Mount Kilimanjaro has seven established ascent routes plus Mweka, which is used primarily for descent. Route choice is the single biggest controllable driver of your summit probability, because it determines acclimatization profile, crowding, terrain, and sleeping style (huts vs tents).
Quick route comparison
| Route | Typical trip length | Crowds | Sleeping | Acclimatization profile | Best for | Watch-outs |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | 7–9 days | Medium | Tents | Excellent (gradual) | Highest overall balance (scenery + success) | Costs slightly higher (longer itinerary) |
| Northern Circuit | 8–10 days | Low | Tents | Best (longest/most gradual) | Highest success potential + solitude | Longest time commitment |
| Machame | 6–8 days | High | Tents | Good (esp. 7–8 days) | Great scenery; classic “climb high, sleep low” patterns | Busy; steeper sections; Barranco Wall exposure (non-technical) |
| Marangu | 5–6 days | Medium | Huts | Fair to weak (shorter) | People who strongly prefer hut sleeping | Lower success on short itineraries; less flexible acclimatization |
| Rongai | 6–8 days | Low–Medium | Tents | Good | Drier side; good shoulder-season option | Less dramatic scenery early; still needs 7–8 days ideally |
| Umbwe | 6–7 days | Low | Tents | Aggressive (steep/fast) | Very fit trekkers with strong prior acclimatization experience | Higher AMS risk due to rapid altitude gain |
| Shira | 6–8 days | Medium | Tents | Variable (starts high) | Those already acclimatized (e.g., from Meru) | Starting altitude can be tough if coming from sea level |
| Mweka | Descent | — | — | — | Standard descent route for most climbs | Not generally used for ascent |
The key “entities” to understand for any route
1) Start gates and sides of the mountain
Each route enters the park via specific gates (west/south/north/east). In practice:
- West: Lemosho / Shira (often via Londorossi area)
- South: Machame / Umbwe
- East/Southeast: Marangu
- North: Rongai
These entry sides influence rainforest time, crowding, and weather exposure.
2) Summit approaches (where “summit night” starts)
Most routes converge high on the mountain and summit via one of the common high camps:
- Barafu area (common for Lemosho/Machame/Northern Circuit variants)
- Kibo Hut (common for Marangu)
From these, most climbers pass Stella Point and continue to Uhuru Peak.
3) Acclimatization pattern (the real determinant of success)
Longer routes allow a safer acclimatization rhythm (including “climb high, sleep low”), which meaningfully reduces acute mountain sickness (AMS) risk and increases summit probability.
Route-by-route guide
Lemosho Route (best all-rounder)
Why it’s popular: excellent acclimatization, varied scenery, and a strong summit profile when done over 7–9 days. It approaches from the west and typically spends more time transitioning gradually through ecological zones.
Typical itinerary structure (8 days):
- Rainforest start → Shira Plateau area → Lava Tower (acclimatization day hike) → Barranco/ Karanga area → Barafu (summit camp) → summit → Mweka descent.
Choose Lemosho if you want: the most reliable “default” route for first-time climbers who can spare the extra days.
Northern Circuit Route (highest success potential + least crowded)
This is essentially a Lemosho-style western approach that continues around the north of Kibo before converging for summit and Mweka descent. It’s the longest established route, which is why it’s widely regarded as the best acclimatization option.
Typical itinerary structure (9 days):
- Western entry → Shira area → traverse the northern slopes (quiet, panoramic) → high camp → summit → Mweka.
Choose Northern Circuit if you want: the highest probability experience and can invest 8–10 days.
Machame Route (“Whiskey Route”)
Machame is the classic scenic route from the south and is known for dramatic landscapes and the iconic Barranco Wall section. It is also one of the most traveled routes, so you trade solitude for atmosphere and logistics ease.
Best practice: do 7–8 days, not 6, if you want the acclimatization profile that Machame is known for.
Choose Machame if you want: high scenery and a strong acclimatization rhythm, and you don’t mind crowds.
Marangu Route (the hut route)
Marangu is the only major route with hut accommodation rather than tented camps. It is often marketed as “easier,” but the common 5–6 day schedules provide less acclimatization time, which can reduce summit success.
Choose Marangu if you: strongly prefer sleeping indoors and are willing to add days where possible (or accept a lower summit probability on short itineraries).
Rongai Route (drier, quieter, northern approach)
Rongai starts on the north side and is often favored in shoulder seasons because it tends to be drier. It is generally less crowded than Machame/Marangu and has a steady gradient.
Choose Rongai if you want: quieter trails and a drier approach—particularly helpful during wetter months.
Umbwe Route (steep, direct, not ideal for first-timers)
Umbwe is a fast, steep southern approach with a more aggressive altitude gain early on. That profile can elevate AMS risk if you have not acclimatized recently.
Choose Umbwe only if: you are experienced at altitude and your operator uses an itinerary that mitigates rapid gain (or you are pre-acclimatized).
Shira Route (high start)
Shira begins higher (vehicle access onto the plateau region), which can be convenient but may be challenging if you start at altitude without prior acclimatization.
Choose Shira if: you are already acclimatized (e.g., after Mt Meru) or you are following a longer itinerary that manages the high start carefully.
What “success rate” actually means (and how to improve yours)
Published operator summaries show that success can vary widely by route and—more importantly—by number of days. Short itineraries can have much lower summit completion, while longer itineraries are consistently associated with markedly better outcomes.
Practical levers that matter most:
- Pick 7–9 days if you can (especially for Lemosho/Machame/Northern Circuit).
- Follow “climb high, sleep low” wherever the itinerary allows.
- Pace conservatively (“pole pole”), hydrate, and take symptoms seriously.
Park fees and the “route cost” question
Kilimanjaro route pricing (what you pay an operator) is heavily influenced by:
- Trip length (more days = more park fees and crew logistics)
- Huts vs tents
- Crew size (guides, porters, cook) and their park-related costs
Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) publishes official tariff schedules, which underpin the fee component of route costs.
How to choose the right route (decision rules)
- Highest success + quieter: Northern Circuit (8–10 days).
- Best all-rounder: Lemosho (8 days ideal).
- Scenic classic with strong acclimatization: Machame (7–8 days).
- Prefer huts and simpler logistics: Marangu (add days if possible).