All six main routes lead to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m. The right one for you depends on how many days you have, whether you prefer huts or tents, and how quiet you want the trail to be.
More days, better chances
Altitude is the main challenge on Kilimanjaro. Routes and itineraries with more days give your body time to adjust, and summit success rates rise with them. That is why we usually recommend 7 or 8 days.
Quick guide
- Marangu (5–6 days): the only route with huts; gentle but with less time to acclimatise
- Machame (6–7 days): scenic and popular, with the Barranco Wall
- Lemosho (7–8 days): quiet start, beautiful Shira Plateau, high success rate
- Rongai (6–7 days): drier northern side, good in the rainy season
- Northern Circuit (8–9 days): the longest and quietest, with the best success rate
- Umbwe (6–7 days): short and steep, for experienced trekkers only
Train on Mount Meru first
Climbing Mount Meru (4,566 m) a few days before Kilimanjaro is excellent acclimatisation and a beautiful trek on its own.
Compare all routes side by side on our Kilimanjaro page, or ask our team for advice.
