Of course Mt Kilimanjaro is the star attraction, but it is not the only option. We also offer private group climbs of Mt Meru and Ol Doinyo Lengai – an active volcano! We also offer short non-summit treks on Kilimanjaro ranging from 1 to 3 days.You can find all these options on our Other Treks page. Have a question? —our team is here to help every step of the way.
Mount Kilimanjaro is just iconic! Its snow-capped summit glistening in the African sun, just 3° south of the equator. It is the fourth highest of the famed “7 Summits” – the highest mountains of each continent. Although there are more than 200 mountains in the world with a higher elevation than Kilimanjaro, it is the highest freestanding mountain in the world – that is the highest mountain not part of a mountain range. It is also the highest mountain that can be climbed without any special equipment or techniques, so technically it is a trek rather than a climb. Does that mean that it is easy to reach the summit? Certainly not! The biggest obstacle is the altitude. Each breath you take at the top of Kilimanjaro contains less than half the oxygen than at sea-level. This transforms what would seem simple at a lower altitude into a major challenge at the extreme altitude. A well experienced company can make a difference between reaching the summit successfully, or having to return back down the mountain unsuccessful. The longer you spend on the mountain the better chance that your body will acclimatize to the altitude. So we suggest using the longest itinerary that you can fit into your schedule.
Dotcom Safaris has been specializing in Mount Kilimanjaro climbs for over 15 years and our clients have nothing to say apart from positive remarks. Our guides are among the most respected on the mountain and are all certified Wilderness First Responders.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed most of the year, although it is more challenging and less comfortable during the wet season, which is April and May and during the short precipitations in November.
The reach the summit of Kilimanjaro is definitely a challenge, and there are risks involved, but it can be reached by any reasonably fit person who enjoys hiking, and reaching the summit will be an experience of a lifetime!
There are eight official trekking routes by which to ascend and descend Kilimanjaro: Lemosho, Nothern Circuit, Machame, Marangu, Mweka (descent route only), Rongai, Shira, and Umbwe.
The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. Machame’s draw is in its scenic beauty. However, the trail is considered difficult, steep and challenging, particularly due to its shorter itinerary. Therefore this route is better suited for more adventurous folks or those with some high altitude, hiking or backpacking experience.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the south, beginning with a short drive from Moshi to Machame Gate. The path leads hikers through the rain forest to Shira Plateau. Here, some of Kilimanjaro’s routes converge. Then the route turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered primarily as a 7-day itinerary although we also offer a 6-day option. In addition to offering private treks for this route, Dotcom Safaris also offers Machame 7 Days Itinerary as an Open Group option.
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route where overnights are in simple ,dormitory style mountain huts in lieu of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult and it does not have a very high success rate. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. This route is offered primarily as a 6 day option although we also offer a 5 day version. This route is offered as a private group trek only.
The Lemosho Route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. As one of the newer routes, Lemosho is a superb choice for your climb. It is our preferred route due to its beautiful scenery and a high summit success rate. Dotcom Safaris specializes in guiding on the Lemosho Route. Most of our clients climb Kilimanjaro using this route and they consistently report that they loved it. Thus, Lemosho is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge. The Lemosho Route crosses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. Crowds are low until the route joins the Machame Route near Lava Tower. Then the route traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field on a path known as the Southern Circuit before summiting from Barafu. Descent is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered primarily as an 8 day itinerary although we also offer a 7 day version. Both the 7 Days and 8 Days itineraries are offered as Open Group Climbs in addition to Private Group Climbs.
The Rongai Route is thought to be the easiest route by many guides. This route has a consistant gradual slope. It is not a busy route perhaps due to its remote starting point, but the route is gaining popularity. It is the only route that starts at the north side of the mountain and is a good choice during the wetter months of April, May, November, and December – the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation. This route is commonly climbed as a 7-day itinerary although a 6-day itinerary is an option. The route descends using the Marangu Route. Note that Rongai Route is a camping route and while Marangu has huts, those descending Rongai Route still have overnights in tents. Dotcom Safaris offers Rongai Route only as a Private Group Climb.
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering nearly 360 degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. Thus, the Northern Circuit route is highly recommended.
The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, beginning with a long drive from Moshi to Londorossi Gate. From there, the first two days are spent trekking through the rainforest to Shira Ridge, before crossing the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north and circles clockwise from Moir Hut Camp to Buffalo Camp to School Hut Camp, before summiting from the east. Descend is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered as either an 8 day or 9 day itinerary. Dotcom Safaris offers Northern Circuit Route only for Private Group Climbs.
There is zero debate that Umbwe Route is the most difficult route on Mt Kilimanjaro. It has a very steep beginning before it joins the other southern routes (Lemosho and Machame Routes). You will need to be fit and be able acclimatize well to succeed on this route. It is often chosen by seasoned mountaineers seek the biggest challenge possible.
The first part of this route is not busy at all. After reaaching Barranco Camp, it becomes busy since it merges with Lemosho and Machame Routes. Descend is made via the Mweka Route. This route is offered as either an 6 day or 7 day itinerary. Dotcom Safaris offers Rongai Route only for Private Group Climbs.
At Dotcom Safaris, mountain climbing is more than reaching the summit — it’s about the journey, the team spirit, the breathtaking scenery, and the personal triumph. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or a first-time adventurer, our tailor-made climbs provide expert guidance, safety, and support every step of the way.