Every route on Kilimanjaro ends at the same place — Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres above sea level. But the journey there varies enormously in scenery, crowds and, above all, how well it lets your body adapt to altitude.
Time is everything
Altitude sickness, not fitness, is the main reason climbers turn back. The more days you spend on the mountain, the better your body adapts. That's why longer routes have much higher summit success rates.
The routes at a glance
Marangu (5–6 days) is the only route with huts. Machame (6–7 days) is scenic and popular, with the famous Barranco Wall. Lemosho (8 days) starts in the quiet west and offers superb acclimatisation. Rongai (7 days) approaches from the drier north. Umbwe (6 days) is steep and direct. The Northern Circuit (9 days) is the longest and quietest of all.
If you can spare the time, choose eight or nine days. Your summit morning will thank you.
Our favourite for most climbers is the Lemosho route over eight days: beautiful, uncrowded and gentle on the body. For those who prefer huts or have fewer days, a six-day Marangu climb remains a fine choice.
