All Kilimanjaro Routes Compared: Choosing Your Perfect Routes
Selecting among the Mount Kilimanjaro trekking routes is the most important decision for your summit adventure. This Mount Kilimanjaro guide compares all seven official routes by difficulty, scenery, success rates, and unique features to help you choose the ideal path to Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro Route Overview
| Route | Duration | Difficulty | Success Rate | Unique Feature |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5-6 days | Moderate | 60-75% | Only route with huts |
| Machame | 6-7 days | Challenging | 80-85% | Most varied scenery |
| Lemosho | 7-8 days | Moderate | 85-90% | Best acclimatization |
| Shira | 7-8 days | Challenging | 80-85% | High starting point |
| Rongai | 6-7 days | Moderate | 75-80% | Only northern approach |
| Northern Circuit | 8-9 days | Moderate | 90-95% | Longest route |
| Umbwe | 6-7 days | Very Difficult | 45-55% | Most direct path |
Detailed Route Breakdowns
1. Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)
Best For: Beginners who dislike camping
Pros: Hut accommodations, gradual incline
Cons: Crowded, poor acclimatization
Key Feature: Dormitory-style huts with mattresses
2. Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
Best For: Adventurous first-timers
Pros: Excellent scenery, good success rates
Cons: Steeper sections, more challenging
Highlight: Barranco Wall scramble
3. Lemosho Route
Best For: Highest summit chances
Pros: Gradual ascent, low crowds
Cons: Longer commitment required
Specialty: Western approach through rainforest
4. Northern Circuit
Best For: Those prioritizing success
Pros: Excellent acclimatization, 360° views
Cons: Most expensive option
Unique Aspect: Circles entire mountain
Route Selection Guide
Best for First-Timers
Lemosho (7-day)
Why? Best balance of success and scenery
Success Rate: 85-90%
Daily Hike: 5-7 hours
Best for Scenery
Machame (7-day)
Why? Passes through all ecological zones
Highlights: Shira Plateau, Barranco Wall
Best for Success
Northern Circuit (9-day)
Why? Extra acclimatization days
Summit Rate: 90-95%
Best Short Option
Marangu (6-day)
Why? Only 6-day route with huts
Note: Still has lower success rates
Key Factors When Choosing Routes
1. Success Rates
Routes with better acclimatization profiles (Lemosho, Northern Circuit) have significantly higher summit success than shorter options like Marangu.
2. Scenery Variety
Most Varied: Machame, Lemosho
Least Varied: Marangu, Rongai
3. Crowd Levels
Least Crowded: Northern Circuit, Umbwe
Most Crowded: Marangu, Machame
4. Physical Difficulty
From easiest to hardest:
Marangu
Rongai
Northern Circuit
Lemosho
Machame
Shira
Umbwe
Kilimanjaro Routes Map & Geography
All routes converge at three points:
Barranco Camp (3,900m)
Barafu Camp (4,600m)
Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Eastern Routes: Marangu, Rongai
Western Routes: Lemosho, Machame, Shira
Northern Route: Northern Circuit
Southern Route: Umbwe
Training Recommendations by Route
For Easier Routes (Marangu, Rongai)
3-4 months preparation
Focus on endurance over strength
Train with 8-10kg pack
For Moderate Routes (Lemosho, Machame)
5-6 months training
Include elevation gain in workouts
Practice 6+ hour hikes
For Difficult Routes (Umbwe, Shira)
6+ months intensive prep
Train with 15kg+ pack
Simulate multi-day exhaustion
FAQs About Kilimanjaro Routes
Q: Which route has the best scenery?
A: Machame and Lemosho offer the most diverse landscapes.
Q: What’s the cheapest Kilimanjaro route?
A: 5-day Marangu is typically most affordable.
Q: Can I change routes during my climb?
A: No, routes must be specified in permits.
Q: Which route is best for older climbers?
A: Rongai or 7-day Lemosho for gentler slopes.
Making Your Final Decision
Assess your fitness level honestly
Determine priorities (success rate vs. scenery vs. challenge)
Consider time/budget constraints
Pro Tip: When debating between two routes, choose the one with better acclimatization – your body will thank you at high altitude!
