Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest Mountain in Africa stands 5895 meters ASL (19,341 feet ASL). The eminent routes to the peak are Marangu Route and Machame Route.
MARANGU ROUTE
So far this is the prominent way to the peak. Marangu Route is widely acclaimed as the best route to the peak since it offers some sense of adventure.
The Marangu or main route is by far the most popular way to the summit. The ascent is more gradual and no professional equipment is required. The accommodation on the way up and down is provided in mountain huts with all the necessities.
It usually takes 5 days/4nights for the round trip. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut. The supplementary cost for an extra day is indicated separately as an option.
MACHAME ROUTE
This is probably the most scenic route up Kilimanjaro. The accommodation on the way up and down is strictly camping (mobile tents) only. This trek is strenuous and may be better suited to more adventurous hikers. The Machame route is normally completed in a minimum of 6 days/5nights on the mountain.
RONGAI ROUTE
Perhaps this is the unpopular track to the summit. Rongai route runs from the northeastern side of the mountain. It is considered to be the easiest and far more favourable to individuals who are much sceptical on their current health status. The route has lower traffic compared to the hikers climbing from the western part of the mountain. Though the route is not rich in the scenery compared to the likes of Marangu, Machame and Umbwe trail, climbing from the North-Eastern side of the mountain give a new perspective in exploring the Mt. Kilimanjaro especially for experienced hikers
UMBWE ROUTE
The Umbwe route, which is based in the south, is a 6-day / 5-night tour and is said to be the most scenic and difficult one offered on Kilimanjaro. The first two days are extremely steep, muddy and generally strenuous making it only suitable for well-trained mountaineers. An acclimatization day is rarely offered on the standard Programme, but can be added whereby giving the climber an extra day in the Karanga Valley. The descent trail is the same as the Mweka Route.
LEMOSHO(SHIRA) GLADES ROUTE
The Lemosho Glades route is perhaps the least used initial ascent route on Kilimanjaro, partly because of its remote location and likewise the difficult roads leading to the trailhead. The road to the trailhead is only accessible by 4-wheel drive vehicles and can be out-of-the-way during wet periods. The trailhead is at relatively high elevation, and thus we start slow and easy on this route. Buffalo and elephant sightings are possible on the first-day trekking through the forest, and the trail is often overgrown from lack of use.
The route is the longest distance to trek up Kilimanjaro, so fitness certainly plays a role in the enjoyment and success of this trek. The Lemosho (Shira) route takes 7 days / 6 nights on the mountain. Overall, the distance covered and the intensity of the final few days make this trek a good choice only for the experienced hiker. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek special one. There are no huts on this route, the accommodation is in mountain tents.