Kilimanjaro Routes
Choose your route to Uhuru Peak — short descriptions, difficulty, highlights and practical notes. Click a route to read more.
Marangu Route
Description
Dubbed the “Coca-Cola Route”, Marangu is popular for its hut accommodation and relatively gentle gradients. It’s ideal for trekkers who prefer sheltered huts, but because of the shorter itinerary climbers should allow time for acclimatisation.
Landscape & Highlights
- Forest to moorland to alpine desert
- Hut accommodation — shared facilities
- Classic sunrise summit at Uhuru Peak
Machame Route
Description
Machame is a scenic and popular route known for varied terrain and excellent acclimatisation profile. It approaches the summit from the south, offering dramatic viewpoints and a high success rate when paced correctly.
Landscape & Highlights
- Dense rainforest, heather moorland and alpine desert
- Stunning panorama from Shira Plateau
- Good acclimatisation options and scenic camps
Lemosho Route
Description
Lemosho begins on the western side and is celebrated for its remote feeling, gradual ascent and excellent acclimatisation. It’s perfect for photographers and those wanting a quieter, scenic approach to the summit.
Landscape & Highlights
- Remote, scenic western approach
- Extended acclimatisation and high success rates
- Great for photography and solitude
Rongai Route
Description
Approaching from the north-east near Kenya, Rongai is less crowded and offers a gentler, drier ascent. It’s a popular choice for those seeking a quieter route and stable weather conditions.
Landscape & Highlights
- Dry, open slopes and semi-arid landscapes
- Quieter route with fewer trekkers
- Good summit approach via Kibo’s eastern flanks
Umbwe Route
Description
Umbwe is the steepest and most direct route on Kilimanjaro. It’s recommended for experienced trekkers who are confident with steep, technical sections and want a challenging, remote climb.
Landscape & Highlights
- Steep, technical ascent through forest and moorland
- Very remote with dramatic scenery
- High fitness and experience required
Northern Circuit
Description
The Northern Circuit is the longest route, circling Kilimanjaro’s northern slopes. It offers superb acclimatisation, solitude, and panoramic views before joining the final approach to the summit.
Landscape & Highlights
- Longest, most scenic circuit with varied ecosystems
- Excellent acclimatisation and higher summit success
- Great for extended trekking and remote views