Mountain

To conquer one of the world’s most iconic and beautiful mountains in the world is a life-changing, bucket-list dream come true for many adventurers. Award-winning Furahia Safaris specializes in providing our clients with amazing Mt. Kilimanjaro hikes, climbs, adventures and trekking with experienced guides to get you to the top of this wondrous mountain.

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But it’s not just about the climb! Amazingly, Mount Kilimanjaro enjoys 5 climate zones so it’s like traversing through different worlds within just a few hours. Mount Kilimanjaro also hosts about 140 mammals, 25 carnivores, and massive numbers of birds, and what’s even more intriguing is that because of its high altitude, you will see animals that are wildly unique and can only be found on and around Tanzania’s Mt. Kilimanjaro. This is a nature lover’s and photographer’s dream!

 

DIFFERENT ROUTES TO THE TOP OF MT KILIMANJARO

You may climb Mount Kilimanjaro via several routes, which have been established by the Tanzania National Parks Authority in order to preserve the pristine beauty of the wilderness for generations to come and to ensure the safety of climbers.

Furahia Safaris recommends the Lemosho and Rongai routes for novices, the Northern Circuit and Machame for beginners, and Marangu and Umbwe for climbers with prior hiking experience. Camping is required on all routes except Marangu (where climbers sleep in huts).

The trip typically takes around 5-8 days: the longer routes give you more time to acclimatize and therefore a much better chance (95%) of reaching the summit.  Our award-winning, experienced guides are more than happy to help you decide which route is ideal for you.

Whatever you decide, Furahia is excited to accommodate all of your needs and desires while providing the best and most experienced guides for your climbing adventure. Anything is possible and we look forward to making your dreams and journeys unforgettable.

 

 

 

Different Routes Up Mt. Kilimanjaro

Getting There

Most climbs begin in Tanzanian base towns like Moshi, Marangu and Arusha. Travelers typically arrive by way of a nonstop flight to Arusha, which is accessible from regional international capitals like Nairobi and Dar es Salaam. Car transfers can be made in advance from Arusha to Moshi and Marangu.

 

Why You Need to Go Guided

Trekking Mt. Kilimanjaro without a guide is prohibited by Tanzanian law. Aside from the physical endurance required to reach the summit, altitude sickness and below-freezing temperatures make a guide essential. Plus, you’ll need camping gear and food for at least five nights, as almost every route on the mountain has little to no tourist infrastructure (aside from the Marangu route’s A-frame wooden huts).

 

How Fit Do I Need To Be?

You don’t need to be an athlete to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro. In fact, children and grandparents have made it to the top without any problems. You do need to be able to walk 7 hours a day at a slow pace at a slight incline. The choice with the greatest chance of success is the Lemosho route. An estimated 90% of all trekkers who take this track make it to the top of Mt Kilimanjaro. It’s one of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro and very scenic. This particular route is also one of the longest, taking up to 8 days to complete. 

 

 

Different Routes Up Kilimanjaro

While there are a number of more obscure and technical routes to the top, if you’re a casual mountaineer, hiker or traveler, it’s recommended to tackle either the Marangu, Rongai or Lemosho route. Feel free to contact us if you’re an experienced mountain climber looking for something more challenging.

 

Marangu Route

Miles: 48.2 Round Trip

Elevation Gain: 13,340 feet

Typical Length of Trip: 5-10 Days Total

The Marangu Route is the only climb up Mount Kilimanjaro to offer accommodation with huts provided for hikers. This six-day climb begins at the Marangu gate and each evening climbers stay in picturesque A-frame huts with incredible views of Kilimanjaro National Park’s most rugged scenery.

This hike is best for those who need a quicker way to the top and have more experience in high-altitude zones. Departing Kibo Hut in the middle of the night, you will usually reach the summit in time for sunrise over Uhuru Peak.

 

Rongai Route

Miles: 45 Round Trip

Elevation Gain: 12,940 feet

Typical Length of Trip: 5-10 Days Total

Of all the trails to Kilimanjaro’s peak, the Rongai route is the only path approaching Kilimanjaro from the north. Beginning near the Kenyan border, this seven-day climb is often regarded as the quieter and wilder path to the summit. This route eventually merges with the Marangu route for the final summit night at Kibu hut. The Rongai route has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes and is recommended for climbers with less backpacking experience. 

 

Lemosho Route

Miles: 47.5 Round Trip

Elevation Gain: 12,340 feet

Typical Length of Trip: 7-11 Days Total

The Lemosho route offers one of the longest paths to the top of Kilimanjaro, allowing ample time for acclimatization. Typically taking eight days to summit, this route begins on the western side of the mountain and is one of the least traveled paths to the top. Access begins in Tanzania at the towns of Moshi or Arusha and the trek begins in a lush rainforest and through juniper and pine trees. Climbers reach the Shira Plateau and the gateway to the 300-foot Lava Tower and a picturesque volcanic rock formation (one of the highlights of the route). After traversing Shira Plateau and the Southern Circuit, a nocturnal wake-up call at Kosovo base camp starts the final, seven-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak.

 

 

WHICH ROUTE SHOULD I CHOOSE?

 

The easiest route up Kilimanjaro is often thought to be the Marangu route, also known as the ‘Coca Cola’ route. Best known as being the only one that offers hut accommodation. However, with too many trekkers attempting to summit in the minimum 5 days required for this route, and many underestimating its physical challenge, it’s actually the route with the lowest success rate.
 

The choice with the greatest chance of success is the Lemosho route. An estimated 90% of all trekkers who take this track make it to the top. One of the newer routes on Mount Kilimanjaro, this particularly scenic path is also one of the longest, taking up to eight days to complete. Allowing lots of time to acclimatize makes it an ideal choice for anyone new to high altitude environments.