Once you have decided to climb Kilimanjaro, the main question now is which route you should choose. There are seven different routes to the summit. They all vary in length, difficulty, scenery, traffic, accommodation and other aspects. Based on our experience we advise you to choose one of the first 3 routes.
- Machame route
This is one the most popular climbs due to the diversity and beauty of the route. You walk from green rainforest to the beautiful Shira Plateau and the rock lava slopes. - The trail circles around the mountain with spectacular views. Another advantage is the gradual ascend, so people have more time to acclimatize, which increases the success rate. The Machame route, also known as the “Whiskey route” has an average to high success rate, especially if you choose the 7 days itinerary. This route is less expensive than most others but has the disadvantage to be quite busy.
- Lemosho route
This route is known for its varied and breathtaking scenery. The Lemosho route is also less crowded with climbers than some of Kilimanjaro’s longer established routes. Although Memosho is a more expensive route, it gives climber plenty of time to acclimatize properly. This route is remote and beautiful. High success rate. - Marangu route
The Maranga route is the second most popular route and cheapest one to reach the top of the Kilimanjaro. It is the only route that uses the same trail to ascend and descend and offers hut accommodation (camping is not allowed). This route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola” route, has a reputation of being one of the easiest paths on the mountain. It certainly is the shortest Kilimanjaro route, yet it gives climbers less time to acclimatize and clarifies the lower success rate. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than other routes and can be crowded during the peak season.
- Northern Circuit route
The Northern Circuit is the longest Kilimanjaro route and also one of the most beautiful and enjoyable ones. The route circles around the mountain and offers great views from all sides of the Kilimanjaro. The summit success rate is very high, as the route is long and gives lots of time to acclimatize. This is a great route for those who want to experience all the beauty Kilimanjaro has to offer and have time and money. - Shira route
This route is very scenic, but also expensive and difficult. We only advise experienced climbers to choose this route due to the high starting point of the route, which gives the body less time to acclimatize. - Rongai route
This route suits the more experienced climbers. Since the ascent and descent are on opposite sides, climbers can see both sides of Kilimanjaro. At the same time this additional transport, to reach the other side, makes the climb more expensive. Rongai is one of the quieter routes, but also dryer and less scenic. - Umbwe route
This route is known as the steepest Kilimanjaro route. Due to its rapid ascend the success rate is much lower. We advise only experienced mountain climbers, who are used to high altitudes, to climb this route.
