Mount Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes
The seven Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes vary not only in length, cost and scenery. They also have different difficulty levels and different success rates. Selecting a Kilimanjaro climb route is one of the most important decisions you have to make before decide to book for your tour. However, there is no single best route for Mt Kilimanjaro climb route. Which route up to Kilimanjaro is the best for you but depends on several factors. The most common one includes, your time availability, Physical and mental stamina, Budget cost that you have previous experience, fitness, the time of the year and personal first choice.
The Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. Selecting a route is a tough choice for most. To find the best Kilimanjaro route for you, considerations should be taken for the route’s scenery, difficulty, foot traffic and its altitude acclimatization characteristics. When selecting the route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your desires, physical ability, and aptitude and comfort level.
Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes – Which is the Best Route for You?
Which Route is the Best for Kilimanjaro climbing? Below are the tips for selecting the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro.As the popularity of climbing Kilimanjaro continues to increase, potential climbers are often uncertain as to which route to take. Choosing the wrong route can mean the difference between having a superb, enjoyable experience and successful summit versus a harrowing, miserable climb and a failed attempt. We have successfully guided climbers on every route. Climbers have also failed on every route. Therefore, there is no “best” route for everyone – it is specific to the individual. There are seven major routes used to climb Kilimanjaro. They are Marangu, Machame Route, Umbwe Route, Rongai Route, Shira Route, Lemosho Route and Northern Circuit Route Some operators will make blanket statements that a particular route is “good” or “bad” but the truth is that each route has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are situations when each route has merit. When selecting the route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your desires, physical ability, and ability and comfort level.
To choose Which Route is the Best for Kilimanjaro climbing, there are plenty of variables to be mindful of. What aspects to Consider when Choosing a Kilimanjaro Route? .
Who is climbing? The whole group’s abilities must be factored into choosing a route. Are there novices in your group? Are there people who have never been to high altitudes? Pick a route that best fits everyone.
What limitations surround your climb? Are you bound by a budget? Or the number of days on your trip? There are cheaper and more expensive routes, and shorter and longer itineraries. Get an idea of how much money and how many days people are willing to spend on the mountain.
How do you see your trek? Do you want the most challenging route or a less strenuous one? Kilimanjaro can bring out a lot of discomfort and suffering. Some people don’t want to be pushed too hard. These answers will affect which route is for you.
Where do you want to begin your climb? The routes start from all sides of the mountain. Where you begin affects cost, scenery and scenic variety. For instance, the western routes are more scenic because they cover more of the mountain.
Why are you climbing? Is it very important to summit? Then choose a route with a high success rate. Do you want to take the best photos? Then pick a scenic route. Do you just want to be there? Then choose a quick, inexpensive route.
When are you climbing? If you are climbing during the dry season, great, But if you are climbing during the rainy season or the shoulder seasons, then the route you select can play into the climb’s difficulty. Climbs around holidays and full moons are especially crowded.
Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes (Lemosho Route)
The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Kilimanjaro. The route begins in the west and rather than simply intersecting Shira Plateau (like Machame), Lemosho crosses it from Shira Ridge to Shira Camp. Climbers encounter low traffic until the route connect the Machame route. Afterwards, Lemosho follows the same route through Lava Tower, Barranco and Barafu, known as the southern circuit.
The minimum number of days required for this route is six days, although eight days is ideal.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro and grants panoramic vistas on various sides of the mountain. It is our favorite route because it offers a great balance of low traffic, scenic views and a high summit success rate. Thus, Lemosho comes highly recommended. Most of our clients use Lemosho
- The Lemosho route is one of the newer routes on Kilimanjaro
- The route begins in the west and intersecting Shira Plateau
- Climbers encounter low traffic until the route link the Machame route.
- Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route
- It is highly recommended.
- The route approach to the summit from the east
- Your chances of reaching the “Roof of Africa” are very high, around 90%.
- The route is approximately 70 km/ 42 miles from gate to gate.
- It is designed for physically fit people with some hiking experience
Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes (Marangu Route)
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu is a classic trek on Mountain Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
The minimum days needed for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu Climbing Routes.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu trail is a poor choice.
- Route is also known as the “Tourist Route” and the “Coca-Cola Route
- Route is the only one that offers sleeping huts
- The most popular Climbing Routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro
- The least expensive route, but more so
- This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatization period.
- Only about 35% of the people actually make it to the top.
Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes (Machame Route).
Known as the “Whiskey” route, the Climbing Routes is now the most popular route on the mountain. Compared with Marangu, the days on Machame are longer and the walks are steeper. The Machame departure route is considered a difficult route, and is better suited for more adventurous folks and those with some hiking or backpacking experience.
The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before summit. The minimum number of days on this route is six days, although seven days is recommended.
The Machame departure trail is scenically beautiful and varied. However, due to the heavy crowds, it loses some of its splendor.
- The Machame trail is also known as the Whiskey route
- The most popular route on Kilimanjaro
- It provides impressive views and a variety of habitats.
- About 50% of all climbers, and most seasoned climbers
- It can be done in a minimum of six days (five nights) on the mountain.
- The route approach to the summit from the east
- The Route is approximately 62 km/ 37 miles from gate to gate.
- The Machame is scenically beautiful and varied.
Kilimanjaro Best Climbing Routes ( Rongai Route)
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity among st climbers, Rongai has low traffic. It is the preferred route for those looking for an alternative to the crowded Marangu, for those who would like a more remote hike, and for those who are climbing during the rainy season (the north side receives less precipitation).
The minimum number of days need for in this route is six days, and seven days are recommended.
Although the scenery is not as varied as the western routes, Rongai makes up for this by passing through true wilderness areas for days before joining the Marangu at Kibo camp. This route descends down the Marangu route. Rongai is a moderately difficult route, and is highly recommended, especially for those with less backpacking experience
- The route is closer to the Kenyan border
- The Rongai route still experiences low traffic.
- It an alternative to the crowded Marangu route.
- It is best for those who climbing during the rainy season
- This route is six days, 7 days is recommended.
- Rongai is a moderately difficult route