Choosing your Kilimanjaro route
1. There is no 'easy' route up Kilimanjaro, the mountain is…
There is no 'easy' route up Kilimanjaro, the mountain is high. But there are smarter and less smart ways to climb it. The single best predictor of summit success is time on the mountain.
2. Machame (7 days) is the most popular route, scenic, well-paced,…
Machame (7 days) is the most popular route, scenic, well-paced, with a good acclimatisation profile. Our default recommendation for fit first-timers.
3. Lemosho (8 days) approaches from the quiet western side, with…
Lemosho (8 days) approaches from the quiet western side, with two extra acclimatisation days. Our highest success rate, our most beautiful route.
4. Northern Circuit (9 days) circles the mountain almost completely, the…
Northern Circuit (9 days) circles the mountain almost completely, the longest, quietest, and the route we send altitude-anxious climbers on.
5. Marangu (5–6 days) is the only route with hut accommodation
Marangu (5–6 days) is the only route with hut accommodation. Shorter, cheaper, lower success.
6. Rongai (6–7 days) approaches from the dry north, the right…
Rongai (6–7 days) approaches from the dry north, the right choice in the rainy months.
7. Umbwe (6 days) is the steepest, most direct, least acclimatised
Umbwe (6 days) is the steepest, most direct, least acclimatised. Only for experienced high-altitude climbers.
Hassan Mwakipesile, Mountain Director
Published 30 July 2025