Kilimanjaro Routes

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, beckons adventurers and nature enthusiasts from around the world to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey to its snow-capped summit. With its unique ecological zones and breathtaking landscapes, the mountain offers several routes to reach the summit, each with its own charm and challenges. This comprehensive guide will help you understand the various routes up Kilimanjaro and determine the best option for your adventure.

Choosing the Best Kilimanjaro Route for You

Best Kilimanjaro Climb Routes

When selecting a Kilimanjaro route, consider factors such as difficulty, success rate, scenery, and duration. The best Kilimanjaro route for you depends on your experience, fitness level, and personal preferences.

For beginners: The Marangu or Rongai routes offer comfortable accommodation and gradual ascents, making them suitable for first-time climbers.

For experienced climbers: The challenging Umbwe or Northern Circuit routes may appeal to experienced mountaineers seeking a more rugged adventure.

For those short on time: The Umbwe or Marangu routes offer shorter itineraries, allowing climbers to reach the summit in a shorter span.

For scenic routes: Lemosho and Machame routes are known for their stunning vistas and diverse landscapes, providing an unforgettable journey to the summit.

Overview of Mount Kilimanjaro Routes

Marangu Route: Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the oldest and most popular path. This route offers comfortable mountain huts for overnight stays, making it ideal for inexperienced climbers seeking a well-trodden path.

Machame Route: The “Whiskey” route is a scenic and challenging option, with a high success rate for summiting. Its diverse landscapes and gradual ascent allow for better acclimatization, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a more secluded climb.

Lemosho Route: Lemosho, or the “Shira” route, is a lesser-traveled but increasingly popular path known for its spectacular scenery and wildlife encounters. This route allows for ample time to acclimatize and boasts a high summit success rate.

Rongai Route: The Rongai route, approaching from the north, offers a unique wilderness experience away from the crowds. It’s a moderately challenging climb, suitable for those looking for a quieter and less-traveled path.

Umbwe Route: Known as the most challenging and direct route, the Umbwe path is best suited for experienced climbers who seek a short yet steep ascent. Its steep, exposed terrain requires good physical fitness and prior mountaineering experience.

Northern Circuit Route: The longest and newest route, the Northern Circuit offers a 360-degree view of Mount Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes. This route allows for excellent acclimatization and is ideal for those who seek a more extended wilderness experience.

Kilimanjaro Routes Map

To visualize the routes and plan your adventure, consult a Mount Kilimanjaro map, which can be found below this paragraph. A detailed map will help you understand the various paths, altitudes, and distances between campsites, ensuring a well-planned and successful climb.

Marangu Route

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude: 1,870 m (6,135 ft) to 2,720 m (8,923 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Altitude: 2,720 m (8,923 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Distance: 22 km (13.7 miles) round trip (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is 6 km (3.7 miles), and then back to Horombo Hut is 16 km (10 miles))
Altitude: 4,703 m (15,430 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Altitude: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 1,870 m (6,135 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Lemosho Route

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Altitude: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,650 m (8,694 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude: 2,650 m (8,694 ft) to 3,610 m (11,844 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Altitude: 3,610 m (11,844 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 3,900 m (12,795 ft) via Lava Tower at 4,640 m (15,223 ft)
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude: 3,900 m (12,795 ft) to 3,995 m (13,106 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude: 3,995 m (13,106 ft) to 4,673 m (15,331 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) round trip (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is 5 km (3.1 miles), and then back down to Mweka Camp is 12 km (7.5 miles))
Altitude: 4,673 m (15,331 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) and then down to 3,068 m (10,065 ft)
Hiking Time: 10-14 hours

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,068 m (10,065 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Machame Route

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Altitude: 1,800 m (5,905 ft) to 3,010 m (9,875 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Machame Camp to Shira Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude: 3,010 m (9,875 ft) to 3,845 m (12,615 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,845 m (12,615 ft) to 3,960 m (12,995 ft) via Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,190 ft), then descent to Barranco Camp at 3,950 m (12,960 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude: 3,950 m (12,960 ft) to 3,995 m (13,106 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude: 3,995 m (13,106 ft) to 4,673 m (15,331 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance: 15 km (9.3 miles) round trip (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is 5 km (3.1 miles), and then back down to Mweka Camp is 10 km (6.2 miles))
Altitude: 4,673 m (15,331 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) and then down to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Rongai Route

Rongai Gate to Simba Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude: 1,950 m (6,398 ft) to 2,680 m (8,793 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Altitude: 2,680 m (8,793 ft) to 3,600 m (11,811 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Altitude: 3,600 m (11,811 ft) to 4,330 m (14,206 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut

Distance: 9 km (5.6 miles)
Altitude: 4,330 m (14,206 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and descent to Horombo Hut

Distance: 21 km (13.1 miles) round trip (Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak is 6 km (3.7 miles), and then down to Horombo Hut is 15 km (9.3 miles))
Altitude: 4,703 m (15,430 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) and then down to 3,720 m (12,205 ft)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Altitude: 3,720 m (12,205 ft) to 1,870 m (6,135 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Northern Circuit Route

Londorossi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Altitude: 2,100 m (6,890 ft) to 2,750 m (9,022 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira 1 Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude: 2,750 m (9,022 ft) to 3,500 m (11,483 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,500 m (11,483 ft) to 3,850 m (12,631 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Altitude: 3,850 m (12,631 ft) to 4,200 m (13,780 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Moir Hut to Pofu Camp

Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Altitude: 4,200 m (13,780 ft) to 4,035 m (13,238 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours

Pofu Camp to Third Cave Camp

Distance: 14 km (8.7 miles)
Altitude: 4,035 m (13,238 ft) to 3,870 m (12,697 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Third Cave Camp to School Hut

Distance: 7 km (4.3 miles)
Altitude: 3,870 m (12,697 ft) to 4,800 m (15,748 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-6 hours

School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Mweka Camp

Distance: 21 km (13.1 miles) round trip (School Hut to Uhuru Peak is 7 km (4.3 miles), and then down to Mweka Camp is 14 km (8.7 miles))
Altitude: 4,800 m (15,748 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) and then down to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours

Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate

Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Altitude: 3,100 m (10,170 ft) to 1,640 m (5,380 ft)
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Umbwe Route

Umbwe Gate to Umbwe Cave Camp

Distance: 11 km (6.8 miles)
Altitude: 1,600 m (5,249 ft) to 2,850 m (9,350 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp

Distance: 6 km (3.7 miles)
Altitude: 2,850 m (9,350 ft) to 3,900 m (12,800 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
Altitude: 3,900 m (12,800 ft) to 3,995 m (13,106 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
Altitude: 3,995 m (13,106 ft) to 4,673 m (15,331 ft)
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and descent to Mweka Camp

Distance: 17 km (10.6 miles) round trip (Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak is 5 km (3.1 miles), and then down to Mweka Camp is 12 km (7.5 miles))
Altitude: 4,673 m (15,331 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft) and then down to 3,100 m (10,170 ft)
Hiking Time: 11-14 hours