An honest comparison of all seven Kilimanjaro routes from a guide who has climbed them all. Learn the success rates, difficulty levels, scenery, and which route matches your experience and goals.
Choosing Your Kilimanjaro Route
There are seven established routes to Kilimanjaro's summit. Having climbed each one multiple times as a guide, I'll share honest insights to help you choose wisely.
Quick Comparison Table
| Route | Days | Success Rate | Difficulty | Scenery | Traffic |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5-6 | 65% | Moderate | ★★★ | High |
| Machame | 6-7 | 80% | Challenging | ★★★★ | High |
| Lemosho | 7-8 | 90% | Challenging | ★★★★★ | Low |
| Rongai | 6-7 | 75% | Moderate | ★★★ | Low |
| Shira | 7-8 | 85% | Challenging | ★★★★ | Low |
| Northern Circuit | 9 | 95% | Moderate | ★★★★★ | Very Low |
| Umbwe | 6-7 | 60% | Very Hard | ★★★★ | Very Low |
Machame Route: "The Whiskey Route"
Duration: 6-7 days
Success rate: ~80%
My verdict: Best overall balance for most climbers
Machame is the most popular route for good reason. It offers excellent scenery diversity, proper acclimatization with a "climb high, sleep low" profile, and a challenging but achievable itinerary.
The reality:
- Days 1-3 are beautiful but demanding
- The Barranco Wall is intimidating but manageable
- The summit night is tough—like all routes
- Crowds at camps, especially in peak season
Best for: Fit individuals who want a balance of challenge and scenery
Not ideal for: Those seeking solitude or with limited fitness
Lemosho Route: My Top Recommendation
Duration: 7-8 days
Success rate: ~90%
My verdict: Best success rate and experience combined
Lemosho starts on the remote western side, traversing through pristine rainforest before joining the Machame route. The extra days provide superior acclimatization.
The reality:
- First two days feel like genuine wilderness
- Game viewing possible (buffalo, elephants)
- Longer duration means better acclimatization
- Joins busier trails mid-mountain
Best for: Those prioritizing summit success and willing to invest time/money
Not ideal for: Tight schedules or strict budgets
Marangu Route: "The Coca-Cola Route"
Duration: 5-6 days
Success rate: ~65%
My verdict: Only route with hut accommodation, but lower success rate
Marangu is the only route offering dormitory-style huts instead of tents. Many choose it for this comfort, but the shorter duration compromises acclimatization.
The reality:
- Huts are basic—don't expect luxury
- Less scenic variety than other routes
- Same route up and down
- Higher failure rate due to shorter acclimatization
- Still physically demanding
Best for: Those who strongly prefer huts over tents, or extremely limited time
Not ideal for: First-time high-altitude trekkers or those wanting the best summit chances
Rongai Route: The Northern Approach
Duration: 6-7 days
Success rate: ~75%
My verdict: Best "quiet" alternative with decent success
Rongai approaches from Kenya's border, offering a different perspective and far fewer crowds. The terrain is gentler initially.
The reality:
- Truly remote and peaceful first days
- Less scenic than western routes
- Gentler gradient suits some hikers
- Descends via Marangu (different experience down)
Best for: Those seeking solitude who don't want extreme difficulty
Not ideal for: Photography enthusiasts seeking dramatic landscapes
Northern Circuit: The Ultimate Route
Duration: 9 days
Success rate: ~95%
My verdict: Highest success rate, circumnavigates the mountain
This is Kilimanjaro's longest route, completing a full circuit of the mountain. The extended time allows optimal acclimatization.
The reality:
- Spectacular 360-degree perspectives
- Very few other climbers
- Requires more time and budget
- Gradual acclimatization means fewer altitude issues
- Physical demands spread over more days
Best for: Those with time who want the best summit chances and complete Kilimanjaro experience
Not ideal for: Limited vacation time or tight budgets
Umbwe Route: The Challenging Direct
Duration: 6-7 days
Success rate: ~60%
My verdict: Only for experienced high-altitude trekkers
Umbwe is the steepest, most direct route. It's beautiful and uncrowded, but the rapid altitude gain causes many to fail.
The reality:
- Incredibly steep first days through rainforest
- Minimal acclimatization time
- Stunningly remote
- Requires prior altitude experience
- Not recommended for first Kilimanjaro attempt
Best for: Experienced high-altitude trekkers seeking challenge and solitude
Not ideal for: First-timers or those without altitude experience
Shira Route: High-Altitude Start
Duration: 7-8 days
Success rate: ~85%
My verdict: Good option but starts high, which can be problematic
Shira begins at 3,600m via vehicle access to Shira Gate. This high starting point can cause problems for some.
The reality:
- Skips rainforest zone entirely
- Starting high risks early altitude sickness
- Joins Lemosho/Machame on day 2
- Beautiful plateau scenery
Best for: Those with prior altitude experience who want efficiency
Not ideal for: First-time high-altitude trekkers
My Route Recommendations
First-time climbers with 7+ days: Lemosho or Machame (7-day version)
First-time climbers with 6 days: Machame
Maximizing summit chances: Northern Circuit (9 days) or Lemosho (8 days)
Seeking solitude: Rongai or Northern Circuit
Experienced altitude trekkers: Umbwe offers unique challenge
Prefer huts over camping: Marangu (but add an extra acclimatization day)
The Truth About Success Rates
Success rates depend heavily on:
- Duration: Longer = better acclimatization = higher success
- Individual fitness and acclimatization ability
- Quality of guides (recognizing altitude sickness early)
- Proper hydration and pacing
No route guarantees summit success. I've seen elite athletes fail and grandmothers succeed. Preparation, proper pacing, and listening to your body matter more than route choice.