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
Thus, we made this guide to help you come up with the best route possible for your Kilimanjaro climb.
“There are no shortcuts to any place worth going.”
KILIMANJARO ROUTE INFORMATION
Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s best to know that 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.
MACHAME ROUTE
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LEMOSHO ROUTE
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MARANGU ROUTE
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NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE
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UMBWE ROUTE
VIEW ROUTE RONGAI ROUTE
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SHIRA ROUTE
VIEW ROUTEWhich is the best route to climb mount Kilimanjaro
The one question we are asked more often than any other is “which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro”. And the answer depends on what you want. Here are our winners
- Highest success rate and overall best route to climb Kilimanjaro
If you want the highest chance of summiting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Machame route over 7 or 8 days – excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night make these winners by a long way. 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.
- Most scenic route to climb Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route approaching from the West wins hands down for the best views with spectacular vistas in all directions.
- Quietest route to climb Kilimanjaro
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.
- Most challenging route to climb Kilimanjaro
If you are looking for an adventure and a really unique wilderness experience the crater camp option is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you- less than 1 % of climbers get to do this and all our climbers who do it rave about it.
KILIMANJARO HIKING GUIDE
Words From Our Clients
Don’t take our word for it
We have been receiving reviews from our served clients and Pumbaa Expeditions is rated 5/5 by customers. This honor is given to us by customers because we always remain committed to all our customers to do whatever is needed by them to make their safari fully satisfied.
JOIN ONE OF OUR GROUPS
You may join one of our scheduled Kilimanjaro adventures with fixed dates and prices. People from all over the world sign up for our expeditions. You will be in a cosmopolitan society and will share some costs with your fellow climbers. Thus “joinable” trips are cheaper than our custom tours, but please note, there is no flexibility regarding dates.
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