So, you want to climb Kilimanjaro?
The first step is to choose a route.
The Kilimanjaro massif is composed of three volcanic cones more or less horizontally aligned on an east-west axis. The length of this axis, from Marangu Gate in the east to Londorossi Gate in the west, is over 40 kilometres as the crow flies. To the south of Kilimanjaro is Tanzania and to the north is Kenya. Kilimanjaro is entirely within the borders of Tanzania so the five main approach routes commence in Tanzania and mainly from the south, south east and south west aspects of the mountain.
Approach Routes
There are six primary approach routes that take you to the base of Kibo, Kilimanjaro’s central and highest volcanic peak. These are Rongai, Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, and the rarely used Umbwe route.
If you have limited trekking experience and want to ease into the process by taking on one of the less challenging approach routes, you are likely to be recommended one of Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Machame or Marangu. Do note that the latter two routes become very crowded during the peak climbing seasons (it’s estimated that as much as 80% of climbers opt for Machame or Marangu).
Most of the approach routes, but especially the western wilderness routes (Lemosho and Shira), offer beautiful scenery, as well as unique fauna and flora.
Summit Routes
The five main routes will take you to the base of Kibo but not to Kilimanjaro’s summit. From Kibo base there are various trails to the summit which are more or less demanding and may even require some previous climbing experience.
Marangu, Rongai and Northern Circuit routes approach the summit via Kibo Hut and Gilman’s Point. This is a trekking approach involving no climbing but demanding considerable endurance on summit day because the walk around the rim of the Crater is longer than for the south and south-west approach routes. Machame, Lemosho, Shira and Umbwe approach the summit via Barafu Ridge and Stella Point so that they reach the rim about an hour’s walk closer to Uhuru Point than Marangu and Rongai routes. Again no climbing skills are required, but plenty of determination!
For those who like a more demanding mountain climb, there is the option of the remote North Face or Umbwe routes. North Face is best combined with a western approach route – Shira or Lemosho – then the trail contours round to the northern circuit and a completely new ascent up the crater side on the north of the Kilimanjaro massif. Umbwe route is only recommended if booked together with Mt Meru or another peak because it involves a very fast ascent up Great Barranco to connect with the main routes that follow Barafu ridge to the summit – without pre-acclimatisation the ascent is simply too rapid to be considered safe.
A tragic rockfall killing several people has meant that the Western Breach is now rated as severe and dangerous. This route is only for those with technical climbing experience, and should ideally be climbed roped up, wearing a safety harness and a helmet. Even talented climbers are not allowed to climb this route without a qualified technical guide and the right equipment.
The Northern Circuit Climb is the longest route up Kilimanjaro, and among the least travelled. Starting on one of the western approach routes (Lemosho or Shira), it offers the intrepid trekker the chance to see the entire northern flank as well as the southern, south-western and eastern faces of the mountain. The northern sector does introduce an element of risk by taking you to the more remote parts of the mountain, from where rescue can take longer. So plan this expedition well and only go with an experienced support team.
Finally and most importantly, you must allow yourself sufficient time to acclimatise to the altitude. See our acclimatisation notes for guidance.
Kilimanjaro routes comparison chart
| Route | Outline | Difficulty | Acclimatisation | Cost | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | Remote route approaching Kilimanjaro from the west. With Shira, often considered the most scenic route due to approach through rainforest and heathland. Some tough climbing days, including steep climb on Barranco Wall, but excellent acclimatisation profile due to longer approach. Joins Machame route near summit. | Medium | Excellent | Mid-cost | 7-8 days |
| Machame | This very popular route approaches from the south-west, and can be very crowded in peak season. Beautiful scenery along the southern traverse and during the climb to Shira plateau. Some tough, steep climbing days, particularly on the Barranco Wall. However, great acclimatisation profile following climbers’ adage of “climb high, sleep low”. Joins Lemosho/Shira route near summit. | Low | Excellent | Low-cost | 6-7 days |
| Marangu | The so-called ‘cola-cola’ route is, after Machame, the most popular and most affordable route. Approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. A generally easy ascent with gentle gradients. Descent is on the same trail, meaning you see less of the mountain. The oldest trail on the mountain, and the only one to offer basic dorm-style accommodation for the entire climb (most climbers prefer the privacy of a tent!) Poor acclimatisation due to 5/6 ascent being standard, hence lower success rate. | Medium | Poor | Lowest-cost | 5-6 days |
| North Face | First climbed in 1999, but not at the time an officially sanctioned route. First commercial climbs took place in 2016. Approach is on Shira or Lemosho route (Umbwe also viable), followed by a full crossing of Kibo’s crater. Note: high-altitude bivouac required! | Toughest | Excellent | Highest-cost | 9 days |
| Northern Circuit | The longest route on the mountain. Approaches from the west via either Shira or Lemosho trails, before branching off for a full traversal of the northern face of the mountain to meet with Rongai route for the summit ascent. Excellent acclimatisation profile. Total escape from the crowds. However, remoteness means rescue is more complicated. | Medium | Best | High-cost | 9 days |
| Rongai | Remote route approaching Kilimanjaro from the north. Long drive to trailhead from Arusha, meaning route is less frequented than others. A comparatively easy climb with a reasonable acclimatisation profile. However, longest and toughest summit night due to position of high camp. Less scenically spectacular than western approach routes, but unique approach to mountain with very special trek through alpine desert, owing to lower rainfall levels on Kilimanjaro's northern face. | Medium | Good | Mid-cost | 6-7 days |
| Shira | Identical to Lemosho except for the different approach used during the first two days’ climb. Like Lemosho, a remote, scenic trail, with comparatively few climbers and a great acclimatisation profile. Trail starts relatively high (3,600m), largely bypassing the rainforest section, but has a gradual ascent thereafter with few peaks. Joins Machame route near summit. | Medium | Excellent | Mid-cost | 7-8 days |
| Umbwe | Rarely used rapid-ascent trail. Very poor acclimatisation profile so pre-acclimatisation recommended (consider the Mt Meru-Umbwe combination climb). Route is difficult so far as the ascent is rapid, and the initial approach very steep. Joins with Machame, Lemosho and Shira routes at Barranco. | Tough | Poor | Mid-cost | 5-6 days |
| Western Breach | Technical climbing route with a rapid ascent. Initial approach on Umbwe route, but uses different track to summit. For many years closed following a fatal rock fall. Since re-opened, but only accessible to experienced climbers travelling with a technical guide. | Tough | Poor | High-cost | 5-6 days |