Kilimanjaro Routes: Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Path
Planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Discover all Kilimanjaro routes, including Machame, Lemosho, and Northern Circuit, to find the best route for your adventure. Our guide breaks down each path to help you choose based on your goals, fitness, and budget.
Why Choosing the Right Kilimanjaro Route Matters
Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), offers seven unique routes to its summit, Uhuru Peak. Each Mt Kilimanjaro route varies in difficulty, scenery, crowds, and success rate, making your choice critical for a safe and rewarding climb. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced trekker, this guide will help you select the best route for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Overview of Mount Kilimanjaro Routes
There are seven official Kilimanjaro routes, each with distinct features:
- Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
- Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)
- Lemosho Route
- Rongai Route
- Northern Circuit Route
- Umbwe Route
- Shira Route
Below, we detail each route to answer how many routes up Kilimanjaro exist and which one suits you best.
Detailed Breakdown of Kilimanjaro Routes
1. Machame Route: The Most Popular Choice
The Machame Route, used by 45% of climbers, is known as the “Whiskey Route” for its scenic beauty and high success rate. It’s a top pick for those seeking a balance of challenge and stunning views.
- Duration: 6–7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Scenery: Rainforest, moorland, glaciers
- Success Rate: High (85–90%)
- Crowds: Busy
- Best For: Adventurers seeking scenic beauty
2. Marangu Route: The Easiest Option
The Marangu Route, or “Coca-Cola Route,” is favored by 40% of climbers for its hut accommodations and gentle slopes, making it the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro. However, its shorter duration lowers its success rate.
- Duration: 5–6 days
- Difficulty: Easy to moderate
- Scenery: Rainforest, alpine desert
- Success Rate: Lower (70%)
- Crowds: Very busy
- Best For: Beginners preferring comfort
3. Lemosho Route: The Most Scenic Path
The Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery and high success rate, used by 8% of climbers. It’s ideal for those prioritizing safety and diverse landscapes.
- Duration: 7–8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Scenery: Rainforest, Shira Plateau, panoramic views
- Success Rate: Very high (90%+)
- Crowds: Moderate
- Best For: Scenic lovers and beginners
4. Rongai Route: The Quietest Path
The Rongai Route, chosen by 5% of climbers, approaches from the north, offering a quieter climb with unique northern views. It’s perfect for those seeking solitude.
- Duration: 6–7 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Scenery: Remote wilderness, forests
- Success Rate: Moderate (80%)
- Crowds: Low
- Best For: Solitude seekers
5. Northern Circuit Route: The Longest and Most Remote
The Northern Circuit Route, used by less than 1% of climbers, is the longest and offers the highest success rate due to excellent acclimatization. It’s ideal for those prioritizing summit success.
- Duration: 9 days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Scenery: Remote wilderness, diverse landscapes
- Success Rate: Highest (95%+)
- Crowds: Very low
- Best For: Success-focused climbers
6. Umbwe Route: The Most Challenging Path
The Umbwe Route, chosen by less than 1% of climbers, is the steepest and most challenging, suitable only for experienced trekkers.
- Duration: 5–6 days
- Difficulty: Very challenging
- Scenery: Dense forests, dramatic ridges
- Success Rate: Low (60%)
- Crowds: Very low
- Best For: Experienced adventure seekers
7. Shira Route: The High-Altitude Start
The Shira Route, used by 1% of climbers, starts at a higher altitude, merging with Lemosho. Its high starting point makes it challenging but scenic.
- Duration: 7–8 days
- Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
- Scenery: High-altitude plateaus, glaciers
- Success Rate: Moderate (80–85%)
- Crowds: Low
- Best For: Experienced trekkers
How to Choose the Best Kilimanjaro Route
Selecting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro depends on several factors:
- Fitness Level: Beginners should opt for Marangu or Rongai; fit climbers can try Machame or Umbwe.
- Acclimatization: Longer routes like Lemosho or Northern Circuit maximize summit success.
