Choosing the Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro has seven established routes that lead to its summit, Uhuru Peak. One route begins on the Northern side, while the other six start on the Southern side. The routes are:

• Northern Circuit Route
• Lemosho Route
• Shira Route
• Machame Route (also known as the “Whiskey” Route)
• Rongai Route
• Marangu Route (commonly referred to as the “Coca-Cola” Route)
• Umbwe Route

A common question we receive is, “Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?” The answer varies based on individual preferences. Here are our top recommendations:

Optimal Success Rate and Premier Route for Climbing Kilimanjaro

To maximize your chances of reaching the summit, the Lemosho Route and Machame Route, when taken over 7 or 8 days, are the ideal choices. These routes provide superior acclimatization and a less strenuous summit night, making them clear winners. Given that reaching the peak is the ultimate objective for most climbers, we designate these as the top routes for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Most Scenic Route to Climb Kilimanjaro

The Lemosho Route, which approaches from the West, is the clear winner for breathtaking views, offering stunning panoramas in every direction.

Quietest Route to Climb Kilimanjaro

If avoiding crowds is your main concern, the Rongai Route is the best option for your Kilimanjaro climb. However, be aware that this route has a lower success rate.

Most Demanding Route to Climb Kilimanjaro

If you’re in search of a thrilling adventure and an exceptional wilderness journey, the Crater Camp option is the ideal route for you. Only a small fraction of climbers, less than 1%, take this path, and those who do consistently rave about the experience.

Overview of the Pros and Cons of Each Route

Machame Route – from USD 2,540

• Pros:
  • Highly recommended due to its excellent success rate.
  • Facilitates better acclimatization with the “walk high, sleep low” strategy.
  • Stunning scenery as climbers traverse five distinct climatic zones.
  • Ascent and descent follow different paths, offering varied views.
  • Fully catered camping for a comfortable experience.
• Cons:
  • Can be crowded during peak season.

Lemosho Route – from USD 2,590

• Pros:
  • Impressive success rate.
  • Supports the “walk high, sleep low” approach, enhancing acclimatization.
  • Remote and breathtaking approach, featuring dramatic gorges and stunning views of West Kilimanjaro.
  • Fully catered camping, ensuring a comfortable experience.
• Cons:
  • Starts at a higher altitude, making it less ideal for initial acclimatization.

Marangu Route – from USD 2,350

• Pros:
  • Fastest route to the summit.
  • Accommodation in dormitory-style huts, ideal for those who dislike tents.
• Cons:
  • Lower success rate compared to other routes.
  • Less scenic as it follows the same path for both ascent and descent.
  • Noisy accommodations.

Rongai Route – from USD 2,630

• Pros:
  • Only route that approaches Kilimanjaro’s summit from the north.
  • Early part of the climb offers a genuine wilderness experience.
  • Fully catered camping for added comfort.
• Cons:
  • Final night to reach the summit is particularly strenuous.
  • Does not offer the “walk high, sleep low” method, resulting in reduced natural acclimatization.

Umbwe Route – from USD 2,590

• Pros:
  • Steep and short route.
  • Initial two days are notably remote and tranquil.
  • Fully catered camping for a more comfortable experience.
• Cons:
  • Notably low success rate.
  • Rapid ascent results in inadequate acclimatization.

Which Route is Optimal for Climbing Kilimanjaro?

When preparing for your climb in Kilimanjaro, evaluate six essential factors to identify the most suitable route for your journey:

1. Acclimatization: To minimize altitude sickness, the Machame and Lemosho routes are the best options as they naturally support the “walk high, sleep low” approach.

2. Difficulty of the Summit Night: The most challenging summit nights are encountered on the Rongai and Marangu routes. The Machame and Lemosho routes are preferable, as they bring climbers to the crater at Stellar Point, less than an hour’s walk from the summit.

3. Crowd Levels: If you prefer a less crowded experience, the Rongai Route is your best option, starting from the northern side of the mountain.

4. Accommodation Options: The Marangu Route offers dormitory-style hut accommodations, ideal for those who dislike tents but can be noisy.

5. Safety: All Kilimanjaro routes are considered relatively safe if trekked sensibly, except for the Arrow Point Route, which we do not offer due to the high risk of falling rocks.

6. Success Rate: Due to superior acclimatization and a less strenuous summit night, the routes with the highest summit success rates are the 9-day Northern Circuit Route, the 8-day Lemosho Route, and the 7-day Machame Route.

By considering these factors, you can choose the best route for your Kilimanjaro climb, ensuring a safe and successful journey to the summit.