Choosing the best Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Route

Although there are a variety of routes offering unique scenery and terrain to Kilimanjaro’s peak, we offer two distinct routes that provide our clients with the best possible chance to safely reach the summit.  Fortunately, our two featured routes, Machame and Lemosho, happen to have the most diverse and beautiful landscapes all while achieving over 95% success on climbs.

Machame Route – its breathtaking scenery and beauty, especially over the Western Breach, the Machame route is an unforgettable six-night climb.  Few people climb this route affording greater peace and exclusivity, and cozy private tented camps are set up by your climbing team at each campsite.  Your journey will conclude with the climb up to Stella Point, one of the quickest routes to Uhuru Peak, providing our clients a greater chance of reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit.

Lemosho Route –This seven-night climb up Kilimanjaro offers our clients the highest success rate, as the Lemosho Route allows your body to slowly and steadily acclimate itself to the altitude.  With even fewer travelers than the Machame Route, this route also has comfortable private tented camps set up daily by your climbing team, leading to the final ascent up Stella Point.

Marangu Route – While this is the quickest and cheapest route up the mountain with sleeping huts at every campsite, you will also find this route to be more developed and encounter considerable traffic throughout the climb.  With the final ascent using the grueling Gilman’s Point, you will find the Marangu Route much more challenging allowing less time for altitude acclimatization leading to lower success rates.

Rongai Route – This route is logistically uncomfortable, starting on the northern, Kenyan side of Kilimanjaro.  The first couple of days can be rough as it is a steep climb, and also there is little in way of attractive scenery.  The final ascent follows Gilman’s Point and the trek down will use Marangu Route, making it a relatively hard and busy route.

Umbwe Route – This is one of the quicker, more intense routes to reach the Uhuru peak, with a particularly hard first day’s climb.  There is also little in the way of scenery when compared to the Machame and Lemosho routes, and you do not see much of Kilimanjaro itself.
Mweka Route
This route is used strictly for the descent down Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Kilimanjaro – Fitness
climbing Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak tests the body and mind, as walking multiple days at high altitude will not only challenge one’s physical fitness but fortitude and self-discipline as well.  Remember, the altitude is felt by everyone no matter how fit they are – it is a good idea to look at the detailed climb descriptions of the Machame and Lemosho Routes to better understand the trails you will encounter.  To best manage and adjust to the altitude it is imperative to walk or climb as slowly as possible, this will also allow you to truly admire the beautiful vegetation, wildlife, and landscapes of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Climbing Kilimanjaro – Seasons
Kilimanjaro’s rainy seasons usually occur in April, May, and November.  Although climbing tours can be scheduled year-round, the weather conditions can have a huge impact on your experience – particularly with one’s comfort level and climbing success rates.