Best Hiking Route for Kilimanjaro Hiking – Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the seven summits of the world, rising to an elevation of 5,895 meters above sea level. It is the highest mountain in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. Mount Kilimanjaro attracts thousands of tourists every year. Most climbers reach the summit successfully, but some fail, mainly due to altitude sickness.
Best Hiking Routes for Kilimanjaro Hiking
The Kilimanjaro National Park authorities have established seven well-maintained hiking routes for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. These are:
Each route offers a unique experience. It is important to research and study each route before climbing to choose the one that best suits your fitness level, budget, and ability to acclimatize. All routes have their advantages and disadvantages, making it difficult to choose the best route. Below are a few of the best routes explained:
- Northern Circuit Route: The Northern Circuit Route has the highest success rate for reaching the summit. This is because it is the longest route, allowing more time for acclimatization. The hike is not very difficult on this route. However, it is the most expensive route because spending more days on the mountain increases the cost.
- Rongai Route: The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the Kenyan side. It is considered the easiest route due to its level of difficulty and high success rate. Rongai is the best route during the rainy season as the northern side receives less rainfall. It is less crowded, offering a true wilderness experience. However, the Rongai Route has less scenic beauty compared to other routes and is also relatively expensive.
- Marangu Route: Many travelers choose the Marangu Route because it is the oldest and most well-maintained route. It is the only route offering accommodation in dormitory huts, unlike other routes where camping is required. Marangu is ideal during the rainy season as it provides better sleeping comfort. The climb is gradual, with three camps at the same altitude, making it fair for acclimatization. The disadvantages of the Marangu Route are that it uses the same trail for ascending and descending, making it less scenic, and it is often crowded.
- Lemosho Route: The Lemosho Route is a good choice for hiking Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a balance of beautiful scenery, good acclimatization, a moderate climb, and fewer crowds. The climb can be completed in six days, but using an 8-day itinerary is recommended for better acclimatization.
Choosing the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not easy because each route provides a different experience, with its own advantages and disadvantages.
However, spending more days on the mountain increases your chances of a successful summit.
