There are six established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain. The Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north near Kenya. All routes except Marangu and Rongai descend via Mweka.
The Machame route, also known as the Whisky Route is one of the most scenic and recommended routes on Kilimanjaro. This popular route with paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Ice fields to join the Barafu Route to the summit. Because it can be done over longer periods and the incline is more manageable it has a much higher success rate of summit.
Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles and can be impassable during wet periods. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use.The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek.
Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′ Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!
MARANGU ROUTE 6 DAYS HIGHLIGHTS Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, one of the seven summits of the world at 19,340′ Navigate Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route, the most scenic on the mountain Cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone Follow expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs Experience Signature Camping! Spacious tents, deluxe comfort, amazing meals and more!