Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Summits of the World. It’s also Africa’s highest point, the World’s Largest Freestanding Mountain, one of the planet’s largest volcanoes and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I climbed the Machame Route, the best Kilimanjaro route; you will see why below.

I successfully summited Mount Kilimanjaro at 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level on Friday, September 30, at 7:20 am. I did this incredible adventure with my good friend Kristy’s adventure travel company – Ventre’s Adventures, which was in conjunction with Climb Kili. Both companies went above and beyond for this once-in-a-lifetime trip and I wouldn’t have wanted to do it any other way.

As I mentioned above, we did the Machame Route, considered the best climbing route and our trip was a total of seven days, a whole week! During this climb, we started in the rainforest, ascended into moorlands, went through a lava tower, climbed a rock wall, made our way through rock scramble and scree and summited for over 10 hours (round trip) in the middle of the night!

Our group consisted of 15 climbers and an incredible team of supportive and powerful guides, cooks and porters! We went to sleep and woke up in freezing temperatures. We quoted movies as we hiked. We cheered each other on as we climbed the overwhelming Barranco Wall. We celebrated our accomplishments each day over popcorn and hot cocoa. We danced. We challenged ourselves. We cried. AND we all summited!

In this article, read about why the Machame Route is the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro and discover what to expect when you take on this trek!

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Traveling to Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania:

Kilimanjaro Airport is the best airport to fly into for Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa. It’s around an hour and a half drive from the National Park and around an hour and 15 minutes from the city of Arusha, which is the best place to stay before and after your climb. Arusha is between two and a half to a three-hour drive from Kilimanjaro National Park.

I flew from Newark Airport in New Jersey to Kilimanjaro with a layover in Istanbul, Turkey, through Turkish Airlines. Another popular airline that goes from the USA to Kilimanjaro Airport is KLM through Amsterdam. You can find affordable flights through Skyscanner!

A visa is required when you travel to Tanzania. You can either apply online or get a visa upon arrival. If you apply for a visa online, you must do so more than 10 days in advance. When you apply for a Tanzanian visa, you must have proof of a return ticket. It costs $100 USD to obtain a visa in Tanzania as an American citizen. It’s $50 USD for all other nationalities. When you get a visa on arrival, it is cash only.

While in Arusha, Tanzania, for Mount Kilimanjaro, Climb Kili organized our transportation and even a city tour. Even though Arusha is a moderately safe city, it is best to explore with a local guide. Tourists have experienced armed robberies, petty theft and car invasions. Always be mindful when walking around Arusha and avoid showing off your valuables. Discover what to do if your phone gets stolen abroad.

Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro for the Top Experience:

The best times of the year to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania are between June through mid-October and January through early March.

Tanzania is in the Southern Hemisphere, so the seasons are opposite those in the USA and Europe. Conquering this trek during the summer and winter is the best because they boast clearer skies, spectacular views and predominate sunshine.

I did my trek in late September and it was perfect. It’s the driest month on the mountain. We only experienced one day when there was some light rain that only lasted a couple of hours. Climb Kili would have us starting our way early, so we were hiking in the sun when the skies and views were clear. Clouds and cooler weather begin to come in around noon.

The months that receive the most rainfall are the end of March through May (autumn) and the end of October through December (spring). It’s best not to hike Mount Kilimanjaro during the rainy season.

How Many Kilimanjaro Routes:

When it comes to the best Kilimanjaro trekking routes, there are seven to choose from based on what you’re looking for. These routes have different challenge levels, distances and experiences.

Please note that longer climbing routes result in a high success rate because trekkers have more time to acclimate by hiking at higher altitudes and sleeping low. Discover the best training for Mount Kilimanjaro!

Below are the main routes to choose from when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro:

Rongai Route:

The Rongai Route is 46 miles (74 kilometers) and is the easiest Kilimanjaro route. It approaches the volcano in the north, near Kenya, and it’s the only route on Kilimanjaro where you can see wildlife in the first couple of days.

The Rongai Route has an 80% success rate and lasts seven days. It’s also the driest part of the mountain.

Marangu Route:

Also, considered the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route is recognized as the tourist route and starts at Marangu Gate. A fun fact about this route is that it’s also called the “Coca-Cola” route because huts along the trail sold soda to hikers.

