Best Mount Kilimanjaro Route

When it comes to the number of routes for climbing Kilimanjaro, climbers are truly spoiled for choice. In total, there are 7 different routes to choose from, all ranging in difficulty, scenery, route popularity and length. Climbers also love and detest every route. Therefore, there is no “best” route for everyone. Route preference is specific to the individual. When selecting the route, make sure it is the appropriate route for your desires, physical ability, aptitude, and comfort level. The question you should ask is, “Which route is best suited for me?”

Each route has its advantages and disadvantages. Choosing the correct route for your capabilities is, ultimately, the deciding factor in whether you’ll summit the mountain or not. It’s best to choose a slower route, which allows for proper acclimatization to successfully hit your goal – the summit. The routes with the highest success rate of summiting the mountain are the slower ones, ascending at a more gradual rate.

The length of your Kilimanjaro hike depends on your chosen route, but generally, the shortest routes take 5 days, while to longest takes up to 10 days. Acclimatization on Kilimanjaro is an extremely vital part of your trek, without it you will most likely not make the summit of the mountain. No matter how fit you are how much you have trained and prepared for you Kilimanjaro trek, acclimatization can affect anyone – even pro athletes. Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery. The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatize.