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 

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:

1. Marangu

2. Rongai

3. Northern Circuit

4. Lemosho

5. Machame

6. Shira

7. Umbwe

Kilimanjaro Routes Map & Geography

All routes converge at three points:

1. Barranco Camp (3,900m)

2. Barafu Camp (4,600m)

3. 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

1. Assess your fitness level honestly

2. Determine priorities (success rate vs. scenery vs. challenge)

3. 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!