How long does it take to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro National Park?
How long does it take to hike Mount Kilimanjaro? This is a common question among tourists planning hike Mount Kilimanjaro. Typically, the various routes and their variation require between 5 to 9 days to complete the trek. While Mount Kilimanjaro is known as a “walk-up” mountain, it is important not to underestimate its challenges and risks. Statistics indicate that fewer than half of all climbers successfully reach the summit. The duration of the trek depends on the chosen routes and starting points, as different routes vary in length and difficulty. There are several routes available, each offering unique experiences and time frame for the climb.
Top hiking routes at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It shares a segment of its path with the Machame Route but offers several advantages that make it particularly appealing to travelers with extra time and a desire for a more immersive experience.
Beginning from the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro at the Londorossi gate, the Lemosho Route wanders its way up one of the more remote sections Kilimanjaro. It is among the newer routes used for ascend, providing a less crowded and more tranquil trekking experience
The trail takes hikers through a beautiful rain forest where they might have the chance to spot wildlife along the way. Black and white colobus monkeys are routinely seen in the forests, as are blue monkeys, small lizard and a wide assortment of birds.
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of the most scenic trekking routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. It shares a segment of its path with the Machame Route but offers several advantages that make it particularly appealing to travelers with extra time and a desire for a more immersive experience.
Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro via Lemosho route takes about 10 and 9-day, which includes arrival and departure day. While on your hiking tour here, you’ll have the chance to wander through pristine rain forests and hike up to the Shira Plateau, where once above the tree line stunning vistas await.
Shira Route
The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. While the Shira Route offers diverse and scenic landscapes, it tends to be less popular than its successor, primarily because its starting point is at a relatively high altitude that can be reached quickly by vehicle. As a result, climbers may experience some altitude-related symptoms on the first night while camping at approximately 11,800 feet.
This route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a scenic drive from Moshi to Shira Ridge. The vehicle route bypasses the rainforest zone, and the trek officially starts on Shira Ridge. The Shira Route traverses the expansive Shira Plateau from west to east, providing a relatively flat and enjoyable hike. After crossing the plateau, the route continues beneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along a trail known as the Southern Circuit, leading climbers toward the summit from Barafu Camp. The descent on this route is usually via the Mweka Route. Overall, the Shira Route typically takes about 7 to 8 days to complete. This duration allows for adequate acclimation and a more comfortable ascent, increasing the chances of successful summit.
Machame Route
The most popular route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro these days is Machame route, and for good reason. This trail offers stunning views, a reasonable challenge, and plenty of time to acclimate, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.
Known as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is often considered more challenging than the Marangu Route, which is sometimes called the “Coca-Cola Route.” Unlike that trail however, camping is allowed on Machame, which means trekkers will be sleeping in tents all the way to the summit.
Along the way, trekkers on the Machame Route pass several notable Kilimanjaro landmarks, including Lava Tower and Shira Plateau. The route weaves through a series of valleys and ridges, which can make the ascent more demanding, but it offers some of the most spectacular views on the mountain
Overall, the Machame Route typically takes about 8 days to complete. It is for that reason that Machame route is widely considered to be the most scenic of all of the routes up Mount Kilimanjaro, providing unique and varied landscapes to pass through on each and every day. The trek begins on the mountain’s southern side, passes beneath the Southern Ice Field, and culminates with the summit approach from Barafu Camp.
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is recognized as the oldest and most well-established trekking trail on Mount Kilimanjaro, continuing to attract many hikers despite the emergence of numerous alternative routes.
This route offers a quintessential Kilimanjaro climbing experience, providing expansive views and an enjoyable hiking journey all the way to Uhuru Peak. Additionally, it possesses distinctive features that differentiate it from other routes, contributing to its unique character and appeal.
A notable aspect of the Marangu Route is that it is the only ascent on Mount Kilimanjaro that does not permit camping in tents. Instead, trekkers stay overnight in designated huts, which are permanent structures built specifically for climbers.
The Marangu Route is also the only route that uses the same path going up and coming back down and it takes 8-day private climb which is 6 days on the mountain. That means that while the trail is a scenic one, trekkers will experience the same sites going up as they do go back down. And because it has traffic going both directions, Marangu can also get overly crowded at times too.
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit route is the newest and arguably most exceptional way to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro. It combines the best features of other routes, offering a truly remarkable trekking experience. If you’re looking for beautiful scenery, plenty of solitude, a healthy challenge, and the potential to spot wildlife, this is definitely the route for you. Initially, the Northern Circuit route follows the same path as the Lemosho route during the first days. However, instead of remaining on the southern slopes of Kibo, it diverts onto lesser-used northern trails, providing a unique trekking experience.
This trail is largely free of other climbers, resulting in quiet, peaceful, and almost deserted campsite. The hike via the Northern Circuit route takes about 11-day to complete. Climbers, resulting in quiet, peaceful, and almost deserted campsites. The longer duration of the Northern Circuit allows trekkers to immerse themselves more fully in the mountain’s diverse landscapes. While on your hiking safari, you’ll have the chance to explore the breathtaking Shira Plateau, and enjoy panoramic views of Kibo Peak and Uhuru Summit along the way. Additionally, the route offers spectacular vies of the open plains to the north of Kilimanjaro, views that are rarely seen by other climbers.
Contact our trusted tour operators for more information about top hiking routes at Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and Book with our tours and travel companies such as; African Vacation Safari who offer the best tour packages while on your safari in Tanzania.