Which is the Best Kilimanjaro Route?

We are here to answer the most popular question.

WHAT’S THE IDEAL KILIMANJARO ROUTE?

There exist seven established routes leading to Mount Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru Peak, one starting from the western side, and the rest from the southern side, which are:

1. Northern Circuit Route
2. Lemosho Route
3. Shira Route
4. Machame Route (known as the “Whiskey” Route)
5. Rongai Route
6. Marangu Route (known as the “Coca-Cola” Route)
7. Umbwe Route

The most frequently asked question we receive is, “Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?” The answer varies based on your preferences. Here’s our insight.

Highest Success Rate and Overall Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
For the highest chance of reaching the summit, the Lemosho and Machame routes over 7 or 8 days are recommended. These routes excel due to excellent acclimatization and a more manageable summit night. Since summiting is the primary goal for most climbers, these routes stand out as the best overall options for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Most Scenic Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route, approaching from the west, boasts the most breathtaking views with spectacular vistas in all directions.

Quietest Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
If avoiding crowds is your priority, the Rongai route is the best choice for your Kilimanjaro climb. However, note that its success rate is lower.

Here’s a summary of each of the most popular route’s advantages and disadvantages:

• » Machame Route.
  Highly recommended, with the best success rate.
  Facilitates “walk high, sleep low” for improved acclimatization.
  Passes through five diverse climatic zones, offering stunning scenery.
  Ascent and descent via different routes.
  Fully catered camping.
• » Lemosho Route.
  An excellent route with a high success rate.
  Enables climbers to “walk high, sleep low” for better acclimatization.
  Features a remote and spectacular approach with dramatic gorges and views of west Kilimanjaro.
  Shira route offers a higher start point, but less conducive for acclimatization.
  Fully catered camping.
• » Marangu Route.
  Shortest route to the summit, allowing less time for acclimatization.
  Lower success rate.
  Dormitory-style accommodation, potentially noisy.
  Less scenic due to using the same route for ascent and descent.
• » Rongai Route.
  The only northern approach to the summit.
  Offers a genuine wilderness experience initially.
  Challenges climbers with a very tough final summit night.
  Less natural acclimatization without opportunities for “walk high, sleep low.”
  Fully catered camping.
• » Umbwe Route.
  Steep and short, with a very low success rate.
  Poor acclimatization due to rapid ascent.
  Very remote and quiet for the initial two days.
  Fully catered camping.

Each Kilimanjaro climbing route caters to different preferences and priorities:

• Acclimatization: Routes like Machame and Lemosho facilitate natural acclimatization by adhering to the “walk high, sleep low” principle.
• Summit Difficulty: Rongai and Marangu routes have more challenging summit nights.
• Crowd Avoidance: Rongai tends to have fewer climbers, providing a more secluded climb.
• Accommodation Preferences: Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations, albeit basic.
• Safety: Most routes are considered safe; however, the Arrow Point route is avoided due to safety concerns.

For the highest summit success rates and optimal acclimatization, the Northern Circuit, Lemosho (over 8 days), and Machame (over 7 days) routes are recommended. Our group climbs cover various routes weekly throughout the year, offering you options based on your preferences and ensuring a safe and memorable Kilimanjaro climb.

However, Golden Kit Tours and Safaris is here so that you don’t have to worry about these decisions. If you have not yet gotten a grasp of what to do, hop on a call with us now!