It’s an amazing experience to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, which is the tallest mountain in Africa. But there are seven different hiking routes, so how do you pick the best one? Each route has a different mix of scenery, challenge level, ability to help you get used to the altitude, and number of people walking it.
Whether you’ve gone Kilimanjaro trekking before or this is your first time, picking the right way can mean the difference between reaching the top and having to turn around early.
There are several great ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. This guide will help you choose the one that fits your goals, fitness level, and way of traveling the most.
Overview: All Official Kilimanjaro Routes
There are seven main routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro:
- Marangu Route – The only route with hut accommodations
- Machame Route – Popular and scenic, good for acclimatization
- Lemosho Route – Remote, scenic, and excellent acclimatization
- Rongai Route – Quieter and drier, approaching from the north
- Northern Circuit Route – Longest route, best acclimatization
- Umbwe Route – Steep, fast, and physically demanding
- Shira Route – High starting point, merges with Lemosho
Now let’s break them down individually.
Marangu Route – The “Coca-Cola” Route
Best for: Budget travelers and those who prefer hut accommodations
Duration: 5–6 days
Success Rate: Moderate (low due to shorter acclimatization)
Accommodation: Dormitory-style huts
Starting Point: Marangu Gate (1,870m)
A lot of people like the Marangu Route because it’s the only one with bed huts instead of tents. Many people think it’s the most “comfortable” route, but the fast ascent makes it hard to get used to the altitude, so fewer people are able to reach the top.
It’s great for people who want a shorter, less difficult hike, but because you go up and down the same road, it’s also the busiest and least beautiful.
Machame Route – The “Whiskey” Route
Best for: First-time trekkers seeking a scenic and balanced trek
Duration: 6–7 days
Success Rate: High
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Machame Gate (1,800m)
The most famous Kilimanjaro route is the Machame Route, which is known for its beautiful and varied scenery. It uses the “climb high, sleep low” method, which helps with getting used to the altitude and has a high success rate at the top.
Views of lush jungle, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial peaks are what you can expect. It requires more physical strength than Marangu, but for people who are in better shape, it’s a better experience all around.
Lemosho Route – Remote and Scenic
Best for: Trekkers seeking solitude and excellent acclimatization
Duration: 7–8 days
Success Rate: Very high
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (2,100m)
A lot of people think that Lemosho is the best way for everything. It starts on the western side of the mountain and has beautiful views of a wide range of temperature zones. It is not very busy. On day three or four, it meets up with the Machame Route.
This path has fewer people and more time for acclimatization, so trekkers have a better chance of reaching the top while enjoying quiet trails and a variety of terrain.
Rongai Route – Off-the-Beaten-Path
Best for: Climbers looking for a dry, less crowded trail
Duration: 6–7 days
Success Rate: Moderate to high
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Rongai Gate (1,950m, northern side near Kenyan border)
Kilimanjaro can only be reached from the north via the Rongai Route. This makes it a great choice during the wet season, as the northern side of the mountain is dryer. It’s also the least busy.
Early on, the path wasn’t as beautiful, but now it gives you a unique view and ends with a beautiful descent down the Marangu path. It may be harder to get used to because it skips the “climb high, sleep low” rhythm on the first few days. This is because the trip is only 5 days long.
Northern Circuit Route – The Ultimate Adventure
Best for: Those with extra time and a desire for high success rates
Duration: 9+ days
Success Rate: Very high
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Londorossi Gate (same as Lemosho)
The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest trail, which makes it the best for getting used to the altitude and reaching the top. It has views of the mountain from almost every angle and not many people walk on it.
First, trekkers take the Lemosho path. Then, they go off in a different direction to go around the northern slopes before reaching the top. It’s far away, beautiful, and perfect for people who want to bet big but avoid groups.
Umbwe Route – Fast and Steep
Best for: Experienced trekkers seeking a challenging ascent
Duration: 5–6 days
Success Rate: Low
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Umbwe Gate (1,800m)
The Umbwe Route leads straight to the top and is the highest. This is the quickest way, but it also gives you the least time to get used to the altitude. For confident, well-trained hikers, it’s a high-risk, high-reward choice.
Beginners or people who have never done high-altitude hiking should not do it. But it has beautiful views and fewer hikers, especially in the beginning.
Shira Route – High-Altitude Start
Best for: Trekkers with prior altitude experience
Duration: 7–8 days
Success Rate: Moderate to high
Accommodation: Camping
Starting Point: Shira Gate (3,600m)
Some parts of the Shira Route are like the Lemosho Route, but the beginning is much higher up, which makes getting AMS (Altitude Mountain Sickness) more likely early on in the trip. It has beautiful views and is in a remote area, but because it starts quickly at a high elevation, only people who are already used to or comfortable with being at high elevation should attempt it.
Route Comparison at a Glance
| Route | Duration | Success Rate | Crowds | Scenery | Acclimatization | Accommodation |
| Marangu | 5–6 days | Moderate | High | Moderate | Poor | Huts |
| Machame | 6–7 days | High | High | Excellent | Good | Camping |
| Lemosho | 7–8 days | Very High | Low–Medium | Excellent | Excellent | Camping |
| Rongai | 6–7 days | High | Low | Moderate | Fair | Camping |
| Northern Circuit | 9+ days | Very High | Very Low | Excellent | Excellent | Camping |
| Umbwe | 5–6 days | Low | Very Low | Good | Poor | Camping |
| Shira | 7–8 days | Moderate | Low | Excellent | Fair | Camping |
Final Tips for Choosing the Right Route
- First-time trekkers: Go with Lemosho or Machame for balance and success rate.
- Short on time? Machame (7 days) is a good compromise.
- Traveling during rainy season? Rongai is your best bet.
- Want solitude and great photos? Consider the Northern Circuit.
- Experienced and fit? Umbwe offers a bold challenge.
- Budget travel? Marangu may save you money but with trade-offs.
Ready to Choose Your Route?
It’s not just about reaching the top of Mount Kilimanjaro; it’s also about enjoying the trip. Choosing the right path for your fitness level, travel plans, and goals can make or break your trip.
Want to make plans for your Kilimanjaro trip? I can help you compare routes, find operators you can trust, and even make your own schedule. For your trip to the Roof of Africa, just get in touch with us.
