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Conquering Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

Before your Mount Kilimanjaro ascent, it’s crucial to grasp the seven established routes for the climb: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Umbwe. These routes each take a distinct approach to the mountain. Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe originate from the southern side (Mweka is solely for descent), while Lemosho, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes approach from the west. The Rongai route ascends from the north. Detailed three-dimensional visuals below offer insight into these climbing paths, providing a comprehensive view of the journey to the summit.

 

Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

Machame Route
Rongai Route
Lemosho Route
Umbwe Route
Marangu Route
Northern Circuit Route

Best Route to climb Kilimanjaro

The inquiry that resonates with us most frequently revolves around discovering the optimal route for ascending Kilimanjaro. However, the response to this inquiry is profoundly individualized, contingent upon your aspirations. Here, we present our standout selections tailored to diverse preferences and goals.

If you are looking for an adventure and a really unique wilderness experience the crater camp option is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro for you- less than 1 % of climbers get to do this and all our climbers who do it rave about it.

If you want the highest chance of summiting the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Machame route over 7 or 8 days – excellent acclimatization and an easier summit night make these winners by a long way. And as reaching the top is the most important thing for most of our climbers we make this our overall winners as best route to climb Kilimanjaro.

The Lemosho route approaching from the West wins hands down for the best views with spectacular vistas in all directions.

If keeping away from the crowds is your top priority the Rongai route has to be your choice as the best route for your Kilimanjaro climb. But be warned the success rate is lower.

Kilimanjaro Hiking Tours

The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of
The Lemosho route is considered the most scenic trail on Kilimanjaro, granting panoramic vistas on various sides of
The Umbwe route is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.
The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, close to the Kenyan border.
The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on
The Machame route, also referred to as the Whiskey route, is one of the most popular routes on
The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers
The Marangu Route has been referred to as the ‘Coca Cola’ route and this has led potential climbers