Mount Kilimanjaro offers seven established paths to reach its summit, Uhuru Peak. Each route has its own unique features and advantages, catering to different preferences and skill levels. Here is an overview of each route:
1. Northern Circuit Route
Starting Point: Northern side
Description: This is the newest and longest route, providing excellent acclimatization due to its extended duration. It offers stunning panoramic views and a high success rate. The route is less crowded, providing a more secluded experience.
2. Lemosho Route
Starting Point: Western side (Southern approach)
Description: Known for its beautiful scenery and diverse landscapes, the Lemosho Route starts from the lush rainforest and traverses the Shira Plateau. It allows for good acclimatization and has a high success rate. It’s less crowded in the initial days compared to other southern routes.
3. Shira Route
Starting Point: Western side (Southern approach)
Description: Similar to the Lemosho Route, the Shira Route starts on the western side but begins at a higher elevation. It crosses the Shira Plateau and joins the Machame Route. This route offers good acclimatization and scenic views but requires climbers to adjust quickly to the altitude.
4. Machame Route (“Whiskey” Route)
Starting Point: Southern side
Description: One of the most popular routes due to its diverse scenery and high success rate. The Machame Route follows a “walk high, sleep low” approach, aiding in acclimatization. It is known for its challenging terrain and beautiful vistas, making it a favorite among climbers.
5. Rongai Route
Starting Point: Northern side
Description: The only route starting from the northern side, it offers a different perspective of the mountain. The Rongai Route is less crowded and provides a more gradual ascent. It is ideal for those seeking a quieter trek with a good chance of encountering wildlife.
6. Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola” Route)
Starting Point: Southeastern side
Description: The oldest and most established route, known for its hut accommodations instead of camping. The Marangu Route is the shortest and most direct path to the summit but has a lower success rate due to its rapid ascent. It is also the only route where climbers descend on the same path.
7. Umbwe Route
Starting Point: Southern side
Description: The Umbwe Route is the shortest and steepest route, offering a direct path to the summit. It is considered the most challenging and is recommended for experienced climbers. The route is less crowded but has a lower success rate due to its rapid altitude gain.
Each route offers a unique experience, so choosing the right one depends on your preferences, fitness level, and acclimatization needs.
Route with the Highest Success Rate and Overall Best Performance
Lemosho Route and Machame Route (7 or 8 days)
Advantages: These routes offer the best chance of reaching the summit due to excellent acclimatization and a less strenuous summit night.
Recommendation: Ideal for those who prioritize reaching the top.
Most Challenging Route
Crater Camp Option
Advantages: Offers a unique and adventurous wilderness experience.
Disadvantages: Less than 1% of climbers choose this route.
Recommendation: Ideal for adventurers seeking a unique challenge.
Route with the Least Noise
Rongai Route
Advantages: This route is less crowded than others.
Disadvantages: The success rate is lower.
Recommendation: Best for those who prefer solitude and quiet.
Route with the Most Scenic Views
Lemosho Route
Advantages: This route provides breathtaking views from the western approach.
Recommendation: Perfect for climbers seeking stunning scenery.
Route Summaries
Machame Route
Advantages: Offers the best success rate, better acclimatization with “walk high, sleep low” strategy, stunning scenery, different routes for ascent and descent, fully catered camping.
Recommendation: Highly recommended for most climbers.
Lemosho Route
Advantages: High success rate, excellent acclimatization, remote and spectacular approach, fully catered camping.
Disadvantages: Shira route starts higher, which may affect acclimatization.
Recommendation: An excellent choice for most climbers.
Marangu Route
Advantages: Shortest route to the summit, dormitory-style accommodation.
Disadvantages: Lower success rate, less scenic as it follows the same path for ascent and descent, noisy accommodation.
Recommendation: Best for those who prefer not to camp.
Disadvantages: Tough final summit night, less natural acclimatization.
Recommendation: Ideal for those seeking solitude.
Umbwe Route
Advantages: Very remote and quiet for the first two days, fully catered camping.
Disadvantages: Steep and short route with a low success rate due to rapid ascent.
Recommendation: Best for experienced climbers seeking a challenging route.
When planning your Kilimanjaro climb, consider factors such as acclimatization, summit night difficulty, route crowding, accommodation options, safety, and success rates. Each route offers a unique experience, so choose the one that best suits your needs and preferences.
