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Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, and because it is also one of the most accessible high summits, visitors from around the world travel to Africa to conquer it.

Most climbers reach the crater rim (just below the summit at 5685m) with little more than a walking stick, warm clothing and plenty of determination. Those who eventually reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit at 5895m, will have really earned their climbing certificates! Any reasonably fit person over 15 years old can have a go at reaching Mt Kilimanjaro’s summit- the oldest on record being 87 year old.

Many people still climb during the "green season", but the weather can vary due to rain, sun, wind, fog, snow etc which can cause variations in oxygen levels as well as make the trek a little uncomfortable. Whenever you choose to climb the mountain, you will come across 3 distinct vegetation zones:

Rainforest

Desert                                         Scrub

The most popular routes up Mt Kilimanjaro are Marangu (where you sleep in huts each night) followed by Machame, Rongai and Lemosho routes (where you camp each night and eat in a mess tent like the picture on the right). Below are the various routes at a glance.

Marangu Route is the oldest and most well known route to climb Kilimanjaro. Many favour this route because it is the cheapest and is also thought to be the easiest route, given its gradual slope and less “ups and downs” compared to other routes. It is also the only route which offers a non camping option (sleeping dormitory style in huts). For all these reasons, it is the most popular route with climbers and, as a result, can get crowded at times on the mountain. When climbing this route, you start from the south east of the mountain and work up the eastern side. Trekkers use the same trail to both ascend and descend.

Machame Route is the debatable second most popular trail and is considered harder than Marangu. Many believe that Machame is the more scenic route because the descent trail (Mweka) is different to the ascent trail, giving climbers more variety in scenery. The different descent trail also helps to avoid upcoming trekkers, as they use a separate trail. It does, however, have more “ups and downs” than the Marangu route (which some say helps with altitude acclimatization). When climbing this route, you work up the western side of the mountain.

Rongai Route is definitely less crowded than the two routes above (except for the final push to the summit when the trail joins up with the Marangu trail).  Because it runs in the rain shadow of Kilimanjaro, it is a good trail to take during the wetter months of the year (April, May and November). Rongai has very different landscapes to the other routes as its starts from the north side of the mountain. Because it is drier and more open, it can give spectacular views. You can even see parks such as Amboseli National Park in Kenya! The only drawback to this route is that it starts near the Kenyan border on the northern “wilderness” side of the mountain. This makes it more expensive to climb. However, this is the very reason why it is loved so much as it’s considered to be the last real “wilderness” ascent trail. Like the Machame route, the main ascent and descent trails are different giving a wider variety of landscapes etc. Rongai climbers use the Marangu descent route to come down the mountain.

Lemosho Route is a classic, serene route for climbers who are looking to hike with less traffic.  Because this route lies on one of the highest plateaus in the world and has Kibo Peak as it's backdrop, the scenery cannot be beat! There are also many options to hike at a higher elevation, yet sleep at a lower elevation, which makes this route very unique. Lemosho Route may be utilized during wet season, however, hikers who aren't ready for a big adventure may be better off taking the Marangu Route. Some climbers on the Lemosho Route may be lucky to spot animals such as buffalo and elephants!

Below is a table for your consideration. We have given our own ratings to each of the routes. Depending on your age, fitness and general health, we hope it will help you to make the best decision as to which route you will use to climb to the roof of Africa!