In doubt which routes to take when climbing Kilimanjaro? Then keep reading and find out what the different routes offer! So, there are six official routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, which means there is definitely a route that will fit entirely with whatever experience it is you are looking for.
The Rongai Route is the easiest of the six ways to Africa’s highest peak. If you’re looking for time to relax and reflect while you climb, this is the route for you! Not only is it deemed “easy”, it is also quieter, with fantastic scenery and a comfortable wilderness feel to it. Prepare for 6/7 days of complete peace
The Lemosho Route
Looking to immediately gaining some serious altitude right off the bat! Then the Lemosho Route is the one for you. You will be approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, and then join the Machame Route. Your first two days takes you through the rainforest for the chance to see beautiful wildlife before you head to the summit, hands down the most beautiful route.
The Marangaru Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers hut accommodation and can be completed in 6 or 7 days. One of the more popular routes, this is a tried and tested hike that is perhaps often the most underestimated of the six. Being the most popular route, it is often mistaken for easy, but prepare for a challenge with this route!
The Machame Route is the most popular way up Mount Kilimanjaro, the Machame Route and is deemed the “tougher” version of the Marangaru Route. It is definitely more strenuous and steeper at times, but this shouldn’t put you off. The views you will see will make it all completely worthwhile.
The Umbwe Route is not technically a route, but why should that stop you? This is the most difficult and demanding route up Kilimanjaro so if you’re looking for a challenge, this route offers a very direct, very steep, very tough and very exposed way up the mountain.
The Northern Circuitis the longest route up Kilimanjaro – 9 or 10 days – the Northern Circuit offers nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet and rarely visited northern slopes. This route allows plenty of time for acclimatization, so if you’re worried or just you want a nice, long journey, this is the route for you.