Even though the Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that offers dormitory-style sleeping huts and the same path up and down, it has one of the lowest success rates (of around 50%) due to less time on the mountain. It has a low summit rate because it’s a shorter route, only five to six days. Five days and 43 miles (70 kilometers) on Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t enough to climatize.

Machame Route:

The best Kilimanjaro route, and the route I did through Climb Kili, was the Machame Route. It’s the most popular route on Mount Kilimanjaro because it boasts some of the most scenic trails to the summit.

Unlike the Marangu Route, the Machame Route has a high summit success rate of 85%, even though it’s more challenging. That’s why it’s called the “Whiskey” route and a preferred route among many! The Machame Route is a full week and 38 miles (61 kilometers).

Lemosho Route:

The most breathtaking and expensive route on Mount Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho Route. This specific route starts on the mountain’s west side, at Londorossi Gate, where jaw-dropping gorges exist. From there, climbers go through the remote rainforest before joining the Machame Route.

The Lemosho Route lasts eight days, a little longer than the Machame Route. It’s 42 miles (67 kilometers) and has a 90% success rate. The longer you’re on the mountain, the more time you have to acclimatize. This is also considered one of the best Kilimanjaro routes for hikers to choose from.

Northern Circuit:

Known as the newest and longest route, the Northern Circuit has the highest success rate of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro at 95% since it is a longer, nine-day trek. (It usually takes eight days to fully acclimate on Africa’s highest mountain.) It’s also a 55-mile journey (88 kilometers).

The Northern Circuit hiking route starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro and then follows the Lemosho Route. Later, it goes through the Lava Tower and up to the summit.

Shira Route:

The Shira Route starts at Shira Gate, which is at a higher altitude and includes a path that can either be hiked or driven. Many people choose to drive, which shortens the time your body must adjust to the elevation. It’s a difficult route with steep climbs.

Even though many people suffer from altitude sickness on the Shira Route, it has an 85% success rate for summitting Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is 36 miles (58 kilometers) and takes seven days to complete.

Umbwe Route:

The best Kilimanjaro route for those with exceptional mountain climbing experiences is the Umbwe Route. It’s considered the most challenging route on Mount Kilimanjaro because it’s the shortest route and offers steep, dangerous and exposed trails.

Because this route only takes five or six days to complete, it is harder for climbers to acclimatize. It includes rapid ascents and is 55 miles (88 kilometers). The Umbwe Route is the best option to prepare for future high-altitude hikes!

Best Kilimanjaro Operators:

As I’ve mentioned above, the company I did my Kilimanjaro trek through was Climb Kili, but the entire trip was organized through Ventre’s Adventures. Kristy set up a monthly payment plan for all of us. She ensured that we completed specific tasks leading up to the trip, such as purchasing insurance, getting medical clearance, filling out specific forms, etc.

From Costa Rica to South Africa and the American West to Iceland, Ventre’s Adventures offers group trips for students in their teens and for adults who are 21 years and older.

Our Mount Kilimanjaro operator, Climb Kili, and their staff went above and beyond to make our experience one for the books. Climb Kili is also environmentally conscious! They make sure everyone leaves no trace. The mountain staff (porters and guides) ensure all garbage scraps, including food, are removed from the camp when moving to the following location. They also make sure no flora is damaged when setting up camp.

The porters are the best part about doing the Machame Route through Climb Kili! These men are incredible and some of the strongest people I know! (There are some women porters, but most are men.)

They are considered the “lifeline” of the mountain as you conquer the best Kilimanjaro route. As you, a climber, make your way up the mountain with your daypacks, the porters carry the tents, tables and chairs for the mess hall, cooking equipment, toilets and everyone’s larger duffel bags. The porters quickly surpass all climbers on Kilimanjaro and have the entire camp set up and ready for your arrival way before you get to the following location.

In addition to the porters, Mount Kilimanjaro guides are also incredible and ensure everyone is in good condition throughout the journey. All Climb Kili guides are TNPA (Tanzania National Parks Authority) certified, Wilderness First Responder certified and CPR certified. They also have first-aid training that covers all aspects of altitude sickness.

All Climb Kili guides speak English and are great companions throughout the entire journey. They guide all climbers up the mountain and are excited to talk about Mount Kilimanjaro and Tanzanian culture and life.

