Kilimanjaro Route Comparison
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Kilimanjaro Route Comparison
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a lifetime bucket list achievement for many hikers and travelers. A trip up Kili combines the cultural richness of Tanzania with days of dramatic scenery and the unique experience of walking to 19,000+ feet without the need for technical climbing. It’s also expensive as heck, and its popularity has bred a baffling abundance of tour companies, itineraries, and Kilimanjaro Routes. If you’re going to dedicate a small fortune and at least a week of your life for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you want to choose the best Kilimanjaro route for you. But how to decide? How to make the Kilimanjaro Route Comparison?
Kilimanjaro Route Comparison Table
Northern Circuit |
Lemosho |
Machame |
Rongai |
Shira |
Umbwe |
Marangu |
|
Days |
9 |
6-8 |
6-7 |
6-7 |
6-7 |
6-7 |
5-6 |
Distance (miles) |
60 |
42 |
38 |
45 |
41 |
32 |
43 |
Difficulty/steepness of terrain |
moderate |
moderate |
moderate |
easier |
moderate |
difficult |
easier |
Lodging |
camping |
camping |
camping |
camping |
camping |
camping |
dorm/hut |
Crowds |
very low |
medium |
high |
low |
medium |
very low |
high |
Scenery |
excellent |
excellent |
excellent |
very good |
excellent |
excellent |
good |
Acclimitization |
best |
excellent |
very good |
fair |
excellent if ok at 11,800 feet, otherwise poor |
poor |
poor |
Cost |
high |
medium - high |
medium |
medium |
medium - high |
medium |
low |
Success Rate |
highest |
high |
medium - high |
medium |
medium |
low |
lowest |
So Which Kilimanjaro Route Is Best?
Once you’ve digested the above information, you’ll see that there are fewer good choices than you might have originally thought. The Kilimanjaro Routes with the best balance of factors are generally considered to be Northern Circuit, Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Shira, Umbwe, and Marangu. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by all the choices, focus in on those three and choose based on the number of days you have, how fit and experienced you are, and how much you care about crowdedness.
While Lemosho Route is highly recommended by many people, any Kilimanjaro Routes is sure to be a memorable experience!