Kilimanjaro Routes: The Ultimate Guide to Choosing Your Path to Summit Mount Kilimanjaro
Welcome to the most comprehensive resource on Kilimanjaro routes. If you’re planning to climb Africa’s highest peak, understanding the various Mt Kilimanjaro routes is essential for a successful and enjoyable adventure. At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, we break down everything you need to know about the Mount Kilimanjaro routes, including their pros, cons, durations, difficulties, and success rates. Whether you’re a beginner seeking the easiest path or an experienced hiker looking for scenic views, this guide covers it all.
Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), attracts over 50,000 climbers annually. With an average summit success rate of 70-80% across all routes, your choice of route plays a crucial role in your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. There are seven main routes to Kilimanjaro, each offering unique experiences in terms of scenery, crowds, acclimatization, and challenge levels. Let’s dive into the details to help you select the best Kilimanjaro climbing routes for your journey.
Overview of Kilimanjaro Routes
The routes of Kilimanjaro vary in length, elevation gain, and terrain. Most approach from the south or west, with one from the north. Key factors to consider include:
- Duration: Longer routes allow better acclimatization, boosting success rates.
- Difficulty: From gradual slopes to steep ascents.
- Scenery: Diverse ecosystems like rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts.
- Traffic: Some are crowded, others offer solitude.
- Accommodation: Camping vs. huts.
Here’s a quick comparison table of the main Kilimanjaro hiking routes:
| Route Name | Typical Duration | Difficulty | Success Rate | Scenery | Traffic | Accommodation | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu (“Coca-Cola”) | 5-6 days | Easy-Moderate | Low (around 50-60%) | Moderate variety; same path up/down | High | Huts | Beginners, budget climbers, rainy season |
| Machame (“Whiskey”) | 6-7 days | Moderate-Hard | High (70-85%) | Highly scenic, diverse zones | High | Camping | Adventurous hikers seeking views |
| Lemosho | 7-8 days | Moderate-Hard | High (80-90%) | Most beautiful, panoramic vistas | Low-Medium | Camping | Scenery lovers, good acclimatization |
| Rongai | 6-7 days | Moderate | Medium-High (70-80%) | Wilderness, northern views | Low | Camping | Remote hikes, rainy season |
| Northern Circuit | 8-9 days | Moderate | Very High (90%+) | 360-degree views, varied | Low | Camping | Highest success, experienced trekkers |
| Umbwe | 5-6 days | Hard | Low (50-60%) | Steep, direct | Low | Camping | Fit climbers wanting challenge |
| Shira | 6-8 days | Moderate-Hard | Medium (60-70%) | Plateau views, merges with Lemosho | Low | Camping | Quick starts, but high altitude start |
Success rates can vary based on operator, fitness, and weather.
Detailed Breakdown of Each Kilimanjaro Route
1. Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is one of the oldest and most established Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. It spans about 72 km and is the only route with hut accommodations, making it popular for those avoiding tents.
- Duration: 5-6 days (6 recommended for acclimatization).
- Difficulty: Easiest overall due to gradual slopes, but summit night is tough.
- Pros: Affordable, sheltered huts, suitable for rainy seasons.
- Cons: Lower success rate due to rapid ascent; crowded; less scenic variety as ascent and descent use the same path.
- Success Rate: Low, around 50-60% on 5 days.
- Unique Features: Crosses The Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Ideal for beginners or those short on time, but add an extra day for better odds.
2. Machame Route
Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this is one of the most popular Kili routes for its stunning scenery and “climb high, sleep low” profile that aids acclimatization.
- Duration: 6-7 days (7 recommended).
- Difficulty: Challenging, with steep sections.
- Pros: Diverse landscapes through four climate zones; high success with extra day.
- Cons: Crowded in peak seasons; requires camping.
- Success Rate: Fairly high, 70-85%.
- Unique Features: Traverses under the southern ice fields; optional extra rest at Karanga Camp.
Great for those with hiking experience seeking adventure.
3. Lemosho Route
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most beautiful and one of the best routes up Kilimanjaro. It starts remotely on the west side and crosses the Shira Plateau.
- Duration: 7-8 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate to hard.
- Pros: Excellent acclimatization; low crowds initially; wildlife sightings possible.
- Cons: Longer and more expensive.
- Success Rate: High, 80-90%.
- Unique Features: Panoramic views; joins Machame later.
Highly recommended for scenery and success.
4. Rongai Route
The only northern approach, the Kilimanjaro Rongai Route offers a wilderness feel and is great for avoiding rain.
- Duration: 6-7 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Pros: Less crowded; drier conditions; descends via Marangu.
- Cons: Less varied scenery; fewer acclimatization opportunities.
- Success Rate: Medium, 70-80%.
- Unique Features: Potential for wildlife; remote start near Kenya border.
Best for those wanting solitude.
5. Northern Circuit Route
The longest route for climbing Kilimanjaro, providing the best acclimatization.
- Duration: 8-9 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate.
- Pros: Highest success rate; 360-degree views; quiet.
- Cons: Most expensive and time-consuming.
- Success Rate: Very high, over 90%.
- Unique Features: Circumnavigates the mountain.
Perfect for maximizing summit chances.
