Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an once-in-a-lifetime experience. It’s easy to understand why this expedition is at the top of bucket lists all over the world. At a stunning 5,895 meters (19,341″), Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Even though many of the mountain’s routes are not recommended for beginners, you do not necessarily need to be an expert climber to reach the summit if you have a knowledgeable guide by your side.
The national park of Kilimanjaro is a favorite stop for adventuresome tourists. In this article, we cover all you need to know about climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, from the best Kilimanjaro itineraries to how to practically get ready for the trip of a lifetime.
Kilimanjaro itineraries
Choosing the ideal path for you is the next step after deciding to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. There are a total of seven main ascent routes up Mount Kilimanjaro.
The first route starts on the mountain’s northern side, while the other six start on its southern side. For all of the many Kilimanjaro routes, Focus East Africa Tours offers climbing Kilimanjaro itineraries. The primary question is: which path should you take to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro? Here is the Kilimanjaro climbing routes: overview
- The Marangu or Machame routes are ideal for beginners.
- The Lemosho or Machame Routes offer breathtaking scenery.
- Beginners with a budget—Marangu Route
- Machame or Lemosho Routes are suitable for moderate hikers.
- Hikers with advanced skills—Umbwe Route
- The most popular Mount Kilimanjaro route is the Machame Route.
- Northern circuit is the longest route up Mount Kilimanjaro.
- During the rainy season—Rongai Route
- Which route has the highest success rate? The 8-day Lemosho Route or the 9-day Northern Circuit.
KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES: PROS AND CONS OF EACH ROUTE
There are seven alternative ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, each with advantages and disadvantages to match the ability of the hiker. They all vary in terms of duration, difficulty, landscape, traffic, accommodations, and a wide range of other variables.
Your once-in-a-lifetime vacation to Africa will be hassle-free thanks to Focus East Africa Tours team’s expertise in determining the best route for your easy Mount Kilimanjaro climbing. We take the time to consider your group’s unique wants and requirements while organizing your Kilimanjaro climb because we have organized hundreds of successful summits for clients from all over the world. The Machame Route, Maranga Route, and Lemosho Route are the most popular routes among Mount Kilimanjaro visitors.
Machame Route
The Machame Route on Mount Kilimanjaro, also called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most well-liked climbing routes in Tanzania. Even more, this path has a remarkable high success rate. The course ascends gradually, giving your body more time to become used to the higher altitude. The mountain is encircled by a trail that provides breathtaking views and a diversity of scenery.
You will travel along this path to reach the breathtaking Shira Plateau by strolling through the lush forests. The last ascent from Stella Point to the crater rim is perhaps the most difficult and calls for at least a basic degree of fitness. You decide how long the Machame route takes! It can be completed in 6 or 7 days, but from our experience, a 7-day Kilimanjaro trek greatly increases your chances of summiting Africa’s tallest mountain.
Pron: Because of its shorter distance and convenient access, the Machame Route is less expensive than the majority of others.
Cons: During the busiest times of the year, this route can get very crowded.
Marangu Route
One of the simplest paths on the mountain is said to be this one, known as the “Coca-Cola” route. Even though it is unquestionably the shortest route up the mountain, it is not always the simplest. Your body doesn’t have as much time to acclimate due to the shorter path, which increases the likelihood of weariness and, eventually, lowers your odds of reaching the peak.
Climbing the Marangu route
Because of the hut accommodations, some climbers prefer this route to the bulk of other mountain excursions, which typically include camping in tents. Unfortunately, less privacy results from this. (Plus, nothing beats camping under the African sky!) The Marangu Route is one of the least expensive ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro and is the best choice for people on a tight budget.
PRO: The Marangu Route is one of the least expensive and fastest ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. For those who prefer not to camp, this route also provides hut accommodation in shared rooms.
CON: During the busiest times of the year, this route can get very crowded. Less of the breathtaking view is visible because you must follow the same track that you did during your ascent.
Lemosho Route
Beautiful and distinctive, the Lemosho Route is well-known for its spectacular vistas. It begins on the western slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, in contrast to other Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes. Because of this, the Lemosho Route offers a considerably more private hiking experience and is less frequented by climbers.
Even better, the Lemosho trail is unspoilt in its entirety, making for an incredible journey up to the renowned Shira Plateau. The Lemosho Route eventually merges with the Machame Route at Lava Tower after a few days. This journey may be completed in 7 or 8 days, but it does require some basic fitness.
CONS: The Lemosho way is obviously more expensive because it involves a longer hike and additional transportation to the mountain’s other side.
PROS: It’s absolutely worth the money! The Lemosho route offers climbers plenty of time to fully acclimatize, beautiful scenery, and a high success rate for reaching the summit. One of the most stunning and comprehensive climbs up Kilimanjaro is this one.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro all year long. Based on your unique needs, Focus East Africa Tours offers professional guidance on the ideal time to schedule your trip to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The two primary climbing seasons are from June to October and the dry months of December to March. December through March are the hottest months. The sky is clearer and there is less danger of snow on the trail during these months. The greatest month is February because it has a high temperature and a low likelihood of rain. The mountain gets substantially colder from June to October, and the trails get more traffic.
It may be wet, slick, and have poor visibility during the rainy season. Although some seasoned climbers and daring travelers love to climb during these times, the majority of climbers stay away from these seasons. There are undoubtedly some benefits, the absence of crowds being one.
How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro
Despite the fact that Mount Kilimanjaro has a path for every skill level, it’s crucial to be able to handle 6-7 hours of walking every single day. It can be difficult, so being prepared is always a great idea. You will walk for 6-7 hours each day while climbing on average. Go on long hikes every few weeks in the months prior to your vacation to gradually develop the endurance needed to last a full weekend hike.
Yoga and breathing exercises are some forms of physical preparation that might aid in getting ready for your walk. When you stretch out your body and head, your muscles become stronger and less likely to fail you when you need them most.
Climbing Kilimanjaro costs
The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route you take. From a shoestring to a tailored luxury budget, we work with our clients to build unique Kilimanjaro itineraries. In addition to tour operator fees, there are additional costs to take into account:
- Purchase the appropriate gear, such as hiking boots, waterproof daypacks, breathable clothing, and trekking poles.
- Kilimanjaro climbing travel insurance. Additionally, you have the option of selecting a flying doctor insurance policy.
- Giving tips to porters and guides is appropriate because they frequently work extremely hard for very little pay. Tipping is customary and supports the neighborhood on Kilimanjaro.
