Kilimanjaro Routes: Choosing the best route for you
If you’re considering trekking Kilimanjaro, one of the first (and biggest) decisions you’ll make is choosing your route. Kilimanjaro might be a single peak, but there are several ways to the summit, each offering different scenery, challenges, and chances of success. I’ll be heading up the Northern Circuit route in February, and I can hardly wait! This is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and picking the right route is crucial to having a successful, enjoyable, and memorable climb. Before deciding on which route I would take, I did hours of research into each route to ensure that I made the right decision for me. Here’s a breakdown of the main Kilimanjaro routes to help you find the best one for your adventure.
The Main Kilimanjaro Routes
Kilimanjaro’s routes range from five to nine days, with options to suit various fitness levels, time frames, and trekking styles. Here are the main routes:
- Northern Circuit Route
- Machame Route
- Marangu Route
- Lemosho Route
- Rongai Route
- Umbwe Route
Each route has its own character and offers unique landscapes, so let’s go over them one by one.
The Northern Circuit Route
Highlights: Scenic, less crowded, highest success rate
Duration: 9-10 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Scenery: Varied landscapes, panoramic views of Kenya
The Northern Circuit route is Kilimanjaro’s longest but arguably most rewarding route. It takes about 9-10 days, so you need a bit more time (and patience), but it offers unmatched views and the best chance of summit success. The longer acclimatisation period is a major advantage for anyone worried about altitude sickness, as it allows your body to adjust gradually. The high success rate due to the longer acclimatisation period is the main reason that I decided to go for the Northern circuit route.
What makes the Northern Circuit particularly special is the quiet, remote experience it provides. While many other routes can feel crowded, the Northern Circuit lets you explore less-trafficked trails and quieter campsites. Plus, as you head around the northern slopes, you’re treated to stunning views over Kenya, which feels pretty wild. Since this is the route I’ll be taking, I’ve done a lot of research on it, and I’m really looking forward to the sense of isolation and immersion in nature.
For anyone with a flexible schedule, I’d recommend this route in a heartbeat. It’s a bit of a commitment but absolutely worth it if you’re after an unforgettable experience with minimal crowds and a higher chance of success.
The Machame Route
Highlights: Great scenery, challenging terrain
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Challenging
Scenery: Forests, moorlands, “Barranco Wall,” and scenic ridges
The Machame Route, sometimes called the “Whiskey Route,” is one of the most popular Kilimanjaro routes, known for its diverse landscapes and scenic beauty. It takes about 6-7 days and offers a moderately challenging trek, though it does have a few steep ascents that can be tough. The Machame Route begins in lush rainforest, climbs through moorlands, and then leads you along scenic ridges.
One of the highlights is the famous “Barranco Wall,” a near-vertical rock face that you’ll scramble up. While it sounds intimidating, it’s mostly just exhilarating, and there’s no technical climbing involved. After the wall, you’re rewarded with epic views, and you’ll gradually ascend through Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert toward the summit.
The only downside? Machame’s popularity can mean more traffic on the trail and busier campsites. If you’re okay with a bit of company and are up for the challenge, this is a fantastic route to consider.
The Marangu Route
Highlights: Shortest, only route with hut accommodation
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Moderate, though fast pace
Scenery: Rainforest, moorlands, and volcanic landscapes
The Marangu Route is often referred to as the “Coca-Cola Route” due to its popularity and relative ease. This route is shorter than most, typically taking 5-6 days, and it’s the only one with huts rather than tents, which is a big draw for some trekkers. The huts provide shelter from the elements and are a cosy alternative to camping.
Marangu is a fairly direct route to the summit, which makes it more accessible but also means there’s less time to acclimatise. This can lead to a higher risk of altitude sickness, especially if you rush it. If you’re an experienced hiker with good altitude tolerance, or if you’re limited on time, Marangu could be a great option.
However, I’d say it’s worth considering the longer routes if you can spare the time. Altitude sickness is no joke, and the Marangu Route’s quick ascent might make it challenging to fully enjoy the experience.
The Lemosho Route
Highlights: Beautiful scenery, high summit success rate
Duration: 7-8 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Lush rainforests, Shira Plateau, varied landscapes
The Lemosho Route is another fantastic choice for those looking for a bit more acclimatisation time and beautiful, varied scenery. Taking 7-8 days, it gives you plenty of time to enjoy the landscapes and get adjusted to the altitude. Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, the trail takes you through lush rainforests, up onto the stunning Shira Plateau, and eventually joins the Machame Route for the final ascent.
One of the main draws of Lemosho is the incredible views and landscapes – from dense forests and open moorlands to high desert and alpine areas. Lemosho’s popularity has grown in recent years, but it’s still less crowded than the Machame and Marangu routes.
For trekkers looking for a scenic experience with a good chance of reaching the summit, the Lemosho Route is a solid choice.
The Rongai Route
Highlights: Starts on the drier northern side, quieter trail
Duration: 6-7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Scenery: Sparse forests, rugged landscapes, views of Kenya
The Rongai Route is Kilimanjaro’s only route that approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border. This side of the mountain is drier, which makes it a good choice if you’re trekking during the rainy season when the southern routes are more likely to be wet and muddy. Rongai is also one of the quieter routes, with fewer trekkers, giving it a more remote, off-the-beaten-path feel.
While Rongai may not have the lush rainforests of the southern routes, it offers expansive views and a gradual ascent, which makes it an easier climb for some. Rongai is typically completed in 6-7 days, and it’s a good option if you’re looking for a quieter experience but don’t mind a less varied landscape.
The Umbwe Route
Highlights: Shortest and steepest, adventurous
Duration: 5-6 days
Difficulty: Very challenging
Scenery: Dense rainforest, moorlands, ridges
The Umbwe Route is by far the most challenging and steepest route up Kilimanjaro. It’s the shortest option, usually taking only 5-6 days, but the rapid ascent means there’s a higher risk of altitude sickness. This route is definitely not for the faint-hearted, as it involves intense climbs and rugged, steep paths.
The Umbwe Route is ideal for experienced trekkers who want a tough, fast-paced challenge and don’t mind sacrificing the gradual ascent that helps with acclimatisation. It’s not a popular choice due to the difficulty level, but it does offer a wilder, more adventurous side of Kilimanjaro.
Choosing the Right Kilimanjaro Route for You
The best Kilimanjaro route really depends on what you’re after:
- For scenic variety and lower traffic, try the Northern Circuit or Lemosho.
- For a quick climb with basic comfort, consider the Marangu Route.
- For a challenging, adventurous ascent, the Umbwe Route might be for you.
- For a classic trek with great views, go for Machame.
- For a quieter, drier route with unique landscapes, choose Rongai.
Ultimately, the Northern Circuit felt like the perfect choice for me – I would like plenty of time to acclimatise, stunning landscapes, and the chance to experience Kilimanjaro away from the crowds. Whichever route you choose, Kilimanjaro is an incredible journey that rewards you with a spectacular sense of achievement and views that make every step worth it.
View my Kilimanjaro page for more posts about this once-in-a-lifetime trek!
