Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Climbing: Routes, Tips, & More

Mountain Climbing

KILIMANJARO

Mount Kilimanjaro is just iconic! Its snow-capped summit glistening in the African sun, just 3° south of the equator. It is the fourth highest of the famed “7 Summits” – the highest mountains of each continent. Although there are more than 200 mountains in the world with a higher elevation than Kilimanjaro, it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world – that is the highest mountain not part of a mountain range. It is also the highest mountain that can be climbed without any special equipment or techniques, so technically it is a trek rather than a climb. Does that mean that it is easy to reach the summit? Certainly not! The biggest obstacle is the altitude. Each breath you take at the top of Kilimanjaro contains less than half the oxygen than at sea-level. This transforms what would seem simple at a lower altitude into a major challenge at the extreme altitude. A well experienced company can make a difference between reaching the summit successfully, or having to return back down the mountain unsuccessful. The longer you spend on the mountain the better chance that your body will acclimatize to the altitude. So we suggest using the longest itinerary that you can fit into your schedule.

Dotcom Safaris has been specializing in Mount Kilimanjaro climbs for over 15 years and our clients have nothing to say apart from positive remarks. Our guides are among the most respected on the mountain and are all certified Wilderness First Responders.

Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed most of the year, although it is more challenging and less comfortable during the wet season, which is April and May and during the short precipitations in November.
The reach the summit of Kilimanjaro is definitely a challenge, and there are risks involved, but it can be reached by any reasonably fit person who enjoys hiking, and reaching the summit will be an experience of a lifetime!

There are eight official trekking routes by which to ascend and descend Kilimanjaro: Lemosho, Nothern Circuit, Machame, Marangu, Mweka (descent route only), Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe.

Machame Route

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, some of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered primarily as a 7 day itinerary although we also offer a 6 day option. The itinerary details can be found here

Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping in simple dormitory style mountain huts in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut. Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult and it does not have a very high success rate. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. This route is offered primarily as a 6 day option although we also offer a 5 day version. The itinerary can be found here

Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only route that starts from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu Route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are trekking during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation). Rongai is by many considered the easiest route and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu Route. Note, that although Marangu Route has mountain huts, those descending from Rongai Route still use tents for overnight. This route is offered primarily as a 7 day itinerary although we also offer a 6 day verion. The itinerary can be found here

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Dotcom Safaris specializes in guiding on the Lemosho Route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho Route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered primarily as an 8 day itinerary although we also offer a 7 day version. The itinerary can be found here.

Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit Route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.

The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp to School Hut Camp, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered as either an 8 day or 9 day itinerary.

MOUNT MERU

Mount Meru is the second highest mountain in Tanzania, reaching 4566m (14,980ft). It is located inside Arusha National Park, an hour’s drive from Moshi. It is often used as an acclimatization trek before attempting Kilimanjaro, but it is a scenic and wonderful trek in its own right. There is only one route on the mountain and overnights are in dormitory style mountain huts. Since the lower elevation is inside a wildlife area, all treks are accompanied by an armed park ranger. The park reserves the right to combine groups from different tour companies to be accompanied by one park ranger. Each group will still have its own guide, porters, cook, etc. but share the park ranger. This decision is up to the park and not Dotcom Safaris. This trek is offered as a 3 day or 4 day itinerary for groups of 1 – 6 participants.

MOUNT OLDOINYO LENGAI

Oldoinyo Lengai (2,878 meters) is an active volcano near Serengeti NP and Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The name means “mountain of god” in the local language (maa) and is considered sacred by the traditional religion of the Maasai. It is the only mountain in the world that emits sodium carbonatite lava. The last major eruption was in 2007. The mountain is close to beautiful Lake Natron in a typical Maasai area.

This mountain can be climbed in a span of a few hours, but is challenging as you keep sliding back through a layer of volcanic ash. It is also a very steep trek and you will need some scrambling (climbing with both hands and legs). Typically the climb begins just after midnight since daytimes are brutally hot – commonly over 40°C. But as a bonus to the nighttime start, you very well might experience a wonderful sunrise from the summit. Another option is to camp in the crater. This is only possible when the mountain is ‘quiet’.

We can arrange the ascent of the Lengai for groups of 1 – 6 participants. It is often done in conjunction with a visit to Lake Natron or a trek in Ngorongoro Conservation Area. If you are interested in this very challenging trek, contact us for a custom itinerary including this adventure.