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BEFORE YOU CLIMB
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BEFORE YOU ARRIVE
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ON YOUR CLIMB
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MOUNT KILIMANJARO HIKING ROUTES
Before climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s best to know that there are seven established Kilimanjaro hiking routes – Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. The Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes all approach from the south of the mountain (Mweka is used only for descent). The Lemosho, Shira and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route approaches from the north. The illustrations below depict a three-dimensional view of Kilimanjaro’s climbing routes and a close up of the approaches to the summit.
Which is the best route to climb mount Kilimanjaro
The one question we are asked more often than any other is “which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro”. And the answer depends on what you want. Here are our winners
Highest success rate and overall best route to climb Kilimanjaro
If you want the highest chance of summiting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Machame route over 7 or 8 days – excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night make these winners by a long way. And as reaching the top is the most important thing for most of our climbers we make this our overall winners as best route to climb Kilimanjaro.
Most scenic route to climb Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho route approaching from the West wins hands down for the best views with spectacular vistas in all directions.
Quietest route to climb Kilimanjaro
If keeping away from the crowds is your top priority the Rongai route has to be your choice as the best route for your Kilimanjaro climb. But be warned the success rate is lower.
Most challenging route to climb Kilimanjaro
If you are looking for an adventure and a really unique wilderness experience the crater camp option is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you- less than 1 % of climbers get to do this and all our climbers who do it rave about it.
Conclusion: Our favourite route
Our favorite out of all Kilimanjaro Hiking routes, considering the scenery, difficulty, and traffic, is a combination of the Lemosho route and the Machame route. The Lemosho route takes around 8 days to trek while the Machame route takes around 7. These Kilimanjaro hiking routes offer some of the best views of the mountain with less traffic and good acclimatization opportunities. If you need help planning your route, safari or any itineraries for your adventure in Tanzania, contact Smile With Us Tours and our team of experts will assist you every step of the way.
Journey to the Top of Africa with Confidence
Our top picks for Best Hiking Tours in Tanzania
A trek in this mountain is a life-time awe experience, a world class achievement that we are at Smile with Us will be happy to be part of while you take on. Focus is to get you to enjoy every moment of the trek as you find your way to the top. A team of well-motivated professional guides and porters will take on the lead as you take the challenge.
