Kilimanjaro Routes: The Ultimate Guide
Planning to climb Africa’s highest peak? Understanding the Kilimanjaro routes is crucial for a successful summit of Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). With seven main Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes—each offering unique scenery, difficulty levels, and success rates—choosing the right one depends on your fitness, time, and preferences. This comprehensive guide compares all Mt Kilimanjaro routes, including pros, cons, itineraries, and tips to help you decide. Whether you’re eyeing the popular Machame or the remote Northern Circuit, we’ll cover everything from Kili routes success rates to the best options for beginners.
How Many Routes Up Kilimanjaro?
There are seven established Kilimanjaro routes to the summit: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, and Shira. All ascend from different sides of the mountain, converging near the top for the final push. The Mt Kilimanjaro on map reveals a southern concentration of routes like Machame and Umbwe, while Rongai and Northern Circuit approach from the north. Each route varies in length (50-90 km), duration (5-10 days), and acclimatization, impacting success.
Kilimanjaro Routes Comparison
To help you choose, here’s a side-by-side comparison of the main Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. Factors include typical days, difficulty (1-5 scale), success rate, scenery rating, crowd levels, and key features. Data is based on operator reports and park statistics.
| Route | Days | Difficulty (1-5) | Success Rate | Scenery (1-5) | Crowds (1-5) | Key Features |
|---|
| Marangu | 5-6 | 2 | 50-75% | 3 | 4 | Huts, easiest, “Coca-Cola Route” |
| Machame | 6-7 | 3 | 75-90% | 4 | 5 | Scenic, popular, “Whiskey Route” |
| Lemosho | 7-8 | 3 | 85-95% | 5 | 3 | Remote start, diverse landscapes |
| Rongai | 6-7 | 2 | 70-85% | 3 | 2 | Northern approach, drier, wildlife |
| Northern Circuit | 8-10 | 3 | 90-98% | 5 | 1 | Longest, best acclimatization, 360° views |
| Umbwe | 6-7 | 5 | 50-75% | 4 | 1 | Steepest, challenging, uncrowded |
| Shira | 6-8 | 4 | 55-85% | 4 | 2 | High start, plateau views, AMS risk |
THINGS TO CONSIDER WHEN CHOOSING THE MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES
To choose the best Mount Kilimanjaro route for you, there are plenty of variables to be mindful of:
WHO:
Who is climbing? The whole group’s abilities must be factored into choosing a route. Are there novices in your group? Are there people who have never been to
high altitudes? Pick a route that best fits everyone.
WHAT:
What limitations surround your climb? Are you bound by a budget? Or the number of days on your trip? There are cheaper and more expensive routes and shorter and longer itineraries. Get an idea of how much money and how many days people are willing to spend on the mountain.
HOW:
How do you see your trek? Do you want the most challenging route or a less strenuous one? Kilimanjaro can bring out a lot of discomfort and suffering. Some
People don’t want to be pushed too hard. These answers will affect which route is for you.
WHERE:
Where do you want to begin your climb? The routes start from all sides of the mountain. Where you begin affects cost, scenery, and scenic variety. For instance,
The western routes are more scenic because they cover more of the mountain.
WHY:
Why are you climbing? Is it very important to summit? Then choose a route with a high success rate. Do you want to take the best photos? Then pick a scenic
route. Do you just want to be there? Then choose a quick, inexpensive route.
WHEN:
When are you climbing? If you are climbing during the dry season, great. But if you are climbing during the rainy season or the shoulder seasons, then the route you select can play into the climb’s difficulty. Climbs around holidays and full moons are especially crowded.
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Mount Kilimanjaro Guide 
