Best Routes to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, offers several routes to the summit, each with varying levels of difficulty, scenery, and success rates. Choosing the right route depends on your fitness level, how much time you have, and what kind of experience you’re looking for. Here’s a detailed guide to the best routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, including the pros and cons of each.
Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”)
The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It’s known for its diverse landscapes and challenging hikes, but it offers good opportunities for acclimatization.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 to 7 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Success Rate | 70-85% |
| Best For | Scenic views, gradual acclimatization, adventure seekers. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Scenic route with varied landscapes, including rainforests, moorlands, and alpine desert.
- Good for acclimatization due to its “climb high, sleep low” approach.
- Popular route with well-established campsites.
Cons:
- Physically demanding due to steep paths and longer days.
- Can be crowded during peak season due to its popularity.
Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola Route”)
The Marangu Route is the oldest and the only route that offers hut accommodations instead of camping, making it a popular choice for climbers seeking more comfort. However, it’s considered the easiest route to the summit, leading to a lower success rate due to a shorter acclimatization period.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 to 6 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Success Rate | 65-80% |
| Best For | Those preferring huts, budget travelers, and shorter itineraries. |
| Accommodation | Huts |
Pros:
- The only route with huts, providing more comfort and protection from the elements.
- Shorter duration compared to other routes.
- Gentle ascent, making it a popular choice for beginners.
Cons:
- Lower success rate due to faster ascent and shorter acclimatization period.
- Less scenic than other routes since it follows the same path up and down.
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is widely considered one of the most beautiful routes on Kilimanjaro, offering scenic views and a good acclimatization profile. It starts on the western side of the mountain and is less crowded during the early stages of the trek.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 7 to 8 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Success Rate | 90% |
| Best For | Stunning scenery, less crowded, gradual acclimatization. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Best for acclimatization due to its longer duration.
- Offers a remote and less crowded experience during the first few days.
- Provides stunning views of the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, and Barranco Wall.
Cons:
- More expensive due to the longer duration.
- Requires more time compared to other routes.
Rongai Route
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border, and is the only route starting from the northern side. It’s a quieter, less crowded option that offers a more gradual ascent.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 to 7 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Success Rate | 80% |
| Best For | Quiet experience, gradual ascent, less rainfall. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Less crowded than the popular southern routes.
- Drier conditions on the northern side, make it a good option during the rainy season.
- The gradual ascent helps with acclimatization.
Cons:
- Less scenic compared to the Machame and Lemosho routes.
- Does not offer the “climb high, sleep low” approach, which can affect acclimatization.
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, and it offers the best acclimatization and the highest success rate. This route circles around the northern slopes of the mountain, providing stunning views and a quieter trekking experience.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 9 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Success Rate | 95% |
| Best For | Best acclimatization, stunning views, low traffic. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Highest success rate due to excellent acclimatization.
- Longest route, giving you more time to enjoy the mountain and adapt to the altitude.
- Less crowded than the southern routes.
Cons:
- Most expensive due to the longer duration and higher logistical costs.
- Requires more time, making it less suitable for travelers with a tight schedule.
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit. It is considered the most difficult, with a very rapid ascent and little time for acclimatization. It’s recommended only for experienced climbers or those looking for a serious challenge.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 5 to 6 days |
| Difficulty | Very Difficult |
| Success Rate | 50% |
| Best For | Experienced climbers, those seeking a challenge. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Shortest and most direct route to the summit.
- Less crowded due to its difficulty.
Cons:
- Low success rate due to rapid ascent and poor acclimatization profile.
- Extremely physically demanding and not recommended for beginners.
Shira Route
The Shira Route starts from the western side of the mountain and merges with the Lemosho Route. It begins at a higher altitude, which can be challenging for acclimatization, but it offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau.
| Details | Description |
|---|---|
| Duration | 6 to 7 days |
| Difficulty | Moderate to Difficult |
| Success Rate | 75% |
| Best For | Scenic views, experienced trekkers. |
| Accommodation | Camping |
Pros:
- Starts at the scenic Shira Plateau, one of the most beautiful parts of the mountain.
- Offers a remote and less crowded experience.
Cons:
- High starting altitude makes it harder to acclimatize in the early days.
- More expensive than shorter routes due to its longer duration.
The best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro depends on your preferences, experience, and the time you have available. The Machame Route is ideal for those seeking a balance of adventure, scenery, and acclimatization, while the Lemosho Route offers stunning landscapes with a good acclimatization profile. For the highest success rate, the Northern Circuit is the top choice, although it requires more time and budget. Meanwhile, experienced climbers may opt for the Umbwe Route for a more challenging and less crowded ascent.
Consider your fitness level, desired experience, and available time when selecting the route that’s right for you.