By carefully weighing each of these factors, you can choose the perfect route for your Kilimanjaro climb and have the adventure of a lifetime. When it comes to climbing the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, choosing the right route is crucial for success. With so many options to choose from, each with its unique features and challenges, it can be overwhelming to decide which one to take. In this guide, we will provide you with an adventurous overview of the best routes to climb Kilimanjaro and the factors you need to consider in choosing the best one for you.
1. Acclimatization on Kilimanjaro
Acclimatization is a critical factor when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Walking high and sleeping low minimizes the risk of altitude sickness and increases your chance of summiting. When climbing Kilimanjaro, it’s essential to prioritize acclimatization to increase the chances of successfully reaching the summit. The Machame and Lemosho routes have been identified as the best options for climbers in terms of acclimatization, as they offer the opportunity to naturally acclimate to the high altitude by following a “walk high and sleep low” strategy. This approach involves gradually ascending to higher altitudes during the day and descending to lower elevations to sleep at night.
Furthermore, the Lemosho route in particular offers a remote and stunning approach to the summit with dramatic gorges and striking views of western Kilimanjaro, making it an exceptional choice for climbers seeking an unforgettable experience. Additionally, the Lemosho route has a noteworthy success rate, further emphasizing its appeal for those seeking to climb Kilimanjaro.
2. The difficulty of the Summit Night
The toughest summit nights on Kilimanjaro are on the Rongai and Marangu routes. When climbing Kilimanjaro, some routes may take you to the crater rim on the north, which is located opposite Uhuru Peak and more than two hours away from the actual summit. To avoid this and make the final ascent to the summit more accessible, the Machame and Lemosho routes are the most recommended. These routes reach Stellar Point, which is located less than an hour’s walk from the summit, ensuring climbers can reach the highest point with relative ease. The Machame and Lemosho routes offer a better chance of summiting with an easier summit night.
3. Busyness of the Route
The amount of climbers on the mountain varies depending on the season and day of the week. If you want to avoid the crowd, the Rongai route is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro. The route starts in the north and is used by fewer climbers than the southern routes.
4. Accommodations on the Climb
The Marangu route is the only route that you do not have to camp on. The huts on this route are very basic and noisy, so if you prefer huts over tents, this is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you.
5. Safety on Kilimanjaro Routes
All Kilimanjaro routes, except the Arrow Point route, are relatively safe if walked sensibly. The Arrow Point route is unmanageable, and the risk of falling rocks is high. Thus, it is not the best route to climb Kilimanjaro.
6. Summit Success Rate
The best route to climb Kilimanjaro in terms of summit success rate is the 9-Day Northern Circuit route, followed by the Lemosho route over eight days and the Machame route over seven days. These routes offer better acclimatization and easier summit nights, increasing your chance of summiting
In conclusion, choosing the best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends on various factors, including acclimatization, the difficulty of the summit night, the busyness of the route, accommodations, safety, and the summit success rate. We operate group climbs every week of the year, with different routes each week. Check out our routes to choose the best one for your adventure.
