Climbing Kilimanjaro
Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe
Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that will stay with you forever. For many travelers, a Kilimanjaro climb is more than just reaching the summit—it is a journey of the soul through some of the most breathtaking landscapes in Africa. From lush rainforests to alpine deserts and icy glaciers, Mount Kilimanjaro trekking offers some of the most diverse scenery in the world. One of the most appealing aspects of climbing Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is that it does not require technical mountaineering skills. However, it does demand strong determination, mental resilience, and physical preparation. If you are committed to the challenge, you are already on the right path—landing on this page is the perfect place to begin planning your Kilimanjaro expedition. Located just three degrees south of the equator in Tanzania, Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro is shrouded in mystery and legend. The name Kilimanjaro has several interpretations, ranging from “Mountain of Greatness” to “Mountain of Caravans.” In Swahili, kilima means “top of the hill,” while some believe the name originates from the Chagga word kilemakyaro, meaning “impossible journey.” Others suggest that njaro refers to a mythical demon of the cold. Whatever its true origin, the image of Mount Kilimanjaro remains iconic—a massive, awe-inspiring mountain rising from the African plains, straddling the equator, yet crowned with snow and ice. It is this striking contrast that makes climbing Mount Kilimanjaro one of the most unforgettable adventures on Earth.
Kilimanjaro trekking routes offer climbers a variety of experiences, landscapes, and difficulty levels when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. There are seven established routes to climb Kilimanjaro, each providing unique scenery, acclimatization profiles, and summit success rates.
The main Mount Kilimanjaro routes are:
Machame Route
– Popular for its scenic beauty and high success rate
Marangu Route
– Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the only route with hut accommodation
Lemosho Route
– Ideal for acclimatization with stunning western approaches
Umbwe Route
– The steepest and most challenging Kilimanjaro route
Shira Route
– A high-altitude route starting on the Shira Plateau
Northern Circuit Route
– The longest and most remote Kilimanjaro trek
Rongai Route
– The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border
The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approach Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, while the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro climbing route that approaches from the north.
All Kilimanjaro climbs descend via the Mweka Route, which is used exclusively as a descent path to protect the mountain environment.
On average, it takes 6 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, although adding extra days to your itinerary is highly recommended. A longer Kilimanjaro trekking itinerary allows for better acclimatization to high altitude, significantly increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely and successfully.
Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions
No. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak in that you essentially hike or trek to summit. No technical expertise is required, nor use of rope etc. There are sections on the mountain which require a scramble up rocky areas, dependant on which trekking path you follow.
The shortest number of days required to climb to Uhuru Peak is on a 5 day Marangu route, totally 7 by the time you have added on arrival and departure days. However, it is not advisable to do it over 5 as the ascent is very quick and the overall success rate, low. It is better to do the trek over a minimum of 6 or 7 days to increase your chances of success.
There are several streams on the trail and porters will collect water from them. The cook then boils this water for you to fill you water bottles for your days hike. You can also use purifier tablets in stream water or add it to your boiled water however it can also have an effect on the diamox and make you feel nauseous. The higher you climb the less water there is. On the Machame trail, for example, the last water point is at the Karanga Valley, the lunch-stop before Barafu; on Marangu, it’s just before the Saddle. For this reason it is essential that you carry enough bottles for at least two litres.
Although Kilimanjaro is classified as a ' trek,' it has a very fast altitude gain. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires physical fitness training and stamina and most importantly, mental fitness training. Your legs will get you up the first 4-5 days but for your summit night, mental strength will get you to the top - (assuming of course that you are not affected by altitude, sickness or pure fatigue). A good exercise and training program is essential. The climb should not be undertaken lightly, after all, why spend the money if you are not willing to prepare yourself physically as well
This really depends on the operator you travel through. The parks Kilimanjaro Park authorities do not ask for any medical information on the climbers when permits are purchased. Some operators request the clients complete a medical form, others do not. We require that all of our clients complete a medical form and based on the answers, we may request a letter from your medical practitioner. People suffering with conditions such as severe asthma e.g. should not climb. Regardless, anyone attempting the climb, or any climb for that matter, should ensure that they are medically fit, and convey any medical conditions to the operator they book with.
