Climbing Kilimanjaro Top Routes

Ultimate Guide to Kilimanjaro Routes: Find the Best Route for Climbing Kilimanjaro

Are you ready to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro? Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route is crucial for a successful, enjoyable climb. With seven main routes to Kilimanjaro’s summit, each offers unique advantages in acclimatization, scenery, and success rates. Here’s a complete guide to the Kilimanjaro routes to help you select the best one for your journey.

Overview of Mount Kilimanjaro Routes
There are seven established routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, each with distinct benefits:

1. Northern Circuit Route: longest route with the highest summit success rate.
2. Lemosho Route: Ideal for acclimatization and spectacular scenery.
3. Shira Route: Scenic but less popular due to a shorter acclimatization period.
4. Machame Route: Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers high success rates and varied landscapes.
5. Rongai Route: Quietest route and the only one approaching from the north.
6. Marangu Route: The “Coca-Cola Route,” featuring hut accommodations.
7. Umbwe Route: short, steep, and highly challenging.

Best Kilimanjaro Routes by Category

Highest Success Rate: Machame and Lemosho Routes
To maximize your chances of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit, choose either the Machame or Lemosho Route on a 7-8 day itinerary. These routes allow for optimal acclimatization through “walk high, sleep low” strategies, making summit night easier.

Most Scenic Route: Lemosho Route 
The Lemosho Route offers stunning panoramic views, with dramatic landscapes and a diverse range of ecosystems. It’s the top choice for those seeking a scenic Kilimanjaro trek.

Quietest Route: Rongai Route
If solitude is a priority, the Rongai Route is ideal. Beginning from the northern side, this route sees fewer trekkers, although acclimatization opportunities are more limited.

Most Challenging Route: Umbwe Route 
For experienced hikers seeking a tough climb, the Umbwe Route provides a steep, direct ascent with fewer acclimatization chances, making it Kilimanjaro’s most demanding route.

Pros and Cons of Each Kilimanjaro Route

Machame Route
Pros: high success rate, varied climate zones, different ascent and descent routes. 
Cons: Can be crowded.

Lemosho Route 
Pros: Excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds, scenic western approach. 
Cons: Slightly longer route, requiring fully catered camping.

Marangu Route 
Pros: The only route with hut accommodations, shortest route in duration. 
Cons: lower success rate, fewer scenic views.

Rongai Route 
Pros: Quiet, scenic approach from the north. 
Cons: Tough summit night, limited natural acclimatization.

Umbwe Route 
Pros: Very quiet, ideal for experienced hikers. 
Cons: Low success rate due to rapid ascent and steep climb.

Key Considerations for Choosing a Kilimanjaro Route

1. Acclimatization Needs: The Machame and Lemosho Routes are best for acclimatization.
2. Summit Night Challenge: The Rongai and Marangu Routes have the most challenging summit nights. For a shorter, easier summit night, consider the Machame or Lemosho Routes.
3. Crowd Levels: For fewer crowds, the Rongai Route is the best choice, while Machame and Marangu tend to be busier.
4. Accommodation Type: Only the Marangu Route offers hut accommodations; all others require camping.
5. Safety Concerns: Risky routes like the Arrow Point are best avoided due to rockfall hazards.
6. Overall Success Rates: The highest success rates are on the Northern Circuit, Lemosho, and Machame Routes, especially on extended itineraries.

Book Your Kilimanjaro Climb
We offer group climbs on various Kilimanjaro routes, allowing you to join others in the adventure of a lifetime. Book today and embark on your journey to Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak—choose the best route and make your summit dream a reality!