Africa’s highest peak, the world’s highest free-standing mountain and Tanzania’s true treasure, Mt. Kilimanjaro is one of Earth’s most phenomenal natural landscapes.
Mountain climbers from all over the world come to Tanzania to face the almighty, yet majestic, challenge of trekking Mt Kilimanjaro’s peaks.
“There, ahead, all he could see, as wide as all the world, great, high, and unbelievably white in the sun, was the square top of Kilimanjaro. And then he knew that there was where he was going.”
- Ernest Hemingway, The Snows Of Kilimanjaro
Navigation
- Mt. Kilimanjaro location
- Different trekking routes of Kilimanjaro
- When to go
- Preparation before and during the climb
- Final checklist to pack
- Why it’s important to book with a reputable company
- How do I book a Kilimanjaro trek?
- Tipping guides and porters
- Suggested reading
- Top 5 Kilimanjaro blog posts
- Photos of Kilimanjaro
If you’re looking to book a Kilimanjaro tour, get your free quote, here.
Mt. Kilimanjaro Location
Located in the East African country of Tanzania, Mt. Kilimanjaro sits in the Northeast of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border. The closest airports/cities to Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park are Arusha and Moshi.
Mt Kilimanjaro lies in the northeast of Tanzania, close to the Kenyan border.
Map of different trekking routes
DIFFERENT TREKKING ROUTES OF MT. KILIMANJARO
(color coordinated)
—— ROUTE 1 ——
MARANGU ROUTE A.K.A “Coca Cola Route”
Summary: Known affectionately as the “Coca Cola” route, the Marangu route is Mt. Kilimanjaro’s most popular trekking route due to the more “relaxed” (term not to be taken literally) nature of the trek. You can get lots of sodas, beers and chocolates and there’s the option of taking your iPad, phone or laptop. Home away from home!
- Elevation? 4,065 m
- How many days to hike? 5-6 days. Known as the easiest route you can complete Marangu in 5 days but it is highly recommended to hike the route over 6 days.
- Accomodation? As the “Coca Cola” route or “comfort” route, Marangu is the only route where there are no tents needed and there are comfortable huts with bunk beds.
Top tip from the expert? Although luxury and easier, it’s no secret that Maragu’s 5 day trek has the lowest summit success rate due to the rapid acclimatization requirements. Therefore it’s highly advised to disregard the cheaper option and complete this route in 6 days.
Trekking Difficulty: **
Scenery: **
—— ROUTE 2 ——
MACHAME ROUTE A.K.A “Whiskey Route”
Summary: Known affectionately as the “Whiskey Route”, the Machame Route is another one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular routes and has a higher summit success rate due to an easier acclimatization and a topography that allows climbing high and sleeping low. Machame is regarded as the most scenic route with some forest area to trek through on the ascent.
Elevation? 4,400 m
How many days to hike? 6-7 days. It’s recommended by experts to complete the route in 7 days, allowing for more time to acclimatize.
Accomodation? Camping only.
Top tip from the expert? This route is better suited to hikers with slightly more experience due to the longer days and steeper slopes.
Trekking Difficulty: ***
Scenery: ****
—— ROUTE 3 ——
RONGAI ROUTE
Summary: The Rongai route is one of Kilimanjaro’s easiest routes with a low elevation and very little chance of altitude sickness. It ascents Kilimanjaro from the North-eastern side (near Kenya), providing a true sense of openness and wilderness.
Elevation? 1,955
How many days to hike? 6-7 days.
Accommodation? Camping in tents.
Top tip from the expert? Those looking to avoid the crowds should hike the Rongai route due to its low traffic. It also receives less rain in the rainy season and so is a good option during this period. It’s a recommended route for those with less experience.
Trekking Difficulty: **
Scenery: ***
—— ROUTE 4 ——
UMBWE ROUTE
Summary: The Umbwe route has probably been seen more than any other Kilimanjaro route due to its appearance in the movie The Snows of Kilimanjaro, based on Hemingway’s short story of the same name. It’s one of the easier routes, predominantly down to its direct trail to the Uhuru summit, without any of the major zig-zigs or deviations that occur on most trails to the summit. The Umbwe route is also known for its caves. On the first night you’ll stay at the Umbwe cave camp and also see more on your ascent. You’ll traverse through 5 different climate zones, from rainforests to summit glaciers.
Elevation? 4,085 m
How many days to hike? 6 days
Accommodation? Camping
Top tip from the expert? Despite the Umbwe route being beautiful and scenic, the steepness of the route causes problems and it’s highly recommended to bring trekking sticks to aid your ascent to the summit.
