Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. Seven main trekking paths lead to the top. Any one of the Kilimanjaro trekking routes has its advantages, such as a faster ascent, more beautiful views, hut stays, or a calmer hiking experience. We’ll help you pick the best way for your trip in this guide.
1. Lemosho route
Lemosho (2,100 m) on Kilimanjaro’s west slope starts the Lemosho route. Going through the jungle, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic peak. You go down the southeastern slope on the Mweka path.
Seven days is the usual duration for completing the Lemosho path, but you can add a day to allow yourself more time to acclimate to the route. We typically recommend the eight-day version because it provides a better chance of reaching the top of this Kilimanjaro trekking route.
Route pros and cons of Lemosho
Lemosho is considered the most varied route due to its varied topography, stunning views, and raw, undisturbed start. Big creatures like antelopes are rare, yet they are possible.
This path enables hikers to cross the Shira Plateau, one of the world’s largest high-altitude plateaus, which is fascinating.
Lemosho’s excellent acclimatisation profile helps you adjust to higher altitudes. One reason is that you climb slowly over several days. Another reason is that the path takes you up a new height one day and then down for the night. This section of the path helps you become acclimated to the region.
2. Machame route
The Machame route begins in the jungle at Machame Gate (1,640 m), situated on the southern flank of Mount Kilimanjaro. You finally reach the summit, which is an arctic planet, after traversing moorland, an alpine desert, and ultimately the arctic world. You ultimately go down the Mweka route.
Route pros and cons of Machame
It’s our third-best way to climb Kilimanjaro. With its spectacular views and diverse landscape, it’s considered one of the most beautiful Kilimanjaro trekking routes, along with the Lemosho. It’s no surprise that the Machame route is a popular choice for climbing Kilimanjaro. Recent data show that fewer than 20,000 people climb it annually.
Unfortunately, its appeal is also its only drawback: heavy crowds during the season. Acclimatisation is good on Machame. Its acclimatisation profile is superb since halfway up the mountain, you reach a new high point during the day and decrease at night. Moving to a higher altitude and then resting at a lower level overnight will help your body acclimatise.
The south-facing approach is more successful, especially for seven-day climbers. First-time hikers don’t have enough time to adjust to altitude on the six-day plan.
3. Marangu route
The Marangu route, the first Kilimanjaro route, is called the “Coca Cola” route because it’s the only one with cold drink stops. It climbs the southeast flank of Kilimanjaro via rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic peak plant zones.
The Marangu path is distinct from the other six paths; therefore, it stands out. First, there’s no other way to stay in huts than to camp. Second, only this route returns you down. As said, all alternative routes end at the summit and require a different descent.
Route pros and cons of Marangu
Kilimanjaro climbers have always preferred Marangu. Still, the newer and increasingly popular Machame and Lemosho Kilimanjaro trekking routes are now giving it a run for its money. Marangu hikers are frequently budget-conscious. You need fewer gear and fewer porters because you will be sleeping in dormitory-style housing, where you sleep in huts and get mattresses. This is a common solution for budget Kilimanjaro tour companies that don’t have camping gear to rent.
The five- or six-day Marangu route on Kilimanjaro is less expensive than longer treks.
The Marangu route is one of three that avoids the Barranco Wall, a high part that scares some climbers.
Unfortunately, the Marangu route’s acclimatisation profile is poor. Thus, its highest success rate is low. We consider it a horrible deal. The Saddle, which connects Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks, is the least scenic, yet the rainforest and moorland are beautiful.
4. Rongai route
The Rongai route has a slight slope and a lengthy ascent. That makes it one of the easier paths, even though there isn’t an easy one. There is only one way to get to the top of the mountain from the north. It’s also one of the most steady and calm methods to reach the top. It is one of the least frequented routes to the top, along with the Northern Circuit.
Route pros and cons of Rongai
This route is an excellent way to circumvent the steep Barranco Wall. We usually recommend the Northern Circuit to climbers who wish to avoid steep parts. Still, the Rongai is also an excellent choice, especially if you don’t have the time or money for the lengthier Northern Circuit. You can enjoy beautiful vistas to the north when climbing the Rongai route.
Amboseli National Park in Kenya, which spans the plain to the north of the mountain, is an excellent place to observe big game from a distance. The parts of the Rongai that are rainforest and moorland are particularly attractive. Camp under picturesque Mawenzi Peak one night.
You can see both the north and south sides of the mountain as you stroll the Saddle!
Rongai, like Marangu, does not allow “climb high, sleep low.” This is why elite success is barely average. We only offer the seven day Rongai tour, not the six-day one. You truly need an extra day to get used to the higher altitude.
If you need to climb Kilimanjaro during one of the wet seasons, the Rongai is also an excellent choice because the northern side of the mountain normally gets less rain than the southern slope.
5. Shira route
Shira starts higher than Lemosho, but they are similar. It takes nearly half a day of driving on rough roads to reach the trailhead. And on your very first night, you sleep at a dizzying height of 3,500m!
Route pros and cons of Shira
Starting your Kilimanjaro climb at such a high altitude makes you more likely to get altitude sickness, which may be very bad for your health, because you didn’t give your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. If you want to take the Shira Route, you need to complete a pre-acclimatisation trip, such as climbing Mt. Meru nearby.
The views along the ascent are just as amazing as those on the Lemosho route. But you do miss the gorgeous rainforest part of the climb.
6. Northern Circuit
The longest and newest route is the Northern Circuit. Some businesses have already begun to refer to it as the Grand Traverse or the 360 route.
