Embarking on a journey to the roof of Africa, choosing the right Kilimanjaro route is crucial for a successful summit attempt. With its towering presence and majestic beauty, Mt. Kilimanjaro beckons adventurers from around the globe. Trekking Kilimanjaro offers a unique adventure, but the journey’s success heavily depends on selecting a path that aligns with your physical condition, acclimatization needs, and personal preferences. While each of the Kilimanjaro routes offers a distinct trekking experience, understanding their differences is key to achieving the pinnacle of this African giant.
In this article, we’ll explore the top Kilimanjaro routes: the Northern Circuit Route, Lemosho Route, Machame Route, and Marangu Route. Each path offers varying levels of difficulty, scenic beauty, and opportunities for acclimatization, making some more suited to seasoned trekkers while others are accessible to novices. We’ll delve into the specifics of these Mt Kilimanjaro routes, including their unique attributes and why they stand out as the best paths to the summit. By the end of this read, we aim to provide you with comprehensive insights to help you make an informed decision on which of the Mount Kilimanjaro routes aligns best with your summit aspirations.
Northern Circuit Route
Overview of the Route
The Northern Circuit Route, the newest and longest trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, offers a unique 9-day journey starting on the western side at the Londorossi Gate. It initially follows the Lemosho route up to the Shira Plateau, then veers north, circling the main summit clockwise before joining the Rongai route for the ascent from the east and descending via the southern Mweka route. This route is renowned for combining the best elements of other routes, providing trekkers with a comprehensive Kilimanjaro experience [1] http://www.climbing-kilimanjaro.com/northern-circuit-route/[2] https://www.climbing-kilimanjaro.com/kilimanjaro-success-rates/[3] https://africanscenicsafaris.com/blog/exploring-the-northern-circuit-route-kilimanjaros-hidden-gem/.
Duration and Difficulty
Spanning approximately 88 km or 53 miles, the Northern Circuit Route is typically completed in 9 days, although an 8-day variation is also available. This route is considered to have a gradual elevation gain, making it accessible yet challenging. It is designed for climbers who desire a thorough exploration of the mountain and prefer to avoid the more crowded paths.
Success Rate
Due to its extended duration and design for optimal acclimatization, the Northern Circuit boasts the highest success rate among Kilimanjaro routes, ranging from 95% to 98%. The route’s length allows trekkers to adjust to the altitude gradually, significantly enhancing the likelihood of a successful summit.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
Traversing the lush Lemosho forest and the expansive Shira Plateau, the route offers 360-degree views of the mountain’s diverse landscapes. The journey through the remote northern side exposes trekkers to arid and austere scenery, where wildlife such as the shy eland and occasional buffalo are sighted. This less traveled path not only promises stunning vistas but also a peaceful trekking experience, away from the busier routes.
Lemosho Route
Overview of the Route
The Lemosho Route is often highlighted as the most scenically beautiful trail on Mount Kilimanjaro. It starts on the western side of the mountain at Londorossi Gate and initially takes trekkers through lush rainforests, providing opportunities to spot diverse wildlife such as colobus monkeys and various bird species. The trail then traverses the full expanse of the Shira Plateau, offering stunning vistas and a relatively flat hike before joining up with the Machame Route near the Lava Tower.
Duration and Difficulty
Typically, the Lemosho Route can be completed in 7 to 9 days, depending on the chosen itinerary. The standard eight-day trek is recommended for optimal acclimatization. This route is considered challenging due to its length and the elevation gain involved. However, the climb-high, sleep-low strategy employed along this route enhances acclimatization and makes the trek more manageable.
Success Rate
The extended duration and gradual ascent profile of the Lemosho Route contribute to its high success rates. Estimates suggest that the success rate for the eight-day itinerary is around 90%, making it one of the highest among the various routes on Kilimanjaro. This is attributed to the route’s effective acclimatization schedule and the physical preparation it allows.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
The Lemosho Route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and diverse ecosystems. From the verdant rainforests at lower elevations to the alpine desert and ultimately the Arctic summit, trekkers experience a dynamic landscape change. The route’s passage through less frequented paths allows for a more intimate connection with nature and increased chances of wildlife encounters, enhancing the overall trekking experience.