- Budget: Marangu is the most affordable; Northern Circuit is pricier.
- Scenery: Lemosho and Machame offer diverse landscapes; Rongai provides unique northern views.
- Crowds: Avoid Machame or Marangu for quieter routes like Rongai or Northern Circuit.
- Season: Dry seasons (January–March, June–October) are ideal; Rongai is better during rainy seasons (April–May, November).
For most climbers, the Lemosho Route or Machame Route offers the best balance of scenery, success rate, and adventure.
Best Kilimanjaro Routes for Beginners
First-time climbers should consider these beginner-friendly routes:
- Marangu Route: Easiest terrain, hut accommodations, but lower success rate.
- Rongai Route: Quiet, gradual ascent, ideal for solitude seekers.
- Machame Route: Scenic and challenging but suitable for fit beginners with proper preparation.
Proper acclimatization, training, and a licensed guide are essential for beginners to reach the summit safely.
Kilimanjaro Routes Comparison
| Route | Duration | Difficulty | Success Rate | Scenery | Crowds |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame | 6–7 days | Moderate to challenging | 85–90% | Diverse, stunning | Busy |
| Marangu | 5–6 days | Easy to moderate | 70% | Less diverse | Very busy |
| Lemosho | 7–8 days | Moderate | 90%+ | Breathtaking | Moderate |
| Rongai | 6–7 days | Moderate | 80% | Remote, northern views | Low |
| Northern Circuit | 9 days | Moderate | 95%+ | Remote, diverse | Very low |
| Umbwe | 5–6 days | Very challenging | 60% | Rugged, dramatic | Very low |
| Shira | 7–8 days | Moderate to challenging | 80–85% | High-altitude, scenic | Low |
Things to Consider When Choosing Kilimanjaro Routes
Who
Consider your group’s fitness, experience, and preferences. Beginners should choose Lemosho or Machame for better acclimatization, while experienced climbers may prefer Umbwe. Smaller groups may enjoy quieter routes like Rongai.
What
Budget and time constraints matter. Marangu is the cheapest and shortest, while Lemosho and Northern Circuit are pricier but offer higher success rates.
How
Decide between comfort (Marangu’s huts) or adventure (camping on other routes). Difficulty varies, with Umbwe being the toughest and Marangu the easiest.
Where
Routes start from different sides of the mountain. Western routes (Lemosho, Northern Circuit) are scenic and less crowded; southern routes (Machame, Umbwe) are busier; Marangu is the easiest but least scenic; Rongai offers northern solitude.
Why
Prioritize summit success (Northern Circuit, Lemosho), scenery (Lemosho, Machame), or experience (Rongai, Umbwe) based on your goals.
When
Climb during dry seasons (January–March, June–October) for best conditions. Avoid busy routes like Machame in peak seasons for a quieter experience.
Frequently Asked Questions About Kilimanjaro Routes
How many routes up Kilimanjaro are there?
There are seven official routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe, and Shira.
What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
The Northern Circuit has the highest success rate, while the Lemosho Route is the most scenic and beginner-friendly. Machame is popular for its balance of beauty and challenge.
What is the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro?
The Marangu Route is the easiest due to its gradual slopes and hut accommodations, but its shorter duration lowers its success rate.
Which Kilimanjaro route has the highest success rate?
The Northern Circuit Route has the highest success rate (95%+) due to its long acclimatization period.
What is the most scenic Kilimanjaro route?
The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as the most scenic, with diverse landscapes and panoramic views.
Are all Kilimanjaro routes guided?
Yes, Tanzanian law requires all Kilimanjaro climbs to be led by a licensed guide.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best months are January–March and June–October for dry weather and clear skies.
Why Climb with Mount Kilimanjaro Guide?
At Mount Kilimanjaro Guide, we partner with certified local experts like Josephat Mashehe to ensure a safe, ethical, and memorable climb. We tailor your route to your fitness level, goals, and budget, offering free consultations to plan your perfect Kilimanjaro adventure.
