Kilimanjaro

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LEMOSHO ROUTE: PREFERRED

We suggest that you consider the Lemosho 8-day Route in that it is not only interesting but has some of the finest scenery and wildlife to be seen. Less demanding than the Umbwe route, it enjoys a very high summit success rate and very little traffic. If you choose to climb Kilimanjaro on this route, you will cross the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. The Lemosho route is also the longest and less economic one so, if time or budget do not make it a convenient choice, the other two routes we recommend are the Rongai and Machame.

MACHAME ROUTE: MOST POPULAR

The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes, especially for seasoned hikers ,providing impressive views and a variety of habitats. Most climbers choose the 7 day version to make sure that they are properly acclimatized before reaching the summit. However, the 6 day route is also quite safe and most people with an active lifestyle will manage it without major problems.

RONGAI ROUTE: RECOMMENDED

The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.

NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE: RECOMMENDED - LONGEST

The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley.

SHIRA ROUTE: RECOMMENDED FOR TREKKERS ACCUSTOMED TO HIGH ALTITUDES

The Shira Route starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking. The Shira Route is practically identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original route before Lemosho was created to improve the route start point.

BEST TIME TO CLIMB:

High Season is Dry Season: The two high seasons for climbing Kilimanjaro are January through March and June through October. You can’t beat these months for weather and visibility, though you’ll have to share the trail with others. But sharing is caring, right? Plus this mountain is a behemoth; no matter the season—there’s plenty to go around.

BY SEASON:

JANUARY - MARCH
LESS RAIN, MORE PEOPLE, WARMER WEATHER

January is typically the driest time of year for climbing
A great time of year to consider Kilimanjaro for those less experienced hikers
Warm and clear, the crowds are moderate.

MARCH - MAY
MORE RAIN, FEWER PEOPLE, COOLER WEATHER

Low season for Kilimanjaro, due to this period being the rainy season.
Muddier trails and lower visibility.
The trails will be yours to enjoy as there will be fewer

JUNE - OCTOBER:
LESS RAIN, MORE PEOPLE, COOLER WEATHER

This is the most popular season for Kilimanjaro treks.
Students and families are on summer break, and many choose this Nme.
By June the rainy season has subsided, bringing dry days and cool nights.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER:
MORE RAIN, FEWER PEOPLE, WARMER WEATHER

A short rainy season typically arrives in November.
Choose these months and you’ll find fewer people.
December can see more visitors due to the holidays.

When considering when to climb to the Roof of Africa, each season has its advantages; you never know what you’ll get. Choose a month that best suits your schedule and goals, then hakuna matata. No worries. Because Kilimanjaro will leave you breathless (literally) and forever inspired. There’s simply no experience quite like it. So keep climbing.