Top 5 Kilimanjaro Trek Routes

As the highest free-standing mountain in the world, at 5,895m, it is no surprise that Mt. Kilimanjaro has been explored and traversed from every angle. In the last century multiple distinct routes have appeared across the varied terrain of the microcosmic Gaia. The quality of each ancient trail varies – from difficulty to scenery; comfort to speed; safety to cost.

Which Mount Kilimanjaro Trek route is best? The only way to determine is through a good old-fashioned top 5 list with cheesy nicknames!

5. Shira trail aka “Kiliman-high-tho”

The Shira trail starts at a whopping 3,600m at the Shira Gate, leading to its namesake ridge. As a result, the route is one of the shortest, and can be completed well-under 7 days. However, this speed comes with serious risks of altitude sickness. Unlike the other routes, a significant portion of trekkers will experience acute mountain sickness on the first few days of the Shira trail trek, leading to a reduced completion rate. In our opinion, the spectacular views from the Shira ridge aren’t quite worth the risk the route brings – landing it space number 5 on our list.

4. Marangu trail aka “Kiliman-cry-tho”

Next up is the Marangu trail, a 5–6 day trip on the oldest and most well-trodden trail within the national park. Considered to be the easiest walk to the peak, it even has huts to sleep in during the ascent, making it ideal for families and tourists. In fact, it is even jokingly called the ‘Coca Cola route’ due to how easy it is to buy cans of the drink along the path! One other aspect to bear in mind is that Marangu is the only route with the same ascent as descent, meaning the path can be congested by traffic - and you see less of the National Park. While there are heaps of wildlife along the trail, you don’t see the same drastic change in shrubbery and scenery as other routes, giving it a measly top 4 finish. 

3. Rongai trail aka “Kiliman-dry-tho”

Taking 6 days, Rongai is the only route which begins to the North of the dormant volcano. It is significantly dryer than every other route, making it the best choice if you are attempting to summit in the rainy season. However, we strongly recommend travelling to Tanzania in the dry season – between May and October – where the Rongai loses a lot of its appeal. The campsites are interestingly staggered to acclimatise slowly to the high altitude, but in general the path has the reputation of being by far the least scenic. In general, although Rongai is certainly geographically unique, we don’t recommend opting for it over any of the more panoramic routes if it’s your first visit to Kilimanjaro. 

2. Lemosho trail aka “Kiliman-why-tho”

The Lemosho route is the newest trail to make our top 5, and with good reason. It was designed to accommodate more people as the main paths became busier at the turn of the 21st Century. As a result, the path unusually starts from a remote location in the West of the National Park - where you spend several days hiking through the scenic Lemosho Glades, making it a long 8-day trek. If you are unable to do our number 1 spot on the list, we strongly recommend taking Lemosho. However, due to its remote starting point, you can only begin hiking in the afternoon. Additionally, after the first three days, the route is the same as number 1 (which in our opinion has the better departure point). As a result, why choose Lemosho over….

1. Machame trail aka “Kiliman-fly-tho”

Machame is by far and away the best trail which most trekkers prefer. The 6-day trek is jokingly called the ‘Whiskey Route’ by locals because it is more challenging than the ‘Coca Cola Route’ yet still popular. Its proximity to the cultural hub of Moshi, the perfect altitude of campsites (all bases are at a similar height, making acclimatization much easier) and unique sights such as Lava Tower, all combine to bring Machame to the top of our list. However, what makes Machame truly elite is the sheer level of biodiversity you encounter while hiking. Machame alone gives you a clear view of all the ecosystems found on Mount Kilimanjaro. As you trek, you’ll pass rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and finally the summit itself.  After all, where else can you begin in a sea of banana trees, walk across mysterious volcanic rubble, and finish on a glaciated summit? 

And there we have it, our top 5 routes up Kilimanjaro! If you’re interested in travelling out to Tanzania with us on a trip of a lifetime, find out more HERE, or register your interest HERE.