days 2 and 3. It is located at higher altitudes. You can spend 2 nights depending on the travel plan. Finally, on the final day, you stay at Kibo hut, situated at the base of the summit. You will be offered limited facilities as it is at a high altitude. All In all, you will experience a unique journey of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
You are required to maintain a balanced to high level of fitness. However, you don’t need to have climbing skills, but you should be capable enough of hiking for more hours in a day. A detailed physical fitness report is mandatory to make sure that climbers are prepared physically for the ascent. In Particular, you should pass a medical examination to ensure your lung capacity, heart health, and overall fitness levels. You need to maintain proper flexibility to get rid of injuries and face challenging situations during climbing.
There are no particular age restrictions ordered by authorities for the climbers. It’s good for climbers to reach a summit at their own risk pointing to their physical health condition and always be prepared to face challenges at high altitudes. However, according to the tourism guidelines of our company, we check for age recommendations and requirements based on safety measurements. In general, children below 10 years are likely not allowed as they can’t handle certain climatic conditions and face challenges.
Yes, the off-season generally occurs twice a year known as the rainy season. These days are very dangerous and receive heavy rainfall, making climbing a great challenge. You can see heavy rain from March to May. During this time, you can find muddy and slippery paths that can turn out to be a very dangerous route for you. Short rains arrive in November and fall in December. It is advised to go for careful planning during this season. Consulting with certified guides can make your visit a successful one.
We provide qualified guides and supportive staff to accompany you. They are well-trained in first aid and responding for an emergency response. They provide you with basic treatment and are capable of determining further assistance. With safety priorities and thorough preparation, climbers can eliminate risks and enjoy their journey.
Altitude sickness is very common when you travel at high altitudes. When you travel to higher altitudes, there will be a decrease in oxygen levels in your body. You may encounter some symptoms like headaches, dizziness, or altitude sickness. Consider them and take the help of your guide for further assistance. At this point, you need to stay hydrated. If the altitude sickness bothers you more, you must immediately go back to lower altitudes. Carry a few medications to get instant relief and adjust to the weather if you can manage.
The best time to climb the Mount is during the onseason or drier months. It is basically from January to March, known as the short dry season. The sky will be clear and will have suitable weather conditions to manage everything required. It is also an ideal time for summit trails.
Also, from June to October, known as the long dry season, the weather is usually dry and cool. It has favourable conditions to enjoy your summit success.
If your journey is incomplete due to any issues, our guide will offer you the best solution considering your safety and health. You will be sent back safely to lower altitudes in case of injuries or any other medical emergencies. In case of severe cases, you will be relocated by helicopter or any other transportation.
It is possible to rent or engage equipment locally. But they might depend on local outfitters who offer. Near the town of Mount Kilimanjaro, shops and outfitters are available. Ensure checking of quality and conditions of the items before you buy them.
To ensure the safety of our climbers, we to ensure certain things about the safety of climbers on Mount Kilimanjaro. We provide experienced and certified guides for a safe summit, make sure about proper conditioning, and carry only high-quality equipment. Our guides take proper training and are always prepared to handle physical challenges. We also inform our climbers to be prepared for risks and take the required precautions. Have a safe and fulfilling summit experience
