6 routes to Uhuru Peak
Kilimanjaro routes compared
Every route ends on the same summit. They differ in days, crowds, scenery and how well they help you adjust to the altitude.
Last updated
Which Kilimanjaro route is best?
For most people it's the Lemosho Route on 8 days: a quiet start, good acclimatization and the best views. If you can give it 9 days, the Northern Circuit has the highest summit rate of any route. Machame is the popular shorter choice at 7 days, and Marangu is the only route with huts. Whichever you pick, more days on the mountain means a better chance of reaching the top.
At a glance
The routes side by side
Summit rates are typical figures for each route across all operators, not a promise. Prices are ours, per person, all-inclusive.
| Route | Days | Distance | Difficulty | Typical summit | Crowds | Starts at | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame Route | 6-7 | 62 km | Challenging | 85% | High | Machame Gate (south) | $2,200 |
| Lemosho Route | 7-8 | 70 km | Moderate | 95% | Low-Medium | Londorossi Gate (west) | $2,800 |
| Northern Circuit | 9 | 90 km | Challenging | 98% | Very Low | Londorossi Gate (west) | $3,500 |
| Marangu Route | 5-6 | 64 km | Moderate | 65% | High | Marangu Gate (southeast) | $1,900 |
| Umbwe Route | 5-6 | 53 km | Very hard | 70% | Very Low | Umbwe Gate (south) | $2,000 |
| Rongai Route | 6-7 | 73 km | Moderate | 85% | Low | Rongai Gate (north) | $2,200 |
Our advice
Which route for which climber
- Your first high climbLemosho, 8 daysGentle start, a long acclimatization profile and the best scenery on the mountain.
- The best chance of the summitNorthern Circuit, 9 daysThe most days at altitude before summit night, and very few other groups.
- A shorter trip on a tighter budgetMachame, 7 daysGreat scenery for fewer days. Busy and steep, so pick the 7-day version.
- Climbing in the rainy monthsRongai, 7 daysThe north side gets less rain, and the trail is quiet and gentle.
- Huts instead of tentsMarangu, 6 daysThe only route with huts. Take six days, not five.
- You have climbed at altitude beforeUmbweSteep and direct with almost no crowds. Not for first-timers.
Route guides
Every route in detail
Day-by-day plans, camps and altitudes, and the honest downsides of each route.
Machame Route
RecommendedWhiskey RouteThe most popular route offering stunning scenery and excellent acclimatization.- Days
- 6-7
- Typical summit
- 85%
- Difficulty
- Challenging
Lemosho Route
RecommendedThe Scenic RouteThe most scenic route with the best acclimatization profile and highest success rate.- Days
- 7-8
- Typical summit
- 95%
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Northern Circuit
RecommendedThe Full CircumnavigationThe longest route, circumnavigating the entire mountain. Maximum acclimatization provides the highest success rate of any route.- Days
- 9
- Typical summit
- 98%
- Difficulty
- Challenging
Marangu Route
Coca-Cola RouteThe only route with hut accommodation. Shortest option but lower success rate due to insufficient acclimatization on 5-day attempts.- Days
- 5-6
- Typical summit
- 65%
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Umbwe Route
The Steepest RouteThe most challenging and direct path. Not recommended for first-time high-altitude trekkers, but rewards experienced climbers with solitude and raw challenge.- Days
- 5-6
- Typical summit
- 70%
- Difficulty
- Very hard
Rongai Route
The Northern ApproachApproaches from the north near the Kenyan border. Drier climate, fewer climbers, and gentle gradients. Descends via Marangu for variety.- Days
- 6-7
- Typical summit
- 85%
- Difficulty
- Moderate
Not sure which route?
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