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How Many Miles is the Kilimanjaro Hike? Complete Route Distances & Tips
Wondering how many miles is the Kilimanjaro hike? Climbing Africa’s highest peak involves trekking distances that vary by route, typically ranging from 33 to 61 miles round trip. Whether you’re asking “how many miles to hike Kilimanjaro” or “how many miles to hike Mt Kilimanjaro,” the answer depends on your chosen path, number of days, and terrain. At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, we provide expert insights to help plan your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. This guide breaks down Kilimanjaro hike miles for each route, including daily estimates, to prepare you for the journey.
The total Kilimanjaro hike miles include both ascent and descent, covering diverse landscapes from rainforests to alpine deserts. Shorter routes like Umbwe are steeper and more challenging, while longer ones like the Northern Circuit offer better acclimatization and higher success rates.
Overview of Kilimanjaro Hike Distances
On average, hikers cover 38-45 miles over 5-9 days, but this can extend to 61 miles on extended routes. The elevation gain is about 13,000 feet from base to summit (19,341 ft), but horizontal distance varies. Factors like switchbacks and detours can add extra miles not reflected in straight-line measurements.
How Many Miles is the Kilimanjaro Hike by Route?
Here’s a detailed breakdown of how many miles is the hike up Kilimanjaro for each major route. Distances are round-trip totals, including descent via Mweka or Marangu gates where applicable.
| Route Name | Total Miles (km) | Days | Average Daily Miles | Success Rate | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 61 miles (98 km) | 8-9 | 7-8 miles | 95% | Longest route, 360° views, best acclimatization. |
| Lemosho | 42-44 miles (68-70 km) | 7-8 | 5-7 miles | 90% | Scenic Shira Plateau, wildlife sightings, gradual ascent. |
| Rongai | 45 miles (73 km) | 6-7 | 6-8 miles | 80% | Northern approach, drier conditions, Kenyan views. |
| Marangu | 45 miles (72 km) | 5-6 | 7-9 miles | 50-60% | Hut accommodations, “Coca-Cola Route,” same path up/down. |
| Machame | 38-39 miles (62 km) | 6-7 | 5-7 miles | 85% | “Whiskey Route,” Barranco Wall challenge, diverse scenery. |
| Umbwe | 33 miles (53 km) | 5-6 | 5-7 miles | 60% | Steepest and shortest, for experienced hikers only. |
These distances are approximate and can vary slightly based on operator itineraries or side trips. For example, on the Machame route, the total is about 39 miles over 7 days, with summit day covering up to 10 miles.
Daily Mileage Breakdown for Popular Routes
To answer “how many miles to hike Mt Kilimanjaro” in detail, here’s a sample daily breakdown for two top routes.
Machame Route (38-39 Miles Total)
- Day 1: 6-7 miles, rainforest ascent.
- Day 2: 3-4 miles, moorland traverse.
- Day 3: 6 miles, Lava Tower acclimatization.
- Day 4: 3 miles, Barranco to Karanga.
- Day 5: 3 miles, to Barafu Camp.
- Day 6 (Summit): 9-10 miles, ascent and partial descent.
- Day 7: 8 miles, full descent.
Lemosho Route (42-44 Miles Total)
- Day 1: 3 miles, forest entry.
- Day 2: 5 miles, to Shira Camp.
- Day 3: 10 miles, Shira Plateau.
- Day 4: 6 miles, to Barranco.
- Day 5: 3 miles, to Karanga.
- Day 6: 3 miles, to Barafu.
- Day 7 (Summit): 10 miles, summit and descent.
- Day 8: 5 miles, final descent.
Factors Affecting Kilimanjaro Hike Miles
- Route Choice: Longer routes add miles but improve acclimatization.
- Pace and Days: Extended itineraries spread miles over more days, reducing daily effort.
- Terrain: Steep sections like Barranco Wall feel longer due to effort, even if miles are short.
- Group Size: Slower groups might add minimal extra distance but more time.
How Long Does It Take to Hike Kilimanjaro?
Time correlates with miles: 5-9 days total. Daily hiking is 4-8 hours, with summit day up to 12-15 hours. For “how long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” expect 40-60 hours of walking overall.
Tips for Your Kilimanjaro Hike
- Train with hikes of 5-10 miles to build endurance.
- Choose a route matching your fitness—longer miles mean better odds against altitude sickness.
- Pack light; porters handle gear on guided tours.
- Book with ethical operators for safe pacing.
Why Choose Longer Routes for More Miles?
Routes over 40 miles, like Northern Circuit, boast 90%+ success rates due to gradual mileage buildup. Shorter hikes risk failure from poor acclimatization.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Hike Miles
- How many miles is the Kilimanjaro hike on average? Around 40 miles, but up to 61 on the longest route.
- How many miles to hike Kilimanjaro on Machame? 38-39 miles over 6-7 days.
- How many miles is the hike up Kilimanjaro summit day? 8-12 miles, including descent.
- How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro mountain? 5-9 days, depending on miles and route.
- Kili routes with least miles? Umbwe at 33 miles, but it’s the steepest.
Start Your Kilimanjaro Adventure Today
Ready to tackle the Kilimanjaro hike miles? At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, our local experts like Josephat Mashehe tailor routes to your fitness. Get a free quote for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb—reserve now for peak seasons!