The long trek allows you time to acclimate to the altitude, which is why this route boasts the best overall summit success rate.
Route pros and cons of the Northern Circuit
Because the Northern Circuit has a lengthier schedule, only a few climbers choose it. Since there are fewer climbers on this route, you have a better opportunity of observing wildlife, and the camp is quieter at night.
The Northern Circuit begins at the same location as the Lemosho route and features a diverse range of stunning scenery and vistas.
7. Umbwe route
Umbwe is the shortest and steepest route on Kilimanjaro. It goes up the southern slope. It’s the least-travelled trail, which makes sense given how poorly it adapts to changes in weather. Approximately 500 people climb it every year. This approach has an extremely low success rate in reaching the top.
Route pros and cons of Umbwe
The Umbwe route is a very nice path up the mountain, and the views are always changing and highly rewarding. Other than that, there are not many other good things to say about this route. It’s too brief to let people get used to it, though. It has one of the lowest summit success rates, probably the lowest.
Additionally, the Umbwe is the steepest route up the mountain; therefore, it’s particularly taxing on the body. We suggest taking a longer and easier path to Uhuru Peak if you plan to invest all your time and money in travelling to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro. However, we recommend climbing Mt Meru before your Kilimanjaro journey to acclimatise.
You should now have all the information you need to make an informed decision about which Kilimanjaro route is best for you. And let us know when you’re ready to book your Kilimanjaro trekking routes with World Holiday Vibes.
The Best Way to Go to the Top of Kilimanjaro With the Most Success
For the best chance of climbing Kilimanjaro, the Lemosho and Machame Kilimanjaro trekking routes, which last 7 or 8 days, are preferable. They offer great acclimatisation and an easier summit night, which makes them the clear winners. And since getting to the peak is the most essential thing for most of our climbers, we choose this as the best way to climb Kilimanjaro overall.
The most beautiful way to climb Kilimanjaro
The Lemosho path from the West has the best views, with stunning views in every direction.
The quietest way to go to the top of Kilimanjaro
If you want to avoid crowds, the Rongai path is the best method to climb Kilimanjaro. But be careful; the success rate is lower.
The most challenging path to Kilimanjaro’s summit
The crater camp option is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro if you want an adventure and a truly unique wilderness experience. Less than 1% of climbers have the opportunity to do this, and all of our climbers who have experienced it love it.
Which way is the best to climb Kilimanjaro?
There are six things you need to think about when planning your Kilimanjaro climb to figure out which path is ideal for you.
- Assimilation
- The summit night’s difficulty
- The volume of traffic along the route
- What are the available lodging alternatives?
- Security
- What is the achievement rate?
Assimilation on Kilimanjaro
The most important thing to remember when climbing to a high place is to walk high and sleep low. Following this rule lowers your risk of getting sick from being at a high altitude and raises your chances of reaching the top. The Machame and Lemosho Kilimanjaro trekking routes are the finest ways to climb Kilimanjaro to get used to the altitude because they let you walk high and sleep low.
The challenge of the summit night
The Rongai and Marangu Kilimanjaro trekking routes have the toughest summit nights. They go to the north crater rim of Kilimanjaro, which is across from Uhuru Peak and more than two hours from the summit. This won’t happen if you climb Kilimanjaro on the Machame or Lemosho paths, which take less than an hour to get to the crater at Stella Point. When the day is already very long, adding an extra hour is often the last straw that breaks the camel’s back.
How busy the Kilimanjaro route is
The number of climbers on Kilimanjaro changes a lot based on the time of year and the day of the week. However, the Rongai route is still the best way to get to the top if you want to have the mountain to yourself. This route starts in the north and isn’t used by nearly as many climbers as the paths in the south.
Places to stay on the climb
The only way to climb Kilimanjaro without camping is via the Marangu path. If you don’t like bunk beds, this is the best alternative. Watch out, though, the huts are very simple and noisy.
Safety on Kilimanjaro trekking Routes
All of the ways except the Arrow Point route are safe as long as they are walked carefully. The Arrow Point route is too dangerous for climbing due to the large amount of rock that could fall. This isn’t the best way to climb Kilimanjaro at all.
Which path has the best chance of reaching the top?
The 9-Day Northern Circuit route is the ideal way to climb Kilimanjaro, as it helps you acclimate to the altitude more effectively and makes the summit night easier. The Machame route, which takes more than 7 days, and the Lemosho route, which takes more than 8 days, follow next.
FAQs about Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes
The Lemosho Route is widely considered the best overall due to its high success rate (~90%), scenic beauty, and gradual acclimatization profile. It typically takes 7–8 days, increasing your chances of summit success while minimizing altitude sickness.
Again, the Lemosho Route and the Northern Circuit Route both offer summit success rates of 85–95%, thanks to their longer duration and better altitude acclimatization.
The Marangu Route is often called the easiest because it’s the only route with hut accommodations and a gentler slope. However, it has a lower success rate (~50–60%) due to its shorter duration (5–6 days), which may not allow enough time to acclimatize.
The Lemosho and Machame Routes are both known for their stunning landscapes, including lush rainforest, moorlands, and panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s glaciers and valleys.
The Marangu Route is usually the cheapest due to its shorter duration and hut-based accommodation (which reduces gear and porter needs). However, lower cost often comes with lower summit success rates.
The Northern Circuit Route is the least crowded, offering a remote and peaceful trek with 360-degree views of the mountain. It’s also the longest and most acclimatization-friendly.
