How Do I Choose a Kilimanjaro Route?
Basically, there are three main ways to judge the ideal route: fastest, most picturesque, and least busy.
Fastest may sound good to the super-fit, but a person's body to deal with low oxygen air at altitude is not related to fitness and the best way to ensure a successful summit is to walk slow and spend more days on the mountain.
The Marangu Route is the fastest and can, in theory, be done in 5 days. Busy route, limited acclimatization, 6 days minimum recommended.
The Machame Route includes 6 or 7 days of hiking. It climbs high and sleeps low. Busy during high season, great for acclimatization.
The Rongai Route also includes 6 or 7 days of hiking. It is a more quiet and remote route and chosen by many because of its gradual climb. Quiet and remote. Easy climb, limited acclimatization, 7 days minimum recommended.
The Lemosho Route is one of longer routes and includes 7 or 8 days of hiking. Its trek joins the Machame Route on Day 4.
The Northern Circuit Route is the newest and longest route and includes 8 to 9 days of hiking. Less busy, great for acclimatization.
All routes are picturesque in their own right. Except for Marangu, all routes ascent/descent via a different path, allowing for varying views of the mountain.
While online statistics concerning the Kilimanjaro summit success rates vary, they have one thing in common:
THE MORE TIME SPENT ON THE MOUNTAIN ACCLIMATIZING AND THE LONGER THE ROUTE, THE HIGHER THE SUMMIT SUCCESS!
