The shortest route to the summit, commonly taken by trekkers, is the Marangu route, which can be completed in four nights and five days. However, the Marangu route has the highest failure rate when it comes to summiting. Why? Successfully reaching the summit is not just about physical fitness—it also depends on whether your body has had enough time to acclimatize to the high altitude.

There is a strong correlation between the number of days spent on the mountain and your chances of reaching the summit: the longer the climb, the better your chances of success.

Our advice is to add an acclimatization day, regardless of the route you choose, to ensure a safer and more enjoyable climb. Opting for a shorter route or the minimum number of days may seem like a good way to save costs, but it significantly reduces your chances of summiting. Considering the effort and expense of traveling to Tanzania for the climb, the additional cost of an acclimatization day is well worth it for a safer and more successful experience.

There are six established ascent routes to choose from: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, and Umbwe. The Lemosho and Shira routes start from the west side of the mountain, while the Machame and Umbwe routes approach from the south. The Marangu route starts from the southeast, and the remote Rongai route begins in the north, near the Kenyan border.

When selecting a route, consider the difficulty level, the number of days (longer is better for acclimatization), and your preferences regarding trail traffic and scenery.

*We strongly suggest adding an acclimatization day to the minimum number of days for a safer and more enjoyable climb.

• Marangu Route - Also known as the "Coca-Cola" route, Marangu is considered one of the easiest routes due to its gradual incline and shorter duration. However, it has a high failure rate to summit because of inadequate acclimatization. The ascent and descent use the same path, making it the second most popular route after Machame, resulting in high trail traffic. It is also considered the least scenic route.

Marangu is the only route that offers dormitory-style accommodations in basic huts, providing bunk beds, mattresses, and pillows. Climbers must bring their own sleeping bags. The huts include communal dining areas and basic washrooms.

• Machame Route - Nicknamed the "Whiskey" route, Machame is the most popular trail on the mountain and is quite busy during peak seasons. It offers breathtaking scenery, taking climbers through montane forests, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Valley. Climbers will enjoy stunning views from the top of Barranco Wall and a glimpse of Kibo’s Southern Icefield from Karanga Valley. The route descends via the Mweka route.

Machame is more challenging than Marangu, with longer climbing days and steeper trails. Climbers sleep in tents at designated campsites.

• Lemosho Route - The Lemosho route offers stunning scenery and a high summit success rate due to its longer duration and lower trail traffic. It is ideal for climbers with hiking and camping experience who want a more leisurely climb.

The route begins in lush montane forests and leads to the Shira Plateau, eventually joining the Machame route near Lava Tower. Lemosho also descends via the Mweka route. While the minimum number of days for this route is six, an eight-day climb is recommended to fully enjoy the trail.

• Shira Route - Similar to Lemosho, the Shira route begins on the Shira Plateau at a higher elevation, bypassing the montane forest. This makes it more challenging, as climbers may experience altitude symptoms from the start. Shira meets up with Lemosho on day two and follows the same trail for the remainder of the climb.

• Rongai Route - The Rongai route starts near the Kenyan border and is known for its low traffic compared to other popular routes. It is a great choice during the rainy season, as the northern side of the mountain receives less precipitation.

This route winds through remote wilderness areas before joining the Marangu route at Kibo Camp. The descent follows the Marangu route.

• Umbwe Route - The Umbwe route is the steepest and most difficult trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, recommended only for experienced climbers confident in their ability to acclimatize. The fast elevation gain leaves little time for proper acclimatization, contributing to a high failure rate.

Umbwe joins the Machame, Lemosho, and Shira routes at Barranco Camp and follows the southern circuit to the summit, descending via the Mweka route.

• Climbing Kilimanjaro takes you through four distinct ecological zones in a matter of days: rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and finally, the arctic zone.

  At the base of the mountain, average temperatures range from 20 to 27°C depending on the time of year. However, temperatures drop rapidly as you gain elevation and pass through the different ecological zones. At Uhuru Peak, nighttime temperatures can plummet to -25°C or even lower, especially with wind chill.

  The weather on Kilimanjaro is extremely variable and can change quickly. Climbers should be prepared for extreme conditions, including rain, gusty winds, and very cold nights.

