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Kilimanjaro Routes and Itineraries

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Kilimanjaro Routes and Itineraries

Welcome to our Kilimanjaro Routes and Itineraries! At Tanzania Inside and Safari, we are dedicated to providing you with the ultimate Kilimanjaro experience. We take pride in recommending four exceptional routes, each offering a unique perspective of this magnificent mountain. What sets us apart is our commitment to tailoring these adventures to all types of travelers.


Lemosho Route: The Path Less Traveled

Experience a breathtaking journey along the Lemosho Route, renowned as one of the most beautiful trails up Mount Kilimanjaro. This route takes you across the expansive Shira Plateau, from the west to the east, in a relatively flat hike. Not only will you revel in the stunning natural beauty, but you'll also enjoy the tranquility of fewer crowds until you converge with the Machame Route near Lava Tower.

Marangu Route: Kilimanjaro's Classic Path

Ideal for trekkers with limited time, the Marangu Route provides a direct and efficient journey to the summit without compromising on breathtaking views. Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," it features comfortable hut accommodations and a well-established trail, making it a popular choice for those seeking a balanced and rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure. Conquer the Roof of Africa while enjoying a seamless and memorable experience

Machame Route: Kilimanjaro's Scenic Masterpiece

The Machame Route is perfect for adventurers eager to witness Kilimanjaro’s most stunning landscapes. Known as the "Whiskey Route," this trail offers unparalleled panoramic views, weaving through diverse ecosystems from lush rainforests to alpine deserts. With its longer itinerary and gradual ascent profile, the Machame Route provides excellent acclimatization opportunities, increasing your chances of reaching the summit safely and successfully.

Northern Circuit Route: A Deeper Kilimanjaro Experience

The Northern Circuit Route is the route of choice for those who yearn to immerse themselves in the heart of Kilimanjaro. This trail encircles the mountain in 360 degrees, offering an unprecedented opportunity to explore its every facet. Gaze upon the Amboseli National Park in Kenya and relish in the serenity of a less crowded path.

Rongai Route: The Quiet Ascent of Kilimanjaro

The Rongai Route is the perfect choice for adventurers seeking a tranquil and unspoiled journey to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Starting from the mountain’s northern side near the Kenyan border, this route offers breathtaking views of the vast African savannah and a unique perspective on Kilimanjaro’s wilderness. With fewer trekkers and a gradual climb, the Rongai Route combines solitude and scenic beauty, making it an ideal path for those craving a quieter ascent.

Extend Your Adventure: Wildlife Safaris and Zanzibar Tours

As an added bonus, we offer you the opportunity to continue your adventure with a thrilling wildlife safari or a serene Zanzibar tour after your Kilimanjaro climb. Our experienced team is here to seamlessly organize these unforgettable experiences for you.
At Tanzania Inside and Safari, we are not just tour guides; we are your partners in crafting unforgettable memories. Let us make your Kilimanjaro adventure the journey of a lifetime. Get in touch with us today to start planning your dream expedition.

Machame route

From $2,280

Machame Route 7 days (9 Day Tour)

The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route, and for good reason. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate.....

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wildlife safaris

From $2,150

Marangu Route 6 Days (8 Day Tour)

The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular, despite a wide variety of other options becoming available.

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wildlife safaris

From $2,640

Lemosho Route 8 Days (10 Day Tour)

The Lemosho Route is renowned as one of the most beautiful trekking trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. This scenic path takes you through lush forests and across the stunning Shira Plateau, offering breathtaking views along the way. With its varied landscapes and ample opportunities for acclimatization, it’s a favorite for those seeking both adventure and unforgettable scenery.

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Mount Kilimanjaro

From $2,720

Northern Circuit Route 8 Days (10 Day Tour)

The Northern Circuit route is the newest route up Mount Kilimanjaro and arguably the best. That’s because the a combination of all of the best elements of the other routes, rolled into one fantastic hike. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you.

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Kilimanjaro Frequently Asked Questions

Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most iconic climbs in the world, drawing trekkers from all over the globe. However, preparing for this adventure involves many questions. We've compiled answers to the most common ones below. If you need more details, feel free to contact us for personalized assistance.

