What is the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

What is the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro has 8 well-known established paths for climbers: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Crater camp route, and Umbwe. Among these, Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe come from the south (Mweka is used for descent only), while Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes come from the west. The Rongai route can be approached from the north.

Marangu Route.

The Marangu route approached from the Southeast is the oldest and most popular way to climb Kilimanjaro. It is also known as the “Coca-Cola” route. Instead of camping, this route offers huts with shared rooms where you can sleep.  The Marangu route is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult, attributed to the low success rate for the summit. Mateys Wild Tours provides an itinerary spanning 5-6 days that enables travelers to successfully navigate a significant portion of this particular route. Read our itinerary here.

Machame Route.

The Machame route also referred to as the “Whiskey” route, is the most frequently chosen path up Kilimanjaro. The major draw of Machame is its breathtaking scenic beauty. However, the trail is categorized as difficult, steep, and challenging, specifically due to its shorter itinerary but it has a medium to high success rate. As a result, this route is better suited to those with prior experience in high-altitude activities, hiking or backpacking, or who are seeking a more daring adventure. When selecting Mateys Wild Tours, completing this route and reaching the summit can be achieved within a 6–7-day timeframe. Read our itinerary here.

Lemosho Route.

Lemosho is a relatively new trail on Kilimanjaro that offers breathtaking panoramic views from different sides of the mountain. It is highly recommended for climbers due to its low congestion, stunning landscapes, and impressive track record of successful summit attempts. As experts, we consider this route to be the best choice for anyone seeking a well-rounded and rewarding climbing experience. Our itinerary spanning 8 days has been meticulously crafted to ensure a successful ascent to the Uhuru Peak. Read our itinerary here.

Shira Route.

Approaching Mount Kilimanjaro from the west, the route taken is almost identical to the Lemosho route, with Shira being the original and Lemosho being an improved variation. While Shira is a beautiful and diverse route, it is less desirable than its successor due to the relatively high altitude of its

starting point. The route traverses the entirety of the Shira Plateau from west to east, with a relatively easy hike and descent through the Mweka gate Our 7–8-day itinerary encompasses the successful ascent of a summit. Read our itinerary here.

 Rongai Route

Approaching Kilimanjaro from the North, in proximity to the Kenyan border, the Rongai route offers a less crowded ascent with a gentler slope compared to other routes. This makes it a suitable option for hikers seeking a more secluded experience and those climbing during the rainy season, as the North side of the mountain receives less precipitation. Although moderately challenging, Rongai is a highly recommended route, especially for individuals with limited backpacking experience. Ascending to the summit takes approximately 6-7 days, but opting for a 6-day ascent would not provide any time for acclimatization. Read our itinerary here.

Umbwe Route.

The Umbwe route is widely recognized as the most demanding route for scaling Mount Kilimanjaro. This route is characterized by a rapid ascent to high altitude, without adequate stages for acclimatization. The trail experiences low traffic, but the likelihood of success is also low. Umbwe is known to be an extremely arduous and strenuous route that requires exceptional hiking skills and the ability to acclimatize quickly to high altitudes. It is highly recommended that only experienced and physically fit hikers attempt this route According to our analysis, a period of 6-7 days is sufficient to attain success at the summit. Read our itinerary here.

Northern Circuit Route.

The Northern Circuit route is a top choice for approaching Kilimanjaro from the west. It boasts exceptional panoramic views, encompassing the seldom-visited northern slopes and offering a 360-degree vista of stunning landscapes. As the lengthiest option, this route offers the most time for acclimatization, resulting in the highest rate of summit success. With a 10-day itinerary, reaching the summit is achievable. Read our itinerary here

Crater Camp Route.

By extending the Crater Lemosho or Northern Crater route itineraries by an additional day, climbers can gain more hands-on experience at the highest altitude camp on Mount Kilimanjaro. This results in a 9-day Lemosho Crater Route or a 10-day Northern Crater Route. Unlike other Kilimanjaro routes, where only the guides and client summit, the Crater Camp requires the entire mountain crew to ascend 4,000 feet higher than usual, along with all of the expedition equipment, resulting in a significant increase in effort and cost.

In conclusion, Mount Kilimanjaro offers several established routes, each with its own challenges and rewards. The Marangu route is popular but has a lower success rate due to its rapid ascent. The scenic Machame route is better suited for experienced climbers. The Lemosho route provides breathtaking views and has a high success rate. The Shira route starts from the west with a higher starting altitude. The Rongai route from the north offers a secluded experience. The demanding Umbwe route is for experienced climbers. The Northern Circuit route provides stunning panoramas and good acclimatization opportunities. Lastly, the Crater Camp route offers an extended experience but requires more effort and cost. The best route depends on each individual’s experience, fitness level, and preferences for the climbing adventure.

Read 7 Activities to do When you Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. 

I you so excited to plan your ascent to Mount Kilimanjaro! Can you recommend the best route for yourself to take? We are here to help