Pros and cons of the various Kilimanjaro trekking routes
Marangu route
The pros and cons of Marangu
A six day version of the route does allow an additional day to acclimatise, climb high and sleep low, greatly increasing the chances of success and a more enjoyable trek. Being so short means it’s usually the cheapest option, and if you’re dead set against camping then the Marangu huts will be a welcome alternative, even if they are more rough-and-ready than relaxing and comfortable. Huts are supplied with mattress and other basic amenities, ideal if you don’t have all the equipment required for the other routes, and the shared mealtimes in the dining halls adds to the atmosphere. If you choose to do this trek in the rainy season, you can also benefit from the quieter trails while enjoying a warm, dry bed at night. But while cost and a cosy bed are important, this is ideally a trail for trekkers who know they can cope with the altitude.
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Machame route
The pros and cons of Machame


Lemosho Route
Pros and cons of the Lemosho Route
Being a longer trek makes this route more expensive and, although this does deter some people, it doesn’t prevent this popular choice from being one of the more populated routes up Kilimanjaro, especially when it merges with the Machame Route. The route also includes a scramble up the Barranco Wall which, although easy enough, may be more of a challenge for anyone uncomfortable with heights. Rough roads mean it can be a bumpy ride to get to the start of the trail, but realistically the pros of this route greatly outweigh any cons.


Rongai Route
Pros and cons of the Rongai Route
As mentioned, this is a less varied route, especially during the dry season. It doesn’t offer the best route for acclimatisation either, although choosing a longer, tailor made itinerary will improve your chances of making it to the top. The start of the route is also furthest from Kilimanjaro Airport and Arusha, so it involves more traveling before and after you have finished your trek, making it more expensive.
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Northern route
The pros and cons of the Northern route
The costs and amount of days needed to complete the trek (and therefore time taken off work) do, however, make it a less popular trip. This, combined with its relative newness, means it is also less frequently offered by trekking companies, so you might have to book it as a tailor made trip, or fit in with the few dates when they do offer it.
Shira route
The pros and cons of Shira
If you want to experience that feeling of trekking through contrasting landscapes and climate zones, however, this one is not so exciting, as it leaves out the rainforest hike (complete with monkeys and other wildlife) that lovers of Lemosho fawn over. Due to the fact that it is pretty hardcore, and does not have a good success rate due to altitude sickness issues, it is also less frequently offered by trekking companies, so you will have to book it as a tailor made trip. We wouldn’t recommend this route to anyone who hasn’t previously done some high altitude trekking.
Umbwe route
The pros and cons of Umbwe
In terms of pros, hard to find any really. Although meeting Bear Grylls on the way would be cool. It’s said to be one of the more scenic routes, and the shorter length may appeal to some, but the other routes offer so much more. You will need to organise a private, tailor made expedition for this trip, but most tour operators are able to supply this, especially if they have a strong team of local guides to lead you up.