Are you a first-time climber planning to summit the highest peak of the African continent? Worried about which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro successfully, as a First-Timer? Here we are to provide the related answers to all your questions that will be helpful for you to choose the best route.
Acquiring an altitude of 5,895m from sea-level the majestic Kilimanjaro is not only the highest peak of the African continent but also the highest free-standing mountain of the world. Being one of the prime summits of the world, this magnificent mountain attracts around 30,000 climbers each year out of which there are many trekkers who are First-time climbers. There are many trekkers who have tried climbing Kilimanjaro earlier 1-2-3 or more times and they are well acquainted with the routes as well as know which route to prefer for ascending. But for the First-timers it’s quite confusing as the mountain offers 6 trail-ways to reach Uhuru, hence it’s advisable to armor with all the information, rethink and decide which route to choose.
What to consider while choosing the best route?
All the 5 Kilimanjaro routes are unique and special in its way, but choosing the best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends upon many elements. One may prefer to ascend through a route offering a scenic view, and others may prefer to choose a direct route to finish the climb early. But carefully choosing the route can lead you to conquer the trek successfully.
Factors to consider while selecting the route:
Days: Don’t forget to check out which routes take the longer days and which one takes shorter days as the longer routes are great to choose as they provide great acclimatization.
Price: Kilimanjaro trekking is a bit expensive, though the experience of a lifetime compensates it well. Compare a few companies’ packages and choose the best suitable one. However, we advise not to choose a much cheaper as you may lack standard services with cheap trekking operators.
Time: It’s a very important decision to take when to plan your trekking. The ever-changing climate of this giant mountain makes the trekking hard so choose the season wisely. It’s advisable to choose dry season as some routes may be unavailable to trek during heavy rainfall. As well as if you are looking for crowd-free trekking don’t choose holiday season as the route becomes busier at the holiday seasons.
Choose your most preferred route:
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Marangu Route:
Well known as the Coca-Cola route; Marangu Route is one of the oldest and populous Kilimanjaro routes. Marangu is the only route that provides huts to rest while trekking to the summit, and this makes the Marangu route unique from the rest. The route is through the easiest one, however, providing a low success rate due to poor acclimatization.
Pros:
- One of the shortest routes
- Only route with hut facility
- Less expensive
Cons:
- Same ascending and descending route
- Lower success rate
- Poor acclimatization
Success rate: The route offers a low success rate i.e. recorded approximately 50%
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Machame Route:
Well known as the “Whisky Route”; Machame Route is one of the most demanding routes of Kilimanjaro providing the best acclimatization opportunity. It is also considered as one of the best route to climb Kilimanjaro. The route approaches the mountain from the southern side that begins with a short drive from Moshi. The route demands good physical strength and stamina; it is one of the most hyped routes that offer a good success rate.
Pros:
Offers a great acclimatization
Great trail to follow walk high and sleep low formula
Great success rate
Cons:
The most crowded route due to great success
Success rate: The route offers a high success rate i.e. recorded approximately 90%
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Rongai Route:
Rongai route is the only route that starts from the northeast part of Kilimanjaro that is initiating from the northeast part of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The route offers a good chance to explore some wild animals like buffalo, antelope, and elephant. If you are planning to trek in the wet season then Rongai would be the best route to choose as it’s dryer than the southern slopes.
Pros:
The only route initiating from the northeast part of the Mountain
Descent trail with quite a panoramic view
Opportunity to meet wildlife
Good success rate
Cons:
A long drive to the starting point
Success rate: The route offers a challenging path & the success rate is recorded approximately 80%
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Umbwe Route:
Are you looking for an adventurous trail for climbing Kilimanjaro? Explore the peak via the Umbwe Route, the steepest and shortest route to trek Kilimanjaro. Offering a good opportunity for camping, the route is also preferable for those who are looking for crowd-free trails. However, the route offers lower acclimatization due to being a direct one.
Pros:
The direct ascend
Adventurous & less crowded
Quite Scenic
Cons:
Poor Acclimatization
Very challenging
Success rate: The route offers a low success rate i.e. recorded approximately 60%
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Lemosho Route:
Hands down Lemosho Route is the most scenic route of Kilimanjaro. The route is a newer route that is been more popular day by day due to 2 prime reasons; good acclimatization and panoramic view. The route gives the best view of the whole Westside of the mountain. This route provides a great opportunity to follow the walk high sleep low formula.
Pros:
Offers various itineraries from 7, 8, or 9 days
Great Acclimatizing option
The most scenic one
High success rate
Cons:
High starting point leaves an altitude impact earlier
Success rate: The route offers a high success rate i.e. recorded approximately 90%
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Which is the Best route for altitude acclimatization?
Providing a 90% success rate and the best scenic trail Lemosho is undoubtedly one of the best Kilimanjaro routes offering a great opportunity to follow the rule of walk high and sleep low. If you are a first-time hiker, you can explore Lemosho to increase your success rate.
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The most preferred route by the US/UK citizens
If you are traveling from the UK or US you can check out a few most preferable routes vitally adopted by the UK and US people.
Machame Route: Being one of the most successful routes offering a 90% success rate Machame is one of the most preferred Kilimanjaro routes chosen by US and UK people.
Lemosho Route: Another route that is mostly chosen by the trekkers from the UK and US is the Lemosho route as the route provides an awe-inspiring view as well as one of the successful routes of Kilimanjaro.
So, here is the basic information for a new trekker to choose the best route according to their preference. However, there is literally no best way to choose the best route to climb Kilimanjaro as each route has its own beauty & challenges. just choosing the best route won’t make your trek successful. There are many aspects that you need to take care of before climbing Kilimanjaro, like how to cope up with altitude sickness, health, safety, rescue and more. Here is Snow Africa; a company that is arranging successful treks to Kilimanjaro for years. Visit us once @ https://snowafricaadventure.com/ to get all your Kilimanjaro climbing related queries.
