Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro
Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro offers several distinct routes to reach its summit, each with its own unique features, level of difficulty, and scenic beauty. Selecting the best route depends on your fitness level, experience, and the kind of experience you’re looking for. This guide provides an overview of the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro, including their advantages, challenges, and success rates.
Overview of Kilimanjaro Routes
Here is a comparison of the most popular Kilimanjaro routes, highlighting key factors such as duration, difficulty, and success rates.
Route | Duration (Days) | Difficulty | Scenery | Summit Success Rate |
---|---|---|---|---|
Machame Route | 6-7 days | Moderate to Difficult | Diverse: rainforest, moorland, glaciers | 70-85% (7-day higher) |
Marangu Route | 5-6 days | Moderate | Shorter, huts for accommodation | 65-80% (6-day higher) |
Lemosho Route | 7-8 days | Moderate | Scenic, remote, less crowded | 90% (8-day higher) |
Rongai Route | 6-7 days | Moderate | Dry, remote, views of Kenya | 80% |
Northern Circuit | 9 days | Easy to Moderate | Most scenic, excellent acclimatization | 95% |
Umbwe Route | 5-6 days | Very Difficult | Steep, fast ascent, fewer climbers | 50% |
Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”)
The Machame Route is the most popular on Kilimanjaro, known for its scenic beauty and good acclimatization profile. It’s often referred to as the “Whiskey Route” because it’s more challenging than the Marangu Route.
Details | Machame Route |
---|---|
Duration | 6-7 days |
Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
Success Rate | 70-85% (higher for a 7-day itinerary) |
Scenery | Diverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, and glaciers |
Accommodation | Camping only |
Advantages:
- Diverse Scenery: This route passes through Kilimanjaro’s most scenic areas, from lush rainforests to barren alpine deserts and glaciers.
- Good Acclimatization: Machame follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, which helps with acclimatization and increases summit success rates.
Disadvantages:
- Crowded: Because it’s the most popular route, it can be crowded, especially during peak season.
- Camping Only: Unlike Marangu, Machame offers no hut accommodations, so you must camp at designated sites.
Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”)
The Marangu Route is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its popularity and relatively easier trek, it’s the only route that offers hut accommodation rather than camping.
Details | Marangu Route |
---|---|
Duration | 5-6 days |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Success Rate | 65-80% (higher for a 6-day itinerary) |
Scenery | Less diverse, mostly rainforests and moorland |
Accommodation | Huts |
Advantages:
- Hut Accommodation: Marangu is the only route where climbers sleep in huts, which can be more comfortable than camping.
- Shorter Duration: The route is shorter, which makes it less expensive.
Disadvantages:
- Lower Success Rate: Due to its short duration, there’s less time for acclimatization, leading to higher rates of altitude sickness.
- Less Scenic: The scenery is less varied compared to routes like Machame or Lemosho.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most beautiful and remote routes on Kilimanjaro. It offers excellent acclimatization opportunities and is perfect for those looking for a quieter, less crowded experience.
Details | Lemosho Route |
---|---|
Duration | 7-8 days |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Success Rate | 90% (for 8-day itinerary) |
Scenery | Remote, scenic, with diverse landscapes |
Accommodation | Camping only |
Advantages:
- Scenic and Remote: Lemosho offers some of the best views on Kilimanjaro and is far less crowded than other routes.
- Excellent Acclimatization: The longer duration and gradual ascent improve acclimatization, leading to a higher summit success rate.
Disadvantages:
- More Expensive: Since it’s longer, it tends to be more expensive.
- Camping Only: No huts are available, so you must camp at designated sites.
Rongai Route
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It’s less traveled than the southern routes, making it a good option for those who want to avoid crowds.
Details | Rongai Route |
---|---|
Duration | 6-7 days |
Difficulty | Moderate |
Success Rate | 80% |
Scenery | Dry, remote, scenic views of Kenya |
Accommodation | Camping only |
Advantages:
- Less Crowded: Rongai is one of the quietest routes, perfect for those seeking a more remote experience.
- Drier Conditions: Since it approaches from the north, it experiences drier weather, making it ideal during the rainy season.
Disadvantages:
- Less Scenic: Although remote, Rongai is less scenic than the Machame or Lemosho routes.
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and newest route on Kilimanjaro, offering the best acclimatization and the highest summit success rate. It circumnavigates the northern slopes, providing some of the most stunning views of the mountain.
Details | Northern Circuit Route |
---|---|
Duration | 9 days |
Difficulty | Easy to Moderate |
Success Rate | 95% |
Scenery | Most scenic, circumnavigates the entire mountain |
Accommodation | Camping only |
Advantages:
- Highest Success Rate: The long duration and gradual ascent offer the best acclimatization, making it the best choice for summit success.
- Uncrowded: This route is less popular, meaning fewer people on the trail.
- Most Scenic: The Northern Circuit offers the most varied and dramatic scenery.
Disadvantages:
- Time-Consuming and Expensive: It’s the longest route, which also makes it more expensive and time-consuming.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the steepest and shortest route up Kilimanjaro, making it the most challenging option. It’s recommended for experienced climbers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly.
Details | Umbwe Route |
---|---|
Duration | 5-6 days |
Difficulty | Very Difficult |
Success Rate | 50% |
Scenery | Steep and direct ascent, fewer people |
Accommodation | Camping only |
Advantages:
- Quick Ascent: For experienced climbers looking for a challenging and fast ascent, Umbwe is the quickest route to the summit.
- Very Few Crowds: Due to its difficulty, Umbwe is one of the least crowded routes.
Disadvantages:
- Low Success Rate: The rapid ascent allows little time for acclimatization, leading to a lower summit success rate.
- Very Steep: The route is extremely steep and demanding, making it suitable only for experienced hikers.
Best Routes Based on Criteria
Criteria | Best Route | Why |
---|---|---|
Best for Acclimatization | Northern Circuit or Lemosho | Longer routes with gradual ascents offer the best acclimatization and the highest summit success rates. |
Most Scenic | Machame or Lemosho | Offers a diverse range of landscapes, from rainforests to glaciers. |
Best for Avoiding Crowds | Rongai or Northern Circuit | Less crowded than the more popular routes, with remote and peaceful surroundings. |
Shortest Time (Budget-Friendly) | Marangu | Requires fewer days and offers hut accommodation, making it a more budget-friendly option. |
Most Challenging | Umbwe | The steepest and most direct route, ideal for experienced trekkers. |
Best for the Rainy Season | Rongai | Located on the drier, northern side of the mountain, it’s the best option during the rainy months. |
The best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends on your priorities, whether it’s scenic beauty, acclimatization, avoiding crowds, or the level of difficulty. The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are ideal for those seeking excellent acclimatization and diverse scenery, while the Marangu Route is a good option for those who prefer hut accommodation and a shorter duration. For climbers looking for a more challenging adventure, the Umbwe Route offers a steep, quick ascent. Whichever route you choose, Kilimanjaro offers a truly unforgettable experience.
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