If you have dreamed of standing on the roof of Africa then this is your chance. Picking the right route is key to making your dream come true. Kilimanjaro is not just one path mountain there are seven routes, each with its own unique sights and challenges. Understanding these options will help you choose the best path for your adventure. When planning for Kilimanjaro you need to consider how long you will be trekking. Some routes are shorter but steeper , while some take more days and give you more time to acclimatize. This can hugely impact your comfort and chances to reach the summit.
This guide aims at simplify your choices and highlight longer routes for acclimatization so that you can choose according to your needs.
MARANGU ROUTE
Also known as Cocacola route, this is the oldest and most established of the all Kilimanjaro routes. The only route offering hut accommodation. Its considered the easiest in terms of gradient, but not necessarily for acclimatization due to its shorter length. Its also the only route that you descend the same way.
Duration: 5 – 6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Pros
Only route that you can sleep in huts, well developed path, a bit cheap due to no additional cost for tents or porters to carry extra baggage.
Cons
Very crowded, lower success rate due to rapid ascent, not scenic as you go and come down via same path.
MACHAME ROUTE
Also known as whiskey route, this path is more challenging than Marangu route. Its known for its scenic beauty, passing through five different climatic zones. It takes 6-7 days with better acclimatization but steeper and more challenging than Marangu.
Duration: 6 – 7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Pros
Scenic, higher success rate due to better acclimatization than Marangu route
Cons
Physically challenging, can be crowded, sleeping in tents.
LEMOSHO ROUTE
The Lemosho route offers panoramic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro's various sides and its regarded as the mountain’s most scenic and least travelled route. This route is the most top choice because it strikes a perfect balance between little traffic, beautiful scenery and high summit success rate.
Duration: 7 – 8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Pros
Most scenic of all Kilimanjaro routes, high success rate, fewer crowds
Cons
Longer hike, slightly higher cost
RONGAI ROUTE
This is the only route that approaches from north, near the Kenya border. Its less crowded and offers a different perspective. It takes 6 – 7 days and its considered one of the easier routes, with more gradual slopes than some of the other Kilimanjaro routes. It converges with Marangu on the summit approach.
Duration: 6- 7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Pros
Less crowded, gradual ascent
Cons
Not very scenic, longer drive to starting point.
UMBWE ROUTE
The most challenging and direct route to the summit. Its steep and physical demanding, recommended for experienced trekkers. It takes about 6 days to complete this route. This route is recommended for climbers who have experience trekking in high altitude and can acclimatize quickly.
Duration: 6 days
Difficulty: Very challenging
Pros
Solitude, direct
Cons
Steepest of all Kilimanjaro routes, physically tough, lower success rate.
SHIRA ROUTE
The Shira route follows the same route as Lemosho, but starts at higher elevation on the Shira plateau. It offers a stunning panoramic views. The higher starting point, requires climbers to be well acclimatized beforehand. This could be good option if you have come from doing Mount Meru to acclimatized beforehand.
Duration: 6 – 7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Pros
Beautiful scenery, higher starting point
Cons
Altitude sickness due to starting at high altitude, physically demanding low success rate
NORTHERN CIRCUIT
The newest and longest of all Kilimanjaro routes, taking 8 – 9 days. The Northern Circuit offers excellent acclimatization and spectacular views, circling nearly the entire mountain. Its a unique experience if you have more time. Has higher success rate due to its length
Duration: 8 – 9 days.
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Pros
Longest route, excellent acclimatization, very scenic, less travelled
Cons
More time required, higher cost.
In conclusion, considering your previous hiking experience, fitness level and comfort with altitudes, the longer routes are ideal for better acclimatization but require good level of fitness as well and commitment. The shorter routes may appeal if time is constraint, though they often have lower success rates due to less acclimatization time. Now you know each of the 7 routes and how can drastically impact your overall experience and success on this majestic mountain as you set out for one of the grandest adventure in the world.