6. Umbwe Route
The steepest and most direct Mt Kilimanjaro climbing routes.
- Duration: 5-6 days.
- Difficulty: Hardest.
- Pros: Short and challenging; low traffic.
- Cons: Poor acclimatization; low success.
- Success Rate: Low, 50-60%.
- Unique Features: Joins Machame; technical sections.
For fit, experienced climbers only.
7. Shira Route
Similar to Lemosho but starts higher via vehicle.
- Duration: 6-8 days.
- Difficulty: Moderate-hard.
- Pros: Scenic plateau; less initial hiking.
- Cons: High starting altitude risks sickness; not recommended.
- Success Rate: Low to medium.
- Unique Features: Merges with Lemosho.
Often avoided in favor of Lemosho.
How to Choose the Best Kilimanjaro Route
Selecting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends on several factors:
- Fitness Level: Beginners should opt for Marangu or Rongai; fit climbers can try Machame or Umbwe.
- Acclimatization: Longer routes like Lemosho or Northern Circuit maximize summit success.
- Budget: Marangu is the most affordable; Northern Circuit is pricier.
- Scenery: Lemosho and Machame offer diverse landscapes; Rongai provides unique northern views.
- Crowds: Avoid Machame or Marangu for quieter routes like Rongai or Northern Circuit.
- Season: Dry seasons (January–March, June–October) are ideal; Rongai is better during rainy seasons (April–May, November).
For most climbers, the Lemosho Route or Machame Route offers the best balance of scenery, success rate, and adventure.
Best Kilimanjaro Routes for Beginners
First-time climbers should consider these beginner-friendly routes:
- Marangu Route: Easiest terrain, hut accommodations, but lower success rate.
- Rongai Route: Quiet, gradual ascent, ideal for solitude seekers.
- Machame Route: Scenic and challenging but suitable for fit beginners with proper preparation.
Proper acclimatization, training, and a licensed guide are essential for beginners to reach the summit safely.
What Is the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The best route for Kilimanjaro depends on your goals. For overall balance of success, scenery, and low crowds, the Lemosho Route or Northern Circuit are top choices. Lemosho offers beauty and high success (80-90%), while Northern Circuit boasts the highest rates (90%+). If you’re asking “what is the best route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro,” we recommend Lemosho for most climbers.
What Is the Easiest Route to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The Marangu Route is considered the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro due to its gradual slope and hut stays. However, its rapid ascent leads to lower success. Rongai is another easy option with flatter terrain.
How Many Routes Up Kilimanjaro?
There are seven main routes up Kilimanjaro: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, and Shira. Some sources mention variations, but these are the established ones.
Tips for Choosing Your Kilimanjaro Route
- For Beginners: Marangu or Rongai.
- For Scenery: Lemosho or Machame.
- For High Success: Northern Circuit.
- Budget: Marangu (shortest).
- Avoid Crowds: Rongai or Northern Circuit.
Always prioritize acclimatization—opt for longer itineraries. Check our Mount Kilimanjaro Guide for booking tips, gear lists, and more.
Things to Consider When Choosing Kilimanjaro Routes
Who
Consider your group’s fitness, experience, and preferences. Beginners should choose Lemosho or Machame for better acclimatization, while experienced climbers may prefer Umbwe. Smaller groups may enjoy quieter routes like Rongai.
What
Budget and time constraints matter. Marangu is the cheapest and shortest, while Lemosho and Northern Circuit are pricier but offer higher success rates.
How
Decide between comfort (Marangu’s huts) or adventure (camping on other routes). Difficulty varies, with Umbwe being the toughest and Marangu the easiest.
Where
Routes start from different sides of the mountain. Western routes (Lemosho, Northern Circuit) are scenic and less crowded; southern routes (Machame, Umbwe) are busier; Marangu is the easiest but least scenic; Rongai offers northern solitude.
Why
Prioritize summit success (Northern Circuit, Lemosho), scenery (Lemosho, Machame), or experience (Rongai, Umbwe) based on your goals.
When
Climb during dry seasons (January–March, June–October) for best conditions. Avoid busy routes like Machame in peak seasons for a quieter experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Routes
How many routes up Kilimanjaro are there?
There are seven official routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, and Shira.
What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
The Northern Circuit has the highest success rate, while the Lemosho Route is the most scenic and beginner-friendly. Machame is popular for its balance of beauty and challenge.
What is the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro?
The Marangu Route is the easiest due to its gradual slopes and hut accommodations, but its shorter duration lowers its success rate.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?
The Northern Circuit Route has the highest success rate (95%+) due to its long acclimatization period.
What is the most scenic Kilimanjaro route?
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic, with diverse landscapes and panoramic views.
Are all Kilimanjaro routes guided?
Yes, Tanzanian law requires all Kilimanjaro climbs to be led by a licensed guide.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best months are January–March and June–October for dry weather and clear skies.
Why Climb with Mount Kilimanjaro Guide?
At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, we partner with certified local experts like Josephat Mashehe to ensure a safe, ethical, and memorable climb. We tailor your route to your fitness level, goals, and budget, offering free consultations to plan your perfect Kilimanjaro adventure.
