Choosing your Kilimanjaro route: a simple guide
Six routes lead to Uhuru Peak. Here is how they differ, and how to pick the one that suits your time, fitness and sense of adventure.
Every route on Kilimanjaro ends at the same place: Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level and the highest point in Africa. What changes is the scenery along the way, how many days you spend acclimatising and where you sleep at night.
The classic routes
Machame is the most popular choice. Over six days it climbs through rainforest, crosses the Shira Plateau and passes the Barranco Wall before the summit night from Barafu Camp. It is varied, scenic and a good fit for most fit hikers.
Above the forest, the trail opens onto rocky alpine slopes.
Lemosho starts on the quieter western side and takes eight days. The extra time on the mountain helps your body adjust to the altitude, which is one of the most important things you can do to reach the top comfortably.
Marangu is the only route with hut accommodation instead of tents. Many travellers like the simple comfort of a bed and a roof at the end of each day.
Quieter and steeper ways up
Rongai approaches from the north, close to the Kenyan border. It is drier and less busy, with views of the jagged Mawenzi peak. Umbwe is the steepest and most direct way up, best for experienced hikers who are confident at altitude. The Northern Circuit is the longest route of all, circling the quieter northern slopes before the summit.
Pole pole — slowly, slowly. The Swahili words every guide on the mountain will remind you of.
Finding your route
Not sure which is right for you? Tell us how many days you have, how much hiking you have done and whether you prefer camping or huts. We will suggest a route and pace that gives you the best chance of standing on the summit.