Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro at an altitude of 5,895m (19,340 ft) above sea level.…
Kilimanjaro
Routes
Choose your Kilimanjaro route based on your fitness level, desired scenery, and trekking experience. For beginners, the Marangu or Rongai routes are ideal, while experienced climbers seeking adventure may prefer the Machame, Lemosho, or Umbwe routes.
Marangu Route
Duration : 5-6 days
Difficulty : Moderate
Stays : Hut-based
Machame Route
Duration : 6-7 days
Difficulty : Challenging
Stays : Camping (tents)
Lemosho Route
Duration : 7-8 days
Difficulty : Intermediate
Stays : Camping (tents)
Rongai Route
Duration : 6-7 days
Difficulty : Moderate
Stays : Camping (tents)
Umbwe Route
Duration : 5-6 days
Difficulty : Very Challenging
Stays : Camping (tents)
Northern Circuit
Duration : 8-9 days
Difficulty : Moderate
Stays : Camping (tents)
Kilimanjaro Routes
Marangu Machame Lemosho Umbwe Rongai
Mount Kilimanjaro has seven main routes, each offering a unique experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, and crowd levels. The Marangu Route is the easiest and only route with hut accommodations, while the Machame Route is the most popular for its stunning landscapes. The Lemosho Route is longer and less crowded, ideal for better acclimatization, and the Rongai Route approaches from the north, offering solitude. For experienced climbers, the steep and challenging Umbwe Route provides a thrilling adventure, while the Northern Circuit is the longest route with the highest success rate. Each route varies in duration (5-9 days) and difficulty, so choosing the right one depends on your fitness, experience, and preferences.
The “Coca-Cola” Route
Marangu Route
Nickname: The “Coca-Cola” Route
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Hut-based (shared sleeping huts with basic amenities)
Highlights: Known as the easiest and most affordable route, Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations. It’s a steady climb through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert. However, its shorter duration can lead to lower acclimatization success rates.
Best For: Beginners or those who prefer a more comfortable climb with huts instead of tents.
The “Whiskey” Route
Machame Route
Nickname: The “Whiskey” Route
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The most popular route, Machame offers stunning scenery, including lush rainforests, Shira Plateau, and the Barranco Wall. Its longer duration allows for better acclimatization, making it a favorite for many climbers.
Best For: Adventurers seeking a scenic and rewarding climb with a good balance of challenge and beauty
Most Beautiful Route
Lemosho Route
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: Starting on the western side of the mountain, Lemosho is known for its breathtaking views and low traffic. It’s a longer route, allowing for excellent acclimatization and a high success rate. The trail passes through remote rainforests, Shira Ridge, and the iconic Barranco Wall.
Best For: Those who want a less crowded, scenic, and well-paced climb.
The Quite Trail
Rongai Route
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The only route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north, Rongai offers a more remote and tranquil experience. It’s less scenic than other routes but provides a unique perspective of the mountain. The trail is gentler, making it a good option for those seeking solitude. Best For: Solitude seekers and those who prefer a quieter, less crowded climb.
Steepest Route
Umbwe Route
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Very Challenging
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The steepest and most direct route, Umbwe is for experienced climbers seeking a tough challenge. It’s less crowded and offers dramatic views, but the rapid ascent can lead to lower acclimatization success rates.
Best For: Experienced climbers looking for a physically demanding and adventurous climb.
Secluded Path
Northern Circuit Route
Duration: 8-9 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping (tents)
Highlights: The longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit offers the highest success rate due to its excellent acclimatization profile. It circles the mountain, providing unparalleled views and a truly remote experience.
Best For: Those who want the best chance of summiting and enjoy longer, more immersive treks.
Route Comparison Table
Treking
Top Trending
Featured
Featured
Featured
Kilimanjaro Scheduled Hiking Groups
You may choose any group or date that suits your schedule. We arrange the climbs each and every month of the year for groups of any size, on any route, both private and open climbs.
Discount
Recent post
Latest Travel Guides
Among the important prerequisites of a successful Kilimanjaro summit attempt is being properly equipped. No shortcuts .make sure…
Each climber on Mt. Kilimanjaro is required to pay park fees, for conservation, camping, rescue, and crew fees.[…]
