CLIMB KILIMANJARO
Choose Your Route to the Roof of Africa
Experience the adventure of a lifetime climbing Africa's highest peak with expert guides, proven safety records, and unforgettable memories guaranteed.
RONGAI ROUTE
Rongai Route Climb
Approach Kilimanjaro from the dry, remote north—ideal for solitude and unique views.
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
Northern Circuit Climb
Longest route with best acclimatization and summit success rates.
MACHAME ROUTE
Machame Route Climb
The most popular Kilimanjaro route offering stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization.
MARANGU ROUTE
Marangu Route Climb
The only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations—ideal for budget climbers seeking comfort.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
Lemosho Route Climb
Most beautiful route with the highest success rates. Excellent for photography.
Kilimanjaro National Park is a popular destination for travellers who are up for a challenge. Here we delve into everything you need to know about your Mount Kilimanjaro trek, from our best recommended Kilimanjaro itineraries to how to the practicalities of preparing for the adventure of the lifetime.
Kilimanjaro itineraries
Once you've made the decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the next step is to choose the best route for you. There are a total of seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes which lead to the summit. One route begins on the Northern side of the mountain and the remaining six begin on the Southern side. Tanzania Specialist offers climbing Kilimanjaro itineraries for all the different Kilimanjaro Routes. The main question is which route should you choose?
Kilimanjaro climbling routes: overview
Machame Route - The Whiskey Route
Quick Facts
Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
There are seven different Kilimanjaro climbing routes to choose from, each with various pros and cons to suit the capabilities of the hiker. They all differ in length, difficulty, scenery, traffic, accommodation and a myriad of varying factors.
Choose Your Route
Expert Recommendation
The Asiliexplorer team are experts at defining the best route for your journey. We take time to listen to your group's specific needs and requirements.
Machame Route
Whiskey Route
Also known as the 'Whiskey Route', Kilimanjaro's Machame Route is one the most popular climbing routes in Tanzania. Better yet, this route has a fantastically high success rate. The route has a gradual ascend which gives your body more time to adjust to the altitude. The trail circles around the mountain, offering up spectacular views and a wide variety of landscapes.
Advantages
- Less expensive than most of the others, due to its shorter route and easy access
- High success rate due to good acclimatization profile
- Spectacular views and varied landscapes
- Gradual ascent helps with altitude adjustment
Considerations
- This route can be quite busy, especially during the peak season
- Last ascent to Stella Point is challenging
- Requires at least a basic level of fitness
Route Specifics
Duration Options: 6 or 7 days (7 days recommended for higher success rate)
Key Feature: Gradual ascent through rainforest to Shira Plateau
Challenge: Last ascent to Stella Point requires basic fitness
Most Popular Routes: The Machame Route, Marangu Route, and Lemosho Route are the most popular choices with our clients, each offering unique experiences suited to different preferences and capabilities.
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Sections
Best Time to Climb
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a year-round experience. At Tanzania Specialist, we provide expert advice on the best time for you to plan your Kilimanjaro trip based on your individual requirements.
December - March
The warmest months with clearer skies and less chance of snow on the trail. February is the best month since the temperature is high and the chances of rainfall are low.
June - October
The temperatures on the mountain are noticeably colder and the trails are busier, but conditions are excellent for climbing.
Rainy Season Note
During the rainy season, conditions can be wet and slippery with limited visibility. Some experienced climbers prefer this time for the lack of crowds.
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