Kilimanjaro

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Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania

Light adventure
A symphony of ice and fire
Across five climates and six routes

We live in Kenya

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Discoverer’s
delight

There are more trails, but only six popular, well-trodden routes lead up Kilimanjaro, each boasting its own unique character. However, they all share one common thread – the promise of a thrilling adventure, the exhilaration of a pioneering spirit, a wealth of experiences, and a whirlwind of emotions.

Kilimanjaro climbs are so popular because they combine a healthy dose of adrenaline with zero risk. You don’t need the ironclad health or athletic prowess required to tackle Everest or Mont Blanc. Average fitness and strict adherence to experienced guides’ instructions will suffice; soon you’ll declare, “I conquered Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain!”” It sounds impressive, doesn’t it?

On your way to the summit, you’ll traverse five distinct climate zones. The bushland, the first zone, is a dense thicket of shrubs and low-lying trees. This gives way to the rainforest, a jungle of every shade of green, weighed down by a heavy blanket of clouds. Giant heather overgrows the meadows of the third zone, a place any elf would call home. Next comes the alpine zone, a wasteland dotted with cacti and mosses. And, the fifth zone, a colossal crown of eternal ice. It’s this dazzling brilliance that earned Kilimanjaro the moniker “the sparkling mountain.”

One of Kilimanjaro’s wonders lies in its juxtaposition of ice and fire. Ice adorns its proud head, while fire slumbers deep within its bowels. You can see a wisp of smoke in Reusch Crater (the inner crater), and sulfur scents the air.

Now, let’s talk routes. They all take the same time, between six and eight days, but they differ in terms of difficulty. We’ll start with the easiest.

The Lemosho route is the perfect choice for beginners. You will see the stunning Shira Plateau and Lava Tower. 4×4 do half, with hiking only beginning at 3,500 meters. The route ascends the western slope, and the descent follows a different path, offering new vistas on the way back.

The Marangu route is the most popular, and therefore the most crowded, of the six. It ascends the southeastern slope. It’s the only route that offers hut accommodations, while all others involve camping. Climbers often start this route at the full moon, by unwritten tradition, to witness stunning African moonlit nights. The ascent and descent follow the same path, but, the scenery is so beautiful, you won’t tire of it.

The Machame route is the second most popular. It climbs the southern slope, intersecting with the Lemosho and Umbwe routes on the third day. The descent also follows a different path.

The Rongai route is the only one that passes through the Mawenzi Cone. Another route on the northern slope recently rivaled it, although for a long time it was the only one. The descent follows the Marangu route, offering views of the southern slope as well.

The Northern Circuit is the newest, most modern, and longest of the routes. Like the Rongai, it’s less crowded, but offers far more stunning landscapes.

The Umbwe route is the shortest, steepest, and most challenging of them all. It’s suitable only for experienced mountaineers, or, at the very least, fit, athletic individuals in top form.

By the way, if you’re torn between a safari and a climb, there’s no need to choose. They complement each other perfectly. You can embark on a safari tour in Kenya or Tanzania, then conquer Kilimanjaro, and cap it off with relaxation on the stunning beaches of Kenya or Zanzibar.

Important: the tour you choose will depend on when and where you arrive, whether in Kenya or Tanzania. It’s best to consult with an operator beforehand.