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Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and a dormant volcano. At 5,895 metres high with three peaks, it’s a must-see for every traveller to Africa. You simply can’t visit Tanzania without climbing, hiking, or at the very least touching this iconic African landmark!

The Five Kili Routes

There are no fewer than five different routes you can hike when visiting Kilimanjaro: the Machame Route, the Lemosho Route, the Marangu Route, the Rongai Route, and the Umbwe Route. Hiking Kilimanjaro will take you at least five days, so make sure to set aside enough time! The routes start from various surrounding towns, with Moshi being one of them—a small town nestled at the foot of Kilimanjaro.

1. Machame Route

The Machame Route and the Lemosho Route are our personal favourites. The Machame Route is also known as the ‘Whisky Route’. Not only does it have a tempting name, but it also offers the most advantages. This route boasts the highest success rate because the ascent is more gradual, allowing better acclimatisation and reducing the risk of altitude sickness.

The route takes you through the mountain’s diverse vegetation zones—rainforest, highlands, lowlands, rocks, and snow. You’ll constantly enjoy views of Moshi, Arusha, and Mount Meru. It offers beautiful panoramas and a great variety of landscapes! The Machame Route provides excellent value for money, and anyone with a decent level of fitness can take it on.

Keep in mind, though, that while it’s one of the easier routes in terms of acclimatisation due to its steady daily altitude gain, it also features some steep hiking sections with longer daily distances. Something to consider!

2. Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is one of the longest routes, taking six nights and seven days, or even seven nights and eight days. While it may take a bigger chunk out of your travel time, you’ll benefit from a very gradual ascent. This means a lower risk of altitude sickness and a higher chance of reaching the summit!

The route offers a stunning variety of landscapes, striking the perfect balance between adventure and safety. As one of the newer routes, the Lemosho is also the least ‘trodden’. It traverses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east, leading you from lush rainforest to breathtaking views of the Kibo volcano and its glaciers.

3. Marangu Route

The Marangu Route is the most well-known route on Kilimanjaro. It’s the oldest route, but unfortunately, also the busiest—making it not quite our favourite. It’s nicknamed the “Coca-Cola Route” because you can grab a can of Coke at almost any point on your way to the summit.

The route is likely so popular because it’s the shortest and fastest way to the top. It’s also the cheapest option, but this often means hiking in a procession of other trekkers. Since you have less time to reach the summit, acclimatisation is more challenging on this route. This increases the risk of altitude sickness and, unfortunately, reduces your chances of making it to the top.

4. Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. It’s a relatively quiet trail, perhaps because of the long drive needed to reach the northern side of the mountain. The route starts at a higher altitude and is shorter than the Lemosho Route. While this makes acclimatisation more challenging, it also offers a completely different perspective of the mountain—both literally and figuratively!

Keep in mind that the northern side is less green and offers less variety compared to the western routes. However, the Rongai Route makes up for this with significantly less foot traffic and the added bonus of descending via the Marangu Route.

5. Umbwe Route

Die-hards only! The Umbwe Route is the toughest way up, with a very steep ascent. Because of its difficulty, it’s also the quietest route. This path is only recommended for seasoned hikers with plenty of experience!

Packing List for Kilimanjaro

  • Sunscreen – at least factor 50, you don’t want to look like a tomato after day one.

  • Lip balm – I recommend plain Vaseline; in extreme cold, you can use it on almost anything.

  • Wet wipes – disposable washcloths. You’ll shower again when you’re back down.

  • Hand sanitiser – there are no toilets up there, and certainly no little fountains…

  • Roomy hiking trousers and shorts.

  • Two jumpers or fleece jackets – it does get cold…

  • Thin, lightweight windbreaker and/or waterproof clothing (poncho, suit, or cape).

  • T-shirts/shirts (including something lightweight with long sleeves to prevent sunburn on your arms/neck—ideally, avoid cotton).

  • Head covering for sun protection (tropical hat or cap) and sunglasses to prevent snow blindness.

  • Mittens (better than gloves) and a woollen hat, balaclava, or windstopper (neck gaiter).

  • Quick-drying towel(s).

Food & Drink

  • CamelBak (hydration bladder) with a 2-litre capacity.
  • Extra 2-litre thermos flask (to prevent freezing).
  • High-energy snacks (nuts, raisins, glucose tablets, muesli bars).

On the Go

  • Lightweight, waterproof hiking boots (type B) with sturdy treaded soles—damn, you’ll look sexy.
  • Clothing and footwear for after hiking, keeping in mind both sunny and cooler weather.

Sleeping

  • Sleeping mat – warmer and comfier; self-inflating is ideal—though ‘deflating’ takes on a different meaning up there.
  • Earplugs or noise-cancelling devices – it can get pretty noisy on that mountain!
  • Warm sleeping bag (pay attention to the comfort zone of the sleeping bag: temperatures can drop to -20°C at night on Kilimanjaro), possibly with an extra linen inner bag.
  • Travel alarm clock – you’ll need to get up on time, but honestly, you’ll want to!

First Aid Kit

Small backpack for day hikes (you carry this yourself) with a rain cover.

  • Ointment for bruises, sprains, and muscle stiffness (e.g., Tiger Balm, Arnica cream, or Belliflor gel).
  • Betadine ointment and plasters/bandage gauze for emergencies (a small first aid kit is highly recommended).
  • Paracetamol.
  • Bandage/sports tape (5 cm wide).
  • Compeed or Second Skin for treating blisters.
  • DEET insect repellent (definitely necessary up to 2,000 metres and in the hotel).

Other Essentials

  • Large backpack (max. 15 kg) – carried by the porters.
  • Toilet roll.
  • Spare shoelaces.
  • Pocket knife.
  • Head torch (with spare batteries) or flashlight.
  • Protective cover for your luggage (to shield contents from moisture and dust).
  • Spare glasses for contact lens wearers.
  • Extra batteries for your camera and a universal travel adapter (three-pin) for chargers (in the hotel).
  • Binoculars.
  • Copy of your passport – required for registrations during the expedition.
  • A notebook or book to read – there’s not much to do at the tented camps.
  • Small plastic bags – hand over your rubbish to the porters daily.

 

The climb to Kili is no joke. It’s cold, and the trek is tough. We can help you with the right preparation because this is far from a casual hike. We recommend starting your training well in advance, and if you follow this packing list, you’ll be ready to take on your adventure with confidence. We already think you’re brave—while most of our team members love our experiences, only a handful of CT folks have managed to conquer Africa’s rooftop!

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