Kilimanjaro Success Rates and Ratings

Selecting Your Kilimanjaro Climbing Route

At Ascend Tanzania, we explore Kilimanjaro's diverse landscapes via six of the seven climbing routes available. We offer both standard and luxury climbing Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages tailored to these routes. Here’s an overview of these routes and their Kilimanjaro Success Rates to help you choose the best one for your adventure.

Marangu Route - The Classic Trail

Affectionately known as the "Coca-Cola" route, the Marangu Route is popular for its straightforward trek and comfy hut accommodations.

It’s quicker than other routes, which might reduce your acclimatisation time. Opting for the 6-day Marangu trek instead of 5 could bump your chances from 50% to a solid 80% success rate.

Lemosho Route - Scenery and Success

If you're here for epic photos and serene climbs, Lemosho is the ticket. It's a bit longer, which means you get more time to adjust to the altitude and enjoy the landscapes.

This route nails a 95% success rate on the 9-day Lemosho Route trek, making it a favourite for those who can take their time.

Machame Route - The Adventurer’s Choice

Want a bit of a challenge? Machame’s your route. Known for its “climb high, sleep low” approach, it’s tougher but offers stunning variety in scenery.

Despite its high difficulty level, it boasts an impressive success rate, thanks to its detailed Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes and efficient path management.

Stick with the 7-day Machame Route plan for the best odds of success, around 95%.

Rongai Route - Off the Beaten Path

Starting from the north, Rongai offers a quieter, more solitary approach to the summit. It’s perfect if you're looking to escape the crowds and enjoy a more laid-back climb with success rates hovering around 95% for the 7-day Rongai Route package.

Umbwe Route - Short and Steep

For the fit and fearless, Umbwe Route is the steepest and most direct shot to the top. It’s tough, quick, and not for the faint of heart, but an experienced climber will relish the challenge and the high-adrenaline climb.

Northern Circuit - The Full Experience

As the longest route, the Northern Circuit lets you soak in all Kilimanjaro has to offer, from lush rainforests to arid plains. It’s a longer journey, but with a success rate of 98%, it’s worth every step for those who want the full Kili experience.

Comparison of Success Rates and Ratings

Following our comparison of Kilimanjaro Success Rates and Ratings, we've created a detailed table that highlights the number of climbers who have climbed with us on each route and the respective success rates and ratings.

Route	Climbers Annually	Success Rate	Rating	Ideal For
Marangu	12,289	50-80%	★★☆☆☆	Quick hikers, comfort lovers
Lemosho	9,927	85-95%	★★★★☆	Scenery seekers, gradual climbers
Machame	20,339	73-95%	★★★☆☆	Challenge seekers, diverse trekkers
Rongai	Not specified	70-95%	★★★★☆	Solitude seekers, easy-going climbers
Umbwe	589	70-90%	★★☆☆☆	Thrill seekers, experienced climbers
Northern Circuit	Not specified	90-98%	★★★★★	Full circuit enthusiasts, thorough trekkers

 

This table is designed to give you a clear picture of what to expect from each path.

It’s important to note that the Kilimanjaro Success Rates often correlate with the duration of the climb. Routes with shorter durations typically show lower success rates due to limited acclimatization time, while those with longer durations tend to have higher success rates, providing climbers ample time to adjust to altitude changes.

This information can help you make an informed decision when selecting the Best Kilimanjaro Routes that align with your climbing goals and preferences.

Choosing Your Path Wisely

The right route for you depends on your experience, physical condition, and what you want to get out of the climb.

While scenic routes like Lemosho offer a high chance of success due to their longer durations, quicker Kilimanjaro Climbing routes like Marangu and Umbwe provide unique challenges.

Irrespective of which path you choose, remember that the journey is just as important as the summit. So, pack smart, train right, and pick a path that suits your spirit of adventure. Here’s to clear skies and high spirits on your climb to the top of Africa!