Kilimanjaro Routes: Map, Distance, Success Rates, Comparison, Difficulty

The Lemosho Route

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route

Overview of the Lemosho Route on Kilimanjaro
Lemosho Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

In recent years, Lemosho’s classic trail status has skyrocketed. Justifiably so, as it has among of the best summit success rates of any route, spectacular views, and an excellent acclimatization profile. The Lemosho route offers three different itineraries, each lasting 6, 7, or 8 days on the mountain, and begins on the western slope of Kilimanjaro. The Cathedral Peak, at 3872 meters, is one of the highest elevations in Lemosho and the Shira Volcano. Acclimatization hikes to Cathedral Peak, where you may take in some of Kilimanjaro’s most breathtaking views, are available to you. Huge, otherworldly plants called Dendrosenecio kilimanjari are another famous sight on Lemosho. Angela Vorobieva, who established a Guinness World Record as the oldest person to ever climb Kilimanjaro, reached the summit of the mountain with Kilimanjaro Trekking Services. She was 86 years old and used the Lemosho route to do it.

The Marangu Route

Hiking the Marangu Route to Kilimanjaro with Kilimanjaro Trekking Services

Overview of the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro
Marangu Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

The Marangu Route, sometimes known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is a well-traveled and historic ascent of Kilimanjaro. If you choose the Marangu route, you will be able to replicate Hans Meyer’s 1889 feat—the first successful ascent of Kilimanjaro. The trail spans the mountain’s whole climatic range, from tropical forest to alpine desert, and is located inside Kilimanjaro National Park. Surprisingly, there are no other routes that provide overnight accommodations in dormitory-style huts.

Is the Marangu Route being considered? During the rainy seasons—mid-March to late May and late October to late December—the huts provide a pleasant and dry place to climb Kilimanjaro. You can choose between a 5-or 6-day Marangu route, with the latter being much easier.

The Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro Rongai Route

Overview of the Rongai Route on Kilimanjaro
Rongai Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

There are a lot of benefits to taking the less beaten path up Kilimanjaro, which is the Rongai route. It starts in a coniferous forest on the mountain’s northern side and goes through many climate zones. On the southwest slope of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Marangu route is followed throughout the descent. In 2024, this route is highly recommended for climbing Kilimanjaro:

For starters, compared to the popular southern Kilimanjaro trekking routes, this one is far less congested. Compared to other routes, this one has ten times less hikers. Two, it’s breathtakingly beautiful, with views of the neighboring Tanzanian landscapes, the volcanic cones of Kilimanjaro (Mawenzi and Kibo), and rare plants (Kilimanjaro Giant Groundsels, tropical forests, etc.) all the way down. The northern slopes may be less verdant and drier, but the ascent is still worth it for the abundance of scenery. Picture yourself rising near the majestic Mawenzi mountain as the sunlight paints its rocks in gentle shades, and watching as the elusive Bearded Vultures soar and dance their way towards the far horizon of Kenya. Those looking for a less hectic Kilimanjaro hiking journey will find it along this path, which is more private and less crowded.

The Umbwe Route

Kilimanjaro Umbwe Route

Overview of the Umbwe Route on Kilimanjaro
Umbwe Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

An underappreciated but deserving trail is the Umbwe route. It used to be thought of as a tough path. The trail is still manageable for many walkers, despite the fact that it gets steeper in the beginning. It starts on the southern side of Kilimanjaro and meets up with the Machame and Lemosho routes three days before the Barranco Wall. One defining feature of Umbwe is the relative solitude you’ll experience on your first two days of trekking. Itineraries can be either six or seven days long; newcomers who haven’t acclimatized yet should go for the seven-day option. In sum, it’s a beautiful path that will take you through every climate zone of Kilimanjaro, letting you explore the mountain’s distinctive flora and fauna up close.

The Northern Circuit Route

Northern Circuit Route 11 Day Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Overview of the Northern Circuit Route on Kilimanjaro
Northern Circuit Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

Among the eight known ascent routes to Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit is the most recent. It’s the only way to see Mount Kilimanjaro from every angle, yet it’s also the longest trek on the mountain. Because of its lengthier itinerary and more leisurely pace, the Northern Circuit route is promoted by several operators as the easiest Kilimanjaro route. Indeed, this path provides excellent acclimatization without very difficult daily shifts. Itineraries that are shorter tend to be easier on hikers, but the 8-day trek may be too much for those without prior experience with such lengthy treks.

Among the many Kilimanjaro hiking routes, the Northern Circuit stands out for its excellent acclimatization profile, stunning scenery, and less used paths. For those who want a more secluded ascent free of crowds, the Northern Circuit route is the way to go on Kilimanjaro.

Envision yourself adventuring across the vast “Roof of Africa” for more than 24 hours. Mount Kilimanjaro’s volcanic panoramas, the boundless African savannah, the south Kenyan plains, and weird and gorgeous high-altitude plants like Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari become visible as you gradually climb higher and higher. Lush tropical woods give way to these sights. The Milky Way, a celestial web adorned with millions of brilliant stars, is a sight to behold after the sun goes down. On summit day, you will get the opportunity to climb Uhuru Peak and take in a stunning sunrise, famous glaciers, and the alpine desert zone close to the equator. And for those who are really daring, there’s always the option to spend an extra night in the Crater, becoming one of the select few fortunate visitors who get to do it annually.

Shira Route

Climbing Mount KILIMANJARO | Shira Route

Overview of the Shira Route on Kilimanjaro:
Shira Route overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

Approximately 3,600 meters is the starting point of the Kilimanjaro Shira Route. One big drawback of this route is its high starting point; some hikers get altitude sickness on the first day since their bodies haven’t had enough time to acclimate.

Those hikers without prior expertise at high altitude trekking should therefore avoid this route. This route isn’t even an option with most local operators.

You won’t see any difference between the Lemosho Route and the Shira Route. Before Lemosho was developed to enhance the starting point of the trip, Shira was actually the route.

Continue reading for details about the Shira route, its elevation profile, and alternative (and superior) choices, in case you’re still interested.

Western Breach Route

Mount Kilimanjaro’s Summit | Western Breach, Glaciers & Uhuru Peak

Overview of the Western Breach on Kilimanjaro:
Western Breach overview, difficulty, success rates, itinerary, and expert tips.

The most technically difficult way to reach the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro is via the Western Breach.

The Western Breach, as its name implies, is a fissure leading up to Kibo’s peak that created a long time ago as a result of lava flows and volcanic eruptions (see: how Kilimanjaro was built).

The Western Breach is the most treacherous Kilimanjaro route because of the steep and rocky slopes that climbers must be careful of. Due to its unsuitability for the typical trekker, several operators choose not to run it. But it’s the quickest way up Kilimanjaro, so it’s a favorite among seasoned mountaineers.

Our comprehensive guide to the Western Breach of Kilimanjaro is here.