Most Popular Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
Choosing a route is the most important consideration when climbing Kilimanjaro. Well-established trails are several; however, each one gives a somewhat different experience: scenery, acclimatization, length, overall difficulty. Hence, the "best" route depends on...goal, timeframe, and hiking style of the trekker.
- Marangu Route
- Machame Route
- Lemosho Route
- Shira Route
- Northern Circuit Route
- Rongai Route
- Umbwe Route
- Daytime Summit Routes
- Crater Camp Routes
- Mount Meru
Quick Glance at Route Comparison
| Route | Duration | Scenery | Difficulty | Crowd | Success Rate | Accomodation |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5-6 days | Moderate | Easy Moderate | High | Low | Huts |
| Machame | 6-7 days | Excellent | Moderate-Hard | High | High | Camping |
| Lemosho | 7-8 days | Excellent | Moderate | Medium | Very High | Camping |
| Shira | 6-7 days | Good | Moderate-Hard | Medium | Mediumh | Camping |
| Northern Circuit | 8-9 days | Outstanding | Moderate | Low | Very High | Camping |
| Rongai | 6-7 days | Good | Moderate | Low | High | Camping |
| Umbwe | 5-6 days | Good | Very Hard | Very Low | Low | Camping |
| Western Breach | 7-9 days | Outstanding | Very Hard | Very Low | Low | Camping |
| Crater Camping | 9-10 days | Outstanding | Very Hard | Very Low | Low | Camping |
Key Things to Consider Before Choosing a Route
Length of Trek-
The more days one waits on the mountain, the better his or her chances of success, given more days to acclimatize.
Difficulty Level-
Some trails are gentle with gradual ascents, whereas others have abrupt or steep ascents and demand good physical stamina.
Crowd Levels-
Popular routes tend to attract more trekkers; quieter ones are perhaps more remote.
Scenic Variety-
The different approaches show different sides of Kilimanjaro, from rainforest to alpine desert to glaciers.
Marangu Route ( Coca-Cola Route)
Pros: The only one route with hut accommodations. Shortest climb ( 5-6 days). Less physically demanding terrain.
Cons: Low success rate due to shorter acclimatization. More crowded. Same path for ascent and descent.
Best For: Trekkers short on time for those preferring hut lodging over tents.
Machame Route ( Whiskey Route)
Pros: Stunning scenery with varied landscapes. Good acclimatization profile. One of the most popular routes.
Cons: Can be crowded. Longer hiking days with steeper sections.
Best For: Adventurous hikers with good fitness who want a scenic, moderately challenging route
Lemosho Route
Pros: Excellent acclimatization, high summit success rates. Starts in a remote area with fewer crowds at the beginning. Beautiful and diverse scenery.
Cons: Requires more days ( 7- 8 recommended). Slightly more expensive due to the longer itinerary.
Best for: Trekkers who want a balanced climb with great views and a higher chance of reaching the summit.
Shira Route
Pros: Approaches from the west with spectacular views. Similar to Lemosho after the first few days
Cons: Begins at higher altitude, which can be risky for those not acclimatized. Misses some of the rainforest section.
Best For: Experienced trekkers who are already acclimatized to altitude.
Northern Circuit Route
Pros: Longest route ( 8-9 days), which makes for the best acclimatization and the highest success rates. Remote and less crowded. Panoramic views of multiple sides of Kilimanjaro.
Cons: Requires more time and budget. Logistics can be slightly more complex.
Best For: Trekkers who want the ultimate kilimanjaro experience, with more solitude and a high probability of summiting.
Rongai Route
Pros: Approaches from the north, drier and less crowded. Gentle slopes. Good option during the rainy season.
Cons: Less scenic variety compared to western approaches.
Best For: Climbers looking for a quieter route with moderate difficulty.
Umbwe Route
Pros: Shortest and steepest route. Dramatic forest and ridge scenery. Very quiet.
Cons: Poor acclimatization profile. Low success rate unless highly fit and experienced.
Best For: Strong, seasoned hikers seeking a tough challenge in solitude.
Western Breach Route
Pros: Direct and challenging ascent to the summit. Offers a thrilling, less-traveled path with stunning views of the crater and glaciers. Ideal for adventure seekers who want unique climbing experience.
Cons: Steep and demanding terrain. Requires technical skill and proper acclimatization. Higher risk due to rockfall exposure
Best For: Experienced climbers seeking a tough adventurous route with dramatic scenery and a direct approach to Uhuru Peak.
Western Breach Route
Pros: Offers the rare opportunity to sleep inside Kilimanjaro’s crater near the summit. Incredible views of glaciers and the volcanic landscape. Short summit push the next morning.
Cons: Extremely cold and high altitude make camping challenging. Requires excellent acclimatization and physical conditioning
Best For:Highly experienced trekkers seeking a once-in-a-lifetime adventure with an unmatched, close-up experience of Kilimanjaro’s crater.There is no single “ best” route for everyone; it depends on how much time you have, your fitness and the type of adventure you want. If you want the highest chance of standing on the summit with breathtaking scenery along the way, then the Northern Circuit or the Lemosho route are the perfect combination of acclimatization, beauty and success.
