Kilimanjaro

Marangu – “The Coca‑Cola Route”

The oldest, shortest, and only route with hut accommodation – something many hikers appreciate in bad weather. Its nickname comes from days when bottled Coke was sold at the huts, and from the route’s reputation for being the most accessible and mainstream option.

Pros:

• Huts instead of tents
• Usually the most affordable
• Straightforward trail

Cons:

• Faster ascent and lower success rates
• Out‑and‑back route with less varied scenery

Machame – “The Whiskey Route”

The most popular route, known for varied terrain and strong acclimatisation. It earned its nickname as the tougher, more rugged counterpart to the easier, hut‑based Marangu Route.

Pros:

• Beautiful, diverse landscapes
• Good “climb high, sleep low” profile

Cons:

• Can feel busy in peak season
• Camping only

Lemosho – “The Scenic Route”

Often considered the most beautiful route, Lemosho starts on the quieter western side of the mountain before joining Machame after a few days.

Pros:

• Remote and peaceful early on
• Excellent acclimatisation
• Stunning Shira Plateau traverse

Cons:

• Longer and more expensive
• Camping only

Rongai – “The Dry Route”

The only route approaching from the northern side near the Kenyan border. It’s the driest and quietest option, especially good in the rainy season.

Pros:

• Fewer crowds
• Drier and more reliable in the rainy season

Cons:

• Less varied scenery
• Fewer natural acclimatisation opportunities

Northern Circuit – “The Long Route”

The newest and longest option, circling the remote northern slopes for a full 360‑degree view of Kibo.

Pros:

• Best acclimatisation
• Very quiet
• Full circumnavigation of the mountain

Cons:

• Longest duration and highest cost
• Camping only

Umbwe – “The Direct Route”

The shortest, steepest, and most direct line up the mountain.

Pros:

• Fast, dramatic ridge ascent

Cons:

• Poor acclimatisation
• Lowest success rates

Day 1: Morum Barrier Gate to Shira 1 Camp

Hike: 3.9 km, 1 hr 44 min, 119 m gain, 3395–3510 m

Difficulty: Easy

After a short drive from Londorosi Gate through the forest, I began hiking at Morum Barrier Gate in the heather and moorland zone. I stepped straight onto the Shira Plateau, which felt wide and open from the start. The trail was gentle and a relaxed way to ease into the week.

Day 2: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp

Hike: 8.3 km, 4 hr 54 min, 409 m gain, 3497–3888 m

Difficulty: Moderate

The second day was a steady traverse across the plateau with Kibo directly ahead. It was a good acclimatisation day – enough effort to feel like you’re progressing, but not overwhelming.

Day 3: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower

Hike: 11.6 km, 7 hr 59 min, 790 m gain, 3888–4631 m

Difficulty: Strenuous

This was a classic “climb high, sleep low” day, important for acclimatisation.

I ascended to Lava Tower at around 4600 m, where the altitude becomes noticeable. It was a demanding climb, and it’s often the first point where people feel the effects of altitude.

After a slow lunch, giving my body time to adjust the altitude, I descended into the sheltered Barranco Valley. After two days in heather and moorland, the landscape had shifted into an alpine desert – a harsher, rockier environment with almost no vegetation.

Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp

Hike: 6.1 km, 5 hr 23 min, 416 m gain, 3930–4211 m

Difficulty: Difficult

The day began with the infamous Barranco Wall, a short, enjoyable scramble. Many hikers dread this section because of its dramatic drop-offs, but it was my favourite part of the trip. It broke the rhythm of the previous days and added a bit of excitement.

Once on top, the trail rolled across ridges and valleys before its final ascent into Karanga. The constant up-and-down made it a tougher day than the distance suggests.

Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp

Hike: 4.2 km, 4 hr 13 min, 675 m gain, 3995–4670 m

Difficulty: Difficult

This was a short, steady climb through the alpine desert leading to Barafu (4670 m), my summit base camp. I arrived early afternoon, giving me time to eat, hydrate, and rest before the midnight summit start.

Day 6: Summit Day – Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak and Millennium Camp

Hike: 18.4 km, 15–16 hr, 1287 m gain, 2137 m loss, 3820–5895 m

Difficulty: Very strenuous

I woke up at 11 PM and began the summit push at 11:30 PM. The climb was long and slow, with a line of headlamps stretching up the slope in the darkness. It took me over ten hours to reach Uhuru Peak (5895 m).

My fitness tracker died at the summit, but I estimate the long, dusty descent to Millennium Camp took roughly another five hours – a demanding finish after an already intense night.

Day 7: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate

Hike: 12.8 km, 5 hr 16 min, 0 m gain, 2180 m loss, 1640–3820 m

Difficulty: Moderate to Difficult

The final day was a long descent into thicker air and warmer temperatures. The trail dropped through moorland and into rainforest, which was a welcome change after the dry, high-altitude terrain of the last few days.

1. Human waste on the mountain

High altitude conditions can cause stomach issues, and unfortunately not everyone buries their waste properly. Stepping off the trail for a quick break often meant finding toilet paper or waste left behind by other hikers. This was probably amplified by the dry season, but guidance from the park on carrying and using trowels would make a difference.

2. Crowds at camps and on summit night

Campsites were busy, and summit night began with long queues leaving Barafu Camp. Choosing a quieter month can help, although this often overlaps with the rainy season.

3. Limited terrain variety

Aside from the Barranco Wall on Day 4, much of the route crossed similar moorland and high‑altitude desert. The scenery was impressive, but the trail variety was more limited than I had expected. On the seven-day Lemosho route, the only real rainforest section was on the descent on the final day.

1. Choose a slower route

Routes like Lemosho, Machame, and the Northern Circuit build in more days above 3500 m, giving your body more time to adapt. Shorter routes such as Marangu, Rongai, and Umbwe move faster and demand more of you.

2. Add an acclimatisation day

If you can include an additional day in your itinerary, it’s worth it. One extra night at altitude can make a big difference, as summit success rates generally increase with each additional day on the mountain.

3. Hydrate consistently

Altitude dehydrates you quickly, and dehydration makes every symptom feel worse. Drink steadily throughout the day – and more than you think you need – rather than trying to catch up at camp.

4. Eat even if you don’t feel hungry

Loss of appetite is common at altitude, but your body needs calories to stay warm and keep moving. Your guides will encourage you to eat well at camp – listen to them. Bring familiar snacks you know you’ll eat – summit night is not the time to experiment.

5. Walk slower than feels natural

Your guides will frequently say “pole pole” – Swahili for “slowly”. A slow, steady pace keeps your heart rate down and helps your body handle altitude. The goal is to conserve as much energy as possible for summit night.

6. Train for endurance

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need to be comfortable with long days on the trail. The fitter you are, the more capacity you have to cope with altitude.

7. Layer properly for summit night

Summit night is cold, and cold can amplify the challenge. A good base layer, a warm mid‑layer, and a reliable down jacket and outer shell make a huge difference. Most operators have the right gear available to hire. Keep your hands and head covered, and try not to start the climb either too hot or too cold – finding that balance is key.