The Ultimate Kilimanjaro Climbing: Best Time to Climb, Routes, Success and Rates
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, is one of the most sought-after trekking destinations in the world. The mountain offers several unique routes, each with varying difficulty levels and success rates. Choosing the right time to climb, understanding the best routes, and knowing what to expect day-by-day can make the difference between a successful summit and falling short. This guide covers everything you need to know, including the best time to climb, an overview of Kilimanjaro’s routes, success rates, and detailed day-by-day itineraries.
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons when the weather is more favorable for trekking. There are two main climbing periods:
January to March: Cooler temperatures with fewer crowds. This period has some snow at higher altitudes, creating a more adventurous atmosphere.
June to October: The most popular time for climbing due to warmer, drier conditions. This period offers better views but also attracts more climbers.
Avoid climbing during the rainy seasons in April, May, and November, as the trails can become muddy and slippery, and visibility is often reduced.
Kilimanjaro Routes: Which One Is Best for You?
There are several routes to choose from, each offering different experiences, difficulty levels, and success rates. Here’s a brief overview of the most popular routes:
1. Machame Route (6-7 Days)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Success Rate: 85% (7-day itinerary), 70% (6-day itinerary)
Scenery: Highly scenic, varied landscapes
The Machame Route is one of the most popular due to its beautiful scenery and high success rate when using the 7-day itinerary. Known as the “Whiskey Route,” it offers a challenging yet rewarding experience. It follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, allowing better acclimatization.
2. Marangu Route (5-6 Days)
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: 65% (5-day itinerary), 75% (6-day itinerary)
Scenery: Rainforest and moorland
The Marangu Route, also called the “Coca-Cola Route,” is the only route with hut accommodations. It is one of the easier routes, making it a popular choice for beginners. However, it has a lower success rate due to the shorter acclimatization period.
3. Lemosho Route (7-8 Days)
Difficulty: Moderate to Hard
Success Rate: 90% (8-day itinerary)
Scenery: Remote, less crowded, beautiful landscapes
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic and less crowded routes. Starting in the lush rainforest, it gradually ascends through diverse ecosystems. With longer itineraries, the Lemosho Route offers excellent acclimatization and a high summit success rate.
4. Rongai Route (6-7 Days)
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: 70-80%
Scenery: Drier, less scenic but remote
The Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the northern side, offering a quieter and less traveled path. While it is not as scenic as other routes, its gradual ascent makes it a good option for climbers seeking a more remote experience.
Success Rates for Kilimanjaro Climbs
Success rates for Kilimanjaro climbs vary based on the route and the number of days chosen for the trek. Generally, the longer the itinerary, the better your chances of acclimatizing and successfully reaching the summit. Here’s a quick overview:
5-day itineraries: 60%-70% success rate
6-day itineraries: 70%-75% success rate
7-day itineraries: 85%-90% success rate
8+ day itineraries: 90%+ success rate
Choosing a longer trek allows more time for acclimatization, reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
Day-by-Day Itinerary: Kilimanjaro Climb via Machame Route (7 Days)
The Machame Route is one of the most popular choices due to its scenic beauty and high success rates. Below is a detailed 7-day itinerary for climbing Kilimanjaro via the Machame Route.
Day 1: Machame Gate to Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m to 3,000m
Distance: 11km
Time: 5-7 hours
Your adventure begins at Machame Gate, where you’ll register for the trek. The hike starts through lush rainforest, home to various wildlife and plants. After a few hours of trekking, you’ll reach Machame Camp for dinner and rest.
Day 2: Machame Camp to Shira Camp
Elevation: 3,000m to 3,850m
Distance: 5km
Time: 4-6 hours
Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail leads into the moorland zone. Today’s trek is steeper but offers spectacular views of the Shira Plateau. You’ll camp overnight at Shira Camp.
Day 3: Shira Camp to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,850m to 3,960m (via Lava Tower at 4,600m)
Distance: 10km
Time: 6-8 hours
Day 3 is an acclimatization day. You’ll hike to Lava Tower, a prominent landmark, before descending to Barranco Camp. The “climb high, sleep low” technique will help your body adjust to the altitude.
Day 4: Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m to 4,200m
Distance: 6km
Time: 4-5 hours
The day begins with the thrilling climb up the Barranco Wall, followed by a relatively easy hike to Karanga Camp. This shorter day helps with further acclimatization.
Day 5: Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,200m to 4,640m
Distance: 4km
Time: 4-5 hours
The trail today leads to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit attempt. You’ll rest early, preparing for the midnight push to the top.
Day 6: Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak (Summit) and Descend to Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m to 5,895m (Uhuru Peak) and descend to 3,100m (Mweka Camp)
Distance: 5km ascent, 12km descent
Time: 12-14 hours
Summit day begins around midnight with a long, steady ascent to the top. The goal is to reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend to Mweka Camp for rest.
Day 7: Mweka Camp to Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m to 1,800m
Distance: 10km
Time: 3-4 hours
The final day is an easy descent through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Afterward, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a well-deserved rest.
Conclusion: Plan Your Kilimanjaro Climb for Success
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary adventure, but preparation is key to reaching the summit successfully. By choosing the right time to climb, selecting a route that matches your experience and fitness level, and allowing adequate time for acclimatization, you can greatly improve your chances of standing at the top of Africa.
Whether you choose the popular Machame Route, the easier Marangu Route, or the scenic Lemosho Route, your journey to the summit of Kilimanjaro will be one you’ll never forget.
Ready to take on the adventure? Start planning your Kilimanjaro climb today!
