Kilimanjaro routes
Listed below you will find a summary of the Kilimanjaro route options that we recommend.
Marangu route on Kilimanjaro
Distance to the summit
34 km from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak.
Sleeping arrangements
Communal accommodation in huts.
Recommended days
Marangu can be done in 5 or 6 days, but we recommend to take a 6 day route with and extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut.
Positives for the Marangu route
Most comfortable route as you will not be sleeping in tents. Running water at the lower huts (Mandara & Horombo Huts).
Negatives for the Marangu route
Ascent & descent routes are the same. Longest and most difficult summit attempt.
Machame route on Kilimanjaro
Distance to the summit
40 km from Machame Gate to Uhuru Peak.
Sleeping arrangements
Expedition-style hiking tents.
Recommended days
Machame can be done in 6 days or 7 days. We recommend to take 7 days, although 6 days will allow adequate acclimatization.
Positives for the Machame route
Better acclimatization built in with the ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach.
Negatives for the Machame route
Long, challenging route, popularity of this route makes it a busy route.
Lemosho route on Kilimanjaro
Distance to the summit
48 km from Lemosho Gate to Uhuru peak.
Sleeping arrangements
Expedition-style hiking tents.
Recommended days
Lemosho can be done in 6, 7 or even 8 days. We recommend to take a 7 day route, although 6 days will allow adequate acclimatization.
Positives for the Lemosho route
Better acclimatization built in with the ‘climb high, sleep low’ approach. Low traffic on the first couple of days until meeting up with the Machame Route.
Negatives for the Lemosho route
Long, challenging route.
Rongai route on Kilimanjaro
Distance to the summit
37 km from Rongai starting point (Nale Moru) to Uhuru peak.
Sleeping arrangements
Expedition-style hiking tents.
Recommended days
Rongai can be done in 6 or 7 days. We recommend to take 7 days, although 6 days will allow adequate acclimatization.
Positives for the Rongai route
Low traffic on the first several days from the north until meeting up with the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut.
Negatives for the Rongai route
Drier route, with a less spectacular rainforest band on the first day.
Umbwe route on Kilimanjaro
Distance to the summit
32 km from Umbwe Gate to Uhuru Peak.
Sleeping arrangements
Expedition-style hiking tents.
Recommended days
Umbwe can be done in 6 days which will allow adequate acclimatization.
Positives for the Umbwe route
Spectacular views through deep gorges. Low traffic on the first couple of days until meeting up with the Machame Route.
Negatives for the Umbwe route
The steep start to the route can cause acclimatization problems for less experienced high-altitude hikers.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro packages from South Africa please following this link.
The package prices will be quoted in US$ for clients not travelling from South Africa.
For more information on our Kilimanjaro tour packages from Tanzania please following the link.