Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Which Is The Best Route To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
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Selecting Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
There are seven established routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro’s climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.
Picking the best course for your Kilimanjaro climb can be daunting, as you have to consider several factors, such as:
- Route’s scenery
- Route’s difficulty
- Traffic on Mount Kilimanjaro
- Altitude acclimatization points
Lemosho Route
Lemosho is considered to be the most scenery climbing route, but because of it bein in remoteness which requires an extra mile drive, it is a less popular route among Kilimanjaro Climbers. The trailhead starting point is at high elevation thus makes a slow and easy start. Through Lemosho route on the first day trekking through the forest expects the sighting of Buffalo and elephant. It is the longest Kilimanjaro Mountain ascending route with the minimum of 7 Climbing days and maximum from 8 or so. Being the Longest Route, Lemosho has the maximum acclimatization time has increases the success summit rate. The many changes of scenery and spectacular hike across the Shira Plateau make this trek truly special. Ascending via Lemosho, you will be lodging in tents (Camping) and you descend will be via the Mweka Route.
Machame Route
Machame route is the Kilimanjaro ascending route discovered after Marangu route and being one of the scenic ascending routes to the Uhuru peak. Trekking via Machame route, costs a minimum of 6 days/5nights to the maximum of 7days/6nights in the Mountain. Other than the Marangu which seems to be easier with huts for accommodation, Machame is a vigor route which makes more adventure with the camping accommodation that increases the adventure experience. Climbing via the Machame route you will descend down via Mweka Route.
Marangu Route
Marangu route is the Popular and developed where the park headquarters office is located. Being a developed route, it is nicknamed as the Coca-Cola route said to be the easiest route by the most climbers. It was the first discovered route developed with huts for accommodation and climbers being supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags should be brought along. There are communal dining halls, washrooms and toilets. There are 60 bunk beds each (for 60 people each) at Mandara Hut (2700m) and Kibo Hut (4700m), and 120 bunk beds (for 120 people) at Horombo Hut (3720m). With all the development, only the climb remains adventurous and the rest of the adventure experience such as that of camping.
Marangu Route climb usually takes a minimum of 5 days/4nights to the Maximum of 6 days/5nights. Having an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization and the price goes with the number of climbing days.
Umbwe Route
Ubwe route considered to be the adventurous ascending rote with some steepness and requires climbers to have the climbing experience, Umbwe Climbing route is the ascending route approaching the Uhuru peak from the South. Climbers via this route spend a minimum of 6-days / 5-night tour and Maximum of 7 days or so. Due to its vigorous, Umbwe is sometimes referred as the technical climb with the first two ascending days being extremely steep, muddy and generally vigor with a rare acclimatization which can be added via an extra day at the Karanga Valley, which make it suitable for well-trained mountaineers. Ascending via the Umbwe climbers will descend down via Mweka Route.
Rongai Route
Rongai only route in the north eastern side of the Kilimanjaro Mountain with a usual climb of 6 days/5nights, it is a less popular route that makes it with less traffic and being with unspoiled wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro. Generally, Rongai is considered to be the easiest among the climbing routes and what make its easiness differ from that of Marangu, the route has no accommodation other than camping, which turns its adventure.
Rongai is an ideal route for people looking for a decent quality experience and are perhaps not absolutely confident about their fitness. Moreover, Rongai is the driest route most of the time and ascending via this route a climber will descend down via Marangu route; however, you will still be camping. The route is favored with it being the driest route in most of the time. Climbing via the Rongai route, climbers will be ascending via Rongai and descend down via the Marangu route, with the camping accommodation throughout.
Northern Circuit Route
The
Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley The route circles around the quieter northern slopes to the east side of the mountain. The Northern Circuit is longer than the other trails on Kilimanjaro, taking a minimum of eight or nine days to complete. The eight-day trek skips the additional acclimatization day that is usually spent at Shira Camp 2 and continues straight on to Moir Camp.
Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s best to know that there are seven well-established routes that you can choose for your trekking adventure. But, which is the best route to scale Mount Kilimanjaro? The answer to this question depends on your experience, fitness, and the views you want to see. If you’re an inexperienced climber, the best route for you is the Marangu route. It’s the easiest route and only takes five days to trek. However, if you’re an adventurous person and want to see the best views in Kilimanjaro, the Machame route will suit you best!