Kilimanjaro Hike Routes: Complete Guide to Choosing the Best Route to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro
Choosing the right Kilimanjaro hike routes is one of the most important decisions when planning your trek to the summit of Africa’s highest mountain. Each hiking route on Mount Kilimanjaro offers a unique combination of scenery, difficulty, acclimatization profile, and summit success rate.
This guide explains all routes for Kilimanjaro hikes, compares them side by side, and helps you decide which route to hike Kilimanjaro based on your goals, fitness level, and travel schedule.
How Many Routes Are There to Hike Mount Kilimanjaro?
There are seven official Kilimanjaro hike routes to the summit:
Marangu Route
Machame Route
Lemosho Route
Shira Route
Rongai Route
Umbwe Route
Northern Circuit Route
Each route approaches the mountain from a different direction and varies in duration, altitude gain, crowd levels, and success rates.
Best Routes for Kilimanjaro Hikes (Quick Comparison)
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Scenery | Success Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5–6 | Moderate | Moderate | Medium |
| Machame | 6–7 | Moderate–Hard | Excellent | High |
| Lemosho | 7–8 | Moderate | Outstanding | Very High |
| Northern Circuit | 8–9 | Moderate | Outstanding | Highest |
| Rongai | 6–7 | Moderate | Good | High |
| Shira | 6–7 | Moderate | Very Good | Medium |
| Umbwe | 6–7 | Very Hard | Limited | Low |
Best Route to Hike Kilimanjaro (Expert Recommendation)
The best route to hike Kilimanjaro for most people is the Lemosho Route (7–8 days).
Why?
Excellent acclimatization
Stunning scenery
High summit success rate
Less crowded in early days
For climbers who prioritize summit success above all else, the Northern Circuit Route offers the highest success rate of all Kilimanjaro hike routes.
Routes for Kilimanjaro Hikes Explained
Marangu Route (5–6 Days)
Only route with hut accommodation
Shorter itinerary
Lower acclimatization success
Best for: Budget-conscious hikers and hut lovers
Machame Route (6–7 Days)
One of the most popular Kilimanjaro hike routes
Diverse landscapes and great views
Better acclimatization than Marangu
Best for: First-time hikers wanting scenery
Lemosho Route (7–8 Days)
Considered the best route hike Mt Kilimanjaro
Gradual ascent and excellent acclimatization
Very scenic western approach
Best for: Beginners and high summit success
Northern Circuit Route (8–9 Days)
Longest route on the mountain
Least crowded
Best acclimatization profile
Best for: Maximum summit success and solitude
Rongai Route (6–7 Days)
Approaches from the north
Drier than southern routes
Less traffic
Best for: Rainy season hikes
Shira Route (6–7 Days)
Starts at higher altitude
Similar scenery to Lemosho
Slightly harder acclimatization
Best for: Experienced hikers
Umbwe Route (6–7 Days)
Steepest and most direct route
Poor acclimatization
Physically demanding
Best for: Very experienced trekkers only
Things to Consider When Choosing Kilimanjaro Hike Routes
To choose the best Mount Kilimanjaro route for you, there are plenty of variables to be mindful of:
WHO:
Who is climbing? The whole group’s abilities must be factored into choosing a route. Are there novices in your group? Are there people who have never been to
high altitudes? Pick a route that best fits everyone.
WHAT:
What limitations surround your climb? Are you bound by a budget? Or the number of days on your trip? There are cheaper and more expensive routes and shorter and longer itineraries. Get an idea of how much money and how many days people are willing to spend on the mountain.
HOW:
How do you see your trek? Do you want the most challenging route or a less strenuous one? Kilimanjaro can bring out a lot of discomfort and suffering. Some
People don’t want to be pushed too hard. These answers will affect which route is for you.
WHERE:
Where do you want to begin your climb? The routes start from all sides of the mountain. Where you begin affects cost, scenery, and scenic variety. For instance,
The western routes are more scenic because they cover more of the mountain.
WHY:
Why are you climbing? Is it very important to summit? Then choose a route with a high success rate. Do you want to take the best photos? Then pick a scenic
route. Do you just want to be there? Then choose a quick, inexpensive route.
WHEN:
When are you climbing? If you are climbing during the dry season, great. But if you are climbing during the rainy season or the shoulder seasons, then the route you select can play into the climb’s difficulty. Climbs around holidays and full moons are especially crowded.
Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure Packages
Climb with trusted Kilimanjaro local guides on a 100% private hike, led by experienced professionals who understand altitude, terrain, and safety.
All treks include:
Flexible start dates
Private guides, porters & cook
Private dining tent
2 hotel nights in Moshi or Marangu
Popular Kilimanjaro Hike Route Packages & Prices
Marangu Route (5 Days) – from $2,008
Marangu Route (6 Days) – from $2,308
Machame or Umbwe (6–7 Days) – from $2,328
Shira / Lemosho / Rongai (6–8 Days) – from $2,648
Northern Circuit (8–9 Days) – from $3,588
Longer hikes = better acclimatization and higher summit success.
What’s Included in Your Private Kilimanjaro Hike
Before the Trek
2 hotel nights (B&B)
Airport transfers (JRO)
Altitude sickness survival guide
Secure luggage storage
During the Trek
Park & rescue fees
Certified English-speaking guides
Daily health checks (pulse oximeter)
Emergency oxygen & first aid
Full board meals & drinking water
Quality camping equipment
Porter service (15kg per hiker)
Summit certificate
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Hike Routes
Which route to hike Kilimanjaro for beginners?
Lemosho Route (7–8 days) is the safest and most beginner-friendly.
What is the best route hike Mt Kilimanjaro for success?
Northern Circuit and Lemosho Route have the highest success rates.
Are shorter Kilimanjaro hike routes risky?
Yes. Shorter routes offer less acclimatization and increase altitude sickness risk.
Choosing the Right Kilimanjaro Hike Route
The best Kilimanjaro hike routes are those that match your fitness, timeframe, and summit goals. Longer routes with experienced Kilimanjaro local guides offer better safety, comfort, and success.
If reaching the summit matters to you, choose wisely—and hike with experts who know the mountain best.
