Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro is a one of a kind experience that will, quite literally, take your breath away. While the weather can be unpredictable, the air thin, and temps can drop well below freezing near the top - it truly is an ecological marvel and worth every step to get there. Before taking on the highest freestanding mountain in the world, you’ll want to do some research and decide on the right route for you.
Camping along the Lemosho route.
Lemosho Route:
Newly added to OneSeed’s Kilimanjaro expeditions is the Lemosho Route. This route is approximately 42 miles round trip and is great for trekkers who have some hiking experience. However, those who make the Lemosho Route their first backpacking trip often are successful in reaching the summit with a success rate of around 85% for a seven day trek. The top of Kili can be reached from the Lemosho Route in six days to eight days depending on how much time you want for altitude acclimatization. Lemosho was incorporated to reduce bottlenecking along certain points of the trail. Plan to stay in tents along the trail.
Trip Length: 7 Days
Total Mileage: 42 miles
Summit Success Rate: 85%
Accommodations: Tent Camping
* View Trip Itinerary
The view from Horombo Hut. Photo credit: Thorsten Hansen
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established route to Africa’s highest point. OneSeed runs the majority of group trips on the Marangu route and is the only path with mountain hut accommodations the entire way. While it can be completed in 5 days, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatize at Horombo Hut. OneSeed tends to have a higher summit success rate than average as we always take an extra acclimatization day during the trek. Many locals prefer this route as it does not require you to hike in any camping gear.
Trip Length: 6 days
Total Mileage: 45 miles round trip
Summit Success Rate: 65%
Accommodations: Mountain Huts
* View Trip Itinerary
Machame Route
The Machame route is the most popular path to the summit of Kili with about 50% of all climbers choosing to take this trail. Known as “The Whiskey Route” due to its rough and strenuous hiking conditions, hikers on the Machame route should expect steep inclines, longer distances, tent camping, and breathtaking views. While the hiking is more strenuous, the greater elevation loss and gain throughout the trek allows for better acclimatization, thus a higher summit success rate than Marangu.
Trip Length: 7 days
Total Mileage: 42 Miles
Summit Success Rate: 73%
Accommodations: Tent Camping
* View Trip Itinerary
All routes leading to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru peak are incredibly challenging. It is important to remember that weather, altitude, and physical fitness all play a role in a successful summit attempt. Whether you reach the top or not, the experience is incredibly rewarding and you are certain return home with incredible stories to share.
