There are seven established routes to climb Kilimanjaro, each with its own character, difficulty, scenery, and success rates. Choosing the right route is the most important decision you will make.

Route 1: Marangu – The “Coca-Cola” Route

Best for: Inexperienced climbers, budget travelers, those who prefer hut accommodation

The Marangu Route is the oldest and most established path on Kilimanjaro . It is often called the “Coca-Cola Route” because of its relative ease and the availability of soft drinks at the huts – a touch of civilization on the mountain.

Key Features:

• The only route with sleeping huts (dormitory-style with beds and mattresses) – no tents required

• Gradual, gentle slopes make it the most straightforward ascent

• Same path used for ascent and descent (less variety in scenery)

• Five to six days minimum (shorter acclimatization time lowers success rates)

Route 2: Machame – The “Whiskey” Route

Best for: Adventurous climbers, photographers, those seeking the classic Kilimanjaro experience

The Machame Route, also known as the “Whiskey Route” (the tougher cousin of the “Coca-Cola” route), is the most popular and famous route on Kilimanjaro. It offers stunning, diverse scenery and a much higher success rate than Marangu.

Key Features:

• Approaches from the southwestern slope of the mountain

• Traverses through five distinct climate zones: rainforest, heath, moorland, alpine desert, and arctic summit

• Major landmarks: Shira Plateau, Lava Tower (4,630 m), Barranco Wall (technical but non-dangerous scramble), Barafu Camp

• “Climb high, sleep low” profile (acclimatization-focused)

• Camping only (tents provided by tour operators)

Route 3: Lemosho – The Scenic Route 

Best for: Travelers wanting a balance of scenery, lower crowds, and high success rates

The Lemosho Route is our top recommendation for most climbers. It is a newer route that offers the most spectacular panoramas and a remote wilderness experience before joining the Machame Route for the final ascent.

Key Features:

• Starts from the west at Londorossi Gate

• First two days trek through rainforest to Shira Plateau (one of Kilimanjaro’s most beautiful areas)

• Traverses the plateau from west to east with very few crowds

• Merges with the Machame Route near Lava Tower, then follows the Southern Circuit

• Excellent acclimatization profile (longer duration = better adaptation)

Route 4: Northern Circuit – The Ultimate Acclimatization Route

Best for: Climbers prioritizing summit success above all else, those seeking solitude

The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro (9-10 days) and boasts the highest success rate of any route – an impressive 90-95%.

Key Features:

• Initially follows the Lemosho Route, then deviates north before Lava Tower

• Traverses the rarely visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro

• Offers 360-degree views of the mountain from all sides

• Longest distance (approximately 90 km / 56 miles round trip)

• Least crowded route on the mountain

Route 5: Rongai – The Fresher Route

Best for: Climbers seeking a different perspective (northern approach), those starting near the Kenyan border

The Rongai Route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north (near the Kenyan border). It receives less rainfall than western routes and has a gradual, steady slope.

Key Features:

• Starts near the Kenyan border, accessible from Moshi

• Passes through unexplored wilderness areas

• Less scenic than western routes (drier landscape)

• Descent is via the Marangu Route (two perspectives of the mountain)

• Good for climbers with little backpacking experience

Route 6: Umbwe – The Hardest Route

Best for: Experienced mountaineers seeking a physical challenge, NOT for beginners

The Umbwe Route is the shortest, steepest, and toughest route on Kilimanjaro. It has the lowest success rate (60-65%) due to its rapid ascent profile and lack of acclimatization time.

Key Features:

• Direct, steep approach from the southern slope

• Considered the most challenging and dangerous route

• Very low traffic (mostly used by guides and rescue teams)

• Not recommended for first-time climbers

Route 7: Shira – The High-Altitude Start

Best for: Acclimatized climbers who don’t mind starting at high elevation

The Shira Route begins with a long drive to Shira Camp 1 at 3,500 meters – the highest starting point of any route. This rapid altitude gain makes it risky for unacclimatized climbers.

Key Features:

• Merges with Lemosho Route after the first day

• Traverses the entire Shira Plateau from west to east

• Lower crowds than Machame