The Marangu route is also referred to as the "Coca-Cola" route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and the most well established route on the Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilet.
Short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Burigi Chato Safaris® offers Marangu Route climbing for five and six days climb. The difference being five days climb does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
2. MACHAME ROUTE ( 6 | 7 DAYS )
The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey" route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, many of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Burigi Chato Safaris® offers Machame as a seven day group climb or as a six day private climb. The six day variation combines days four and five, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga.
6 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/machame-6-days.html
7 DAYS MACHAME ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/machame-7-days.html
3. LEMOSHO ROUTE ( 7 | 8 DAYS )
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic visitors on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its ideal balance of low crowds, beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Burigi Chato Safari® specializes in guiding on the Lemosho route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rain forest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Burigi Chato Safaris® offers Lemosho as an eight day group climb or as a seven to eight day private climb. The seven day variation combines days five and six, going from Barranco Camp to Barafu Camp without staying at Karanga. A nine day variation that includes an overnight at Crater Camp is available as a private climb by special request.
7 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/lemosho-route-seven-7-days.html
8 DAYS LEMOSHO ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/lemosho-route-eight-8-days.html
4. UMBWE ROUTE ( 6 | 7 DAYS )
The Umbwe route has a well-deserved reputation of being the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the fast ascent to high altitude, this route does not provide the necessary stages for acclimatization. Although the number of people on this trail is very low, the chances of success are also low.
Umbwe is considered to be very difficult, taxing route - one that should only be attempted by strong hikers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly to altitude. Approaching from the south, the Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct climb. After reaching Barranco Camp, the trail turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro's Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka route. Burigi Chato Safaris® offers Umbwe as a six or seven day private climb. The seven day variation adds an acclimatization day on day three at Barranco Camp
6 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/umbwe-route-six-6-days.html
7 DAYS UMBWE ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/umbwe-route-seven-7-days.html
4. RONGAI ROUTE ( 6 | 7 DAYS )
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds. Rongai has a more gradual slope than the mountain’s other routes. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the popular Marangu route, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience. Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for nearly the entire way. Descent is made via the Marangu route. Burigi Chato Safaris® offers Rongai as a seven days group climb or a six days climb. The six day variation does not have an acclimatization day on day four at Mawenzi Tarn.
6 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/rongai-route-six-6-days.html
7 DAYS RONGAI ROUTE ITINERARY https://www.burigichatosafaris.com/rongai-route-seven-7-days.html
