Kilimanjaro climbing routes

Featuring captivating scenic vistas, pristine wildlife, excellent acclimatization opportunities and low traffic of climbers, Lemosho is our personal first favorite for reaching the roof of Africa.

After a 4-hour long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate you'll find yourself on the western slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, from there the route will take you to the world-famous Shira Plateau. That's where you'll embark on your adventure through all climate zones - from alpine meadows to eternal ice. The climb is smooth and gradual, featuring the highest success rate of all routes on Kilimanjaro.

Six, seven and eight-day programs are available, so you can choose depending on the amount of time at your disposal. Longer programs are always recommended over the shorter ones for better acclimatization.

6 and 7-day Lemosho programs start from a high-altitude drop-off: you’ll be transferred to the elevation of 3,500 m/ 11,500 f by an off-road vehicle and start the hike from there. This is meant to maximize acclimatization transition - the higher you start, the easier your adaptation will be.

Rongai is the only of routes of Kilimanjaro starting on the northern slope of the mount. Though this part of the Mountain is rarely visited by hikers, it is not less interesting than the popular southern and western slopes. We recommend Rongai to all those who like reclusive hiking experiences.

Getting to the trailhead - Nalemuru Gate - usually takes 3-4 hours from Altezza Lodge or Aishi Machame Hotel.

Rongai is also the only route that passes by Mawenzi, one of the three volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro and the third highest peak in Africa. The way back lies through Marangu,  and thus you will be able to see both sides of the mountain.

Though six and seven-day programs are available for the Rongai route itinerary, a longer option is recommended for better acclimatization transition.

The second most popular option among the climbers is the Machame route, also known as “the Whiskey Route”. This route offers a wide variety of views, landscapes and experiences. The starting point of the route, Machame Gate, is only a 20-minute drive from Aishi Machame Hotel. Located on the southern slope of Mt Kilimanjaro, Machame Gate will lead you to the top of Kilimanjaro along the exciting footpath which starts at the tropical forest, then runs through all the climate zones and finishes with the Arctic desert in the summit area.

Camps along the trek are favorably located for a smooth and gradual acclimatization transition process. On the 3rd day Machame Route converges with Lemosho and Umbwe at Barranco camp.

You can choose between a six or seven-day climb for the Kilimanjaro Machame route itinerary. The latter one is highly preferred for better acclimatization transition.

The longest and the newest route on Mount Kilimanjaro, Northern Circuit, is known for excellent acclimatization and breathtaking views of the Kilimanjaro northern slopes. For the present moment a very limited number of travelers have set foot on this trail, and the route is hardly ever crowded.

It is recommended to those who enjoy long trekking experiences in remote wilderness with a minimal number of other trekkers around.

It takes at least eight days to climb Kilimanjaro through the Northern Circuit which is why the route boasts a very high success rate. An extended 9-day Northern Circuit Kilimanjaro climb with crater camping is also available for an incredible wilderness adventure on Africa’s highest volcano.

Daring experienced climbers seeking adventure and challenge will find just what they want on Umbwe. A short steep climb traversing all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice - will put your strength and endurance to the test. Like no other route on Kilimanjaro Umbwe gives a sense of achievement to those who reach the summit.

Your first day on the mountain will start from Umbwe Gate and continue with a lengthy trek to the first camp on your way - Umbwe camp. In spite of the challenge that Umbwe poses to hikers, well thought-out location of camps will contribute to proper acclimatization.

The trek through the Umbwe trail is available only as a 6-day program. Recommended only to experienced hikers in good physical shape, as the Umbwe route difficulty is quite high for inexperienced trekkers.

Marangu or “Coca-Cola” route is the best route to Kilimanjaro today. It is the only route where overnight stays are in huts. This makes Marangu a good option for hiking during the rainy season.

The route takes its start at the south-east of Mt Kilimanjaro. The entrance to the route, Marangu Gate, is quite close to our climbing base at Aishi Machame Hotel. The ride there takes about 1.5 hours.

The Kilimanjaro "Coca-Cola" route features a well-trodden trail running through all the climate zones - from tropical rainforest to eternal ice, and will also will treat you to scenic African landscapes.

Being the most popular and the least expensive, the route may be crowded in July-September and December - March.

A 6-day option is strongly recommended over the 5-day one for better acclimatization.

The extended version of Northern Circuit route includes two extra days to get proper acclimatization before overnighting at Crater Camp. Situated close to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro at the altitude of 5790 m, this is the highest overnight possible at the equator, so we will do our utmost to make your Kilimanjaro climb comfortable, as well as unforgettable. Only a lucky few can lay claim to having seen the night skies at this altitude and they are indeed a sight to behold: Kilimanjaro Glaciers against the backdrop of the Milky Way! While such ascents are never without their risks, the Altezza Travel Team has both the expertise and equipment to ensure your safety at Kilimanjaro Crater Camp.