Tanzania Unleashed

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Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance and Time

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a popular challenge for trekkers and adventurers. There are several routes to the summit, each offering different experiences in terms of scenery, difficulty, acclimatization opportunities, and overall duration. Here’s a detailed overview of the main Kilimanjaro routes, including information about the route map, itinerary, altitude, distance, and time required. 

1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)

  • Route Map: Marangu is the only route that uses the same path for ascent and descent, with accommodations in huts rather than tents.
  • Itinerary: Typically, 5-6 days.
    • Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,870 m) to Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
    • Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
    • Day 3: Horombo Hut (Acclimatization Day)
    • Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
    • Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo Hut
    • Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 1,870 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 72 km (45 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 5-6 days.

2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route)

  • Route Map: Known for its scenic beauty and varied landscapes, the Machame route approaches the summit from the southwest.
  • Itinerary: Typically, 6-7 days.
    • Day 1: Machame Gate (1,640 m) to Machame Camp (2,835 m)
    • Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750 m)
    • Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
    • Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
    • Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
    • Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
    • Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 1,640 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 62 km (39 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 6-7 days.

3. Lemosho Route

  • Route Map: Approaches from the west, considered one of the most beautiful and less crowded routes.
  • Itinerary: Typically, 7-8 days.
    • Day 1: Lemosho Glades (2,100 m) to Big Tree Camp (2,800 m)
    • Day 2: Big Tree Camp to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
    • Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
    • Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m) via Lava Tower (4,630 m)
    • Day 5: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
    • Day 6: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
    • Day 7: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
    • Day 8: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 2,100 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 70 km (43 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 7-8 days.

4. Rongai Route

  • Route Map: Approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border, and is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north.
  • Itinerary: Typically 6-7 days.
    • Day 1: Rongai Gate (1,950 m) to Simba Camp (2,625 m)
    • Day 2: Simba Camp to Second Cave (3,450 m)
    • Day 3: Second Cave to Kikelewa Camp (3,600 m)
    • Day 4: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330 m)
    • Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
    • Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
    • Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 1,950 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 73 km (45 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 6-7 days.

5. Northern Circuit Route

  • Route Map: The longest route, offering 360-degree views of Kilimanjaro.
  • Itinerary: Typically 9-10 days.
    • Day 1: Londorosi Gate to Mti Mkubwa (2,820 m)
    • Day 2: Mti Mkubwa to Shira 1 Camp (3,500 m)
    • Day 3: Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp (3,850 m)
    • Day 4: Shira 2 Camp to Moir Hut (4,200 m)
    • Day 5: Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp (4,020 m)
    • Day 6: Buffalo Camp to Third Cave (3,870 m)
    • Day 7: Third Cave to School Hut (4,800 m)
    • Day 8: School Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Millennium Camp (3,950 m)
    • Day 9: Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 2,250 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 98 km (61 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 9-10 days.

6. Umbwe Route

  • Route Map: Steep and direct, suitable for experienced trekkers looking for a challenge.
  • Itinerary: Typically, 6-7 days.
    • Day 1: Umbwe Gate (1,640 m) to Umbwe Cave Camp (2,930 m)
    • Day 2: Umbwe Cave Camp to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
    • Day 3: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp (4,035 m)
    • Day 4: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp (4,640 m)
    • Day 5: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) to Mweka Camp (3,100 m)
    • Day 6: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
  • Altitude: Starts at 1,640 m, summit at 5,895 m.
  • Distance: Approximately 53 km (33 miles) round trip.
  • Time: 6-7 days.

Key Considerations for Climbing Kilimanjaro

    • Acclimatization: Proper acclimatization is crucial for a successful summit. Routes like Lemosho and Northern Circuit offer more gradual ascents, allowing better acclimatization. 
    • Difficulty: Routes like Marangu and Rongai are considered easier, while Machame, Lemosho, and Umbwe are more challenging. 
    • Scenery: Each route offers different scenic highlights. Machame and Lemosho are known for their diverse landscapes, while Rongai offers more wildlife sightings. 
    • Crowds: Marangu and Machame are the most popular and can be crowded, while Northern Circuit and Rongai are less crowded. 

Choosing the right route depends on your experience, fitness level, and preferences for scenery and solitude. Proper preparation, acclimatization, and selecting a reputable guide company are key to a safe and enjoyable Kilimanjaro experience 

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