Machame Route
Overview of the Route
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey” route, is celebrated for its scenic diversity and challenging terrain. Starting at Machame Gate, it ascends through lush rainforests and across the Shira Plateau, then navigates up steep ridges and past the iconic Barranco Wall, culminating in a rigorous summit attempt from Barafu Camp. This route is a favourite among those seeking both adventure and picturesque landscapes.
Duration and Difficulty
Typically completed in 6 or 7 days, the Machame Route offers a “climb high, sleep low” profile, ideal for acclimatization. The 7-day itinerary is particularly favoured for its higher success rates, attributed to a more gradual adaptation to altitude. This route is considered moderately difficult due to its steep sections and the physical demand of the Barranco Wall climb.
Success Rate
The success rates for the Machame Route are impressive, with the 7-day option reporting an average success rate of over 90%. This is significantly higher compared to the 6-day option, which has a success rate of around 75%. These figures highlight the benefits of a longer acclimatization period.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
Travelling through five distinct climatic zones, trekkers on the Machame Route experience a dynamic shift in scenery—from the verdant rainforests at lower elevations to the stark, lunar landscapes of the high-altitude zones. This route offers stunning views of glaciers and the vast African plains below, providing a visually rewarding journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Marangu Route
Overview of the Route
The Marangu Route, often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is unique among Kilimanjaro routes as it offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of the typical camping scenario. This route is favoured by many due to its perceived ease, attributed to its gradual slope and direct path, although it presents challenges due to the rapid altitude gain over a short duration.
Duration and Difficulty
Typically completed in 5 days, with a 6-day variation available, the Marangu Route is considered the easiest in terms of physical trekking. However, the shorter duration poses significant challenges in terms of acclimatization. The 6-day variation allows for a more gradual acclimatization and is recommended for a higher success rate.
Success Rate
The success rates for Marangu are notably lower compared to other routes, primarily due to the shorter acclimatization period. The 5-day trek has a success rate of around 30%, while the 6-day variation sees an increase of about 50%. However, with proper planning and opting for the longer variation, success rates can improve significantly.
Scenic Beauty and Wildlife
Marangu’s path may be less varied since ascent and descent occur on the same trail, making it less scenic compared to other routes. However, it still offers beautiful views through rainforest and moorland zones. The route is also the busiest, which can detract from the sense of wilderness many seek on Kilimanjaro.
Conclusion
Embarking on the journey to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro offers adventurers an array of routes each encapsulating unique characteristics, challenges, and scenic views. From the lush terrains of the Lemosho and Marangu routes to the rugged paths of Machame and the extensive trek of the Northern Circuit, climbers are afforded the luxury of choice tailored to their abilities, preferences, and desires for adventure. Each route, meticulously detailed in this discussion, not only underscores the distinct experiences they offer but also emphasizes the critical factors of preparation, acclimatization, and the physical demands involved in conquering Africa’s highest peak.
In deciphering the best path to Kilimanjaro’s summit, it is evident that the journey’s success hinges on a meticulous selection that aligns with personal goals, fitness levels, and the pursuit of scenic beauty. By shedding light on the varying success rates, duration, and unique allure of each path, this article serves as a guiding beacon for climbers aspiring to experience the majesty of Kilimanjaro. The journey to the roof of Africa is as much about the path chosen as it is about the summit itself, encouraging climbers to not only reach the pinnacle but to cherish the extraordinary journey each step of the way.
FAQs
- Which route offers the best chance of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro?The Lemosho and Machame routes are highly recommended for those aiming to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro. Opting for a 7 or 8-day itinerary on these routes provides excellent acclimatization opportunities and a more manageable summit night, significantly enhancing your chances of success.
- What is the most scenic route to climb Kilimanjaro?The Lemosho route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. It approaches the summit from the western slope and is considered the most beautiful of the seven established routes to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- Which route on Kilimanjaro has the highest rate of success?The Northern Circuit route boasts the highest success rate among climbers, with estimates ranging from 85-95%. Specifically, a 9-day journey on this route has an impressive success rate of about 95-98%, making it the top choice for climbers focused on reaching the summit.
- What is considered the most challenging route on Kilimanjaro?The Umbwe route is known as the most difficult path to Kilimanjaro’s summit. It is one of the shortest routes, leading to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. Its rapid ascent and steep paths make acclimatization particularly tough, posing a significant challenge to climbers.
