When it comes to climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you have seven Kilimanjaro routes to choose from. Selecting the right one can significantly impact your experience and your chances of summiting. Here’s an overview of each route, along with their pros and cons, to help you make an informed decision.
Lemosho Route
- Distance: 44 miles (70 km)
- Duration: 8 days
- Summit Success Rate: >90%
The Lemosho route is often considered the most scenic, offering a wide variety of landscapes and a sense of wilderness. It starts on the western side and passes through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the Arctic summit. The route offers excellent acclimatization opportunities, making it one of the best options for reaching the summit. If you want to increase your chances of success, consider the eight-day version for a more gradual ascent.
Machame Route
- Distance: 39 miles (62 km)
- Duration: 7 days
- Summit Success Rate: ~70%
The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey Route,” is the most popular trail on Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning scenery and diverse terrain, making it a favorite among climbers. The acclimatization profile is good, especially if you opt for the seven-day itinerary. However, its popularity can lead to crowded trails during peak season.
Marangu Route
- Distance: 43 miles (72 km)
- Duration: 6 days
- Summit Success Rate: ≤50%
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu route is the only trail with hut accommodations, making it a budget-friendly option. It’s also the only route where you ascend and descend along the same path. While it’s less scenic compared to other routes, it’s a good option for those who prefer not to camp. However, its shorter duration and lack of acclimatization opportunities contribute to a lower success rate.
Rongai Route
- Distance: 44 miles (73 km)
- Duration: 6 days
- Summit Success Rate: ~60%
The Rongai route is the only trail that starts on the northern side of the mountain, offering a quieter climb with fewer crowds. It’s known for its gentle gradient and lovely views, including potential wildlife sightings in the distance. While it lacks the “climb high, sleep low” feature that aids acclimatization, it’s a good choice if you prefer a less steep climb and are looking for a quieter experience.
Shira Route
- Distance: 35 miles (56 km)
- Duration: 7 or 8 days
- Summit Success Rate: <50%
Similar to the Lemosho route, the Shira route also begins on the western side but starts at a much higher altitude since you drive to 11,000 feet. This can increase the risk of altitude sickness, making pre-acclimatization essential. The trail offers stunning scenery but skips the rainforest section, which is a downside for some climbers.
Northern Circuit
- Distance: 53 miles (88 km)
- Duration: 9 days
- Summit Success Rate: >90%
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route to the summit, offering the best acclimatization profile and the highest success rate. The route circles around the northern side of the mountain, providing a quieter and more remote experience. If you have the time and budget, this route offers the best chance of reaching the summit while enjoying the varied and beautiful scenery.
Umbwe Route
- Distance: 33 miles (53 km)
- Duration: 5 or 6 days
- Summit Success Rate: <50%
The Umbwe route is the steepest and most challenging of all Kilimanjaro routes. It’s the least used trail due to its poor acclimatization profile, leading to one of the lowest success rates. While the scenery is beautiful, the trail is physically demanding and not recommended for those looking for a more gradual ascent.
Choosing the Right Route for You
Of the seven Kilimanjaro routes each one offers a unique experience on Kilimanjaro, with varying levels of difficulty, scenery, and acclimatization opportunities. Consider your fitness level, experience with high-altitude trekking, and how much time you have when selecting your route. And remember, we’re here to help!
