To choose the right climbing route, consider your fitness, hiking experience, and desired success rate. For beginners, the Marangu or Rongai routes are good choices, while the Lemosho or Machame routes are recommended for those with some experience. The Northern Circuit route offers the highest success rate due to its longer duration and better acclimatization, but is best for very experienced hikers.
Route recommendations by experience level
Beginners:
- Marangu Route: The easiest route with the option to sleep in huts instead of tents, making it more comfortable. However, it has a lower success rate.
Intermediate:
- Lemosho Route: A longer and more gradual route with high success rates, beautiful scenery, and better acclimatization opportunities.
- Machame Route: A scenic and popular "Whisky Route" that is more challenging but offers a balance of difficulty and scenery.
Experienced:
- Northern Circuit Route: The longest route with the highest summit success rate due to its excellent acclimatization. It offers a quieter experience with more opportunities to see wildlife.
Other factors to consider
• Success rate: Longer routes like the Northern Circuit, Lemosho, and Machame have higher success rates because they allow more time for acclimatization.
• Acclimatization: Look for routes that allow for "walk high, sleep low" to help your body adjust to the altitude.
• Crowds: The Marangu Route is known for being less crowded.
• Scenery: Different routes offer unique landscapes, from rainforests to alpine deserts.
The Lemosho Route and Machame Route are particularly praised for their scenic beauty.
