Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the more majestic mountains in the world and has six different ways to the top. Marangu route is used for both ascending and descending while other routes like Machame, Shira, Umbwe and Lemosho are for ascent only. After reaching Uhuru Peak you can descend using Marangu or the Mweka route if you have used any of the other routes to summit.
Kilimanjaro doesn't require experienced mountaineers and technical equipment but it is vital to never try and summit in less than seven days because the risk of altitude sickness is too high.
The following is an explanation of routes with their advantages and disadvantages and ultimately which route one finally chooses will depend on individual preference. However do make sure you don't try to summit in less than seven days.
Marangu Route: The only route which provide permanent huts accommodations, with beds, flash toilets and solar electricity. The Marangu route is also known as “Coca Cola” route due to its gentler slopes to the peak. With all these amenities most of the people think that mountain sickness will not affect them but do take care and walk slowly to the summit because the altitude is still the same and the effect on your body is just the same as on other routes. The summit success rate on this route is about 65%, but if people try to summit in fewer than seven days then the summit success rate drops to below 50%.
The other Mount Kilimanjaro routes are Machame Route, Umbwe, Shira and Rongai Route which are camping trips. Lemosho Route is similar to Machame Route, approaching from the south west and joining with Machame on the second or third day depending on if you are on a 7 day or 8 day climb.