Kilimanjaro INFORMATION

THE FACT

As many as 35,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year.

GOOD NEWS

Trekking Kilimanjaro is non-technical. Most people can climb Kilimanjaro

WHICH ROUTE?

Photo from backtoafricasafaris.com

The Rongai, Shira, Lemosho, and Machame routes are camping routes that take longer and are considered more scenic than the Marangu. On the Marangu route you will be staying in huts as opposed to camping, and you hike up and down the same path.

The Rongai route takes you up the north side of the mountain and you descend down the Marangu route. The Lemosho and the Machame routes traverse the mountain and descends down the Mweka route.

The Shira route takes you on the far west side, and is essentially the same as the Machame route, though you start at a higher altitude, which gives a good amount of time for acclimatisation.

Route	Duration (ascent and descent combined)	Distance (ascent only)*	Descent Route	Total distance (ascent & descent)*	Western Breach option available?	No. of people climbing each year**
Machame	6-7 days	40.16km	Mweka (20.6km)	60.76km	Yes	22,102
Marangu	5-7 days	36.75km	Marangu (36.75km)	73.5km	No	17,424
Rongai	5-7 days	37.65km	Marangu (36.75km)	74.4km	No	9464
Lemosho	6-9 days	46.26km	Mweka (20.6km)	66.86km	Yes	7807 (includes Shira Route)
Umbwe	6-8 days	27.71km	Mweka (20.6km)	48.31km	Yes	659
Alternative Lemosho	7-9 days	48.9km	Mweka (20.6km)	69.5km	Yes	c300
Unique Rongai	6-7 days	44.9km	Marangu (36.75km)	81.65km	No	c300

WHAT I RECODMENT?

It’s a question I’m often asked. Well I did the Machame route and recodment it to everybody I design travels for. Why? Because it is more scenic than the Marangu. You spend more days to the top, so your chances to reach the top is higher. But i haven’t done all the other routes, so I don’t know if the other routes are more spectacular.

Difficult time to decide which route?? Don’t beat yourself up if you think you’ve chosen the wrong one; whatever route you’re on, you won’t be disappointed, I’m SURE!

WHEN TO GO TO MOUNT KILIMANJARO?

Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro are located near the equator. This means that the temperature is fairly consistent throughout the year making the destination accessible year-round.

January and February are the two warmest months making the climb most comfortable as you reach higher elevations.

August and September are the driest months creating another good season for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

June and July are the coolest months, which means the summit can be even chillier.

April and May which are the wettest. But you can still climb in the rain.

TIPPING ON KILIMANJARO?

Tipping on Kilimanjaro is standard. Your tip is really important. These guys work seriously hard and earn very little. The tip you give goes a long way in supporting them and their families.

1 climber – 1 guide / 2-3 porters / 1 cook
2 climbers – 1 guide / 5-6 porters / 1 cook / 1 assistant guide
3 climbers – 2 guides / 8-9 porters / 2 cook / 1 assistant guide
4 climbers – 2 guides / 11-12 porters / 2 cook / 2 assistant guides
5 climbers – 3 guides / 14-15 porters / 2-3 cook / 2-3 assistant guides
6 climbers – 3-4 guides / 17-18 porters / 2-3 cook / 2-3 assistant guides

Tipping amounts are as follows. These numbers are per group, not per climber.

Per main guide – US$20-25 per day
Per assistant guide – US$15-20 per day
Per cook – US$15 per day
Per porter – US$10 per day