mount kilimanjaro route
- Lemosho Route (The Scenic One)
- Machame Route (The Popular One)
- Marangu Route (The Shorter One)
- Rongai Route (The Fresher One)
- Northern Circuit Route (The Longer One)
- Shrira Route
- Umbwe Route
Kilimanjaro Routes Explained (The 5 Best Kilimanjaro Popular Routes)
Lemosho Route
Difficulty
Medium
Distance
70 km
Duration
7-8 days
Success rate
High
The Lemosho Route is considered one of the most scenic paths up Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the west and allows for great acclimatization due to its longer duration. It offers stunning views and a varied landscape, from lush rainforests to beautiful valleys and expansive views.
Lemosho is a longer route, giving climbers a higher chance of reaching the summit successfully.
Choose this route if you:
- Want a scenic, remote, and less crowded experience
- Prefer a slower ascent for better acclimatization
- Enjoy stunning, varied landscapes
Style: Camping
Duration: 7-8 Days
Northern Circuit Route
Difficulty
High
Distance
96 km
Duration
9-10 days
Success rate
High
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, which also means it has the highest summit success rate. It starts on the western side of the mountain, offering fantastic views and fewer crowds. It circles the northern slopes, providing stunning, unique landscapes.
This is the best option for climbers looking for a quieter, more gradual ascent.
Choose this route if you:
- Prefer a quieter, remote, and less crowded route
- Want the best chance of reaching the summit
- Enjoy a slow-paced, longer adventure
Style: Camping
Duration: 9 Days
Machame Route
Difficulty
Challenging
Distance
62 km
Duration
6-7 days
Success rate
High
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes and is also known as the “Whiskey” route due to its challenging nature. It’s a favorite for those seeking adventure and stunning scenery. This route offers a good acclimatization profile, giving climbers a higher success rate at the summit.
It’s a physically demanding route, but the beauty of the landscape makes it well worth it.
Choose this route if you:
- Want a challenging climb with scenic views
- Are physically fit and enjoy more adventurous routes
- Want to maximize your summit success rate
Style: Camping
Duration: 6-7 Days
Marangu Route
Difficulty
Medium
Distance
72 km
Duration
5-6 days
Success rate
Low
The Marangu Route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is one of the most popular and well-trodden paths on Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route with sleeping huts, offering more comfort for climbers. However, its shorter duration makes acclimatization harder, which can lower the summit success rate.
It’s ideal for climbers looking for a shorter and more straightforward path, although it’s less scenic compared to other routes.
Choose this route if you:
- Prefer a more comfortable climb with hut accommodations
- Want a shorter trek
- Are looking for a less physically demanding climb
Style: Hut accommodation
Duration: 5-6 Days
Rongai Route
Difficulty
Low
Distance
73 km
Duration
6-7 days
Success rate
Medium
The Rongai Route is a medium difficulty route. It’s a particularly good choice if you are climbing during the wet season. This is because it approaches the mountain from the North.
That means it receives less rain compared to the western route. It’s not as scenic as the western routes. It doesn’t have as much variety as compared to for instance Lemosho Route or Northern Circuit Route. But it still is a beautiful and popular route.
You can complete the Kilimanjaro Route climb in 6 days, but normally we would recommend, to do it in seven days.
Style: Camping
Duration: 6-7 Days
Shira Route
Difficulty
Challenging
Distance
56 km
Duration
7-8 days
Success rate
Medium
The Shira Route is similar to Lemosho in terms of scenery, but it starts at a higher altitude, which makes acclimatization more challenging. It begins on the western side and joins with the Lemosho Route further along. While it offers incredible views, it’s not recommended for climbers who aren’t already well acclimatized.
Choose this route if you:
- Want a scenic and challenging climb
- Are already acclimatized to high altitudes
- Enjoy remote, less crowded routes
Style: Camping
Duration: 7-8 Days
Umbwe Route
Difficulty
Very Challenging
Distance
53 km
Duration
5-7 days
Success rate
Low
The Umbwe Route is known for being the shortest and steepest route to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It’s considered the most difficult due to the fast ascent, making acclimatization harder. The route is less crowded but offers fewer opportunities for gradual acclimatization.
This route is ideal for experienced trekkers who are confident in their fitness and ability to handle a quick ascent. While it’s incredibly scenic, the steepness makes it very demanding, and it’s not recommended for first-time climbers.
Choose this route if you:
- Are an experienced climber looking for a challenge
- Want a quick, direct ascent to the summit
- Prefer a more remote and less crowded route
Style: Camping
Duration: 5-7 Days
Mountain Routes
- Machame Route
- Marangu Route
- Lemosho Route
- Rongai Route
- Umbwe Route
- Northern Circuit Route
