Climbing Kilimanjaro: Which route should I take?

There are two popular ways to climb Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route and the Machame summit ascent trail. As far as the hike is concerned, we feel the Marangu Route is the easier of the two because the trail up to the summit is less difficult than the Machame summit ascent trail. However, the summit day on both routes is difficult. The hiking conditions on both routes are terrible, with strong winds, high altitude and freezing temperatures; if you are not determined to make it to the top, you probably won't. In short, climbing Kili provides more of a mental challenge than a physical one.

Marangu Positives:
• The final day's ascent to the crater rim is easier than the the ascent on the Machame climb.
• The trail is shorter overall than the Machame Route. However, some say this causes people to be less acclimatized.
• Accommodations are more comfortable; you'll sleep on thick foam mattresses, and stay in huts, which are warmer than tents.

Marangu Negatives:
• You will sleep in the same place three times.
• During the high season the huts and dining areas are very busy and you have to wait your turn to eat.
• You are not enjoying a private trip as you are sleeping and eating with other groups.
• The hike around the crater rim is longer.
• Ascent and descent routes follow the same path.
• Fewer people who climb Marangu make it to the top.

Machame Positives:
• The Machame Route is generally considered to be the more scenic of the two routes.
• You will enjoy a private camping experience with your group.
• The ascent and descent routes are different.
• You will stay in a different campsite every night.
• A higher percentage of climbers make it to the top.

Machame negatives:
• The final ascent is tough, as you climb at midnight over shale and gravel. It's rather frustrating, as you must take a step back for every two steps forward.
• For those who are not used to camping this route may be challenging.
• There will be more staff porters to tip.

Also, we feel that sleeping in huts makes the Marangu Route easier for those who are not used to camping. The success rate (reaching Uhuru) is lower for Marangu, but perhaps this is due to the fact that more experienced hikers (those more likely to reach Uhuru) choose the Machame Route.