Climb Kili also has team leaders for each group. Our leader, Manny, was excellent! Manny organized daily logistics on Mount Kilimanjaro and communicated daily updates to the logistics team based in the United States. The logistics team provided our family and friends with daily updates. Team leaders also monitor the well-being of each climber and mountain staff member.

In addition to the porters and guides, Climb Kili also has an incredible team of cooks! Fresh fruit, vegetables, eggs and meat are brought to the camps daily. Climb Kili ensures every meal is nutritional and provides climbers with much energy! If you have any dietary restrictions, please make sure you let your team leader know in advance.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served on Mount Kilimanjaro. Some of the food made for us on the mountain were fried chicken, crispy potatoes, chicken noodle soup, vegetable soup, pasta, eggs, crepes, rice with beans and fruit.

While at camp, you can easily fill up water bladders, bottles and cups through Climb Kili‘s cooler. Every day, porters will collect natural spring water along the trail and filter or boil it to make it drinkable. You can also collect your own water and purify it with the proper filters or tablets.

To stay hydrated, it’s important to drink 3-6 liters of water every day. It’s best to fill up hydration packs, bladders, bottles, etc., before starting your day because you won’t easily access water between camps.

Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro: The Machame Route

After arriving in Arusha and settling into the hotel, there was a pre-climb briefing with a Climb Kili representative, team leader and guides. Climb Kili organized our stay at the Summit Safari Lodge. During the pre-climb briefing, you can rent extra equipment for the trek. I ended up renting a big duffel bag, in addition to my daypack, to hold my sleeping bag and extra clothing items.

Please note that all baggage carried by the porters is strictly limited to 33 pounds (15 kilograms) by KINAPA (Kilimanjaro National Park) regulations. Be mindful when packing your duffel bags because those are what the porters will carry.

Also, keep your daypack light and manageable. A few people on our trek overpacked and required the guides to carry their daypack. The guides already have a lot to juggle and it’s best to be mindful of that.

You’ll be able to safely store your regular luggage and lock up your valuables at the Summit Safari Lodge while on Mount Kilimanjaro. There is no need to bring passports, wallets, money, etc. You will not tip the porters and guides until the end of the trek when you arrive back at the hotel. If you want to bring a form of ID onto the mountain, it’s best to bring your driver’s license.

Day 1: Beginning the Machame Route

It took over two hours to drive from the hotel to the Machame Gate, which was the starting point of the best Kilimanjaro route!

When you first arrive at the gate, it will take extra time for guides, porters and climbers to complete paperwork and go through security. It took our group a few hours to get everything together when we first got to Macheme Gate, so we had our first lunch there instead of on the mountain.

The start of the trail for the Machame Route begins in the rainforest. This is where you’ll see the “greenest” areas on Mount Kilimanjaro. This part of the trek can be the muddiest and attract some rain. Make sure you have your hardshell rain jacket, gaiters and daypack cover handy, just in case.

As you go through the rainforest, you may come across monkeys, streams and even mini waterfalls.

On our first day, we hiked from 5,718 feet (1,743 meters) to 9,911 feet (3,021 meters), where Machame Camp is situated. It is at the end of the rainforest before you enter the moorland zone.

One of the best parts of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro was ending the day and warming up to hot cocoa, tea or coffee and popcorn in the mess hall tent. It was a time when everyone got to relax and share stories. After our snacks, we enjoyed dinner and then went to bed.

The team leader will go to each climber during dinner to ensure they’re doing well, as the team continues to ascend. The leader will also take everyone’s blood oxygen level. A good blood oxygen level is anywhere from 80% and higher. If someone’s blood oxygen level drops below 70%, they must descend. Please note that women acclimate better than men at higher altitudes, so all the females will have higher blood oxygen numbers than the males.

Before you depart to Africa to hike Mount Kilimanjaro, you will need to get a prescription from your doctor for altitude medication. Even though I’ve done high-altitude hikes before without taking medicine, it was necessary for this hike because it’s a week long and you’re ascending to extremely high elevation.

During the best Kilimanjaro route, you’ll sleep in tents with insulated sleeping bags that include a fleece liner to keep you warm. Please keep in mind that as you continue on and it gets colder, you’ll find yourself layering up more each night. Also, hand warmers were my best friend on this trip, especially during early mornings and late evenings.

There are no showers on Kilimanjaro, so body wipes and face wipes are essential! Climb Kili set up three bathroom tents for us at camp. None of it is luxury, but it was nice they had it! You need to do your business outdoors when you’re not at camp and out hiking. It’s obviously more of a challenge for females, but you can find plenty of “private” spots along the way.

