Choosing a route is the single biggest decision you will make about your Kilimanjaro climb. It affects your scenery, how crowded the trail is, how comfortable you are – and, most importantly, your chance of standing on Uhuru Peak. Here is how our mountain guides explain the options to climbers.
The golden rule: more days = higher success
Altitude, not fitness, is what stops most people. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your body adapts. That is why we do not sell 5-day climbs: 7 to 9 days dramatically improves your odds and makes the climb more enjoyable.
Machame (7 days): the all-rounder
Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route”, Machame offers some of the best scenery on the mountain – rainforest, the Shira Plateau, the Lava Tower and the famous Barranco Wall scramble. Its “climb high, sleep low” profile helps acclimatisation. The trade-off: it is the busiest route. See the Machame itinerary.
Lemosho (8 days): our top pick
Lemosho starts on the remote western side, so the first days are quiet and wild. With an extra day of acclimatisation it has one of the highest success rates of any route, and the views across the Shira Plateau are unforgettable. See the Lemosho itinerary.
Marangu (6 days): huts instead of tents
The only route with dormitory huts. The gradient is gentle, but it goes up and down the same path, so the scenery is less varied. Always choose the 6-day version with an acclimatisation day. See the Marangu itinerary.
Rongai (7 days): the dry northern side
Rongai approaches from near the Kenyan border, receives less rain and has far fewer climbers – a smart choice in the rainy months. See the Rongai itinerary.
Northern Circuit (9 days): the long way round
The longest route circles the quiet northern slopes. With nine days, acclimatisation is excellent and you will see the mountain from every side. See the Northern Circuit itinerary.
So which should you choose?
- First-time trekker wanting the best odds: Lemosho 8 days.
- Great scenery on a tighter schedule: Machame 7 days.
- Prefer a bed in a hut: Marangu 6 days.
- Climbing in April, May or November: Rongai 7 days.
- Want solitude and the very best acclimatisation: Northern Circuit 9 days.
Still unsure which route suits you? Start planning your tailor-made trip or message us on WhatsApp (+255 763 222 443).