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What is the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?

There are seven well-established routes available for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro. Each route differs in difficulty and presents unique challenges for climbers. It is crucial for climbers to carefully assess their abilities and preferences when selecting a route. Proper preparation and training are essential for a successful climb, and climbers should always follow established safety protocols to ensure a secure and enjoyable experience.

The process of selecting an appropriate route can be a challenging task for many individuals. In order to identify the most suitable Kilimanjaro route, it is essential to consider a range of factors, including the complexity of the route, the scenic vistas that it offers, and its level of popularity. This article aims to examine the various pros and cons of each route and provide expert guidance on selecting the most appropriate trail for your trip.

The most common question we receive is, “What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?” The answer depends on your preferences. Here are our recommendations.

The highest success rate and overall best route to climb Kilimanjaro.

For those who are planning to climb Kilimanjaro and want to increase their chances of summiting, the Machame and Lemosho routes over 7 or 8 days are highly recommended. These routes offer excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night, making them the best options by far. As reaching the top is the most important goal for most climbers, we consider these routes the best overall recommendation for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Most Popular
Most Scenic
Most Challenging
Quietest Route
Machame
Northern Circuit
Umbwe
Rongai

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Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho Route

Machame Route

Marangu Route

Northern Circuit Route

Shira Route

Umbwe Route

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

When planning a climb up Kilimanjaro, it is important to take into account a variety of factors that can significantly impact the outcome of the endeavor. Six such factors are especially crucial in determining which route one should take.

  1. Acclimatization – The process of adapting to altitude is a key consideration when planning your Kilimanjaro climb. It is important to choose a route that allows for proper acclimatization in order to avoid altitude sickness and ensure a successful summit.
  2. Safety – Safety is a critical consideration when planning a climb up Kilimanjaro. Choosing a reputable guide service with a strong safety record is essential to ensure a safe and successful climb.
  3. Difficulty of the Summit Night – The ascent of Kilimanjaro’s summit is widely regarded as a challenging feat, and it is important to choose a route that is commensurate with one’s level of skill and fitness.
  4. Route Traffic – Kilimanjaro is a popular destination for climbers, and the level of traffic on each route can vary widely. It is important to consider how busy a route is in order to avoid crowds and ensure a more enjoyable experience.
  1. Accommodation Options – Accommodation options on Kilimanjaro vary depending on the route, and it is important to choose a route that offers suitable accommodations for your preferences and needs.
  2. Success Rate – Finally, it is important to consider the success rate of each route when choosing a path up Kilimanjaro. Some routes have higher success rates than others, and it is important to choose a route that is suitable for your level of experience and fitness in order to maximize your chances of success.

We offer weekly group climbs throughout the year, each with a different route. If you are looking for a particular route, you can check our group departure page for specific route schedules.

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