I have written a few posts on the different routes but felt it is time not to look at how to go about choosing one. So here are a few questions you need to ask yourself if you are undecided
1 – Do you want an ‘easier’ route?
I must add here that NO route on Kilimanjaro is easy, just that some are classified as “easier” than others. This is due to the amount of altitude gained in a day compared to distance travelled. On a route such as Marangu, on day 2 you do 12km and climb around 1000m. Compare this to Umbwe route where you do 1000m gain in just 7km. Ultimately, what is means is that routes such as Umbwe, Machame and Lemosho tend to be steeper. This leaves you with Rongai, Northern Route and Marangu.
2 – Do you mind staying in tents?
If staying in tents is something you want to avoid at all costs, then your option is limited to Marangu route. Marangu is the only route on Kilimanjaro where you can stay in shared dormitory style huts.
3 – Do you need your Wi-Fi?
If being in contact with the rest of the world while you climb, to post your pictures and Instagram your day, then Marangu is your best option. While you can pick up intermittent signal on all other routes, the signal towers are installed along Marangu.
4 – Are you afraid of heights and steep drop-offs?
If this is the case and the thought of scrambling up the side of a rocky area leavings you quivering in your boots, then it is best to avoid any route that uses the Baranco wall. This includes Umbwe, Lemosho and Machame Routes.
5 – Do you want a quiet route where you don’t see many other people?
If you prefer your quiet open spaces without many folks around you, then there are several options. The quietest route overall is the Northern circuit or the Lemosho-Northern variant. The Northern route is by far the quietest route, followed by the Rongai route. The Umbwe route is also seldom used but if you are wanting to avoid a steep route, then best to avoid this one too.
6 – Are you looking for scenery?
If you are looking for some of the best scenery on Kilimanjaro, then our advice is to do the Machame or Lemosho route. Machame heads off in a south westerly direction before turning in an easterly direction at Shira and finally approaches summit from the west. Lemosho starts on the far western side of the mountain and requires a lengthy transfer of around 4 hours to get to the Park Gate. It is also a much longer approach with a longer period of time being spent in the rain forest and also a very tough days trek to get up to Shira Camp I. It then joins up with Machame near Lava Tower and follows the same route to summit.
7 – Are you wanting to experience the forests?
Many people often believe that if they choose Northern Circuit or Rongai, that they won’t get to see much forest. It is true that there is only a tiny section of forest on Rongai, however, on both routes, you will get to experience the forest on the descent.
These are just a few pointers and I hope that they help you narrow down your route of choice.
For more information email Nomadic Adventures on tours@nomadicadventures.co.za
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