• EQUIPMENT:

  • Four season sleeping bag suitable for conditions reaching – 10 to -15 Celcius, sleeping mattress and small travel pillow
  • Daypack (25-30 litres) and waterproof cover
  • Large duffel bag to be carried by your porter
  • Small & medium ziplock bags.  Ziplock bags are handy for a multitude of uses.
  • Headlamp
  • Insulated water bottle or Camel Back/Platypus (the latter is recommended as it is easier to access and you will drink more frequently)
  • Telescopic trekking poles
  • Sunglasses
  • Camera and/or video camera and extra memory cards and battery (note battery life is much shorter under freezing conditions)
  • Power bank
  • Earplugs (busy camps can be noisy)
  • Pocket Knife
  • Stuff sacks for sleeping bag and clothing
  • Travel book, novels, deck of cards or other games for afternoon entertainment

   

  CLOTHING:

  • Waterproof trekking boots, well broken in & gators
  • Extra shoes, like gym shoes or flip flops to where in camp
  • Thick thermal outer socks and inner lining socks
  • Waterproof/windproof breathable trousers (side zipper recommended)
  • Hiking pants (convertible to shorts)
  • Base layer or thermal long underwear
  • Underwear, bras
  • Waterproof outer gloves and inner liner gloves
  • Waterproof/windproof insulated jacket
  • Thick sweater or fleece top
  • Base layer or thermal long sleeve shirt
  • Long sleeved, light weight, moisture wicking shirt
  • T-shirt
  • Poncho
  • Scarf for cold and bandana for dust
  • Wide brimmed hat for the sun
  • Toque and balaclava
  • Extra shoe laces for your hiking boots

   

  TOILETRIES:

  • Toilet paper
  • Kleenex or facial tissue
  • Sun block
  • Lip balm with sun protection
  • Skin lotion (the cold and wind will dry your skin more than usual)
  • Wet wipes
  • Small soap
  • Travel towel – light-weight and takes very little space
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
  • Deodorant
  • Insect repellent
  • Nail clippers/scissors
  • Razor & shaving cream/gel
  • Contact lens solution & extra set of lenses
  • Feminine hygiene product

   

  FIRST AID:

  • High altitude medication
  • Anti malarial medication
  • Band aids & moleskin for blisters
  • Bandages, gauze pads
  • Painkiller (Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
  • Antiseptic cream (Polysporin)
  • Stomach ache/indigestion medicine (Pepto Bismol)
  • Anti-diarrhea medicine (Imodium)
  • Re-hydration salts
  • Prescription antibiotic effective against a broad range of bacteria including travelers diarrhea (Ciprofloxacin)
  • Any other prescription medications
  • Eye rinse/moisturizing drops

   

  MONEY & DOCUMENTS:

  • Passport
  • Plane tickets
  • Travel Insurance Policy & Emergency Contact Number
  • Yellow Fever Vaccination Certificate (if applicable)
  • List of Emergency Contact Number from home
  • U.S. dollars in large and small denominations ($20, $50 & $100 bills should be issued after 2006)
  • Credit cards and ATM bank cards
  • Medical history

   

  Avoid Overpacking

  Bring only the essentials. Porters are limited to carrying 15 kilograms of your personal belongings. If your duffel bag exceeds this weight, you’ll need to hire and pay for an additional porter. If you forget any gear, most equipment can be rented locally, but the quality may not meet your expectations.

  Extra luggage, such as clothing, gear, or equipment for safaris or trips to Zanzibar, can be safely stored at your hotel.

  Since checked luggage on international flights is sometimes lost or delayed, it’s highly recommended to wear or carry on essential items for your Kilimanjaro climb. This includes a complete hiking outfit, especially your hiking boots. In your carry-on, pack toiletries, medications, a camera, and all important documents.

• Your day pack should only contain items you’ll need during the day before reaching the next campsite. The contents may vary depending on trail conditions, weather, and your guide’s advice. Typically, you should pack:

  • Rain gear (for lower altitudes).
  • Warm clothing and gloves (for higher altitudes).
  • Snacks and drinking water.
  • Hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm.
  • Camera gear.
  • Important documents, including your passport and cash.

  All other items should be securely packed in your duffel bag, which porters will transport from campsite to campsite. Ensure your duffel is locked and ready for porters each morning before setting off for the day.

