Top Kilimanjaro Routes for Adventurous Climbers

1. Lemosho Route

Lemosho Glades route: an unspoiled, remote 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 an armed ranger accompanies groups as the forest around the Lemosho glades. It is considered as a popular route root because of its beautiful panoramic view and higher summit success rate.

2. Machame route:

Machame route: Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. An extra day could be added to the itinerary, best spent on the Shira Plateau, where you could walk to the Shira Needles. Strong groups could omit camping at Karanga River.

3. Marangu route:

Marangu route: Also famously known as the Coca-Cola Route because it is relatively easy. It is the only route with accommodation hut for trekkers. It is referred to as the tourist route due to the services available on the way to the summit. Unlike other routes, it is described as easy, and has low success rate because many unfit people or first-timers attempt Kili trek via this route and fail, it is a popular route and accommodation is in huts. Many trekkers prefer it. It is also beautiful, the easiest and shortest route. Ascent and descent are done on the same path.

4. Shira Route:

Shira Route: This is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is almost identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied and beautiful route, it is less favorable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of Shira’s starting point, which is accessed quickly by vehicle. The climbers can experience some altitude-related symptoms on the first day while camping because it starts high above sea level at 11,800 feet. Because it offers poor acclimatization because it starts high above sea level.

5. Umbwe Route:

Umbwe Route: The less utilized Umbwe Route was opened in June 1963. It is the route for trekkers looking to challenge themselves. This route makes the distances covered between camps shorter and avoids crowding experience in some sites in season. The summit and return days are as per the Machame Route. All your supplies and camping equipment are carried up the mountain by porters who also prepare all your meals. Your baggage is limited for the climb. This is one of the shortest routes to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach of Kibo. It is also considered as the hardest and most challenging route. An ascent to Kibo via the Umbwe Route is probably one of the most scenic ‘non-technical’ mountaineering expeditions in East Africa. It is quite taxing, primarily due to the relatively fast ascent to higher altitudes, but the rewards are plentiful.

6. Rongai Route:

Rongai Route: It is a less crowded route and is located on the leeward side receiving little precipitation, also Rongai has a higher success rate, and it is one of the easiest routes on the mountain. Accommodation is in camps. It begins on the mountain’s northern side and is the least traveled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood of being the only climbers around. If you take this route up the mountain you are obliged to descend via the Marangu Route that is the most popular and well-used route.