Climbing Routes top best mt Kilimanjaro trekking routes. There are seven known ways to get to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro, which is called Uhuru Peak. One of these routes starts on the Northern side of the mountain, while the others start on the Southern side. They include:
1. Northern circuit Route; North Loop
2. Lemosho trekking Route
3. Shira hiking Route
4. (Machame Route) also “Whiskey” Route.”
5. Rongai trekking Route
6. Marangu Route (“Coca-Cola” Route)
7. Route of Umbwe
What is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro?
We often get the question, “What is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro?” more than any other question. And it depends on what you want to do. Here are the people who won
Kilimanjaro’s best route has the highest success rate and is the best route altogether.
The Lemosho and the Machame routes, which take 7 or 8 days, are the best ways to climb Kilimanjaro. That is if you want the best chance of reaching the top. In addition, these routes help you get used to the altitude quickly and have an easier summit night. And since most of our hikers care most about getting to the top, we chose this as the best way to climb Kilimanjaro overall.
The most scenic way to climb Kilimanjaro | Lemosho Trail
The best views are on the Lemosho trail, which is reached from the west and has stunning views in every direction.
Quietest way to climb Kilimanjaro- Rongai Route
If staying away from crowds is the most important thing to you, the Rongai path is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro. But you should know that it’s less likely to work.
The hardest way to get to the top of Kilimanjaro- Umbwe Route
The crater camp choice is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro if you want an adventure and a unique wilderness experience. Less than 1% of climbers get to do this, and all of our climbers who do it rave about it.
Below is a summary of the pros and cons of each Trekking Route.
The Machame route, starting at US$2,540 Per Person
- The best chance of success it’s highly suggested.
- “Walk high, sleep low” helps you get used to the altitude.
- Beautiful views as you climb through five different climate zones.
- There are different ways to go up and down.
- Full-service camping.
Lemosho Route: from $2,590
- This is a great way to climb Kilimanjaro, and it works most of the time.
- Climbers can “walk high and sleep low,” which helps them get used to the altitude.
- There are dramatic canyons and views of west Kilimanjaro as you make your way to the mountain.
- Since the Shira route starts higher, it could be better for acclimatization.
- Full-service camping.
From $2,350 for the Marangu Route | Climbing Routes
- The shortest way to the top, which means less time to get used to the altitude.
- Much less likely to succeed.
- The rooms are like dorms and can be noisy.
Less scenic due to the ascent and descent on the same path.
Rongai – Route from $2630 | Climbing Routes
- Mount Kilimanjaro’s top can only be reached from the north.
- The first part of the climb takes place in a real forest.
- Very hard last night on the peak.
- There is less natural acclimation, and you can’t “walk high, sleep low” to acclimate to the altitude.
- Full-service camping.
Umbwe Route—starting at $2,590
- A steep, short path with a very low chance of success.
- Poor acclimatization due to rapid climb.
- For the first two days, it was very far away and quiet.
- Full-service camping.
How should you climb Kilimanjaro?
When planning your Kilimanjaro climb, you need to think about 6 things to figure out which way is best for you.
- Acclimatization
- How hard the summit night is like
- How crowded is each the trail
- What kinds of mountain accommodation options are available?
- Safety of the trekking route
- What is the success rate of summiting in each route?
Acclimatization while on Kilimanjaro Climb | Climbing Routes
Firstly, walking high and sleeping low is the best rule for going up in high altitudes. If you follow this rule, you’ll be less likely to get altitude sickness and have a better chance of reaching the top. Secondly, to acclimate to the altitude, the Machame and Lemosho routes are the best ways to climb Kilimanjaro. Importantly, On these routes, you walk high and sleep low.
How hard is the night to the top – Summit Night
The Rongai route and the Marangu route have the hardest summit nights. They reach the crater rim on the north side of Kilimanjaro, across from Uhuru Peak, and more than two hours from the summit. The Machame and Lemosho paths are the best ways to climb Kilimanjaro to avoid this since they reach the crater at Stellar Point in less than an hour from the top. Adding an extra hour to a day that is already very long is often the last straw.
How crowded are the climbing routes in Kilimanjaro
The number of climbers on the mountain changes a lot based on the time of year and the day of the week. Even so, if you want to have more of the mountain to yourself, the Rongai route is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro. This route starts in the north and is much less famous than the routes in the south.
Places to stay on the way up| Mountain Huts & Cabins
The Marangu path is the only one where you don’t have to camp, so if you don’t like tents, this is the best way to climb Kilimanjaro for you. But you should know that the huts are very simple and noisy.
Kilimanjaro Routes Safety | Climbing Routes
We think that if you walk gradually, all of the trails except for the Arrow Point route are pretty safe. We don’t let people climb on the Arrow Point route because the chance of rocks falling is too high. This is not the best way to get to the top of Kilimanjaro. However, should you prefer it, a consent form will apply.
Which path has the best chance of reaching the top?
The best way to climb Kilimanjaro to get to the top is the Northern Circuit route, which takes 9 days, followed by the Lemosho route, which takes 8 days, and then the Machame route, which takes 7 days.
We have group joining climbs that start every week, all year long. Each week, the routes are different. Let us know the one you would be keen on.
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