Top Five Kilimanjaro Routes: Find the Best Route for Your Climb

Top 5 Kilimanjaro Routes: Choose the Right One?

The popular and greatest trekking peak in Africa is Mount Kilimanjarowhich is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) high free standing mountain. Therefore while planning to climb this peak, you need to consider which route is most suitable to take, which one has different challenges, landscape, duration and percentage of people who scale the mountain. In this Kilimanjaroguide, we will look at the five best routes and determine which trek fits your personality and aspirations best.

1. Machame Route also known as The Whiskey Route

One of the most scenic, yet moderately strenuous routes is the Machame, sometimes called the ‘whisky’ route.

Duration: 6-7 days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Success Rate: Moderately high (approximately 85% of the simple one-week trek).

Distance: About 38.9 miles or 62 kilometers

It is one of the most stunning routes, which passes through the rainforest , heath and moorland, lunar landscapes and  towards Uhuru Peak. Y is considered to be more difficult compared to Urumqi wheat field and it is a steep, more challenging trek which is a little bit hard for virgin on the second day and then for the fourth day. However, the longer seemed to take and a steady increase in the number of hours ensured that acclimatization is enhanced hence increasing the possibility of a successful summit.

Who is it for?

Machame route is specifically suited for the adventurers who have prior experience in trekking with magnificent scenery, moderate difficult level and high summit rates.

2. One more exciting route is Marangu Route, also known as the Coca Cola route.

The Marangu Routeis also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” because it’s been established as the original trail to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This is also the only path that allows hut lodgings and is generally more comfortable than the others at most places.

Duration: 5-6 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Success Rate: Moderate (around 50%)

Distance: About fifty-one and seven tenths of a kilometer, or about 32 and 135/210 of a statute mile.

The Marangu route is easier compared to other expenditures, with shorter distance and less steep inclined, therefore preferred by many climbers. While other routes need camping the huts at the Marangu Route are preferred by many trekkers since it’s a bit more convenient. Nevertheless, the time is considerably less to acclimatize hence has lesser success rates compared to other approaches.

Who is it for?

The Marangu Route is ideal for the beginner climber, those who can only afford hut accommodation or who have limited time to climb. However, caution needs to be taken here in a manner that the steep climb actually lowers your chances of making it to the top.

3. Lemosho Route

Lemosho is one of the youngest routes and is known to be considerably beautiful; however, it has several paths.

Duration: 7-8 days

Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

Success Rate: High (around at 90 percent for 8 day trek).

Distance: About 43 miles or 70 kilometers in distance

This route initiates from the western side of the mountain and passes through several narrow sections of the rainforest and secluded areas, and later joins the Machame route. This means that the longer duration of the trek affords good opportunity of acclimatization hence it has high success rates. This makes it an attractive destination for trekkers since it has different topography and receives few tourists as compared to other cities.

Who is it for?

The Lemosho Route is more attractive and quieter than other tracks, but the success of a climb is higher because of the better acclimatization. It is perfect for travelers who want an experience of the real Kilimanjaro.

4. Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is unique from other Kilimanjaro routes since it starts from the [...] near the border with Kenya. This makes it unique and relatively less busy as it is the case with the more busy southern routes.

Duration: 6-7 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Success Rate: Moderate to high especially with aggressive porters trekking around 80% for the 7 days trek.

Distance: About 73 km

What makes the Rongai route stand out is that it is relatively drier than the other seasons, especially during the rainy season. It is also gradual, hence does not pose great difficulties in a process of acclimatization. The walking will be easier but the views are not as spectacular as on the Machame or Lemosho routes but it does mean stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Who is it for?

The Rongai Route is also ideal for the trekkers that prefer fewer people on the trail and those who prefer gradual incline. It is also suitable for those who hike in the course of the wet season because of its relatively dry climate.

5. Northern Circuit Route

TheNorthern CircuitRoute is the newest and longest route on Kili with circular exposure to the mountain. It is also one of the least frequented trails: the trek is therefore less animated than on other routes.

Duration: 9 days

Difficulty: Moderate

Success Rate:Very high (over 95%)

Distance: About 98 kilometers (61 miles).

The Northern Circuit lasts longer as it circles the northern slopes, provides an even better view and more days for acclimatizing. This route takes a longer time to reach the summit with more time up than any of the other Kilimanjaro routes and as a result has the highest success rate. The extra days are therefore advisable especially for those who prefer to have more time on this trip and see more beautiful country sceneries.

Who is it for?

For the adventurous at the top it’s slightly longer than the Western Circuit and offers much better odds of summiting successfully. This is especially suitable for hiking enthusiasts who like to be alone and view beautiful landscapes at a glance.

Conclusion: Which Kilimanjaro Route is Right for You?

Choosing a proper route up the Killing mountain and proper gearis determined by one's experience, physical ability and preference. Here’s a quick recap to help you decide:

Machame Route:Most suitable for hikers who have hiked before and looking forward to getting some spectacular view with little to no struggle at all.

Marangu Route: Most suitable for novices who seek convenience of huts with relative ease and lower success rates however.

Lemosho Route:Ideal for hikers who prefer less crowd, magnificent views and a little longer hiking with proper altitude adjustment.

Rongai Route: Ideal for hikers with a different, less wet trail preference especially during the raining period.

Northern Circuit Route: The best course of action for those who are fond of trekking and they wish to enhance their possible success by doing a longer trek.

Taking these considerations into account you will be able to select the most appropriate route that with regard to your goals of climbing Kilimanjaro you will have a more enjoyable and successful and even fun experience.

FAQs About Kilimanjaro Routes

1. When is the proper time to attempt and climb the great Kili in Tanzania?

Unlike other mountains, Mount Kilimanjarois better to ascend during the dry periods, from June to October and December to February. Its months bring about better trekking conditions, more explicitly clear skies and temperatures which are not extreme.

2. Can it be challenging or strenuous to climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is a physical challenge and this I understood but anyone can summit if properly prepared. Again the main important issue is the altitude irrespective of the level of physical fitness of any individual. This means that proportionately choosing a longer route of better acclimatization has more probability of success.

3. How likely is it to get to the top?

The probability of summing Mount Kilimanjaro depends on what route is to be taken. The longer routes, including Lemosho, Machame, or Northern Circuit, have rates between 85% to 95%, while Conservatives Marangu has the lowest rates at 50%.

4. How much will it cost me if I have to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro is between $1,500 and $5,000 depending on the route to be taken, the duration of the trekking and the operator to be hired. Circuit longer routes demand more days on the mountain, service from the local guides and porters hence cost more.

5. What is the best technique for a real beginner?

The Marangu Route is preferred for its relatively short trekking time; huts used during the trek. However, the group and Lemosho are also good because there will be more time given to acclimatization.

6. Must you camp along the entire Kilimanjaro?

Well, I can tell you that it is not a general rule that you have to camp on all the routes. It is the only route that has available hut accommodation for trekkers. Every other route for climbing the mountain is in fact through the camping routes which include the; Machame route, Lemosho, Rongai and so on.

7. Am I allowed to hike Kilimanjaro by myself without a guide?

Yes, Tanzanian regulations do state that all trekkers must be accompanied by a registered guide. While most tours are provided by operators who arrange for guides, porters, and other working staff.

8. How can I prevent altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro?

To prevent altitude sickness, pace yourself, drink plenty of water, and choose a longer route to allow for better acclimatization. Medications like Diamox can also help reduce symptoms; consult your doctor before the trek.