Which Kilimanjaro Route Should You Choose?

Choosing your Kilimanjaro route is the most important decision you will make about your climb. It shapes your scenery, your crowds, your comfort and, above all, your chance of reaching the summit. There is no single best route, only the best route for you. Here is how the main options compare.

The golden rule: more days means more success

Altitude, not fitness, is what turns most climbers back. The single biggest factor in reaching Uhuru Peak is acclimatisation, and acclimatisation takes time. Routes that spend more days on the mountain, allowing your body to adjust, have markedly higher summit success rates. Wherever you can, choose the longer version of a route.

Machame Route

The most popular route, and for good reason. Machame offers dramatic, varied scenery and a good acclimatisation profile, climbing high and sleeping low. It is a camping route, moderately challenging, and busy in peak season. Seven or eight days gives the best success rate. This is our most requested climb.

Lemosho Route

Widely considered the most beautiful route. Lemosho approaches from the west, is quieter in its early days, and its longer itinerary gives excellent acclimatisation and high success rates. If you have the time and budget, this is a superb choice.

Marangu Route

The only route with hut accommodation rather than tents, which some climbers prefer. Marangu is often chosen as the cheapest option, but its shorter standard itinerary and less ideal acclimatisation profile mean lower summit success. We recommend adding the extra acclimatisation day.

Umbwe Route

The steepest and most direct route, and the most demanding. Umbwe is quiet and dramatic but offers poor acclimatisation and is best left to experienced, confident trekkers.

Our advice

For most people, we recommend Machame or Lemosho over seven or eight days. Prioritise the extra days for acclimatisation; the cost of an additional day on the mountain is small compared with the disappointment of turning back short of the summit. Tell us your experience level and timeframe, and we will match you to the right route.