The most frequent inquiry from aspiring summiteers is, "What's the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?" The answer is tailored to each adventurer's aspirations and desired challenges.
Africa's towering beacon presents climbers with seven distinct paths to its highest point, Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro's South Side Routes
Machame
Shira
Lemosho
Marangu
Umbwe
Northern Circuit
Kilimanjaro's North Side Routes
Rongai
Breaking Down Each Route
Machame
Features:
Challenging and Diverse Trek
Good Acclimatization
Excellent Scenery
Favorable Summit Success Rate
Considerations:
Popular Route
Challenging Terrain
Potential Altitude Effects
Shira
Features:
Diverse Landscapes
Panoramic Vistas
Shira 1 / 2 Camps have a quieter start compared to other sites
Considerations:
Omits the initial forest section
Starts at a higher elevation, presenting an acclimatization challenge
Lemosho
Features:
Scenic Beauty With Diverse Landscapes
Slow Ascent Profile = Better Acclimatization, Higher Success Rate
Extended Duration = More Time to Adapt to Higher Altitudes
Considerations:
The Forest Section May Become Muddy at Certain Times
Higher Cost For Longer Trek
Popular Route During Peak Season
Marangu
Features:
Well-Defined Path
Hut Accommodation
Gradual Ascents
Shorter Duration
Considerations:
Popularity = More Crowds
Faster Ascent Could Lead To Altitude Sickness
Limited Huts May Require A More Advanced Booking
Scenic Views Are Less Diverse Compared To Other Routes
Umbwe
Features:
Offers expansive panoramic views
Provides a rigorous challenge suited for experienced climbers
Typically uncrowded, allowing for a more solitary experience
Considerations:
Allows for a shorter period of acclimatization, which can be a drawback
Generally associated with a lower summit success rate
Offers a less varied scenic experience compared to other routes
Presents a more challenging climb due to its steepness and terrain
Northern Circuit
Features:
High summit success rate
Well-paced ascent for proper acclimatization
Scenic Views
Immersive journey through diverse ecosystems
Considerations:
More expensive than other routes
May experience fatigue due to its extended itinerary
The forest section may be muddy during specific periods
Rongai
Features:
Exclusive northern approach to Kilimanjaro
Known for the most unobstructed mountain views
Expansive, panoramic scenery
Elevated likelihood of wildlife encounters
Considerations:
Scenery may be slightly less dramatic compared to western routes
Determining the Best Route
When conquering Mount Kilimanjaro, your chosen path can shape your entire experience. The notion of the 'best route' is inherently subjective, intimately tied to your climbing ambitions, physical condition, and what you hope to get out of the journey. Some may seek solitude amidst nature, others long for the camaraderie of busy trails, while many prioritize the view that comes with dawn at the summit. It's essential to weigh several criteria to determine which route will align best with your priorities.
Acclimatization
When ascending the storied slopes of Kilimanjaro, acclimatization is not just a component of your climb; it's the cornerstone of your summit success. The 'walk high, sleep low' principle is the golden rule for mountaineers and is crucial in preventing altitude sickness. This strategy involves climbing to a higher elevation during the day and sleeping at a lower elevation at night, which allows the body to adjust to the lower oxygen levels at high altitudes more comfortably and safely.
The best routes for acclimatization on Kilimanjaro have been designed with this principle in mind. The Machame Route, often called the "Whiskey Route," is revered for its climb-high, sleep-low opportunity, particularly between the Shira Plateau and Lava Tower, before descending to Barranco Camp. This natural rhythm of ascent and descent aids in acclimatizing and is one of the reasons behind the route's high success rate.
Similarly, the Lemosho Route is another excellent choice for acclimatization. It starts at a lower altitude and takes a longer time to reach the higher zones, giving climbers ample time to adjust to the altitude. The route merges with the Machame path at Shira Camp 2, continuing the beneficial acclimatization pattern.