Trekking Difficulty: ****
Scenery: ***
![Tanzania Kilimanjaro]()
ROUTE 5 (white route on map)
SHIRA ROUTE
Summary: The Shira route is iconic because the trail was paved by the remains of the 1st volcano eruption many thousands of years ago. It’s a very tough, steep route that is particularly hard in the rainy season. It’s beauty lies in the amazing animals that you cross on the climb, as your expert ranger guide will spot out such game as leopards and buffalo.
Elevation? 4,068 m
How many days to hike? 6-7 days
Accommodation? Camping
Top tip from the expert? Due to the steep elevation on the first day’s climb, it is recommended that climbers should be confident of their ability to acclimatize quickly. If not then the Lemosho route (almost identical but easier) is the better option.
Trekking Difficulty: ***
Scenery: ****
——- ROUTE 6 ——-
LEMOSHO ROUTE
Summary: The Lemosho route is long, slow and difficult, but equally great. It has less crowds, giving way for more scenic panoramas and serenity. It’s the best route for acclimatization due to the added days on the lower slopes of the rainforest.
Elevation? 4,065 m
How many days to hike? 7-8 days
Accommodation? Camping
Top tip from the expert? It is suggested that if you climb Mt Kilimanjaro with a group then Lemosho is the best route. 8 days is also the recommended trekking length.
Trekking Difficulty: ***
Scenery: ****
When to go on your Kilimanjaro trek?
Peak trekking time – Kilimanjaro reaches its peak trekking season twice, corresponding with the two main dry seasons, or to be more precise, when it’s not wet! These dry months to go are between the months of July, August, September & October and then again through the months of January, February until mid-March.
Rainy season (low season) – The rainy season and also consequently the low season occurs between the months of April, May & June. If you have planned to trek Kilimanjaro during these months, however, do not be put off by the rainy season because Kilimanjaro can be done all year round. Of course, the trekking ground can be more strenuous on the body during the slightly trickier rainy seasons.
Full Moon Dates – (2014)
- September 9
- October 8 (Lunar eclipse)
- 7 November
- 6 December
- (2015)
- January 5
- February 4
- March 5
- April 4 (Lunar eclipse)
- May 4
- June 2
- July 2
- July 31 (blue moon)
- August 29
- September 28 (Lunar eclipse)
- October 27
- November 26
- December 25
Essential Preparation For Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro
Before the climb
Physical preparation – Our Tanzania destination expert, Eliya, highly recommends a minimum of 4 weeks of exercise and physical exertion prior to trekking Mt Kilimanjaro.
This highly depends on age and pre-existing fitness levels. If you have low fitness levels then 3 months of fitness preparation is recommended.
Climate preparation – Acclimatization is integral to the completion of your Kilimanjaro trek and it is with great care that you should manage the fierce change in climate. It’s highly recommended to arrive in Tanzania at least 2 or 3 days before your trek to get used to the climate/altitude.
Altitude Sickness symptoms include; headaches, nausea, exhaustion, fast pulse, short breaths, insomnia and swelling of hands and feet. Preventing altitude sickness can depend on a number of things, including acclimatizing a few days before your trek. These key tips can be found on the NHS Altitude Sickness prevention page.
Malaria Tablets - Malaria can be contracted below 1800 meters in this region and so it’s vital that you sort out the right amount of Malaria tablets with your doctor prior to flying.
Travel insurance – Ensure you’re covered for both travel and medical insurance
During the climb
Not too fast – So you’re not feeling any altitude sickness and you’re finding it easy? The key is to not get ahead of yourself and start trekking too fast. Keep at a steady pace and take in the wonderful scenery because altitude sickness can strike even the fittest, healthiest trekkers.
“You have got to walk so incredibly slowly; imagine an arthritic 90-year-old walking backwards – that’s probably too fast.”
- Jon Garside, Bristish Mountaineering Council.
Keep drinking – It’s important to keep topped up with water. The recommended amount is 3 liters minimum per day. By day two you can start drinking the fresh running water from the mountain streams.
Final Checklist For Kilimanjaro
Essential Items
- Water bottle / canteen
- Climbing sticks / ski poles
- Sleeping bag
- Duffel bag – carried by mountain porters – large enough to put all climbing gear.
- Luggage lock – to lock main zips on luggage.
- Day backpack (max 40 liters) – to carry water, snacks, camera, map etc.
Travel Documents
- Valid passport and visa
- Health card with all relevant immunizations.
