Mount Kilimanjaro

At 19,341 feet, the ice-capped roof of Mount Kilimanjaro towers high above the African plains. It is an awe-inspiring sight. As the least technical of the famed Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro is an excellent objective for aspiring climbers chasing their first major summit and for trekkers and outdoor enthusiasts of all kinds. Mountain Gurus has an approximately 98% success rate on Kilimanjaro. We take great pride in our ability to offer safe and exciting climbs to the top of Africa’s tallest mountain.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

Distance covered: 70km
Days to complete: between 7 and 8 days

Shira was the ‘original’ Lemosho route while Lemosho is now the ‘improved’ variation. The Lemosho route begins at Londorossi gate on the quieter western side of the Kilimanjaro. It advances through rainforest on the first two days and later passes through a scenic heath zone with an abundance of Ericas. With eight days, this is the longest route up Kilimanjaro; from the third day it runs parallel to the Machame route. It is a difficult route, but excellent for acclimatization. It is considered to be more difficult than the Marangu and Rongai routes.

MARANGU ROUTE

Distance covered: 69km
Days to complete: minimum of 5 days (But we usually do this for 6 days)

Marangu route is the oldest route and often considered the easiest. It is nicknamed the “Coca Cola”route, as it is popular and attracts a larger number of climbers than other routes. It approaches Kili from the southeast and passes through beautiful rainforest and moorlands. The ascent on this route is constant and moderate, and the trekking is relatively relaxed compared to sections of other routes. This is a good bet for those concerned about their fitness. Marangu has good paths and gradual tracks. However, the constant ascension makes for a poorer acclimatisation profile.

In contrast to the other routes, you overnight in mountain huts protecting you from the elements, as opposed to sleeping in tents. Following the Marangu route, you ascend and descend on the same route and you will meet other groups travelling in the opposite direction.

MACHAME ROUTE

Distance covered: 63km
Days to complete: minimum of six days

The Machame route is often considered the most striking and has spectacular views of the summit, but it is weather dependant. The route faces the wind and is on the southern side of the mountain where rainfall is heavier and the vegetation more dense.

The route is steeper than both the Marangu and the Rongai routes and physically more demanding, but very good for acclimatisation. It joins the Lemosho route from New Shira Camp. Machame route is the most popular route with our guests – about 60% of our guests climb Kilimanjaro via the Machame route. Machame is nicknamed the ‘whiskey route’. You will descend along the Mweka route. This option is generally for slightly fitter hikers.

RONGAI ROUTE

Distance covered: 70km
Days to complete: minimum of six days

The remote Rongai route begins on the side of the mountain close to the Kenyan border, running on the dry northeast side of Kilimanjaro. It takes a long drive to get to the starting point. It is the only route that approaches from the north and can be drier than most routes if you hike during the rainy season. The acclimatisation profile is fair.

The route is less crowded, moderately steep, crosses a beautiful alpine desert zone and allows for good views towards Kenya and the Kibo summit. On this route, you return via the Marangu route.

SHIRA ROUTE (Londorossi)

Distance covered: 56km
Days to complete: seven days

Those hiking the Shira (Londorossi) route will drive to the Londorossi Gate together with their transfer driver and then to the Moram Barrier at an altitude of about 3800m. It is important that you have allowed for sufficient days to acclimatise to master this increase in altitude.

The route is very similar to the Lemosho route, accessing Kili from the west. Shira (Londorossi) crosses the spectacular Shira plateau and later joins the Machame route. This difficult route allows for good acclimatisation, provided you are fine starting at a high altitude.

UMBWE ROUTE

Distance covered: 51km
Days to complete: minimum of five days

The Umbwe route is a relatively short and very steep but scenic route approaching from the south. It is the least used and most demanding of all routes. As its challenging ascend is not popular with most climbers, it is instead often used for emergency descent from the Machame or Shira routes.

This route has great views, but it is the most difficult way to reach the summit. Altitude acclimatisation is difficult due to the fast ascent and the success rate is very low.

When to climb mountain Kilimanjaro?

It is possible to climb Kilimanjaro any time of the year.

Coldest months are July and August but these months are also the driest. September and October are also dry, but warmer. From the end of December to March it is very warm, but you might experience occasional rainfalls. The long rainy season stretches from  April until end of May and it might rain again in November.

Kilimanjaro lies close to the equator and may not have major seasonal variations in temperature. It is always cold at the top. The busiest time of the year is Christmas, New Year and school holidays – January/February and July/August. This is also due to the fact that weather conditions are generally considered most favourable during these months, with warmer day time temperatures in January/February and more likelihood of clear skies in the mornings and evenings both in Jan/Feb and July/August.

Kilimanjaro Fitness

Being fit is no guarantee for getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro. However, it will certainly help. Even then, it remains true that people in their 80s have successfully summited while extraordinarily fit athletes have failed to summit. The reason for our vagueness? Everyone, whether triathlete or couch potato, is affected differently by the altitude, the strict gatekeeper of Uhuru peak.

One thing is for sure: the fitter and stronger you are, the more you will enjoy the experience.

Cardio training and strong muscles will help you with the daily hiking on the mountain of between five and seven hours. If you can, get out and hike at home whenever possible in the weeks and months leading up to your Kilimanjaro climb. Fill up and strap on your day bag to get used to carrying extra weight, and be sure to wear in your hiking boots too. Hike steep inclines and downhills, do steps and strengthen leg muscles.

Lots of stretching to improve your flexibility before setting off will also help muscles from becoming too stiff when on the mountain. It’s also a good idea to stretch at the beginning and end of the day whilst on the mountain.

For all the work you might put in beforehand, the best advice for physical success is to take it slow when climbing the mountain, however fit you are or aren’t. “Pole pole”, slowly slowly, as we say in Tanzania, will be your mantra on Kili. Your body needs to adapt to the thin air and lack of oxygen at high altitude.

Almost everyone will experience at least some symptoms of altitude sickness at some point. Headaches, nausea and lack of appetite are all part of the game, but can be alleviated with rest, nutritious food and water. Obviously prior training at higher altitude will help in this regard, but it’s still no substitute for walking slowly and rhythmically whilst on the mountain.

Having said all of this, anyone who has successfully summited Kilimanjaro will tell you that mental strength is more important than physical strength and fitness. Keep up a positive attitude, don’t panic or get despondent, follow the instructions of your guides at all times. All of this is key. You can do it.

Note that the minimum age for joining a Kilimanjaro trek is ten years. If you are planning to climb Kilimanjaro with a junior climber younger than 18 years old, please let us know during the booking process.