Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro

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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.

RouteDuration (Days)DifficultyScenerySummit Success Rate
Machame Route6-7 daysModerate to DifficultDiverse: rainforest, moorland, glaciers70-85% (7-day higher)
Marangu Route5-6 daysModerateShorter, huts for accommodation65-80% (6-day higher)
Lemosho Route7-8 daysModerateScenic, remote, less crowded90% (8-day higher)
Rongai Route6-7 daysModerateDry, remote, views of Kenya80%
Northern Circuit9 daysEasy to ModerateMost scenic, excellent acclimatization95%
Umbwe Route5-6 daysVery DifficultSteep, fast ascent, fewer climbers50%

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.

DetailsMachame Route
Duration6-7 days
DifficultyModerate to Difficult
Success Rate70-85% (higher for a 7-day itinerary)
SceneryDiverse landscapes including rainforest, moorland, and glaciers
AccommodationCamping 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.

DetailsMarangu Route
Duration5-6 days
DifficultyModerate
Success Rate65-80% (higher for a 6-day itinerary)
SceneryLess diverse, mostly rainforests and moorland
AccommodationHuts

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.

DetailsLemosho Route
Duration7-8 days
DifficultyModerate
Success Rate90% (for 8-day itinerary)
SceneryRemote, scenic, with diverse landscapes
AccommodationCamping 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.

DetailsRongai Route
Duration6-7 days
DifficultyModerate
Success Rate80%
SceneryDry, remote, scenic views of Kenya
AccommodationCamping 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.

DetailsNorthern Circuit Route
Duration9 days
DifficultyEasy to Moderate
Success Rate95%
SceneryMost scenic, circumnavigates the entire mountain
AccommodationCamping 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.

DetailsUmbwe Route
Duration5-6 days
DifficultyVery Difficult
Success Rate50%
ScenerySteep and direct ascent, fewer people
AccommodationCamping 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

CriteriaBest RouteWhy
Best for AcclimatizationNorthern Circuit or LemoshoLonger routes with gradual ascents offer the best acclimatization and the highest summit success rates.
Most ScenicMachame or LemoshoOffers a diverse range of landscapes, from rainforests to glaciers.
Best for Avoiding CrowdsRongai or Northern CircuitLess crowded than the more popular routes, with remote and peaceful surroundings.
Shortest Time (Budget-Friendly)MaranguRequires fewer days and offers hut accommodation, making it a more budget-friendly option.
Most ChallengingUmbweThe steepest and most direct route, ideal for experienced trekkers.
Best for the Rainy SeasonRongaiLocated 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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