- Travel insurance
- Medical insurance
- US Dollars cash / credit/debit card / travelers checks
Hiking gear for Kilimanjaro
- Breathable, waterproof/windproof jacket with hood (men’s) (women’s)
- Breathable, waterproof/windproof trousers (men’s) (women’s)
- Warm fleece jacket (men’s) (women’s)
- Hiking trousers (preferably ones that can un-zip into shorts) – under waterproof (men’s) (women’s)
- Thermal base layers (men’s) (women’s)
- Gloves/mitts (men’s) (women’s)
Footwear
- Waterproof hiking boots (preferably mid-weight) (men’s) (women’s)
- Sneakers/running shoes for overnight camp (men’s) (women’s)
- Thermal hiking socks (men’s) (women’s)
Equipment/accessories
- Sunglasses (men’s) (women’s)
- Sun hat (men’s) (women’s)
- Winter hat/beanie (men’s) (women’s)
- Torch and head-torch
Optional Items
- Camera
- Pocket knife
- Hand sanitizer
- wet wipes
- snacks (recommended)
- Binoculars
- Video camera
- Plastic bags (recommended)
- Notebook
Medical and First Aid Items
- Malaria tablets
- Headache tablets
- Altitude sickness tablets – Diamox
- Painkillers
- Deep heat (for muscular pain)
- Diarrhea – Imodium
- Water purification tablets
- Flu and cold tablets
- Insect repellent
- Plasters and bandages
- Eye drops
Why it’s important to book with a reputable company?
Here at trip.me our operations team go to extreme lengths to ensure our Destination Experts are the best. We make sure that our Destination Experts know their country inside out and can offer the best tours at the best prices. Extra emphasis goes on matching our criteria of being the finest, most ethical local tour operator in that specific country!
Meet Eliya, our Tanzania expert!
Eliya says:
“It’s always of high importance to book with a reputable company over cheap prices. The problem is that if a trip is suspiciously cheap this means the guides/porters are being significantly underpaid, meaning YOU are supporting unethical travel!”
Our Experts are:
- Dedicated to sustainable tourism
- Saturated with knowledge on their country
- Committed to delivering a fantastic tour
- Fervent believers in ethical travel, meaning NO guides or porters are underpaid!
- Determined to conserve natural habitats around the world
How do I book a Kilimanjaro Trek?
trip.me’s Kilimajaro treks are private and so therefore it is best to get one person to book on behalf of the rest of the group. He or she will be taken to the tour page, before clicking on the “Customize This Trip” button and filling out the request form. This way you can craft your dream trip!
Our Kilimanjaro Destination Expert, Eliya, will get back to you as soon as possible and your dream trip will then be near completion. In the mean time brush up on your Kilimanjaro reading knowledge!
Tipping Guides and Porters
Showing your gratitude and tipping is very much a part of the Kilimanjaro culture and etiquette. The exact tipping amount depends on the group size and the amount of days you’re climbing, however it’s recommended to give a tip of anywhere between $200-$300 per climber to spread around the mountain crew at the end of the climb. This should roughly spread out as follows:
- Main guide – US $20 per day from the group
- Assistant guide – US $12 per day from the group
- Group cook – US $8 per day from the group
- Porters – US $6 per porter per day from the group
Suggested Reading on Mt Kilimanjaro
- Kilimanjaro: A Trekking Guide to Africa’s Highest Mountain by Henry Stedman
- Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro by Stephen Carmichael
- Kilimanjaro: To the Roof of Africa by Audrey Salkeld
- Kilimanjaro Adventure by Hal Streckert
- Lonely Planet Tanzania (Travel Guide) by Lonely Planet (Mary Fitzpatrick and Time Bewer)
- The Snows of Kilimanjaro and Other Stories by Ernest Hemingway
Top 5 Blog Posts on Kilimanjaro
Climbing for IMA – Chris Glass
Andy on the mountain – Andy Theimer
Global nomadic blog – Nora Sinokki
Uncornered Market – Daniel Noll and Audrey Scott
Mapping Megan – Megan Claire
Slideshow: Photos of Kilimanjaro
[slideshow_deploy id=’6061′]
Thanks
Now you’re aware of all the practical information and fully prepped for your epic tour of Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s bon voyage from us and we hope to see you on the mountain.
Thanks for stopping by, it’s been a pleasure teaching you the ins and outs of such a prestigious climb. Don’t forget to check out trip.me’s Kilimanjaro tour and our other trekking tours.
Do you have any top tips to add? We would love to hear them below…
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