Tanzania’s majestic Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain not only in Tanzania but also In Africa. The highest freestanding mountain in the world. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro peak is a feature on many intense adventurer’s bucket lists. There are numerous Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes to study before you start planning Kilimanjaro Climb, to make sure you have the best possibilities of reaching the peak.
- The Lemosho Route
- The Machame Route
- The Marangu Route
- The Northern Circuit Route
- The Rongai Route
- The Shira Route
- The Umbwe Route
The Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is lengthier than the more popular Machame Route and deals a more measured ascent of Kilimanjaro.
- Best for the explorer who has hiking experience.
- Steadier ascent also offers a good acclimatization period, which aids prevent altitude sickness.
- 100% success rate of mountaineers’ success the summit on our Kilimanjaro Climb via the Lemosho Route.
- It’s conceivable to trek the Lemosho route can be a hike, which is eight days in total, including a summit day and the descent.
- Most of the tracks on the Lemosho Route are well certain and of decent quality. But some forest segments are often risky and moorland paths can be wet in extreme weather situations.
The Machame Route
Machame is the most prevalent route for Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, faster and also tougher than the Lemosho route; although not technically difficult, the trails are more strenuous and steeper.
- This route has recorded, with a reported 60% of hikers reaching the altitude of Kilimanjaro.
- There are selections to trek the Machame Route in six days or seven days.
- The scenic Machame Route starts from the southwest side of Kilimanjaro, circles Kibo on the southern side, following the Southern Circuit via Barafu and Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak.
- Stunning scenery through four diverse climatic zones on your ascent. Highlights contain the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower, and the Barranco Wall, though the latter is a challenging climb.
The Marangu Route
Often nicknamed the “Coca Cola” route for its popularity, the Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that uses the same path up and down, adding to the frustration of those trying to ascend and descend in the same space.
- Comfortable walking path with a very steady, gradual slope, and therefore used by many unprepared tourists, rather than serious trekkers.
- Technically an easier hike, the five-day Marangu route has one of the lowest rates of success of all the Kilimanjaro routes. The route is also less scenic than the others.
The Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit Route is one of the latest Kilimanjaro routes till now, it proposes a lengthier. More gradual ascent by circling the mountain.
- This trek is around a nine-day climb, which means it is the longest Kilimanjaro Route on this list both in terms of time and distance traveled.
- This slow pace is great for acclimatization and prevention of altitude sickness, resulting in one of the highest success rates of all Kilimanjaro routes.
- Navigating the mountain via the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes, the Northern Circuit includes diverse scenery.
- A quieter trail, offering you more time to acclimatize and no crowds, to best enjoy your climb and the epic views.
The Rongai Route
The northern Rongai Route offers a relatively “easy” climb, a high success rate, a gradual and steady ascent, plus wildlife watching in the wilderness. The Rongai Route is the only Kilimanjaro route that approaches the mountain from the north. The trail jerks from the northeast and crosses through between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak.
- This route uses Gilman’s Point to tactic the summit and then descends via the Marangu Route, so you get the opportunity to see both sides of the mountain.
- There are still oases of wilderness, especially on the latter days of the hike, and the camp beneath Mawenzi Peak is noted as one of the most scenic on the mountain.
- Weather conditions are more good for climbing and camping. This is a big plus to reflect if you’re hiking through Tanzania’s wetter seasons.
The Shira Route
The Shira route follows the Machame route up Mount Kilimanjaro, but with one big difference: the first-day catapults you into some serious altitude, but it’s hardly the most scenic of options.
- The route can be completed in six days, but you’d be wiser for a longer version of the trek in order to properly acclimatize, especially if you’re only just arrived in Tanzania or if you live around sea level.
- Due to the route being less popular, you’ll be able to enjoy the tranquillity of the mountain scenery.
- To avoid altitude sickness, the best option with this route is to include a night at Karanga Valley, near the summit.
The Umbwe Route
The most demanding, steep, and exposed Kilimanjaro Route, the Umbwe Route is arguably also the most spectacular in terms of scenery. However, this is one option for extremely skilled hikers, due to the trouble of the trails.
- The short and challenging beginning ascent to Barranco camp takes two days.
- The lack of time for acclimatization is also a factor to consider, as this is one of the reasons why the Umbwe route has a lower success rate.
We acclaim the Machame and Lemosho routes, and our liking is the Lemosho, which is reflected by many to be the best and most beautiful route to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The above details can make an informed decision as to which route is best for your Kilimanjaro trekking adventure. For more Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Guide contact us now @Jerry Tanzania Tours.