Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in Africa and the world that rises 5895 meters above sea level. It has three peaks; Kibo, Shira and Mawenzi. Within a few days of hiking, you go through several diverse vegetation zones and climates, which is what ultimately makes Mount Kilimanjaro so unique. However, due to the quick change in altitude, acclimatization can be a challenge for many climbers. Therefore, sometimes adding an extra day to climb the mountain can significantly help the success of reaching the summit. Bunda Adventures can help you to determine how many days you should take to climb Kilimanjaro, and which routes to take.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro does not involve special equipment or technical skills, however it is still a very challenging hike and the summit will not be reached effortlessly. Bunda Adventures’ main focus is on safety when climbing Kilimanjaro and it is our top priority to keep our climbers secure and protected. We will provide you with experienced, qualified and licensed local guides that can help to make your journey safer, more comfortable, and more memorable. Kilimanjaro is approximately a two hour drive from Arusha Town and half an hour from Moshi, which makes it a perfect add-on to a northern safari itinerary.

MACHAME ROUTE

[6 or 7 days]

The most popular route on the mountain is Machame. Trekking days are longer and steeper compared with Marangu route, and it is considered to be one of the most difficult routes. It is a good route for acclimatizing because of how the campsites are positioned on the mountain. The scenery on the climb is beautiful and very diverse which attracts a lot of climbers; however it loses those climbers who like to climb in solitude.

Climbing on this route requires a minimum number of six days, though Bunda Adventures recommends seven days. This is a good route for those individuals who have hiking or backpacking experience.

MARANGU ROUTE

[5 or 6 days]

Marangu Route is the oldest and most established route on Kilimanjaro. Instead of camping in tents, there are established huts along the way. Many beginner climbers prefer to take this route because it has a gradual slope and it is considered to be the easiest climb. Marangu is one of the less scenic routes, as it does not offer the variety that all the other routes do. In addition, you trek up and down the same path, which makes it feel very crowded. During the rainy season, it is however the preferred route by many, because of the option to stay in huts.

The minimum days required to climb Marangu is five days, however Bunda Adventures recommends using an extra day to acclimatize.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

[7 or 8 days]

Lemosho Route is considered to be the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro, as it has a few panoramic views while hiking. There is very low traffic at the beginning of the climb, until Lemosho Route joins up with the Machame Route. Many climbers choose this route because of its low traffic, beautiful views, and high success rate.

The minimum number of days required for climbing Lemosho is seven days; however it is ideal to climb it in eight.

RONGAI ROUTE

[6 or 7 days]

Rongai Route is close to the Kenyan boarder and it is the only northern route to take. The scenery is not as varied as the southern routes, but many prefer this route as the traffic is lower, you can hike in solitude, and it is moderately difficult.

The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.

UMBWE ROUTE

[6 or 7 days]

Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and steepest climbs, and it is considered to be the most challenging trail up the mountain. Not many climbers attempt this route, and you can hike in solitude on this trail. This is a beautiful way up the mountain, as it offers views of the glaciers, varied vegetation, valleys and forests. Bunda Adventures recommends that only experienced and veteran hikers attempt this route, as you gain altitude very quickly in a short distance.

Climbing the Umbwe Route requires a minimum of six days, but because of the quick altitude change and the low success rate, Bunda Adventures recommends to climb it in seven days.

Kilimanjaro FAQ