Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the Seven Natural Wonders of Africa and is affectionately known as the rooftop of Africa. There are multiple summits on the mountain with Uhuru Peak serving as the highest point.  The mountain earned its wonder status from being the tallest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world.

Kilimanjaro National Park Trails

When it comes to talking about trails, really you are talking about routes up the mountain.  There are seven different routes that provide opportunities for the ascent to the summit.

Southern Routes: Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe are the three routes that ascend from the south.

Western Routes: Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit are the three routes that ascend from the west.

Northern Route: There is only one route that ascends from the north known as Rongai.

The Marangu Route, affectionately called the Coca Cola Route, is one of the more popular routes for the traditional visitor.  It features one of the more gradual slopes as well as provides sleeping huts along the way.  It is the oldest and most established route.

A trek up to the summit allows a traveler to experience almost every type of ecological system in one single adventure.  Ecosystems include cultivated land, rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and an arctic summit.