Are you planning to climb Kilimanjaro and trying to find the best routes to get there? Here are three best ways to choose from to have the most wonderful experience in Tanzania.
Kilimanjaro has been extremely popular with visitors coming to this part of the world. Climbing the mountain is like nothing else and will leave you with everlasting memories. If you have researched the topic already, you probably know that there are quite a few routes to take when trekking to the top. This article will help you with deciding which one is best for you.
3 most popular routes to trek Kilimanjaro
I have chosen three treks to climb Kilimanjaro for different levels of fitness and different interests. I hope you will find it helpful and it will be easier for you to choose the one you want to do.
Lemosho route
We think this route is amazing as it is not frequented by that many tourists, so you can enjoy the surroundings in peace and quiet. It’s also fairly easy and pleasant and has the highest success rate. This means that you will have more chances of completing the trek than with other routes available.
This trek starts on the west side of Mount Kilimanjaro and leads through the Shira Plateau. It will take you through meadows and eternal ice.
It can be done in 6 days, but for better chances of reaching the top it’s best to book 7, or even 8, days trip.
Rongai route
It is the only route that starts on the north side. It is the least visited part and it’s considered one of the wildest.
For most of the time you will be able to enjoy the trek without encountering other climbers. Only at the end the route merges with Marangu Route and it might get a little bit busy.
In our opinion it’s quite special as it’s the only route that will take you through Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro.
Machame route
Probably the most popular route of all, but it’s also one of the most exciting.
This route is definitely not boring as it leads you through all kinds of views, landscapes and experiences. It is called the Whiskey Route as it’s quite difficult to climb. Here you will hike steep hills and sleep in tents, so if you’re looking for some excitement, you might find it here.
Machame Route starts from Machame Gate, on the southern side. You will be able to see the tropical forest, Arctic deserts and some other beautiful and unique zones.
Climbing Kilimanjaro – Practical Information
If you’re climbing Kilimanjaro, here is some information you might need.
Location and geography
Mount Kilimanjaro is a volcanic mountain in Tanzania, Africa. It is the highest mountain in Africa and it stands 5895 above the sea level and about 4900 about it’s plateau level.
How to get to Kilimanjaro
The best way to get to Kilimanjaro is to fly to the Kilimanjaro International Airport.
What other routes are there?
Except three mentioned routes, there are also: Northern Circuit, Umbwe Route, Marangu Route, Kilimanjaro Crater.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
The prices vary, but it usually costs 2000-2300 USD per person.
How can I book an expedition?
There are lots of tour operators you can find on the Internet. Altezza Travel is one of the best ones in Tanzania. They offer hikes to Kilimanjaro every 2-3 days.
You can find more information here, or contact them directly.
I hope you found this article useful and it gave you some ideas for your next climbing adventure to Kilimanjaro.