This is one of the most often asked questions - "how will I cope with the altitude". To be honest, this is an ' unknown' factor as no-one can predict how your body will cope at altitude. People who have been to altitude many times in the past without problems, may on one climb suddenly develop problems. There are many factors that play a role. The only way to help combat this, is to take all of the necessary precautions, and walk slowly, pole pole. Choosing a path like Machame where you get to follow the principle of "climb high, sleep low" is also advisable.
There are certain essentials that are needed for most climbs and Kilimanjaro is no different. The best way to draw up your list is from the base up, i.e. thermal underwear, then hands and feet (gloves, socks etc). Then boots which must be waterproof with good ankle support, trekking pants, trekking tops, short and long sleeve, thermal jacket, outer shell jacket which likewise is windproof and water proof, hat, scarf, beanie, balaclava. Then consider sleeping, i.e. sleeping bag, mat etc. Most companies supply sleeping mats so check before you buy one. Then, the last items to add are personal items like toiletries, camera, medicines, water bottle, backpack, camera etc.
Most companies will supply you with a comprehensive list for your trek, as do we. If you arrive to Kilimanjaro and are missing items, you can normally rent most gear. Do not, however, reply on buying your gear on arrival.
Unfortunately this is something every trekker has to consider. Anything from a stomach bug to altitude sickness can quickly stop a trekker in their tracks. If you are ill and need to turn back or even too tired to continue, a porter will walk off the mountain with you and your gear. If you are too sick to walk, then part of your fee includes evacuation by teams already on the mountain and employed by the Parks authorities.
Yes you do. We (Nomadic Adventures) do not allow anyone to climb with us unless they have adequate travel insurance. Adequate, means you must be covered for
1) trekking or hiking - this may sound strange, but many insurance list that as an exclusion.
2) altitude up to 6,000 meters. Most travel insurance providers do not include this under their standard option and often limit it to 3500m or less.
3) Sprains strains and physiotherapy - yes, many insurers exclude this, though ironically, this is what you will most likely need cover for.
4) personal accident - this is the horrible part of insurance. Yes, you need to be covered in the case of death. We are often told by clients - "if anything happens to me, just leave me there." Bodies need to be brought home or laid to rest overseas, and this can run into thousands of dollars, creating a huge burden on family members.
We will assist in helping you provide good cover. If you need cover or simply a quote, follow the details herewith:. Once you have done your initial quote, you will need to upgrade your cover to include altitudes up to 6000m. Towards the bottom of the page you will see a section called, Options: Upgrade your cover. Click the link called 'View Adventure Sports Benefits'. A blue pop up screen will open. Look for the level of cover required for 'trekking to 6,000 meters' or 'hiking to 6,000 meters'. Depending on your country it is usually a level 1 or 2. Note: we are not insurance experts and it's your responsibility to ensure you have correct and adequate cover. If you live in South Africa, we have other cover options
There are 7 summit routes; namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame. Of all, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper path up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easier but accommodation is in huts. As a result, it tends to be very busy and ascent and descent are the same. Both of the latter have lower prospects to acclimatise by the climb high sleep low principle unless one adds on extra days. The Northern Circuit, approaches Kibo volcano from the west, crossing the caldera of Shira Volcano before turning north to follow the trail through Moir Valley and around the northern side of Kilimanjaro. For a quick overview we have a quick reference panel on the right of the screen. For a detailed look, click onto Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes.
The Kilimanjaro National Park fees are something that nobody can escape and are a large portion of your climb cost.. For a six day/five night camping trek you pay about $800 in fees alone! So on average a climb will cost you between $1450 and $2800 depending on the number of days, number of people and the route that you take. There are some operators who will quote you $1000 for a trek - ask yourself, what are they skimping on and who is going to suffer as a result. You? Your safety? The porters?
There are so many good books written on Kilimanjaro. Some of the ones we suggest are:-
1) Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa' s Highest Mountain by Henry Stedman
2) The Snows of Kilimanjaro by Ernest Hemingway is a short story about a writer who is on safari in Tanzania
3) Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa by Audrey Salkeld.
A link to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park website
Kilimanjaro National Park -UNESCO World Heritage Centre
Acute mountain sickness: MedlinePlus Medical Encyclopedia
Those who have climbed Mount Kilimanjaro know that the porters are the heart and soul of your trek. Without their hard work and strength we would not be able to fully experience the magnificence of Kilimanjaro. A link to the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
We arrange treks from just 1 person on their own with a guide and porters to large groups. If you climb alone you will still get to meet other people on the mountain if you are sociable.