Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes: Which One is Best for You?

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m / 19,341ft) is one of the most popular trekking destinations in the world. While it requires no technical climbing skills, choosing the right route is crucial for a successful summit. Kilimanjaro has seven established routes, each offering unique scenery, difficulty levels, and success rates.

1. Marangu Route ("Coca-Cola Route")

• Duration: 5–6 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Success Rate: Low (due to fast ascent)
• Accommodation: Huts (the only route with huts)
• Best For: Budget trekkers, those preferring hut accommodation

Pros: Cheapest option, hut accommodations, relatively easy terrain.
⚠️ Cons: Lower success rate due to rapid ascent, very crowded.

2. Machame Route ("Whiskey Route")

• Duration: 6–7 days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Success Rate: High
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Adventurous hikers looking for stunning scenery

Pros: Scenic, great acclimatization with "climb high, sleep low" approach, high success rate.
⚠️ Cons: Steeper terrain, physically demanding, busy.

3. Lemosho Route

• Duration: 7–8 days
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
• Success Rate: Very high
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Hikers wanting a scenic and less crowded experience

Pros: Stunning landscapes, excellent acclimatization, fewer crowds.
⚠️ Cons: More expensive due to longer duration.

4. Rongai Route

• Duration: 6–7 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Success Rate: High
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Hikers looking for a quieter, drier route

Pros: Less crowded, drier conditions, gradual ascent.
⚠️ Cons: Less scenic than other routes, limited "climb high, sleep low" opportunities.

5. Northern Circuit Route

• Duration: 8–9 days
• Difficulty: Moderate
• Success Rate: Highest
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Hikers wanting the best acclimatization and scenic experience

Pros: Best acclimatization, least crowded, stunning scenery.
⚠️ Cons: Longest and most expensive route.

6. Shira Route

• Duration: 6–7 days
• Difficulty: Challenging
• Success Rate: Moderate
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Experienced hikers comfortable with high-altitude starts

Pros: Scenic, fewer crowds, diverse terrain.
⚠️ Cons: Starts at high altitude, increasing the risk of altitude sickness.

7. Umbwe Route

• Duration: 5–7 days
• Difficulty: Very difficult
• Success Rate: Low
• Accommodation: Camping
• Best For: Highly experienced hikers seeking a tough challenge

Pros: Steep and adventurous, less crowded.
⚠️ Cons: Poor acclimatization, very tough terrain, low success rate.

Best Routes Based on Your Priorities

✔️ Best for Acclimatization & High Success Rate: Northern Circuit, Lemosho
✔️ Best for Scenic Views: Lemosho, Machame
✔️ Best for Avoiding Crowds: Northern Circuit, Rongai
✔️ Best for Budget Climbers: Marangu
✔️ Most Challenging Route: Umbwe

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best Kilimanjaro route depends on your fitness level, budget, and experience. If you want the best chance of reaching the summit, opt for a longer route like Lemosho or Northern Circuit. If you're short on time and looking for a more budget-friendly option, Marangu or Rongai could be a better fit.