Exploring the routes for hiking Mt Kilimanjaro

Routes for hiking Mt Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro has always been on my bucket list since childhood. I was a bit afraid to attempt it at my young age, when Mom and Daddy climbed it back then. Now, I’ve been on Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft) five times, and every time, I followed one route to the summit, but with the same operator, Focus East Africa Tours. The reason many hikers fail is that they choose difficult routes. In this article, I’m about to reveal the easiest route up Kilimanjaro.

Marangu Route

My operator recommended the Marangu Route as he realized it was my first time on Kilimanjaro. It’s the most established route on Kilimanjaro. It’s great for beginners and seasoned climbers because:

• It’s shorter, 45 miles round-trip. The distance is short compared to other routes like the Northern Circuit.
• It has a gentle slope, allowing gradual ascent. Beginners can hike comfortably without getting tired easily.
• It has well-established accommodations. Instead of camping, hikers stay in huts.
• It takes 5-6 days to complete. This is ideal for beginners.

The downsides are:

• Although it’s easier to climb, the Marangu Route has low success rates (60-75%). The reason is that you spend a few days on the mountain, not enough for acclimatization. However, the 6-day climb is more successful than the 5-day climb.
• Experienced hikers may find it so easy. However, trying new things like hiking Kilimanjaro for 5 days or anything like that can be good for them.

Marangu is also for seasoned climbers returning to Kilimanjaro. You may try new things like hiking Kilimanjaro for 5 days or anything like that.

Northern Circuit Route

This route is new and the most successful one, with success rates of 98%. It isn’t an easy climb, though; you need to be physically prepared to take it. Otherwise, it can fail you. I recommend this route because:

• The Northern Circuit is long, taking 8 to 11 days. The more days you spend at high altitudes, the greater the chances of summiting.
• It is scenic. This route is still virgin. You enjoy wonderful scenes as you trek. A good camera matters for your memories.
• Camping experience – unlike Marangu where huts are there, the Northern Circuit require camping. Camping is ideal for adventurers, but can be downside for those who love huts over tents.
• Less crowded. Since it has recently been discovered, this route records fewer climbers. You have it up on your own.

The downsides are:

• The Northern Circuit route is expensive than other routes since more days are spent on the mountain.
• Since it’s long, you will need more porters and crew to move the camp up. This adds something to the price tag. So, I highly recommend experienced hikers to start with this route.

Lemosho Route

I really liked this route. As my guide said, it was actually the most beautiful route on Kilimanjaro. It traverses Kilimanjaro from the west to the east, passing through the Shira Plateau. You’ll join the Machame route when you hit the Lava Tower, and from there, you meet other climbers.

• It’s long – 7-8 days of climb, giving you enough time to acclimatize and hence high success rates.
• It has amazing scenes. Besides hiking, you can view the beauty of Kilimanjaro. It turns into an eye-catching trail during the green season.
• It has less traffic. The early days seem quiet with fewer climbers, if any. But further up, it merges with the Machame route, and traffic starts to increase.

The downside of this route is that:

• It’s not as easy compared to the Marangu and Machame routes. There are some steeper portions along the trail.
• There are no huts. Hikers have to set their tents on their campsites. This can be a disadvantage if you like established accommodations.

Rongai Route

Most routes approach Kilimanjaro from the west and south, except this one. The Rongai route traverses Mount Kilimanjaro from the north. Hiking begins near the Kenya-Tanzania border and goes up where it merges with the Marangu route. Its descent goes through the Marangu route. Rongai is the best because:

• It’s good during the rainy season. The north of Kilimanjaro receives less rainfall, favoring hiking.
• It’s short, taking 6-7 days of hiking.
• It’s quieter than the western routes. Because of its remoteness, few hikers go there. The hike begins quietly until you reach the junction connecting the Marangu route.
• It has a gentle slope, making it less strenuous.

The downside is:

• It’s costly since you’ll have to drive to the north where hiking starts.

Machame Route

Machame is the second-famous route after Marangu. Also called the “Whiskey” route, it offers beautiful views of ridges and valleys, and therefore, is a little bit tougher than Marangu. I recommend this route because:

• It’s shorter – 62 kilometers long. This takes 6-7 days of hiking to cover the ground.
• It’s scenic with magnificent features to watch.
• Camping is permitted all the way up. If you love sleeping in a tent, there you go – the Marangu route allows climbers to carry their camping gear. You won’t do this on your own because the crew will do it.

The downsides are:

• It’s difficult – the Barranco Wall, a steep cliff, can be challenging for beginners.
• It can get crowded in high season.

Now you have it. The next adventure on Kilimanjaro awaits. If you need more details about Kilimanjaro, reach out to your operators. I personally recommend Active African Vacations. They would be proud to help you.