7 established routes
They all finish at the same summit. What differs is how long they take to get there, how gradually they gain height, how many other people you meet, and where you sleep.
On one map
Pick a route to see where it starts, where you sleep and how you come down.
Lemosho Route
Western approach · 7–8 days · Level 3 of 5
Lemosho begins on the quiet western side, crosses the Shira Plateau over two days and joins the southern circuit near Barranco. Its length is the point — the extra days are what let your body catch up with the altitude.
Comes down via Mweka Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 8 Days Lemosho Route itinerary.
Machame Route
Southern approach · 6–7 days · Level 4 of 5
Machame climbs steeply out of the rainforest on the southern side and follows a varied, scenic line around the mountain. Its profile naturally forces climb-high-sleep-low days, which helps; its crowds and its shorter itineraries do not.
Comes down via Mweka Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 7 Days Machame Route itinerary.
Shira Route
Western approach · 7–8 days · Level 3 of 5
Shira approaches from the west across the same plateau as Lemosho, but the road takes you high before you take a step. That saves a day of walking and costs you the gentlest part of the acclimatisation.
Comes down via Mweka Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 7 Days Shira Route itinerary.
Northern Circuit Route
Western approach · 8–9 days · Level 3 of 5
The Northern Circuit starts on Lemosho, then swings around the rarely walked northern slopes before approaching the summit from the east. It is the only route that shows you the mountain from all four sides.
Comes down via Mweka Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 9 Days Northern Circuit Route itinerary.
Rongai Route
Northern approach · 6–7 days · Level 3 of 5
Rongai climbs the northern side near the Kenyan border, through terrain that is drier and more open than the southern rainforest, before joining the Marangu descent.
Comes down via Marangu Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 7 Days Rongai Route itinerary.
Marangu Route
Eastern approach · 5–6 days · Level 3 of 5
Marangu is the oldest route on the mountain and the only one where you sleep in shared dormitory huts rather than tents. It is also the shortest, which is precisely why its reputation is mixed.
Comes down by the same trail. Camps and altitudes from our 6 Days Marangu Route itinerary.
Umbwe Route
Southern approach · 6–7 days · Level 5 of 5
Umbwe climbs a narrow forested ridge on the southern side, gaining height fast. It is beautiful and quiet, and it is the least forgiving profile on Kilimanjaro.
Comes down via Mweka Gate. Camps and altitudes from our 6 Days Umbwe Route itinerary.
The best-balanced route on the mountain: a long, gradual western approach with the acclimatisation profile most first-time climber...
The most popular route on Kilimanjaro, and deservedly so — but popular means busy, and six days is short for the altitude it cover...
Lemosho’s older sibling, and the reason Lemosho exists. It drives you to roughly 3,400 m and starts you there, which suits climber...
The longest route on Kilimanjaro and the strongest acclimatisation profile available. If you have nine days, this is the most cons...
The only approach from the north, the driest option in the wetter months, and consistently the quietest of the mainstream routes.
The only route with hut accommodation, and the only one that ascends and descends the same path. Choose it for the huts, not for t...
The steepest and most direct line on the mountain. Genuinely demanding, poorly suited to acclimatisation, and not a route we would...
