Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the BEST route to climb?
The Marangu route seems the cheapest... What do you think?
How much does it cost to climb?
Which routes have the best scenery?
When is the best time of year to climb?
What if I can't make the summit?
What if I'm too slow?
What is your summit success ratio?
What is the best route on Kilimanjaro?
It's tough to say... Let's start by looking at the length of the routes. The Umbwe is shortest, Marangu is next, Rongai next, then Machame, followed by the Lemosho Glades route, via the Shira Plateau and up the awesome Western Breach. But remember... shortest in distance absolutely does NOT mean "best" or "easiest."
Next, we need to look at how these routes help you get used to climbing at high altitude - the process we call "acclimatization." This is really the single most important factor you should consider when selecting your climbing route to the roof of Africa. The Lemosho Glades (sometimes called Londorossi) approach to the Shira Plateau spread over eight (or more) days will absolutely give you the best acclimatization. This is because you will be up around 4,000m for a lot of extra time. MountainQUEST offers a Lemosho Glades itinerary... a fantastic, and recommended, option if you want a quiet, remote route with stunning scenery.
The Machame is next - this is the route we use on a regular basis. Our standard MountainQUEST Kilimanjaro climbs travel this route up the Western Breach, or around to Barafu, and then up to the crater. After the Machame, the other routes allow more direct access, but their steepness makes them harder in terms of exertion.
The Marangu "tourist route" has the lowest summit success ratio, because many teams ascend it so quickly... and the altitude causes many problems.
Taking acclimatization, scenery, and "off the beaten path" appeal into account, the quiet and breathtaking Lemosho Glades route would be our first choice. If your budget is a little smaller, but you still want a 90% plus chance of making the summit, the Machame or Rongai routes are a great choice. Check out all of these routes in our "Adventures" section!
The Marangu route seems the cheapest. What do you think?
We will take you up the Marangu route if you insist, but it is definitely not our first choice. Straight up and down the same way... dirty, scenically not very attractive, overcrowded, and not enough time for acclimatization. The park authorities won't allow two nights at 4,700m (Kibo) so you have to spend an insufficient acclimatization day at Horombo (3,700m). Only about 23% of climbers make it to the summit on this route as they are so rushed and ill prepared.
If you really do want to do this route, it is indeed a little cheaper. However... You are going to spend a lot of money anyway you might as well give yourself the best chance of making it to the summit and use a better, longer route. We would suggest the Machame as a better choice for the price conscious traveler.
How much does it cost to climb?
Cost is often the most influential factor when choosing a climb on Kilimanjaro. It shouldn't be. On Kilimanjaro, you get what you pay for, so do not expect Champaign on a beer budget. Underpaid porters, bad food and overloaded camps await the budget traveler.
We believe that if you are investing the time and money to GET to Africa, you should allow yourself the BEST chance to have a GREAT experience on Kilimanjaro. Our Prices are competitive... The routes, guides, food and accommodations we select are absolutely the best on the mountain, as our clients have told us again and again.
There are many factors that determine the cost of a climb. All of the routes charge camping and entry fees for each day spent on the mountain. Also, a rescue fee is charged. The park fees alone can be quite substantial! (Remember to ask if the park fees are Included when pricing your trip... often they are NOT included!) Next, staff, porters, guides and cooks have to be paid and EVERYONE has to be fed. Don't be surprised if your expedition of four climbers quickly grows to 24 members!
At face value, Marangu might seem like the best choice, as it is the cheapest on the mountain... However, it is filthy and crowded with people who have naively bought into budget deals. We offer the Classic Machame route climb as an excellent balance between price, scenery, acclimatization and summit success.
So, if you are on a budget, look at the Machame, or Rongai Routes. Either of these would be an excellent choice. And for the ultimate in acclimatization and scenery, the Lemosho Glades route is simply the best.
Which routes have the best scenery..?
On Kili, there is always great scenery. But for the most pristine vegetation and wildlife, choose the Lemosho Glades (sometimes called the 'Londorossi') extension to the Shira Plateau.
Any route with a night at high crater camp is an unbelievable experience. You will actually be able to touch the 'snows of Kilimanjaro' and walk to the ash pit... peering down into the 'belly of the beast.'
The spectacular Western Breach is another stunning sight. Facing west, the evening sun lights up the red rocks of the breach until they glow. The ascent of the breach is open, airy, and offers views unlike any other route.
The Rongai approaches from the Kenyan side - but isn't thought of as incredibly scenic.
Marangu has Mawenzi - but you see that as well from Barafu on the Machame route - and Umbwe has nothing on the way up until the moorland except the walls of a steep gorge.
When is the best time of year to climb?
Kilimanjaro can be climbed year round... but... the absolute best months for climbing are January, February, September, and October. A great second choice would be July or August -- both of which are a little colder, but not unbearable. November and December can also be good, but there is a better chance of we weather and snow up high.
The warmest climbing months would definitely be January, February and March. Mornings and evenings are almost clear of clouds, and there are far less rain and snow showers. The long rainy season goes from April to May. The temperatures are usually still warm, but clouds can block visibility, while dropping snow on the summit and heavy rain on the lower slopes.
The long dry season follows from June into October. Over these months, the weather grows warmer. By October, daytimes are clear, but mist usually surrounds the mountain's moorland zone (11,000 to 13,000 feet), sometimes resulting in the summit and a few other peaks poking through the clouds - a wild sight to see.
The short rainy season begins in November and last into December. Thunderstorms are common, but by evening the clouds usually disappear, resulting in great visibility in the night and mornings - and from the summit!
What if I can't make the summit?
We always like to tell our teams... "It's not the summit, but it is the journey itself that becomes your destination." Although our summit ratio is amongst the best in the business, it is important to realize that trekkers are sometimes not able to reach the top. However, this fact does not detract from the experience of climbing on the highest mountain in Africa.
Remember... the Kilimanjaro massif is a world of magic. From giant plants, to lava rock mushrooms to monkeys in the trees. Simply taking in the magic of Africa is rewarding... even for those who never reach the top.
If one or more of our team members decide they cannot continue, or if a guide deems it unsafe for an individual (or a group) to continue, they are escorted to the closest, or most convenient campsite. Our guides intimately know the network of shortcuts to escort climbers to safety, and they are trained to act quickly and calmly under any circumstance.
What if I'm too slow?
DON'T worry that you will prevent your team from reaching the top! We have enough staff to allow each person to climb on their own if need be. The most important factor is your safety. We take it very seriously.
What is your summit success ratio?
It's funny, but many "tour companies" who market and sell Kilimanjaro climbs have never even set foot on a mountain in their lives! Our "summit success" rates are comparable to the best in the business (a.k.a the most expensive in the business). On Kilimanjaro, they are in the mid 90% range. The success rate of climbers on Kilimanjaro is much lower... less than 50%.
To be quite honest, we dislike the idea of choosing a company based on 'summit success.' Remember: The summit is the halfway point of the climb. Everyone who reaches the top must travel back to the bottom. Choose an outfitter with a good history of reaching the summit - and a GREAT record of getting people BACK DOWN.
MountainQUEST is owned and operated by high altitude mountaineers who climb around the world on a regular basis. Our Kilimanjaro programs have been designed for success and safety, which can only be learned by leading expeditions to the highest points of our globe. Climb with us, and you will benefit from our expedition experience, and our commitment to providing the best service available.
