Kilinyota Safaris

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Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro offers seven established routes to its summit, Uhuru Peak. While one begins on the Northern side, the others start on the Southern side:
  1. Northern Circuit Route
  2. Lemosho Route
  3. Shira Route
  4. Machame Route (“Whiskey” Route)
  5. Rongai Route
  6. Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola” Route)
  7. Umbwe Route

When asked about the best route to climb Kilimanjaro, preferences play a crucial role. Here are our recommendations:

Highest Success Rate:
Lemosho and Machame routes, spanning 7 or 8 days, offer superior acclimatization and smoother summit nights, ensuring a higher chance of success.

Most Scenic:
The Lemosho route, approaching from the West, provides unparalleled vistas in all directions, making it the scenic favorite.

Quietest:
For those prioritizing solitude, the Rongai route is optimal, although success rates may vary.

Most Challenging:
The crater camp option offers a rare wilderness experience, with less than 1% of climbers attempting it, providing an adventurous journey.

Select the route aligning best with your aspirations. Contact us for personalized guidance in planning your Kilimanjaro expedition.

Choosing the Most Challenging Kilimanjaro Route

For adventurers seeking a truly unique wilderness experience, the crater camp option stands out as the ultimate Kilimanjaro challenge. With fewer than 1% of climbers attempting this route, it promises an unparalleled journey that our climbers rave about.

Route Advantages and Disadvantages:

» Machame Route – from USD 2,540

  • Highly recommended with the best success rate.
  • Allows “walk high, sleep low” for better acclimatization.
  • Passes through five diverse climatic zones, offering stunning scenery.
  • Ascent and descent via different routes.
  • Fully catered camping.

» Lemosho Route – from USD 2,590

  • Excellent success rate with “walk high, sleep low” for better acclimatization.
  • Remote and spectacular approach with dramatic gorges and west Kilimanjaro views.
  • Fully catered camping.

» Marangu Route – from USD 2,350

  • Shortest route to the summit but with lower success rate.
  • Dormitory-style accommodation, potentially noisy.
  • Less scenic due to same ascent and descent route.

» Rongai Route – from USD 2,630

  • Northern approach route offering a true wilderness experience.
  • Tough final summit night with less natural acclimatization.
  • Fully catered camping.

» Umbwe Route – from USD 2,590

  • Steep, short route with low success rate.
  • Poor acclimatization due to rapid ascent.
  • Very remote and quiet initially.
  • Fully catered camping.

Factors to Consider:

  • Acclimatization
  • Difficulty of summit night
  • Route congestion
  • Accommodation options
  • Safety
  • Success rate

Acclimatization on Kilimanjaro:

To mitigate altitude sickness and enhance summit chances, adhere to the “walk high, sleep low” principle. The Machame and Lemosho routes naturally facilitate this, offering optimal acclimatization.

Difficulty of Summit Night:

Rongai and Marangu routes face challenging summit nights, reaching the crater rim far from the summit. Machame and Lemosho routes, on the other hand, approach the crater near Stellar Point, easing the final ascent.

Route Congestion:

For a quieter experience, opt for the Rongai route, attracting fewer climbers than popular southern routes, ensuring a more secluded trek.

Accommodation on the Climb: Marangu route provides hut accommodation, suitable for those averse to camping. However, expect basic amenities and potential noise.

Safety of Kilimanjaro Routes: With the exception of the Arrow Point route, all routes are relatively safe if approached sensibly. Avoid the Arrow Point route due to unmanageable rockfall risks.

Highest Summit Success Rate: The 9-Day Northern Circuit, Lemosho over 8 days, and Machame over 7 days boast the highest summit success rates, attributed to superior acclimatization and manageable summit nights.