Both routes allow climbers to tackle Kilimanjaro's heights gradually, providing a better overall high-altitude experience. By following the 'walk high, sleep low' principle, you significantly increase your chances of enjoying the breathtaking views from Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the continent.
Difficulty of the Summit Night
The summit night on Mount Kilimanjaro is often considered the most demanding part of the climb, where the confluence of cold, exhaustion, and altitude challenges even the most determined climbers. Among the various routes, the Rongai and Marangu Routes are notorious for their grueling summit nights. These trails approach the crater rim from the north, requiring a longer and more arduous trek to reach Uhuru Peak, which can take more than two hours from the crater rim itself.
On the Rongai Route, the summit night begins at Kibo Hut and involves a steep climb to Gilman's Point on the crater's rim, followed by a hike around the rim to Uhuru Peak. The Marangu Route, similarly, includes a midnight start with a long, strenuous climb in the darkness to reach Gilman's Point and, subsequently, the peak.
To alleviate the challenges of summit night, the Machame and Lemosho Routes are recommended as they approach the summit from the west. This approach allows climbers to reach Stella Point on the crater rim, less than an hour's walk from Uhuru Peak. Starting closer to the summit means a shorter, although still intense, push during the most critical part of the climb.
Additionally, choosing an extended itinerary that spans 7 or 8 days can provide extra days for acclimatization, which helps reduce the overall strain of summit night. Being well-rested and acclimatized, climbers can tackle the final ascent with more energy and a greater chance of success. It's essential to listen to your body and follow the guidance of experienced guides who understand the mountain's demands and can help you navigate the challenges of summit night.
Route Popularity and Traffic
The flow of climbers on Kilimanjaro's routes ebbs and peaks with the seasons and even varies by the day of the week. The busiest times on the mountain coincide with the most favorable weather conditions, typically from December to March and June to October. During these windows, the more popular routes like the Machame and Marangu can become quite congested, especially on weekends when groups often start their treks.
Conversely, the number of climbers dwindles during the rainy season, which can offer solitude but also a more significant challenge due to slippery paths and poor visibility. Mid-week departures typically see fewer climbers, making this a strategic choice for those looking to avoid the crowds.
For those whose priority is a quieter, more secluded climb, the Rongai Route is a stellar choice. As the only route that approaches from the north, it is less frequented, offering a sense of wilderness and tranquility not easily found on the more popular southern and western routes. The Rongai Route retains a feeling of untouched beauty, providing a serene and solitary experience for climbers, even during peak seasons.
Accommodation Options
The Marangu route is the singular option on Mount Kilimanjaro that allows you to avoid camping. If sleeping in tents doesn't appeal, then Marangu could be your preferred choice. However, the hut accommodations on this route, while sheltered, are pretty rudimentary and may be distracting with the sounds of fellow climbers.
Routes with the Highest Summit Success Rate
When choosing a route with the best odds for reaching the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit and Lemosho routes top the list. These paths are renowned for their higher summit success rates, thanks in large part to their longer itineraries, which allow climbers ample time to acclimatize to the high altitudes. The gentle ascent profile of these routes also means that climbers can gradually adapt to the thinning air, making the formidable task of summiting a more achievable goal.
The Northern Circuit, the longest of all the routes, envelops the mountain and offers a diverse and scenic journey to the summit. It's especially recommended for those who can afford the time and want to maximize their chances of success. The Lemosho route, starting from the lush rainforests on the mountain's western side and merging with the Machame route, provides a similarly extended trek with excellent acclimatization opportunities.
Not far behind is the Machame Route, a strong contender that ranks as a close third in success rates. Often referred to as the "Whiskey Route," it is a bit more demanding but still offers a strategic climb high, sleep low profile, conducive to acclimatization.
For climbers intent on reaching Uhuru Peak, selecting a route like the Northern Circuit, Lemosho, or Machame and opting for a longer itinerary significantly increases the likelihood of a successful summit. These routes, with their careful balance of challenge and acclimatization, stand out as the paths with the highest embrace at the summit.
Commentaires