Climbing Routes
Every route up Kilimanjaro has its own character. Here's a quick guide to the ones we climb — choose the one that's right for you.
How to choose your route
There's no single "best" way up Kilimanjaro — the right route for you depends on how many days you have, the kind of experience you're after, and how much you want to stack the odds of reaching the summit in your favour. Seven established routes climb the mountain (six approaching from the south, and Rongai from the north); we run the five below. These are the things worth weighing up:
- Acclimatisation & success — by far the biggest factor in reaching the top. Longer routes that let you "climb high, sleep low" give your body time to adjust, and consistently deliver the highest summit success rates.
- Number of days — most routes run 6–9 days. More days generally means better acclimatisation, a safer climb, and more time to soak up the mountain.
- Scenery — trails like Lemosho and Machame cross several climate zones with dramatic, ever-changing views; quieter routes trade some variety for solitude.
- Crowds — popular routes such as Machame and Marangu can be busy in peak season, while northern approaches like Rongai and the Northern Circuit feel far quieter.
- Summit night — the final push varies by route, with some joining the crater rim at an easier point than others.
- Where you sleep — every route is camping-based except Marangu, the one route with permanent huts.
In short: if your priority is the best possible chance of summiting, lean towards a longer route like Lemosho or the Northern Circuit; if you're after peace and quiet, Rongai offers a true wilderness feel; and if you'd prefer huts to tents, Marangu is the one. Whichever appeals, our team is always happy to talk it through and help you choose — here are the five climbs we run.
Lemosho Route
One of the most scenic — and most successful — ways up the mountain. Lemosho approaches from the quiet western side, crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau before joining the Machame trail for the summit. Its longer 7–8 day itinerary allows for superb acclimatisation, which is why it's a favourite for first-time climbers who want the best possible chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
- One of the highest summit success rates of any route
- Lets you "climb high, sleep low" for excellent acclimatisation
- Remote, spectacular western approach with dramatic gorges and views
- Fully catered camping throughout
Lemosho Northern Circuit Route
The longest route on Kilimanjaro, looping right around the rarely-visited northern slopes. All that extra time on the mountain delivers the best acclimatisation profile and the highest summit success rates of any route — and, because few climbers take it, the most solitude. Plan on around 9 days for the full circuit.
- The longest route, with the highest success rates of all
- Outstanding acclimatisation thanks to the extra days on the mountain
- Loops the quiet northern slopes for the most solitude on Kilimanjaro
- Fully catered camping throughout
Machame Route
Nicknamed the "Whiskey Route", Machame is the most popular trail on the mountain thanks to its dramatic, ever-changing scenery and excellent acclimatisation. Approaching from the south-west over 6–7 days, it's more demanding than Marangu and includes the famous Barranco Wall scramble — but no technical climbing is required, making it a superb choice for reasonably fit adventurers.
- An excellent summit success rate
- A "climb high, sleep low" profile for good acclimatisation
- Stunning scenery through all five climate zones
- Ascends and descends by different trails for more variety
- Fully catered camping throughout
Marangu Route
The "Coca-Cola Route" is the oldest and most established path, and the only one where you sleep in huts rather than tents. Its gentle, gradual gradient makes it the easiest underfoot, though ascending and descending the same trail means less variety and tougher acclimatisation — so we strongly recommend the 6-day version with an extra day at Horombo to boost your summit chances.
- The shortest route, so the least time to acclimatise
- A lower success rate than the longer trails
- Hut and dormitory-style accommodation, which can be noisy
- Same path up and down, so less variety of scenery
- We recommend the 6-day version with an extra acclimatisation day
Rongai Route
The only route to approach from the remote northern side near the Kenyan border, Rongai is quieter, gentler and noticeably drier than the southern trails — which makes it an excellent choice during the wetter months. It offers a true wilderness feel and a steady, achievable climb over roughly 6–7 days.
- The only route approaching from the north
- A genuine wilderness feel in the early stages
- Drier than the southern routes — great in the wetter months
- Fewer "climb high, sleep low" chances, and a tough summit night
- Fully catered camping throughout
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