Climb kilimanjaro which route is best

Several of these trails meet after a few days climbing and share the same path over the last days. As a result there are only three dedicated routes from the base of Kibo—the main peak—to the Kilimanjaro crater rim.

One of them, the Western Breach route , is a challenging and dangerous route and not used much. Which leaves only two. The routes to climb Kilimanjaro approach the mountain from different sides and they vary considerably in length, difficulty, traffic levels and other aspects.

Below you find an overview of those aspects for all seven Kilimanjaro routes. Follow the links to find a detailed route description for each route or to see a picture guide of it. Here is a more detailed discussion of how those Kilimanjaro climbing routes compare regarding difficulty ratings, quality of wilderness experience, prices and success rates.

For many years Marangu used to be the most popular Kilimanjaro route. It has now been delegated to number two by the Machame route see below. The Machame route is one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. Once the budget operators discovered it, Machame quickly became the most popular Kilimanjaro route. Return to Overview Return to Top. The Rongai route is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro. It has a reputation as a remote wilderness trail. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north.

Remote and beautiful, but long and expensive , this route also approaches Kilimanjaro across the Shira plateau. The steepest Kilimanjaro route. Steep with a big capital S. But which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro? Here is a brief overview of the seven routes;. This is one of the easiest routes up the mountain, following a steady, gradual slope until the last night — when the incline significantly increases.

Also, the Marangu Route, attracts lots of tourists who are unprepared and untrained, resulting in many people having to turn around before reaching Uhuru Peak. The Marangu route is also the only route on the mountain that uses the same path up and down — so expect it to be busier than other options.

However, this is the only route with dormitory style huts along the way, and camping is not permitted. The Machame Route is one of the more scenic routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Even though the climb is more difficult, it has a much higher success rate than the Marangu route. There are six day and seven day itinerary options, with the preferred option being the seven day route, allowing for an extra day of acclimatisation.

The route has some steep sections and involves numerous ups and downs — including taking on the Barranco Wall! But with the right preparation The Machame Route is definitely achievable. And as reaching the top is the most important thing for most of our climbers we make this our overall winners as best route to climb Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho route approaching from the West wins hands down for the best views with spectacular vistas in all directions.

If keeping away from the crowds is your top priority the Rongai route has to be your choice as the best route for your Kilimanjaro climb. But be warned the success rate is lower. When you are planning your Kilimanjaro climb there are 6 factors that you need to take into consideration in deciding which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you. When climbing to altitude the golden rule is walk high and sleep low.

Following this rule minimizes the risk of altitude sickness and improves you chance of summiting. The best routes to climb Kilimanjaro for acclimatization are the Machame and Lemosho routes as these naturally allow you to walk high and sleep low. The toughest summit nights are on the Rongai route and the Marangu route: they reach the crater rim of Kilimanjaro on the North, opposite Uhuru Peak and more than 2 hours from the summit itself.

The amount of climbers on the mountain varies a lot depending on the season and on the day of the week but even taking this into account if you want to have the mountain more to yourself the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Rongai route. This route starts in the North and is used by a lot less climbers than the very popular southern routes. The only route that you do not have to camp on is the Marangu route so if you hate tents this is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you.

In your experience, does having done well at 15, ft mean altitude problems on Kilimanjaro are very unlikely, or is the difference so great that it is not predictive? Hi Brian, congrats on completing the Salkantay trail. I have done it too and it was fantastic! Kilimanjaro is quite a bit higher than the Salkantay trail and the altitude is much more sustained. Unlike the Salkatay where you go high to get over a pass, Kilimanjaro is sustained ascent so the risk of altitude sickness is much higher.

That being said, if you follow best practice by choosing a route that has at least 7 days on the mountain i. I am looking to choose a truck up Mount Kilimanjaro. Hi Heidi, There are no real big exposures on Kilimanjaro.

If you want to avoid the Barranco Wall then the Rongai route is your best option. Hello, I am Charles, 30 Yrs Tanzanian. I have two big Adventure to accomplish in my life, to drive across all countries in Africa and to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro. I would like to spend my birthday week in September to climb the mountain. I need your recommendations on the best routes which is affordable and safe for me. Kindly assist for me to achieve my life time dream!

I do not however have a death wish so…. Is it possible for someone in my situation to attempt this route having never done a 19er before. Hi Jennifer, yes, its is possible to attempt the Western Breach. In fact as far as hiking goes the route is much more difficult the standard routes on Kilimanjaro. Do the huts offer the toilets in the dorm? Hi Boris, all camps have long drop loos. They are generally quite good, as far as camping long drops go.

Some tour operators offer portable loos as part of their package. Hi, I am 76 years old fit and healthy, maybe some arthritis in the knees. I have successfully peaked mt Kinabalu in Sabah 3 years ago and completed the Everest base camp without any problems 2 years ago. I am very active and do walking treks in Sydney, Australia.

I need your advice to peak Mt Kilimanjaro. Which routes.? Hi Bhoopinder, thanks for getting in touch. You sound super fit for your age.

I recommend going for either the 7 day Machame or 8 day Lemosho. Both are well profiled for acclimatisation and have high summit success rates.

Hi, I went to Kilimanjaro Machame 6 days hike in September 28, I went up to Baraja camp and for some reasons I did not join the summit day hike at night. I had no altitude sickness neither any other physical issues. I came back next morning via Melaka camp. Since then I am extremely repenting for not attempting to summit. I am thinking to go back in Christmas holiday just to reach to the top via Marangu Route.

I have no desire to enjoy any scenic views. Just asking your opinion, is that too soon to return to the mountain barely in two months? Or, should I wait for few more months to ensure I will reach to the summit for sure?