Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Before setting out to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s crucial to acquaint yourself with its seven established hiking routes, each offering unique challenges and experiences. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approach from the south, with Marangu known for its gradual slope and hut accommodations, Machame for its scenic beauty, and Umbwe for its steep ascent, appealing to seasoned adventurers.
Conversely, the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west, providing longer and more gradual ascents, stunning vistas, and ample acclimatization opportunities. The Rongai route, the sole approach from the north, offers a quieter and remote trekking experience. Illustrated below are three-dimensional depictions of these routes, showcasing their varied approaches to the summit. Whether seeking adventure, solitude, or panoramic views, each route promises a remarkable journey to the pinnacle of Africa’s highest peak.
SELECTING KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES
Mount Kilimanjaro offers seven established routes for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. Each route presents a unique approach to the summit, with the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes approaching from the south, and the Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes coming from the west. The Rongai route is the only one that approaches from the north. Mweka route is exclusively used for descent.
Choosing the ideal route for your Kilimanjaro climb can be challenging. You need to consider several factors, including:
- Scenery of the route
- Difficulty level
- Traffic on the mountain
- Altitude acclimatization points
To help you decide, we’ve created this guide to assist you in selecting the best possible route for your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Which is the best route to climb mount Kilimanjaro
One of the most common inquiries we receive is, “Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?” The answer largely depends on your preferences and priorities. Here are our top picks:
Highest Success Rate and Overall Best Route: For those prioritizing summit success, the Lemosho and Machame routes, both taken over 7 or 8 days, stand out. Offering excellent acclimatization and a comparatively easier summit night, these routes lead the pack in terms of summit attainment, making them our top recommendations for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Most Scenic Route: If breathtaking views are what you seek, the Lemosho route, which approaches from the West, is unparalleled. Boasting spectacular vistas in all directions, it’s a clear winner in terms of scenic beauty.
Quietest Route: For those desiring solitude away from the crowds, the Rongai route is the ideal choice. While it offers a quieter trekking experience, it’s worth noting that the success rate is comparatively lower.
Most Challenging Route: If you crave adventure and seek a truly unique wilderness experience, the crater camp option stands out as the best route to climb Kilimanjaro. With less than 1% of climbers opting for this route, those who undertake it rave about its unparalleled thrill and adventure.
Each route presents its own set of challenges and rewards, catering to different aspirations and preferences. Whether you prioritize summit success, breathtaking scenery, solitude, or adventure, there’s a perfect route awaiting your Kilimanjaro climb.
What is the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro?
The main challenge on Mount Kilimanjaro is not the steep slopes or long daily hikes, but the altitude. So, itineraries that offer the best acclimatization profiles might be considered the “easiest”. Perhaps, we can again highlight Lemosho 7-8, Rongai 7, with Machame 7 and Northern Circuit following close.
Lemosho route 7-day itinerary is the most accessible route on Mount Kilimanjaro for several reasons. Beginning at an elevation of 3500 meters, it eliminates the need for ascending to that altitude during the trek. Short initial daily hikes prevent overexertion, so your body can focus on adapting to the altitude. All overnight stays are at 3500 meters or above, also facilitating better acclimatization. Additionally, the route from the Barafu Camp to the summit is the shortest, saving approximately an hour in travel time.
The Northern Circuit offers great acclimatization due to more days spent on the mountain, but it is more suitable for hikers who are prepared for longer treks every day. For beginners, the above-mentioned Lemosho, Rongai and Machame might be easier options with a higher chance of summitting. If you feel that you need extra time for rest and acclimatization, it’s possible to add an extra acclimatization day at any of the camps to your itinerary.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest summit success rate?
According to Awe safari statistics, 7 and 8-day Lemosho routes have the highest summit success rate at about 98%. The vast majority of climbers who embark on a hike via those Lemosho itineraries make it to the top. Wondering why it’s the case? The answer is simple: great acclimatization profile, many opportunities for “climb high, sleep low”, and enough time at the altitude to gradually adjust. However, most itineraries that last 7 days or longer on the mountain also have great summit success rates.
Important note: summit success rates vary from operator to operator. A budget tour company might have amateur guides and poor equipment, undermining your chances of safely reaching Uhuru Peak. They often claim to have 95%+ summit success rates, while in reality, it is way lower.
On the other hand, a reputable operator will go above and beyond to make sure you get the best chances of summiting and enjoy every detail of the experience. At Awe Safari, we stand by our commitment to excellence, with proven success rates of up to 98% on routes like Lemosho 7 and 8.