German geographer Hans Meyers and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller were the first people to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro successfully.  

Since then, thousands of adventurous trekkers have attempted and most of them have actually succeeded in getting to the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro. It is estimated that today, about 35,000 people climb Mt. Kilimanjaro annually. The journey to the summit has 5 different routes; Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Lemosho and Umbwe.

Popularly referred by many as the “COCA COLA ROUTE”, Marangu route also happens to be the most popular route to Mt. Kilimanjaro’s summit. One of the main reasons for this is that it is not only cheaper than the other camping routes but that it also possible to do it in 5 days, meaning that one gets to the summit a day earlier than the ones who follow the other routes.

However, this may not be the best way always. The flip side to it is that one has a shorter period for acclimatization. The Marangu route however does offer an OPTIONAL extra day acclimatize, extending the trek by one day, thus maximizing the chances of reaching the summit in 6 days.

The other main difference between Marangu and other routes is that HUT accommodation is offered compared to others which are based on basic camping. This route approaches the summit from the South East and is the oldest and most established route. Many consider it to be the easiest path to the summit because of its gradual slope and direct path. Marangu is the only route that offers sleeping huts (in dormitory style) with 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows although sleeping bags are still a requirement.

Background Information:

The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route.

It is a long drive to the starting point (this vehicle transfer is part of the package) but you are rewarded with fantastic views and the likelihood that you will be the only climbers around. Also known as the Loitoktok route, Rongai is really a complete traverse, the only one where you experience the arid northern side and the lush southern side. While trekking this route, you begin from the Kenyan side of the mountain in the north. Its  advantages are a more gradual and easier route in terms of terrain, plus there are excellent clear views of the mountain all through the approach. There is also more opportunity to see wildlife such as buffalo, elephant and antelope.

The seven days include a day of acclimatization at Mawenzi Tarn and this is an important addition because the flatter terrain means you can’t ‘climb high, sleep low’ which is a good approach to acclimatization. This extra day helps a lot and means that is why the summit success rate on this route is quite high at over 80%. A six day itinerary without the acclimatization day lowers your chances summit success rate to about 65% and you are much more likely to suffer from altitude sickness.

If you opt to take this route up the mountain, you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route which is the most popular and well-used route to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

NB: THIS PACKAGE COVERS 7 DAYS ON THE MOUNTAIN, AS THE FIRST NIGHT IS SPENT AT THE BASE HOTEL IN MOSHI.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION:

Lemosho glades route: This is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the western Breach route or followed by the Kibo south circuit to gain the easier Barafu route. The route is one of the few where groups are accompanied by an armed ranger as the forest around the Lemosho glades is home to wildlife which could be dangerous at times.

Below is the day by day itinerary for the 7 days Lemosho route trek to  the top of  Mount Kilimanjaro.

The seven days Lemosho route climbing option is preferred over the six days option because it breaks up day two into two days, providing better acclimatization and a more gradual ascent. On the seven days route,you walk from Forest Camp to Shira Camp 1 on day two, a reasonable altitude gain of 2,000 feet. Then on day three, you continue from Shira Camp 2 to the little used Moir Hut, at 13,800 feet. Overall the exposure to this altitude will help prepare your body for higher altitudes that come on the following days.

However, the trek from Barranco to Barafu, followed by the summit day is unchanged from the six days Lemosho route variation. The schedule is still very tough, though the extra day on the mountain on the seven days route will help climbers deal with the exhausting itinerary better than those who opt for the six days route.

MACHAME ROUTE: TOTAL HIKING DISTANCE IS APPROXIMATELY 100 KILOMETRES

 This is arguably the most beautiful route on Mt. Kilimanjaro. Whereas accommodation on Marangu route is in huts, you only stay under tented while on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and you get all your meals prepared by your cook. The Machame route which is popularly referred to as the “Whiskey Route” is more suitable for the somehow adventurous hiker who will in return get rewarded with a scenic splendour which one can’t get on Marangu route. From enjoying late afternoon sunsets at Shira to the misty revelations of Kibo at the Great Barranco Wall, this route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic slide show during the 6 days trek.  A six-day trek offers you one of the most valuable assets during your climb- ACCLIMATIZATION. The Machame route takes you high to Lava Tower (4,630 M) on day 3 before bringing you down by nearly 700 m for an overnight at Barranco Camp at 3,950 m and this turns out to many to be the secret to successful acclimatization in readiness for summiting.