Kilimanjaro Routes: Complete Guide to Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Kilimanajro routes are the officially designated paths used by trekkers to reach the summit of Africa’s highest mountain, Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Choosing the right Mount Kilimanjaro climbing route is one of the most important decisions you will make when planning your trek. Each route differs in scenery, difficulty, acclimatisation profile, success rate, and overall experience.
This detailed guide by Mount Kilimanjaro Guide covers all major Kilimanjaro climbing routes, compares their features, and helps you identify the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro based on your goals, fitness level, and time available.
How Many Routes Up Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are 7 main Kilimanjaro routes used to climb the mountain:
Marangu Route
Machame Route
Lemosho Route
Rongai Route
Umbwe Route
Shira Route
Northern Circuit Route
These Mount Kilimanjaro routes vary in distance, altitude gain, acclimatization pattern, and success rates, making some better suited for beginners and others for experienced climbers.
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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