Route Planner - Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Routes
Routes > More in this Category > Marangu: First Leg > Marangu: Second Leg > Machame: First Leg > Machame Route: Second Leg > Umbwe Route> Shira: First Leg > Shira: Second Leg > Lemosho Route > Rongai: First Leg > Rongai: Second Leg > Ridge Route
If one consults a Route Planner, it will become apparent that there are numerous different routes that one can take to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Each and every route has its advantages and disadvantages and ultimately which route one finally chooses will depend on individual preference.
Over three quarters of climbers who attempt to reach the summit of Kili do so via the Marangu Route, or Coca Cola trail as it is sometimes called. Accommodation on this option is in the form of permanent huts complete with beds, water and electricity. Due to the fact that the comfort factor on Marangu is so high, many people make the mistake of thinking that altitude will not affect them. This causes them to attempt to reach the summit way faster than they should, with the result that more often than not they succumb to altitude sickness long before reaching the summit.
The second most popular and indeed one of the most beautiful routes up the mountain is the Machame Route. Also known as the Mweka or Whisky Route, this trail is both longer and slightly more challenging than the Marangu Route. Climbers will sleep in tents and thus living conditions will be slightly tougher than on the more commercial Marangu Route. Many hikers do however find the added privacy worth the sacrifice.
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Like Machame, all other routes to Uhuru's Peak make use of tented accommodation. The Umbwe Route is renowned for its caves, one of which actually provides climbers with their first nights shelter on the mountain. Those electing to take the Lemosho Route will have the bonus of crossing the spectacular Lemosho Glades, which are home to herds of animals such as buffalo and elephant.
The Shira Route is a relatively gentle and incredibly scenic route to the summit of Kili. Encompassing the Shira Plateau, this route provides breathtaking views of the African landscape below. The Rongai Route on the other hand is gaining in popularity due to the fact that it can be started on either the Tanzanian or the Kenyan side of the mountain. Finally, the Western Breach Summit Route is a more difficult route to the summit which incorporates some serious scrambling and climbing. It is thus generally favoured by those individuals looking to add a bit of an extra challenge to their climbing experience.
The Kilimanjaro Experience
