Which is the Best Route to Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro?

To climb the Kilimanjaro mountain, one needs dedication, patience and most of all, a convenient, efficient route that caters to the personal needs of the tourist. The Kilimanjaro trek has many such routes and these routes can be utilized effectively to reach the summit conveniently in the shortest time period possible. If you want to find out how, keep reading!

Now, we are talking about climbing a mountain that is 5895m high, so it doesn’t come as a surprise that whichever way you take, you would need a reasonable amount of stamina and great patience. Having a smart route to the summit is an aid that most people can take advantage of. Right below, we will be highlighting the distance and time that each route consumes. Based on that, you can decide the one that gives you the most bang for your buck!

Marangu Route

This route is both daunting and easy, depending on what kind of hiker you are. It was originally called the Marangu Route but since every hut that is found along this route sells coca cola, it was popularly referred to as the Coca Cola Route. This route is considered easy for most hikers, especially during the first few days, since the slope is not that steep and the shoe finds stones and firm land to grasp at. It is a popular choice among tourists and contains many dormitories along the way where tourists can relax and catch a refreshment or two. Given its great advantages and apparent popularity, it is obvious that this route is much busier than the others and uses the same path up and down. It is approximately 70 kms and is covered by tourists for an average of 5 to 6 days.

Machame Route

When searching for great tanzania safari tours or tanzania safari packages, a name is bound to pop up time after time; Machame Route. While this route is only a passage to take you to the gorgeous skyline of Africa, the views and sceneries that await you when you look sideways during the trek are something that is going to stay with you for the rest of your life. Other than being shorter than the Marangu Route at 61 kms, it is also more scenic and serene than most routes on this list. The only con this passway holds are the numerous tricky and steep spots within its path. But all of them are worth it for a prepared hiker, since he/she will get to witness the lush landscapes that the safaris in Tanzania offer. This route takes, on average, 6-7 days to cross and includes popular spots like Lava Tower and Barranco Wall.

Lemosho Route

There have been many who have opted for this very route based on statistics about Lemosho route kilimanjaro success rate and so on. The truth is that this route, although rated the most convenient one among all its contemporaries, is also the most expensive one on this list. Why, you may ask. The reason lies in its scenic beauty.

This route takes you through the remote rainforest that surrounds Mount Kilimanjaro, focusing not just on the destination but more on the journey by projecting the beauty of safaris in tanzania. On average it takes about 7 to 8 days to cover the humongous 67 km distance that runs through the heart of the rainforest all the way to merging into the Machame Route. It offers a really high success rate, which of course, explains its high rates.

Shira Route

This route is more expensive than the Machame Trail but features fewer hikers and many other incentives along the way. For one, most professional hikers can just book a four wheeler that will drive them up to the mark of 3,500m, after which they can start their journey by trekking up the hill from that point on.

It can be completed within 6 to 7 days, including the first day that comprises primarily of the 3,500 m drive.

Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is unique in the way that it is the only route that starts at the north base of the mountain. Since it covers the northern slopes, it remains dry mostly year-round with some pleasant weather during the wet season. We can easily find this route throughout most Tanzania safari tours or Tanzania safari packages due to its high relevance to tourists. It offers hikers a steady, slow climb with great segregated camps and basic facilities during its 7 day average climb time.

Umbwe Route

This is the most difficult route in this list and for good reason. Being the route with the shortest distance among all the other routes, this short trek, spanning over 48 km, is filled with steep spots and uneven roads. Even the most professional of hikers take over 5 to 7 days to finish this trek with proper preparation and guidance. Untrained or inexperienced hikers are always advised not to take this route.

Northern Circuit

This is the longest route across this list, holding a great success rate along with optimal acclimatization opportunities. This route is considered to be the all-rounder in terms of scenic beauty and convenience. It begins on the western slopes and takes 8 to 9 days to complete, spanning over a distance of 88 km. While the distance seems daunting, it is a highly popular route given its versatile benefits.

Conclusion

Any route you take is going to demand the very same things from you that are mentioned at the start of this blog. You can utilize those elements and make these routes the aid you need to get ahead of the crowd. Once you decide on a route, you must pack the right things, start with the right mindset and stay patient. This will allow you to really enjoy the amazing serene landscapes that await you and your adventurous journey through the land of this magical mountain!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)

Q1. What are the best months to begin the Kilimanjaro trek?

Ans. The best timeline to hike to Mt Kilimanjaro is January to March and June to October. During November and December, the rainy season commences, bringing about slippery slopes and dangerous conditions for trekking.

Q2. Does one need any external, heavy gear for the trek?

Ans. For the most part, the Kilimanjaro Trek is completed on foot. It is a non-technical hike, meaning it does not require any external equipment and is conveniently completed by walking for the duration of 6-8 days with assistance of porters.