• All meals (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and drinks will be provided during your climb. Below is an example of what you can expect:

  Breakfast	Lunch	Snack	Dinner
  Tea, coffee, hot chocolate	Water or juice	Tea, coffee, hot chocolate	Tea, coffee, hot chocolate
  Porridge	Sandwich	Roasted peanuts	Soup
  Toast or crepe with peanut butter, jam, or honey	Boiled egg	Popcorn	Salad
  Eggs and sausage	Roasted chicken		Stewed vegetables with beef, chicken, or fish
  Beans	Cheese		Rice pilaf
  Fruit	Chocolate bar		Potatoes
  	Snack		Fruit salad

  Drinking Water

  Plenty of drinking water will be boiled, cooled, and provided each day to ensure you stay hydrated. You’ll receive water each morning before setting off on your hike, and additional drinking water will be available when you arrive at your next camp in the afternoon. While there is no need to chemically treat the water, you may choose to do so if you prefer.

  Additional Tips

  • Consider bringing your favorite snacks, such as Gatorade powder, candy bars, or energy bars, for an extra boost during your climb.
  • If you have any special dietary requirements or restrictions, please inform us at the time of booking so we can accommodate your needs.

• Kilimanjaro is a serious mountain, and the risks associated with climbing it should not be taken lightly. While not widely discussed, nearly 1,000 climbers are evacuated from the mountain annually, and approximately 10 deaths are reported each year, mostly due to altitude sickness.

  Altitude sickness, or Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), occurs when the body fails to adapt quickly enough to the reduced oxygen levels at higher altitudes. Although the oxygen percentage (21%) remains constant from sea level to the summit of Kilimanjaro, the barometric pressure decreases as altitude increases. This results in less oxygen being absorbed by your body with each breath. For example, at 3,600 meters, the barometric pressure is about 630 mb (480 mmHg), compared to approximately 1,000 mb (760 mmHg) at sea level. This equates to roughly 40% fewer oxygen molecules per breath.

  At high altitudes, lower air pressure can also cause fluid leakage from the capillaries in the lungs and brain, potentially leading to life-threatening conditions such as High Altitude Pulmonary Edema (HAPE) and High Altitude Cerebral Edema (HACE).

  Factors Contributing to AMS

  1. High altitude
  2. Rapid rate of ascent
  3. Physical exertion
  4. Dehydration

  The primary cause of AMS is ascending too quickly. Given enough time, your body can adapt to reduced oxygen levels.

  Symptoms of Mild AMS

  At elevations above 3,000 meters, 75% of climbers will experience mild AMS, which may include:

  • Shortness of breath
  • Increased heart rate
  • Headache
  • Nausea and dizziness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue
  • Restless sleep

  Climbers with mild AMS can usually continue ascending at a moderate pace, and symptoms often subside with acclimatization. Always inform your guide if you experience symptoms so they can monitor your condition.

  Symptoms of Moderate AMS

  • Severe headache unrelieved by medication
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness and fatigue
  • Shortness of breath
  • Ataxia (loss of coordination)

  Moderate AMS makes normal activities difficult. Immediate descent to a lower altitude is necessary, especially if ataxia progresses to the point where walking is impaired. Descending even a few hundred meters can significantly improve symptoms. Once symptoms subside after 24 hours, climbing may resume if deemed safe by your guide. Ignoring moderate AMS can lead to severe AMS and even death.

  Symptoms of Severe AMS

  • Shortness of breath at rest
  • Inability to walk
  • Loss of mental acuity (HACE)
  • Fluid buildup in the lungs (HAPE)

  Severe AMS requires an immediate descent of at least 600 meters and may necessitate evacuation to a hospital.

• • Climb “pole pole” (“slowly, slowly” in Swahili): Follow your guide’s pace, take frequent breaks, and enjoy the scenery.
  • Include an acclimatization day: This allows for additional hikes to higher altitudes, helping your body adjust.
  • Climb high, sleep low: Hike to a higher altitude during the day but sleep at a lower elevation at night.
  • Stay hydrated: Drink at least 3 liters of water daily. Using a hydration pack like a CamelBak makes it easier to sip water regularly.
  • Eat well: Even if your appetite diminishes, consume enough calories to maintain your energy levels.

  If you notice AMS symptoms, inform your guide immediately. Honesty is crucial—saying you feel fine when unwell can put your life at risk. If your guide advises you to descend, follow their instructions without hesitation.