There are seven different routes you can choose from to climb Kilimanjaro. Here's a map of each one. We also describe each route and discuss its pros and cons, as it's important to choose a good route to improve your chances of summiting!
Which Kilimanjaro route to take?
Choosing which Kilimanjaro route to take is crucial, as it significantly influences your likelihood of success. There are seven unique routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, each with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. It’s important to choose the right route to increase your chances of successfully reaching the summit, Below are the most popular Kilimanjaro routes that we highly recommend for your climb.
Lemosho Route
This route is frequently regarded as the most breathtaking trail on Kilimanjaro and is quite popular among climbers. It begins on the western slope and then crosses the southern side of Kibo Peak. The descent takes place along the southeastern slope of the mountain via the Mweka route.
What are the pros and cons of the Lemosho route?
The Lemosho route is highly regarded for its varied landscapes and the untouched, wild character of its initial climb. It is often considered the most diverse route due to its breathtaking views. Although sightings of large wildlife, like antelopes, are uncommon, they can still occur.
One of the unique features of this route is the chance for trekkers to explore the Shira Plateau, which is known as one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
The acclimatization profile of the Lemosho route is excellent, promoting a smooth transition to higher elevations. This is accomplished by spreading the ascent over several days and employing a strategy of climbing to a higher altitude during the day before descending slightly for overnight rest. This approach greatly enhances effective acclimatization.
Ready to book the Lemosho route? Check out our Lemosho route package!
Machame Route
This is arguably the most beautiful Kilimanjaro route, and it’s very popular. It begins on the western slope and then skirts around the south of Kibo Peak. You descend the mountain’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route.
What are the pros and cons of the Machame route?
We have to admit, we have a soft spot for the Lemosho route! Because of its versatility, scenery and a rather untouched, wild start to the climb, Lemosho is often considered the route with the most variety. Spotting large wildlife, like antelopes, is not very common, but possible!
One of the really unique things about this route is that it offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
The acclimatisation profile of the Lemosho route is great, which means the route helps you to adjust well to the increasing altitude. One reason for this is that you spread the ascent over enough days. The other reason is that the route takes you along a course that has you climb up to a new altitude on the one ascent day before dropping back down a bit in altitude for the night. This feature of the trail is really great in helping you to acclimatise (acclimate) well.
Ready to book the Machame route? Check out our Machame route package!
Marangu Route
This is arguably the most beautiful Kilimanjaro route, and it’s very popular. It begins on the western slope and then skirts around the south of Kibo Peak. You descend the mountain’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route.
Pros and cons of the Marangu route
We have to admit, we have a soft spot for the Lemosho route! Because of its versatility, scenery and a rather untouched, wild start to the climb, Lemosho is often considered the route with the most variety. Spotting large wildlife, like antelopes, is not very common, but possible!
One of the really unique things about this route is that it offers trekkers the experience of hiking across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus in the world.
The acclimatisation profile of the Lemosho route is great, which means the route helps you to adjust well to the increasing altitude. One reason for this is that you spread the ascent over enough days. The other reason is that the route takes you along a course that has you climb up to a new altitude on the one ascent day before dropping back down a bit in altitude for the night. This feature of the trail is really great in helping you to acclimatise (acclimate) well.
Ready to book the Marangu route? Check out our Marangu route package!
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