Choosing your route is the single biggest decision when you plan to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Every route ends at the same place, Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the roof of Africa. But the number of days, the scenery, the crowds, where you sleep and, most importantly, how well your body adapts to the altitude are very different from one route to another. In this guide our Arusha team compares the four routes we climb most often, so you can choose the right one for you.
Short on time? The quick answer: choose the Lemosho route for the best scenery and acclimatisation, the Machame route for great value and views, the Marangu route if you prefer sleeping in huts, and the Rongai route if you want a quieter climb or travel in the rainy season.
Kilimanjaro routes at a glance
| Route | Days | Sleeping | Scenery | Crowds | Best for | Our price from |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame | 6–7 | Tents | Excellent | Busy | Fit hikers who want variety | $1,650 |
| Lemosho | 7–8 | Tents | Outstanding | Quiet at the start | Best chance to acclimatise | $2,050 |
| Marangu | 5–6 | Huts with beds | Good | Busy | Those who prefer huts to tents | $1,360 |
| Rongai | 6–7 | Tents | Good, drier | Quiet | Rainy season, a calmer climb | $2,150 |
Prices are per person for a private climb as listed on our Kilimanjaro packages page. The final price depends on group size and season.
Machame route: the most popular choice
The Machame route starts on the south-western side of the mountain at Machame Gate and climbs through thick rainforest, up onto the Shira Plateau, past Lava Tower and down into the Barranco Valley before the famous Barranco Wall. You return down the Mweka route, so you see a different side of the mountain on the way down.
- Days: 6 or 7 (we recommend 7 for better acclimatisation)
- Highlights: rainforest, Shira Plateau, Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, sunrise from Stella Point
- Good to know: the “climb high, sleep low” profile at Lava Tower helps your body adapt to the altitude
- Downside: it is the busiest route, especially from June to October
See our 6-Day Machame Route and 7-Day Machame Route itineraries.
Lemosho route: the most beautiful route
Lemosho starts further west at Londorossi Gate. The first two days are quiet, wild rainforest where you may hear colobus monkeys, before you cross the whole Shira Plateau with big views of Kibo, the summit cone. From Lava Tower it joins the Machame route for the final days.
- Days: 7 or 8
- Highlights: remote rainforest, the full Shira Plateau, fewer people in the first days
- Good to know: the extra days give your body more time to adapt, which is why many climbers choose it
- Downside: a longer drive to the start and a higher price because of the extra days
Tip: If this is your first high-altitude trek, an 8-day Lemosho climb is one of the most comfortable ways to reach the summit.
Marangu route: the only route with huts
Marangu is the oldest route on Kilimanjaro and the only one where you sleep in shared huts with beds instead of tents: Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut and Kibo Hut. The path climbs gently from Marangu Gate on the south-east side, and you come down the same way.
- Days: 5 or 6 (we strongly recommend 6, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo)
- Highlights: huts, a gentle path, views of Mawenzi peak
- Good to know: the 5-day version is short, which gives your body less time to adapt to the altitude
- Downside: the same path up and down, and shared dormitory huts
See our 6-Day Marangu Route itinerary.
Rongai route: quiet and drier
Rongai is the only route that starts on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, close to the Kenyan border. This side of the mountain receives less rain, so it is a good choice in the wetter months. It is also one of the quietest routes. You descend on the Marangu side, so you cross the mountain from north to south.
- Days: 6 or 7
- Highlights: wilderness feel, views towards Kenya, Mawenzi Tarn camp on the 7-day version
- Good to know: a steady, gradual climb that suits many beginners
- Downside: less varied scenery in the first days than Machame or Lemosho
How many days should you choose?
The most common reason climbers do not reach the summit is altitude, not fitness. The more days you spend on the mountain, the more time your body has to adapt. That is why we usually advise at least 7 days on Machame, Lemosho or Rongai, and 6 days on Marangu.
- Walk slowly, “pole pole” as our guides say in Swahili
- Drink 3 to 4 litres of water every day
- Choose a route with a “climb high, sleep low” day
- Tell your guide immediately if you feel unwell; our guides check your health every day
Pro tip: An extra day costs much less than a second trip to Tanzania. If you can, add one.
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
- January to early March: warm, clear days and fewer climbers
- Late June to October: dry and the most popular season
- April and May: the long rains; Rongai is the best option if you must climb then
- November: short rains, usually still possible to climb
Many of our guests end their climb with a few days of safari or a beach stay. Read our guides on the best time to visit Tanzania and adding Zanzibar after your trip.
Which Kilimanjaro route should you choose?
- First high-altitude trek: Lemosho (8 days) or Machame (7 days)
- Best scenery: Lemosho
- Best value: Machame (7 days)
- Prefer a bed to a tent: Marangu (6 days)
- Rainy season or a quiet trail: Rongai
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro?
No route is truly easy because of the altitude. Marangu and Rongai have the gentlest paths, but longer routes like Lemosho give your body more time to adapt, which often makes the summit day feel easier.
Can beginners climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes. You do not need climbing experience or ropes. You need good general fitness, a positive attitude and enough days on the mountain. Regular walks and hikes in the months before your climb are the best preparation.
How many days do I need to climb Kilimanjaro?
We recommend 7 or 8 days on Machame, Lemosho or Rongai, and 6 days on Marangu. Shorter climbs are possible but give less time to acclimatise.
Do I sleep in tents or huts?
On Marangu you sleep in huts with beds. On Machame, Lemosho and Rongai you sleep in mountain tents set up by our crew, who also cook all your meals.
Can I go on safari after my climb?
Yes, and many of our guests do. A 2 to 4 day safari to Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti is the perfect way to relax after the climb. Ask us to combine both in one plan.
