On mount Kilimanjaro hikes, hikers choose from six well-trodden ascent routes, which converge towards the summit. Two-thirds options for Marangu or Machame, routes so popular they're nicknamed Coca-Cola and Whiskey. The quieter reputation of the longer routes, Rongai, Lemosho and Shira, has ironically made them popular.
There are seven established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.










