Mt. Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes
Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, offers seven distinct routes for trekkers to summit its peak. Choosing the right route is essential, as it will determine the difficulty level, the views you’ll experience, and the time required for the journey. Your decision should be influenced by factors like your hiking experience, fitness level, and what kind of scenery you want to enjoy. Below is a comprehensive breakdown of all seven routes to help you decide which one suits you best.
Routes Details
Machame Route
The Kilimanjaro Machame route is our second favorite for a reason. Along with the Lemosho route, it is renowned for its stunning views and diverse terrain, making it one of the most scenic ways to summit Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s no wonder that over 20,000 climbers choose this route every year. However, its popularity can lead to overcrowding, especially during peak season.
The Machame route is known for its excellent acclimatization profile, using the “climb high, sleep low” technique to great effect. Starting from the south, it has a high success rate, particularly for those opting for the seven-day trek. The six-day option, however, is not ideal for first-time trekkers, as it offers less time for proper acclimatization. Additionally, there are no huts along the route, so camping is the only accommodation option.
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 62 km
Duration: 6-8 days
Success Rate: High
Marangu Route
The Marangu route, often called the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most established path on Mount Kilimanjaro. What sets it apart is the availability of sleeping huts with shared dormitory-style accommodations instead of traditional camping. The Mandara and Kibo Huts each accommodate 60 bunk beds, while the Horombo Hut has 120. Mattresses and pillows are provided, but trekkers still need to bring their own sleeping bags. These huts also feature communal dining areas and basic washrooms, ranging from modern facilities like flushing toilets and running water at lower altitudes to simpler amenities like long-drop toilets and buckets of water at the Kibo Hut.
Many choose the Marangu route because it’s considered the easiest way up the mountain, offering a gentle slope and direct path. However, the shorter trek duration makes it difficult to properly acclimatize to the altitude. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast but lacks the scenic diversity of other routes, as both the ascent and descent follow the same path. This, combined with its popularity, makes it the most crowded route.
Difficulty: Low
Distance: 72 km
Duration: 5-6 days
Success Rate: Low
Lemosho Route
The Lemosho route holds a special place in our hearts! Known for its versatility, breathtaking scenery, and a more remote, wild start to the climb, Lemosho is often praised for offering the most variety. While spotting large wildlife like antelopes is rare, it’s certainly possible! One of the standout features of this route is the chance to trek across the Shira Plateau, one of the largest high-altitude plateaus on the planet. The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the western side and is less crowded than other popular routes. It’s essentially a variation of the Machame route, with only the first two days differing.
The acclimatization profile of the Lemosho route is excellent, with multiple “climb high, sleep low” opportunities that increase the chances of a successful summit. Most climbers complete the route in seven days, but it can be extended to eight days for those who want extra time to acclimatize. Camping is the only accommodation option along this route.
Difficulty: Medium
Distance: 70 km
Duration: 7-8 days
Success Rate: High
Umbwe Route
The Umbwe route is widely recognized as the most challenging path on Mount Kilimanjaro, and for good reason. Its steep, rapid ascent to high altitudes leaves little room for proper acclimatization, making it a tough climb. Though it sees fewer trekkers, the success rate on this route is low. It is best suited for experienced hikers who are confident in their ability to adjust quickly to the altitude.
Starting from the southern side, the Umbwe route is known for its short, steep, and direct approach. Once at Barranco Camp, the trail heads eastward, passing below Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field along the Southern Circuit before reaching the summit via Barafu. The descent takes place along the Mweka route.
Difficulty: High
Distance: 53 km
Duration: 5-6 days
Success Rate: Low
Rongai Route
The Rongai route on Kilimanjaro offers a long, gentle trek with a relatively easy gradient, making it one of the less difficult routes. As the only route approaching from the northern side of the mountain, it is less traveled, with only around 4,000 climbers each year.
Similar to the Marangu route, the Rongai route lacks many “climb high, sleep low” opportunities, so it’s recommended to opt for the seven-day itinerary instead of the six-day one to allow more time for acclimatization. It’s a great alternative to the busier routes, particularly for those who prefer camping to staying in huts. The route is moderately steep, less crowded, and passes through a stunning alpine desert zone. It also offers fantastic views toward Kenya and the Kibo summit. The descent follows the Marangu route.
Difficulty: Low
Distance: 73 km
Duration: 6-7 days
Success Rate: Medium
Northern Circuit Route
The Northern Circuit is widely regarded as one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering almost 360 degrees of stunning scenery, including the serene and rarely explored northern slopes. As the longest route, it provides the most time for acclimatization, which contributes to its high summit success rate. For these reasons, the Northern Circuit is highly recommended.
The trek begins with a scenic drive from Moshi to the Londorossi Gate, and the first two days are spent hiking through the lush rainforest to the Shira Ridge, followed by a crossing of the Shira Plateau. The route then heads north, following a clockwise loop from Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut, before summiting from the east. The descent is made via the Mweka route.
Difficulty: High
Distance: 98 km
Duration: 8-10 days
Success Rate: High
Which is the best route to climb
One of the most frequent questions we get is, “Which is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?” The answer really depends on your personal preferences and what you prioritize. Here’s our breakdown of the top routes:
Highest Success Rate and Overall Best Route: If summit success is your main goal, the Lemosho and Machame routes are the best choices. With both routes typically completed over 7 or 8 days, they offer excellent acclimatization and a more manageable summit night. These routes consistently lead the pack in terms of summit success, making them our top recommendations.
Most Scenic Route: For those who want to be immersed in stunning views, the Lemosho route is unbeatable. Approaching from the west, it offers breathtaking panoramas in every direction, making it the clear favorite for scenery.
Quietest Route: If you’re looking for a more peaceful experience away from the crowds, the Rongai route is your best bet. It’s less trafficked than other routes, providing a quieter trekking experience, though it does come with a slightly lower success rate.
Most Challenging Route: For adventurers seeking a unique and rugged wilderness experience, the crater camp option is the ultimate challenge. With fewer than 1% of climbers choosing this route, it promises an unparalleled adventure and thrill for those who are up for it.
Each route offers its own set of challenges and rewards, catering to different goals and experiences. Whether you’re after the highest success rate, breathtaking views, solitude, or the ultimate adventure, there’s a Kilimanjaro route perfectly suited to your climb.