The Roof of Africa
Tanzania is home to Africa’s highest mountain – Mount Kilimanjaro.The snowy peaks of the mountain have given inspiration and challenge to creative minds and active adventurers for more than a century.
At 19,380 feet, it is possible to climb the mountain without oxygen. The routes to the summit, though challenging, do not require technical climbing skills and equipment such as ropes and pitons. A sturdy hiking stick, good boots and warm clothing should be enough for anyone who is in sound physical condition. Most climbers do feel the affects of the altitude and find the climb more challenging than they expected. However, those that reach the summit consider this among their lifetime achievements. There are a number of routes that you can choose from, generally 5-7 days in duration.
The Lemosho–Shira Route offers a similar experience to the Machame Route but begins with a more remote and scenic approach from the west. Though these two trails run parallel and merge at the Shira Plateau, the Lemosho variation is the one most commonly used for treks.
As one of the few routes where wildlife sightings are possible (alongside the Rongai Route), trekkers are accompanied by an armed park ranger during the early stages of the journey for safety.
The Rongai Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the northeastern side, close to the Kenyan border, and offers a unique wilderness experience. It is one of the least traveled routes, providing trekkers with a quieter and more remote ascent compared to the southern trails.
The path passes through unspoiled rainforest, alpine moorlands, and rugged high-altitude desert before joining the Marangu Route at Kibo Hut for the final summit push. Because of its gradual slope and consistent acclimatization profile, the Rongai Route is often considered one of the easiest and most scenic routes to Uhuru Peak.
Wildlife sightings are more common here than on most other routes, and an armed ranger may accompany the group in the lower forested section for safety.
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the oldest and most established trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching from the southeast, it is the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of camping, providing trekkers with dormitory-style shelters equipped with simple beds and mattresses.
Known for its gentle and direct ascent, the Marangu Route passes through lush rainforest, heath and moorland, and finally the alpine desert before reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak.
Although it is considered one of the easier routes due to its gradual slope and well-defined path, the shorter acclimatization time gives trekkers less opportunity to adjust to the altitude—making proper pacing and preparation essential for success.
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular and scenic trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Approaching the mountain from the southwest, it offers a diverse range of landscapes, from lush rainforest to heather-covered ridges, alpine deserts, and spectacular views of the summit glaciers.
Renowned for its challenging yet rewarding climb, Machame provides excellent acclimatization opportunities through its “walk high, sleep low” profile. The route merges with the Lemosho and Shira trails near the Shira Plateau and continues around the southern circuit beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field before ascending to the summit from Barafu Camp.
Although physically demanding, the Machame Route’s dramatic scenery, rich biodiversity, and high summit success rate make it one of the most favored routes among trekkers seeking the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience.
The Shira Route is one of the less frequently used trails on Mount Kilimanjaro, approaching the mountain from the west. It shares much of its path with the Lemosho Route, but begins at a higher starting point on the Shira Plateau—accessible by vehicle.
Because it starts at a higher altitude, the Shira Route is best suited for experienced trekkers or those who have already acclimatized to high elevations. The route traverses the Shira Plateau, one of the highest plateaus in the world, offering panoramic views and a sense of vast, open wilderness.
After merging with the Machame Route near Shira Camp 2, climbers continue along the Southern Circuit, passing landmarks such as the Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Barafu Camp, before making the final ascent to Uhuru Peak.
Despite its relative remoteness, the Shira Route rewards trekkers with spectacular scenery, diverse landscapes, and a true sense of solitude on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain.
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