Day 2: Hiking through the Moorland Zone

The guides will wake you every morning and hand over coffee, tea or hot cocoa to warm up to. It’s a fantastic way to start the day!

From there, you must dress for the day, decide what to bring in your daypack and pack up. Since you don’t stay at the same camp, it’s best you make sure you don’t leave anything behind. The porters will also ensure you have everything! The team leader will go over the details for the day ahead at breakfast.

The second day of this Kilimanjaro route is more complex than the first. In the beginning, you’ll quickly ascend through moorlands and grasslands. During this part of the trek, you’ll cross a little valley and walk along a steep and rocky ridge.

There is heather on this part of the climb, but it dried up when we did the Machame Route. One of the reasons why the Machame Route is considered one of the best Kilimanjaro routes is the scenic views along the way. The Moorland Zone offered a lot of photogenic spots!

As we continued along, we reached a dry river gorge. Then, we started seeing giant groundsel trees as we ascended into the Shira plateau.

That evening, we stayed at Shira Camp, which is 12,595 feet above sea level (3,839 meters). What was nice about staying at Shira Camp was that you were officially above the clouds when you woke up in the morning!

We celebrated with the guides and porters on our second night, who sang and danced for us as they introduced themselves. It was much fun!

Day 3: Making Our way through the Lava Tower

After departing Shira Camp, we made our way to Kibo Peak. This is where the summit, Uhuru Peak, became visible before the clouds came in. The morning is the best time to see the top of the mountain.

We entered the Lava Tower, which was epic to hike through! This epic part of Mount Kilimanjaro is considered a high-altitude desert. Older lava rocks from active volcanic days sit in this area and at the top of the tower is a volcanic plug that resembles a shark’s tooth!

To better acclimate, we made our way to the Lava Tower Camp at 15,000 feet to have lunch! This was the highest we had been during our three days on the mountain.

From lunch, we descended into the Barranco Valley. What is remarkable about this area is that it’s filled with giant groundsel trees. The variety of landscapes on the Machame Route is why it’s the best Kilimanjaro route. The only downside for us was that it rained during this trek portion.

During our third evening, we stayed at Barranco Camp, surrounded by the famous Barranco Wall. This camp was situated at 13,077 feet (3,986 meters).

Day 4: Climbing the Barranco Wall

Our fourth day was the most fun! It was the day we conquered the Barranco Wall of Mount Kilimanjaro!

At first, the Barranco Wall seems intimidating, but the guides are great at helping you accomplish the most challenging part of the adventure. If you are comfortable with rock scramble, you will easily conquer the Barranco Wall!

What is awesome about Climb Kili is that they give climbers rest between challenges so they can hydrate, enjoy a snack, sit down and catch their breath.

Once the Barranco Wall challenge is complete, you will take the Southern Circuit Route through the beautiful Karanga Valley to the arctic zone of Mount Kilimanjaro! You’ll spend the evening at 13,235 feet (4,034 meters) at Karanga Camp. This camp had the most stunning views of the summit of Kilimanjaro!

Day 5: Acclimatizing at Kosovo Camp

The day leading up to summit night was short. We took a slow pace to Kosovo Camp, situated at 16,000 feet above sea level (4,876 meters).

We started this climb earlier in the day because this part of the trek had a lot of rock scramble, scree and rougher terrain. We also hiked along an exposed ridge that gave us scenic views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

During this part of the climb, you’ll stop at Barafu Camp, where there are actual bathroom huts. One thing to note about Barafu Camp is that it’s where most Kilimanjaro climbers stay leading up to summit night. We stayed a little higher at Kosovo Camp, for which you need a permit. Thankfully, Climb Kili has that permit!

One of the most complex parts of hiking Mount Kilimanjaro is between Barufu and Kosovo Camps. Because we stayed at Kosovo Camp, it gave us ample time on summit night and it simply wasn’t as torturous.

The summit success rate for those staying at Barafu Camp, 15,330 feet above sea level (4,673 meters), is 46%. It’s 98% if you stay and acclimatize at Kosovo Camp. This was the area where you would genuinely feel the altitude. One small move is a challenge.

