Which is the Truly Easiest Route Up Kilimanjaro?
For adventurers seeking the easiest Kilimanjaro route, the answer isn’t as simple as you might think. While the Marangu Route is often marketed as the simplest path, our analysis of thousands of climbs reveals surprising truths about what really makes a route “easy” for most trekkers.
The Truth About “Easy” Kilimanjaro Routes
Key Factors That Determine Ease
✔ Acclimatization profile (most important factor)
✔ Daily hiking hours
✔ Trail conditions
✔ Altitude gain per day
✔ Summit night difficulty
Surprising Fact: The route with the gentlest terrain (Marangu) has the lowest success rate (60-70%) due to poor acclimatization, while “harder” routes with better profiles achieve 85-95% success.
Actual Easiest Routes Ranked
1. 8-Day Northern Circuit (Easiest for Success)
Success Rate: 90-95%
Why It’s Easy:
Longest route (9 days) = best acclimatization
Gradual 360° approach
Shortest summit night (10-12 hours)
Best For: Those who want the highest chance of summiting with minimal altitude issues
2. 7-Day Rongai Route (Easiest Terrain)
Success Rate: 75-80%
Why It’s Easy:
Only northern approach = driest conditions
Gentle, consistent slopes
Low crowds
Best For: Older hikers or those wanting the most gradual ascent
3. 6-Day Marangu Route (“Easiest” But Tricky)
Success Rate: 70-75%
Pros:
Only route with huts
Well-maintained trail
Cons:
Poor acclimatization
Crowded
Best For: Those who absolutely refuse to camp
Daily Difficulty Comparison
| Route | Avg Daily Hours | Summit Night | Total Steps* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 4-6 | 10-12 hrs | 160,000 |
| Rongai | 5-7 | 12-14 hrs | 175,000 |
| Marangu | 4-7 | 12-16 hrs | 190,000 |
*Estimated total steps roundtrip
Who Should Choose Which “Easy” Route?
For Maximum Success
Choose the Northern Circuit if:
You can spare 9 days
Summit chance matters most
You want to avoid crowds
For Gentlest Hiking
Choose Rongai if:
You prefer consistent slopes
Dry conditions are important
You don’t mind camping
For Hut Accommodations
Choose Marangu (6-day) if:
You hate tents
You’re on a tighter schedule
You understand the lower success rate
Training for the “Easiest” Routes
Even on simpler routes, proper preparation is vital:
Minimum Fitness Baseline:
Hike 5 hours with 500m elevation gain
Walk 10km/day for 3 consecutive days
Carry 8kg pack comfortably
Recommended 12-Week Plan:
Weeks 1-4: 3x weekly 1-hour hill walks
Weeks 5-8: 4x weekly 2-hour hikes with pack
Weeks 9-12: Back-to-back weekend hike days
Essential Gear for Easier Routes
Special Recommendations:
Trekking poles (reduce knee strain by 30%)
Footwear: Break in boots on 5+ hikes
Sleeping bag: -10°C rating minimum
Headlamp: 300+ lumens for summit night
Pro Tip: On hut routes (Marangu), add earplugs and a sleeping bag liner.
Cost Comparison
| Route | Duration | Avg. Cost | Value Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Northern Circuit | 9 days | 4,500 | ★★★★★ |
| Rongai | 7 days | 3,200 | ★★★★☆ |
| Marangu | 6 days | 2,600 | ★★★☆☆ |
Note: Longer routes cost more but have higher success ROI
FAQs About Easy Kilimanjaro Routes
Q: Is there really an “easy” way to climb Kilimanjaro?
A: While no route is truly easy, some are significantly easier than others when considering success rates, terrain, and acclimatization.
Q: Can unfit people climb via these routes?
A: With 3-6 months training, most average fitness individuals can succeed on these “easier” routes.
Q: Which route has the easiest summit night?
A: The Northern Circuit’s summit push is 2-4 hours shorter than other routes.
Q: Are these routes good for older climbers?
A: Yes, especially Rongai and Northern Circuit which have better acclimatization.
Making Your Decision
The easiest Kilimanjaro route depends on your priorities:
For surest summit: Northern Circuit (9-day)
For gentlest hiking: Rongai (7-day)
For hut accommodations: Marangu (6-day)
Pro Advice: Don’t let the “easy” label fool you – all Mount Kilimanjaro climbs require proper training and preparation. Choose based on success rates first, comfort second.
