There are seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes that lead to the summit, Uhuru Peak — one starting on the northern side of the mountain and the rest on the southern side: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes between five and nine days. The more days you spend on the mountain, the more likely you are to summit, because you become better acclimatised to the altitude. Browse our Kilimanjaro tours by route below.

Marangu Route

The Marangu Route, popularly known as the Coca-Cola Route, is the classic and only major Kilimanjaro route offering overnight accommodation in permanent mountain huts. Its gradual trail makes it less technically demanding than some other routes, but the shorter itineraries provide less time for acclimatization. The route is ideal for travelers who prefer hut accommodation and a more established trekking path, although the 6-day itinerary is strongly preferable to the 5-day option for better altitude adjustment. Published estimates generally place summit success around 65–75% for the 5–6-day Marangu itineraries, with longer itineraries offering better prospects.

Machame Route

The Machame Route, often called the Whiskey Route, is one of Kilimanjaro’s most popular trails and is known for its spectacular scenery and varied landscapes. The route approaches from the south and passes through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and the high summit zone, while its itinerary allows climbers to experience useful climb high, sleep low opportunities. Machame is particularly suitable for active travelers seeking a scenic and challenging trekking experience, with the 7-day itinerary generally offering much better acclimatization than the 6-day version. Published estimates commonly place the summit success rate around 85–90% on the 7-day itinerary, although actual results vary by operator and climber.

Shira Route

The Shira Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and crosses the spectacular Shira Plateau before connecting with the upper mountain routes. It offers beautiful high-altitude scenery and relatively low trail traffic, but its main drawback is the high starting elevation, which means climbers gain altitude quickly from the beginning and have less gradual acclimatization than on Lemosho. For this reason, Shira is better suited to experienced trekkers who understand high-altitude travel, while first-time climbers are generally better served by the longer and more gradual Lemosho approach. Published estimates for longer Shira itineraries are around 80–90%, but reliable route-specific data is limited compared with the major routes.

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is widely regarded as one of Kilimanjaro’s most scenic and well-balanced approaches, beginning on the western side of the mountain before crossing the beautiful Shira Plateau and eventually joining the southern circuit toward the summit. Its longer itineraries, quieter beginning and gradual approach provide excellent opportunities for acclimatization, making it a strong choice for first-time climbers and travelers who value scenery as much as summit success. The 8-day Lemosho Route is particularly popular for its balance of scenery, pacing and acclimatization, with published estimates commonly around 90–95% summit success on well-planned 8-day climbs.

Rongai Route

The Rongai Route is the only major Kilimanjaro route approaching from the northern side, near the Kenya border, giving climbers a quieter and more remote experience than the popular southern routes. It is known for its relatively gradual terrain, dry conditions and beautiful views toward Mawenzi Peak, and it can be an attractive option during wetter periods because the northern side tends to receive less rainfall. Rongai is well suited to travelers looking for a quieter climb without sacrificing scenery, particularly on a 7-day itinerary that allows more time for acclimatization. Published estimates generally place summit success around 70–85% depending on itinerary length and operator, with longer versions performing better.

Northern Circuit Route

The Northern Circuit is Kilimanjaro’s longest established trekking route and offers the most extensive journey around the mountain, including remote northern slopes that receive far fewer climbers. Its greatest advantage is the amount of time available for acclimatization, combined with exceptional views from different sides of Kilimanjaro. The route is ideal for travelers who have enough time and want to maximize their opportunity for a successful summit while enjoying a quieter wilderness experience. At 9 days, the Northern Circuit is consistently associated with the highest summit success rates, with published estimates commonly around 90–95% or higher on well-managed itineraries.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is Kilimanjaro’s most direct and steepest approach, making it one of the most challenging routes on the mountain. It climbs rapidly through dramatic forest and narrow ridges before connecting with the southern circuit, offering a more remote and adventurous experience with fewer trekkers. Because of its rapid elevation gain and limited early acclimatization, Umbwe is generally better suited to experienced and physically prepared trekkers rather than first-time climbers looking for the easiest path to the summit. Reliable route-specific success data is limited, but published estimates commonly place Umbwe around 50–70% depending on itinerary and operator, with longer versions generally providing better acclimatization opportunities.