Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

5,895m of rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and glacier. Distance, difficulty, summit success rate and what each route actually feels like everything you need to choose, on one page.

Machame Route

Lemosho Route

Marangu Route

Rongai Route

Northern Circuit

Umbwe Route

Compare all six routes.

Route	Duration	Difficulty	Est. Success Rate
Machame Route	6–7 days (7 recommended)	Moderate–Challenging	~85% on the 7-day itinerary
Lemosho Route	7–8 days (8 recommended)	Moderate	~90%+ on the 8-day itinerary
Marangu Route	5–6 days (6 recommended)	Moderate	~65% (5-day) to ~85%+ (6-day)
Rongai Route	6–7 days (7 recommended)	Moderate	~85–90% on the 7-day itinerary
Northern Circuit	8–9 days (9 recommended)	Moderate	~95%+ — the highest of any route
Umbwe Route	6 days minimum (not recommended shorter)	Challenging–Strenuous	~70% — lower due to the fast ascent profile

Clear preparation before the gate.

01 Choose the route

We compare length, scenery, difficulty, and acclimatization profile against your fitness and available days.

02 Prepare the kit

Practical guidance on clothing layers, sleeping gear and daypack essentials for cold summit mornings.

03 Set the pace

Practical guidance on clothing layers, sleeping gear and daypack essentials for cold summit mornings.

04 Summit, supported

Summit night runs with clear briefings, steady pacing and an experienced crew watching for altitude symptoms.

Before you climb.

Which Kilimanjaro route is best ?

Lemosho and Northern Circuit tend to give the best acclimatization and highest success rates. Machame is the classic scenic choice, while Marangu is the only hut-based option.

How many days should I choose?

Longer routes generally mean better acclimatization and a higher summit success rate. If your schedule allows, 7–9 days is more comfortable than rushing a 6-day climb.

Do I need previous climbing experience?

No technical climbing skill is required on the standard routes, but good fitness, preparation, and altitude awareness matter a great deal.

What support included on the moutain?

Every climb includes a lead guide, assistant guides, a cook, and a porter team, with planning support for gear, pacing, and summit strategy before you fly out.

Can I combine Kilimanjaro with a Safari ?

Yes — most climbers pair a summit attempt with a few days on the Northern Circuit afterward. Ask us to build a combined itinerary around your climb.

Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes

Machame Route

Lemosho Route

Marangu Route

Rongai Route

Northern Circuit

Umbwe Route

Side by side

Compare all six routes.

How we prepare you

Clear preparation before the gate.

01

Choose the route

02

Prepare the kit

03

Set the pace

04

Summit, supported

FAQ Kilimanjaro questions