Choosing a Kilimanjaro route

Marangu Route

By far the most popular route on Mt Kilimanjaro is Marangu. For this reason the route is also called the tourist route. It is claimed that Marangu is the easiest route to Mt Kilimanjaro's summit.
Marangu route offers a five day option, which may be extended to six days for acclimatisation needs.
Marangu is the only Mt Kilimanjaro route that offers comfortable sleeping huts at all campsites. These are equipped with beds and mattresses.
At every campsite mineral water, beer, soft drinks and chocolate can be purchased. All Marangu camps have radio contact with Kilimanjaro National Park Headquarters.

Machame Route

It is said that Machame is probably the most beautiful and scenic route on Mt Kilimanjaro. It offers more of a challenge than Marangu, and takes six days to complete.
Although the trail is long and steep compared to Marangu, summit night is an hour shorter. Hikers are treated to beautiful views of the Western Breach while travelling up the mountain.
Accommodation on Machame is only available in the form of tents. Hikers need to bring their own mattress and a good sleeping bag.

Umbwe Route

Umbwe is one of the shorter and also more challenging routes to Uhuru. However, the route is spectacular. The first night of the route is spent inside Umbwe Cave Camp, and hikers have the chance to visit two more caves enroute.
Umbwe is also sometimes used to descend Mt Kilimanjaro with.

Shira Route

One of Mt Kilimanjaro's most fascinating scenic areas is the Shira Plateau. A 4x4 drive can be taken to within half an hour's walk of Shira Hut-situated at 4000m-if weather is fine. This is a spectacular drive with awesome views of the Great Rift Valley and Mt Meru, and game is often spotted. The terrain changes from forest to grassland to heath and finally moorland.
The drive to Shira Hut requires acclimatisation. From here the summit can commence either via Barafu Hut or the Western Breach.

Mweka Route

Mweka serves only as a descending route for all western routes.

Lemosho Route

Lemosho is remote and unspoiled. The forest offers abundant big game life around the Lemosho Glades. Elephant and buffalo roam freely around these parts. The first day of the hike often sees a game ranger accompanying hikers.
To complete this route comfortably, you need seven days. This makes Lemosho more expensive than the other routes on Mt Kilimanjaro.

Rongai (Naro Moru) Route

The climb via Rongai can be started from Rongai in Kenya, or from the Tanzanian side of the border. All park fees and arrangements have to be settled at Marangu Gate though.
Rongai is used for ascent only, and is used in conjunction with Marangu, which serves as the descending route for this option.
Rongai has several large caves, and hikers often overnight in these on the two first nights of the climb.

Western Breach / Arrow Glacier

This route serves as an alternative ascend route which can be taken from all western routes. It affords hikers the opportunity to sleep at the magnificent Arrow Glacier. The Western Breach is a bit more of a challenge, however, since the terrain is covered in scree. Hikers need to do the occasional rock scrambling. If the scree is snow-covered, the going is easier, provided an ice axe is used.
Hikers can add an extra night to this route to spend a night in Kibo Crater.

Technical climbs

No technical climbs are allowed on Kilimanjaro, and neither are adventure activities such as paragliding, cycling and skiing.