Kilimanjaro Routes – What Is the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?

With a height of 5,895 metres, Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits of the world. Climbing all the way up to the Kilimanjaro top is challenging but a beautiful trek that is worth every effort. In a matter of days, you come across a wide variety of Kilimanjaro Routes but which is regarded as the best Kilimanjaro Routes?

There are seven major routes used by the climbers to Climb Kilimanjaro. But there is no definite answer to “What Is The Best Route To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro”? Because the answer varies with every individual’s specific preferences of route choices. Route choice depends on your experience, acclimatisation, budget, view preference etc.

Mount Kilimanjaro- What Is The Best Route To Reach To The Summit?

Marangu Route:

The Marangu Route commonly known as “the tourist route” or “coca cola” route is one of the most established routes to climb to the top covering a distance of 70 kms. It is popular among the hikers, reason being its steady, gradual slope making it the easiest to accomplish. Even if considered to be the Kilimanjaro’s Easiest Route has low success rate as it does not allow sufficient time for acclimatisation.

The route also facilitates with hut accommodations and do not have camping facilities. It is preferred during rainy season as you can avoid the wet ground while resting. Ascent and descent is through the same path thus do not offer any scenic variation and at times becomes too over crowded.

The Kilimanjaro Success Rate in 5 days Marangu route itinerary is not very encouraging which 65 percent is. While spending one more day on the trek gives time to acclimatize better and increases the chance of finishing the trek successfully.

Most of the Kilimanjaro Climbing Guides do not suggest taking this route because of the risk associated due to non-acclimatization.

Lemosho Route:

The Lemosho Route is gaining popularity among the climbers. The total distance to be covered is 65 kms. It is a beautiful trek and usually not much crowded. Takes about 7 to 8 days to finish. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the western side, this route offers ample time for acclimatization.

The success rate on the route is 90 percent. With “walk high and sleep low profile” the summit seems easier and attainable. The trek cost through this route is expensive due to more number of days.

Machame Route:

Total distance of 61 kms makes Machame Route the most popular among the trekkers. “Climb high and sleep low” profile over 7 days long itinerary assures 85 percent summit success rate as it gives fantastic opportunity for acclimatization. Magnificent scenic beauty and enroute sights like Shira Plateau and Lava tower makes the route quite desirable.

This Kilimanjaro Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southern part and is a difficult climb. But with right preparedness, experience and guidance it can prove as the best route to climb Kilimanjaro.

Shira Route:

The Shira Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west is 58 kms away from the summit. Unlike other routes, its climb begins from 3,600 metre giving lesser time for acclimatization.

The crowd is lesser and trek spread over a period of 6-7 days’ itinerary. Its 7-day itinerary has a summit success rate of 80 percent while 6-day success rate is around 65 percent. The route is less preferred due to the level of difficulty and high price.

Rongai Route:

The Rongai Route starts from the northern side of the mountain. It does not offer a good climb profile and demands 6 day or 7-day trek itinerary.

It has an 85 percent success rate when spread over a period of 7-day itinerary. It offers a vast wilderness experience through the initial climb.

Umbwe Route:

Umbwe Route is the shortest and direct route. It steep and quick gain in elevation does not allow for proper acclimatization and makes it all the more challenging.

The success rate is low and is advised to be carefully chosen by seasoned climbers only.  It can be completed on a 6-day itinerary. However, 7-day long trek is usually suggested and regarded appropriate.

Northern Circuit Route:

Northern Circuit Route is the newest and the longest route covering a distance of 88 kms. It stretches over a period of 8 or 9-day trek allowing more time on the mountain. More the time better the acclimatization. It also offers better climb profile with plenty of climb high and sleep low opportunities.

The trek begins from the western side of the mountain and follows the Lemosho route and travels round the mountain to finally reach to the summit.

It is the safest with a higher success rate of 95 percent and is loved by those who have lot of time in hand to finish the trek.

Exceling duringKilimanjaro Climbing requires you to take calculated decisions keeping in mind the success rates of Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes and your self-preparedness both physically and mentally. Moreover, right support from your Kilimanjaro Guide has also got a vital role to play.

We at Kilele Climb, offer the best possible guidance to our clients and we are always a phone call away in case of any confusion. So, what are you waiting for? Tie up with our excellent team and assure your summit success!