Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
Challenge yourself and trek Africa’s highest mountain Routes include: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe.
Experience The Beauty Of Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the most exciting treks in Africa. Climbers pass through all types of climate zones: rainforests, moorlands and alpine deserts, to ascend to the arctic zone at its peak.
For manytrekkers, reaching the summit is considered a lifetime achievement.
Legacy Exchange Outfitters understands this trek is a dream and a challenge, and we know how to make your climb comfortable and increase your chances of reaching the summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Learn about the six different routes to reach the summit
An Unforgettable Climb
All of our climbs are led by experienced mountain guides, many who have led over 100 successful climbs. Each Kilimanjaro route has its unique advantages, based on fitness and experience levels, and what type of climb you are dreaming of.
Machame: Famous for epic scenery throughout the climb and a chance to view more of the mountain with descent by Mweka Trail. Climbers stay in tents at camp sites. More challenging hikes on first days, but results in better acclimatization for final summit.
Lemosho: Increasing in popularity due to its beautiful scenery and high success rate. Seniors and beginning climbers may find this route, which starts off at a higher elevation than others, has shorter treks on the first days, which helps the body to adapt to the altitude.
Marangu: The famous “Coco-Cola Route” is often considered a budget option, and may be the busiest route on the mountain. Climbers stay overnight in huts. Best for fit hikers who have prior acclimatization.
Rongai: A more remote trail, leading up the northeast side of Kilimanjaro has an additional 2.5 hrs drive to reach the trailhead. It is considered a drier route if climbing during the rainy season.
Shira: Often considered the “original route” this is the traditional trail up Kilimanjaro, with mostly flat, easily walkable trails for the first days. It does not have the best acclimatization, however, so it may not be suitable for beginners.
Umbwe: A challenging route offering the fastest ascent up Kilimanjaro. It is the preferred route for ultra-runners and record breakers, and experienced climbers who want a unique adventure to Uhuru Peak.
Mount Kilimanjaro FAQs
Kilimanjaro’s routes are rated by acclimatization profile and scenic beauty.
However the treks with the highest success rates and highest positive reviews from climbers continue to be Lemosho and Machame.
The “best route” depends on your preference and experience level.
Each climb offers a variation of days to complete the trek. The acclimatization profile and over success rate varies widely depending on these factors.
For example, Machame 6 days has a lower success rate and decreased acclimatization rating than Machame 7 days.
Please review each route’s profile and itinerary to determine which is best for you. Or, contact us to discuss with a Tanzania travel expert. We can help you decide.
The most popular (and most successful) climbs are between 6, 7, or 8 days on the various routes. There are itineraries for 5 days on Marangu, however these can be very challenging on the body, due to the rapid increase in altitude.
The fastest recorded time to summit Kilimanjaro was a mere 6 hrs, 56 minutes, by Karl Egloff of Switzerland in 2014.
All climbers must pay park fees, hiking fees and camping fees for their time on Kilimanjaro.
These funds are used for conservation efforts to maintain the environment of Africa’s highest mountain and support the work of park rangers.
Legacy Exchange Outfitters will handle all the details of your Kilimanjaro climb, including permits. We calculate these fees as part of your total climb cost, everything except tips are included.
There are no ‘official’ success rates published by the park authorities, instead we rely on tour operators’ information.
Throughout Tanzania, tour operators report that the Machame 7 day and Lemosho 8 day treks have the highest success rate (over 96% of all climbers reaching the summit).
The route with the lowest success rate (less than 50%) is Marangu 5 days , being a very challenging trek and not suitable for beginners.
Kilimanjaro is known as “the most walkable mountain in the world”. You do not need any technical training or special equipment to reach the summit.
Some trekkers have even climbed in running shoes – not hiking boots! While we recommend using proper hiking boots, you do not need to be incredibly fit to climb.
What you do need is:
- Endurance and patience
- Mental fortitude
- A positive attitude
- Strategic planning of the route and number of days
While being in moderate physical health is important, choosing a route with excellent acclimatization (Machame and Lemosho are both excellent), is usually the key factor to a successful summit.
Yes, the height of Kilimanjaro does have an effect on the physical body and altitude sickness can be a matter of concern.
The ways to prevent altitude sickness are to:
- choose a proper route, suitable for your fitness and acclimatization level.
- follow the mantra of: “climb high, sleep low” and participate in acclimatization hikes each day.
- participate in daily health checks, to confirm your oxygen level and heart rate (conducted by your mountain guide, who is certified in wilderness first aid)
- drink plenty of water every day
- walk at a slow pace, listen to your mountain guide and go “pole-pole”
- share with your guide if you feel any dizziness, shortness of breath or other health concerns
Discuss with your doctor about taking Diamox, a medication for altitude sickness, before traveling to Tanzania.
If you, or any member of your team experiences altitude sickness while on the mountain, we have response crews ready to help with rapid descent. For emergency situations, there are airlift services to get patients to the nearest hospital as quickly as possible.
Our Reviews
Legacy Exchange Outfitters offers more than just a vacation. Eugene and his team work hard to provide their guests with a remarkable experience. However, sightseeing wild animals in their natural habitat is only part of the adventure.
Victoria Mayers – USA