Which Route is the Best Fit for You?

“Mountains cannot be surmounted except by winding paths.” ~Johann Wolfgang von Goethe

The next thing to tackle after finding a tour operator is choosing which route or path you want to hike to the summit of Kilimanjaro. There are six different routes which you can choose from. This provides you with many options in order to suit your needs and comfort level as a hiker. While each path has unique aspects that you will haphazardly learn about along your hike, here is a brief summary of the first three routes to give you an idea of which might be for you:

Want to rough it on you way up Kilimanjaro? If so then the Lemosho Route, which takes seven to eight days to complete, may be for you. For a tranquil feel, Leshomo is great because it is more remote and less frequented at the beginning of the route before it merges with the Machame route on day four. On this route you will trek through luscious forests and have some amazing scenic views to enjoy along the way. This route is roughly 34-36 miles in total and allows for adequate acclimatization. This route is tent camping so get ready to rough it if this is your pick! 

Another more adventurous option is the "Whiskey Route," formally known as the Machame Route: This route, which takes 6 to 7 days to complete, is also very scenic and passes through beautiful forests. This is the second most popular route and is ideal for hikers looking to enjoy the view along the way. This route is a more physically rigorous hike than some of the other routes, therefore be sure to starting physically preparing months in advance. Because the only sleeping accommodation on this route is tent camping, this might not be the best option for those uninterested in roughing it a bit! This hike is 31-34 miles in total and provides adequate variation in altitude for good acclimatization. 

Does tent camping and roughing it sound a little extreme to you? If yes then the Marangu Route, which is nicknamed the “Coca Cola Route,” would be best for you. It is said to be the easiest route in terms of hiking experience necessary, and therefore it is the most popular route. If you are interested in having a more isolated and tranquil experience, this crowded route might not be for you. The accommodations for this route are huts with sleeping bunks on which to put a sleeping bag, therefore it would be a great option for the ladies who can't go without their beauty sleep. This route, which takes five to six days to complete, provides adequate variation in altitude for good acclimatization. This route is 40-42 miles in total making it average in length compared to all the other routes. 

Credit: UltimateKilimanjaro.com, Google