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How to pick the perfect Kilimanjaro route for you | Kili Treks Tanzania

Mt. Kilimanjaro, one of the widely popular Seven Summits and the tallest freestanding peak in the world, attracts thousands of travellers from across the globe, many of whom wish to scale its great heights.

Hiking to Kilimanjaro is a popular activity among people from all walks of life. Each year, the mountain welcomes beginners, experts, youngsters, aged folk, solo travellers, hiking groups, and the list goes on. For each of these people, it is important to choose the Kilimanjaro route that fits their specific needs to ensure they have a pleasant, satisfactory, and safe summit climb.

Kili Treks Tanzania offers packages for hiking to Kilimanjaro via 4 popular routes, each with its own unique characteristics and appeal.

Top Kilimanjaro Route #1: Machame

The Machame route is among the easier Kilimanjaro routes, giving trekkers a fantastic mix of gorgeous views and ease of climbing. The trek starts from the southern end of Kilimanjaro, an area lush with thick rainforests that switch to dry moorland as you trek higher up.

You will spend 7 days hiking to Kilimanjaro and have plenty of time to acclimatise. With only a few tricky and steep patches, this is one of the best Kilimanjaro routes for fit beginners or hiking newbies.

Top Kilimanjaro Route #2: Lemosho

Lemosho is the perfect Kilimanjaro route for anyone looking to explore beautiful and varying terrains. The route winds through the west of the mountain while hiking to Kilimanjaro and offers views of deep gorges, dense rainforests, and sprawling mountain ranges. This route also takes you across the Shira Plateau, a beautiful flat stretch of land that is easy to trek over. The Lemosho route also features a small challenge with a hike across the steep Shira Ridge.

The Lemosho route is the best route for offbeat trekkers as it remains less crowded for most of the year, given that it’s a fairly new route and spans over a long period of 8 days.

Top Kilimanjaro Route #3: Rongai

Being one of the most unique and easy Kilimanjaro routes, Rongai is an easy choice for many trekkers hiking to Kilimanjaro. The climb is gradual, and you have ample time – 7 days to be specific – to acclimatise well and complete the trek. This route is the only one that winds through the north of Mt. Kilimanjaro, offering fantastic views all around.

It also remains relatively dry throughout the year, making it the best route if you’re hiking to Kilimanjaro in the heavy rain season, when most routes remain inaccessible or reserved for experienced trekkers.

Top Kilimanjaro Route #4: Umbwe

The Umbwe route is one of the few Kilimanjaro routes recommended for experienced trekkers that are looking for a thrilling challenge. The ascent is much quicker and time for acclimatisation is limited over the 6 days spent hiking to Kilimanjaro. 

The Umbwe route is known for its difficulty that comes with steep climbs over exposed ridges, rough terrains, and quick changes in climatic zones.

Ready to go hiking to Kilimanjaro? Got more questions? Get in touch with our experts at Kili Treks Tanzania and we will gladly answer any questions and help you find the perfect Kilimanjaro route for you!