Each route has it’s own beauty. This quick summary may help you
decide which route to select!
The Marangu Route
The Marangu route is commonly known as the coca cola route as it was
the most popular route for several years. It has now been relegated
to number two by the Machame route. Its popularity stems from the fact
that it is the least expensive option, but more so, perhaps because
accomodation is in huts.
Advantages
Low cost, accommodation is in huts, no camping equipment needed, often
considered the easiest route (we beg to differ!)
Disadvantages
Lowest success rate (only about 65% of climbers on this route reach
the top), more crowded, camping is not allowed and a very high increase
in elevation on each day - increasing risk of succumbing to altitude
sickness.It’s the only route that uses the same way up and down.
The Machame Route
The Machame route is one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. Machame
is now the most popular Kilimanjaro route. This is a popular route up
steep paths through magnificent forests up to a ridge which leads through
the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the
glaciated precipices of the southern ice fields to join the Barafu route
to the summit.
Advantages
Relatively low cost, a very scenic path and a higher success rate than
Marangu
Disadvantages
Higher level of difficulty and quite busy in peak season.
The Rongai Route
The Rongai route is a relatively easy route up Kilimanjaro. It has a
reputation as a remote wilderness trail. Rongai is the only route to
approach Kilimanjaro from the north. The Rongai Route is one of the
least frequented routes and is the second easiest route up Kilimanjaro.
The approach to the mountain is from the less-forested north side and
the descent is by the Marangu Route. There are several variations; we
take a longer route taking in Mawenzi Tarn.
Advantages
A relatively easy Kilimanjaro route and one of the quieter routes on
Kilimanjaro.You approach the mountain from the driest side giving you
the best chances of good weather.The ascent and descent are on opposite
sides so you experience both sides of Kilimanjaro.
Disadvantages
Higher cost due to additional travel to reach other side,considered
less scenic than Machame.
The Shira Route
The Shira route, approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and crosses the
caldera of Shira Volcano before heading beneath the southern ice fields
of Kibo. The route is seldom used by other trekkers and so your initial
two days on the mountain are less crowded than on most other routes.
Advantages
Less crowded and very scenic
Disadvantages
Higher cost, higher difficulty level and when it meets the Machame trail
it can get busy during the high season
The Lemosho Route
Remote and beautiful, but long and expensive, this route also approaches
Kilimanjaro across the Shira plateau. After beautiful forests and moorlands
it crosses the Shira Plateau to meet up with the Machame Route. Groups
may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger as the forests
around the Lemosho Glades are rich in buffalo, elephant and other game.
Advantages
Extremely scenic route with very few other climbers during the first
few days. There is plenty of time for acclimatization and consequently
a high likelihood of reaching the summit.
Disadvantages
High cost and a slightly higher difficulty level than than the Machame
route.When the the route meets the Machame and Shira trails, it may
become crowded on the last few days during peak season.
The Umbwe Route
The steepest Kilimanjaro route with scenic views, the Umbwe route is
one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western
Breach. It is probably the most scenic, non-technical route on Kilimanjaro.
It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher
altitude, but the rewards are plentiful. This route is rarely used.
The Umbwe route is only suitable for people with mountain climbing experience.