We made it to Kosovo Camp around lunchtime. For most of the day, we just relaxed and napped. Then, we had a small dinner and went to bed between 6 pm and 10:30 pm. It was hard to sleep because I was nervous and it was freezing. I tried to sleep with as many layers as possible.

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro: Reaching Uhuru Peak

Summit night is the most physically and mentally challenging part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro!

We were woken up at 10:30 pm, had a “light breakfast,” and started climbing by midnight. For me, climbing to the summit and back to Kosovo Camp was a 10-hour journey! I arrived back at camp at 10:15 am the next day.

Summiting Mount Kilimanjaro in Africa is considered one of the steepest of the non-technical trails of the mountain. It’s a six to seven-hour climb to Stella Point at 18,885 feet (5,756 meters). It’s one of the three official summit points of Mount Kilimanjaro and is situated at the edge of the crater rim.

I’m not going to lie; steep hiking around sharp twists and turns in the middle of the night in freezing temperatures was challenging! In fact, it’s an extremely difficult climb. I was also sleep deprived and hungry. Thankfully, Climb Kili ascends slowly to the summit. The most challenging part of summit night was the steep sandy hill that led up to Stella Point. What got me through that part was witnessing a breathtaking sunrise!

Most of us remained silent throughout the night and tried not to ask questions about timing, elevation, etc. Climb Kili gave us a snack kit with an apple, cookies, fruit juice and more to enjoy during breaks.

From Stella Point, it’s around 45 minutes to an hour to get to Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro. Even though the hike to Uhuru Peak from Stella Point is easy compared to what we climbed throughout the night, many people experiencing altitude sickness climb down from Stella Point. Even if you don’t make it to the summit, you will still get a certificate for getting to Stella Point.

Climbing to Uhuru Peak is incredible! You’ll hike around the crater rim and see the Rebmann and Ratzel glaciers along the way. Reaching the summit was one of the best feelings! I was filled with great joy for accomplishing such a challenging adventure. Uhuru Peak is 19,341 feet above sea level (5,895 meters).

We only stayed at Uhuru Peak for 15 minutes before returning to Kosovo Camp. (My blood oxygen level dropped to 77% from 90%.) It takes around two to three hours to get back down from the summit. The descent is challenging, especially if you don’t have the best knees. You also must be extra careful because it’s easy for people to slide down and get hurt because of how steep the descent is.

When we all arrived back at camp, the porters celebrated us with dancing and singing! Summit day was terrific.

Day 6: Descend Via the Mweka Route

Thankfully, I returned to Kosovo Camp in time for a nap, which was well-needed after summit night. Our group then enjoyed a well-deserved lunch before descending to Mweka Camp via the Mweka Route.

It took six to seven hours to hike down to Mweka Camp from Kosovo Camp. This part of the hike was rocky and more rigid on my knees, but I was glad to be descending to a lower elevation.

Mweka Camp is situated at 5,358 feet (1,633 meters). It’s located in the rainforest portion of Mount Kilimanjaro, and the only downside to camping here is that there are many mosquitoes. If you plan to visit Tanzania, you must get a prescription for malaria pills. Even though there are no bugs at higher altitudes, it’s best to take the pills still.

At Mweka Camp, there is a security counter where you’ll have to fill out information showing that you made it down the mountain. At this station, you’ll also tell authorities the time you reached the summit. All this information is taken down so that it’s included on your certificate when you exit the National Park!

Day 7: Completing One of the Seven Summits of the World

The remaining portion of the best Kilimanjaro route only took three to four hours to complete. We descended through a different rainforest area from when we first started our climb; it was beautiful!

On the rainforest trail, we saw more monkeys, different plant life and a new mountain perspective (pictured below). We finished our hike at Mweka Gate, where we received our certificates.

A van from Climb Kili picked us up and took us to lunch, where we celebrated! It was a great moment.

Looking to climb Kilimanjaro? Check out these other great adventures!

Acatenango Volcano Hike in Guatemala

3 Day Salkantay Trek to Machu Picchu

Camino de Santiago Route – The French Way

I hope you all enjoyed reading about what to expect on the route up to Mount Kilimanjaro and discovering the different Kilimanjaro trek routes that best suit you. If you have any questions, please email me at info@browneyedflowerchild.com.

Basic Facts of Tanzania:

Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (The United States Dollar is accepted everywhere!), Capital: Dodoma, Time Zone: East Africa Time

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