The optimal periods to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are from late December to early March and from mid-June to late October, when the weather is generally favorable. Although rain may occur during other months, it usually falls in the latter part of the day, leaving trekkers with plenty of clear weather for most of their hike. Some rainy days are entirely dry. Tanzania Inside and Safari offers discounted climbs during the rainy season, making it a feasible option despite occasional showers. For more information, you can check out our guide on Kilimanjaro's climbing seasons.
As of 2024, a typical 7-day group climb costs between $2,100 and $2,340. Shorter treks of 5-6 days or discounted trips during the rainy season can range from $1,750 to $1,980. These prices include park fees, which account for about 40% of the total cost. Be cautious of companies offering significantly lower prices, as they may skimp on guide quality and equipment, which could compromise safety. Additionally, such budget operators may mistreat porters, which poses risks to both porters and climbers. For a detailed cost breakdown, check out our blog on Kilimanjaro climbing expenses.
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa, just three degrees south of the equator. While many of the iconic photos of Kilimanjaro are taken from Kenya, all trails begin in Tanzania, making it the only country where tourists can hike the mountain. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport, and most expeditions start from Moshi, the capital of the Kilimanjaro region.
The summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak, reaches 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). However, hikers don't start at sea level. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are located at altitudes between 700 and 1,000 meters, with trailheads typically beginning at elevations of around 1,600 meters and higher. Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak makes it one of the few places in East Africa where snow is visible.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is only permitted with a licensed local guide, as per the regulations of Kilimanjaro National Park. Solo hikes are not allowed, and attempting to climb alone can be extremely risky. Guides are essential for managing emergencies and altitude sickness, and they also enrich the experience by providing insights into the mountain's ecosystem, history, and the surrounding communities.
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires paying various park fees, which amount to $157 per day per hiker. These fees cover conservation efforts, camping (or hut fees for the Marangu route), crew member access, and a mandatory rescue service fee. Operators generally include these fees in the overall price of the tour. With Tanzania Inside and Safari, all park-related expenses are managed, ensuring a smooth experience.
While you don't need to be an elite athlete to summit Kilimanjaro, maintaining a good fitness level is key. Being able to comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles) will prepare you for the trek. Running and swimming are excellent exercises to improve cardiovascular endurance. For optimal preparation, train on rugged trails, preferably 10-15 km (6-10 miles) in length, to get used to the uphill terrain of Kilimanjaro.
Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season runs from early November to late December, followed by a dry season until mid-March. The long rainy season starts in March and lasts until mid-June. If you're climbing during the rainy season, consider routes like Rongai, Northern Circuit, or Marangu, which receive less rainfall on the northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. Be prepared for chilly nights, especially at higher altitudes, from June to October.
Athletes sometimes make the mistake of hiking too quickly without allowing enough time for acclimatization. This can increase the risk of altitude sickness. It's important to pace yourself and stick to the acclimatization schedule, as reaching the summit safely involves more than physical fitness; it requires careful attention to altitude-related adjustments.
On a Tanzania Inside and Safari trek, climbers are provided with hearty, calorie-dense meals designed for energy on the mountain. A typical breakfast includes porridge, eggs, fruit, sausages, and toast. Lunch and dinner consist of soups, stews, chicken, pasta, and fresh salads. Desserts feature tropical fruits like mangoes, bananas, and pineapples. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free diets, and regular tea and biscuit stops are offered. For extra energy, consider bringing snacks like energy bars or dried fruit.
Based on an analysis by Tanzania Inside and Safari from January 1 to September 30, 2023, starting your trek on a Wednesday or Thursday can reduce the number of fellow climbers by half. These days see far fewer climbers than the weekend, and opting for the Rongai route can reduce encounters with other hikers by as much as 16 times compared to the popular Machame route.
Tanzania Inside and Safari recommends Global Rescue for reliable travel insurance. Your policy should cover high-altitude hiking up to 6,000 meters, including medical services and helicopter evacuation if necessary.
To acclimatize properly and increase your chances of reaching the summit, follow these tips:
  • Hike slowly to allow your body to adjust to the reduced oxygen levels.
  • Drink 3-4 liters of water daily to stay hydrated.
  • Participate in short acclimatization hikes to higher elevations during the climb.
  • Consider climbing Mount Meru or other lower-altitude peaks as training.
  • Opt for routes that last at least seven days to give your body more time to adjust.
Routes like Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai are ideal for acclimatization. Longer itineraries of seven days or more are recommended for the best acclimatization results.
On the seven-day Machame route, extra acclimatization days aren't usually necessary. However, adding one or two extra rest days could be beneficial, especially if you’re not in peak physical condition.
Most climbers do not require supplemental oxygen, as the summit's oxygen level is about half of what it is at sea level. However, Tanzania Inside and Safari provides oxygen tanks for safety, included in the tour price.
Tanzania Inside and Safari provides comprehensive medical kits on all climbs, which include treatments for common ailments like nausea, headaches, and altitude sickness, as well as oxygen. If you have any specific prescriptions, be sure to bring them with you.
Kilimanjaro has a low death rate, with 3-5 fatalities per year out of around 50,000 climbers. Most deaths are related to altitude sickness, which is often a result of failing to acclimatize properly. Tragically, porters have a higher mortality rate, often due to inadequate equipment and shelter, particularly with low-cost tour operators.
Uhuru Peak was named to honor Tanzania's independence from Britain in 1961. "Uhuru" means "freedom" in Swahili.
Yes! Tanzania is home to some of the world's most famous safari destinations, including Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater. You can easily combine a Kilimanjaro climb with a safari adventure. Tanzania Inside and Safari also offers a fleet of vehicles and expert guides to make your safari experience exceptional.
Tanzania Inside and Safari is a Tanzanian-owned, registered tour operator. We are dedicated to responsible tourism and actively engage in environmental conservation and social responsibility efforts, such as planting trees and combating bushfires on Kilimanjaro. For personalized advice on your Kilimanjaro adventure, feel free to reach out to our team!



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