The main routes for climbing Kilimanjaro · Machame Route: The most climbed route · Lemosho Route · The Northern Circuit.
Whether you are hiking for the first time or have climbed dozens of peaks, we have the best Kilimanjaro routes for you. For an unparalleled experience on Mount Kilimanjaro, choose the route that suits you best and maximize your comfort, enjoyment and chances of success. We accompany you every step of the way.
There are six main climbing routes on Kilimanjaro. We prefer the quieter, lesser traveled camping routes of Lemosho, Northern Circuit, and Rongai. We believe these are the best routes on Mount Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, we recommend taking longer duration variations of these routes as they will give you the highest chance in successfully summiting. However, we do offer climbs on all major routes on the mountain.
With the exception of the rainy season (November and March-May), we organize many group climbs every week throughout the year. The maximum capacity of group climbs is 12 people.
Group climbs are available on the following routes:
The Lemosho route is considered one of the most beautiful routes of Kilimanjaro. We start with a long transfer with the vehicle to the west gate. From here we walk through the often wet, fertile rainforest until we reach the wildflowers of the cattle ecosystem.
As we head east, we cross one of the most beautiful parts of Kilimanjaro, the Shira Plateau, before crossing the mountain along the southern circuit. We hike under the southern ice field of Kilimanjaro and reach the summit via the Barafu hut. This route has a high success rate and is highly recommended.
The Lemosho Route is a 9 or 10 day journey.
8 DAYS + 2 NIGHTS
From $1804 US
The Machame Route, the so-called “Whiskey” route, is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. The trail starts at Machame Gate, located at the southern base of the mountain in the green, lush rainforest. We climb to the Shira Plateau and then cross the mountain below Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field before ascending from Barafu Hut.
The Machame Route can be crowded during high season. Many groups share the campsites. So this route is a good choice for those who want to enjoy scenic hikes on a challenging route but don’t mind the company of other climbers.
The Machame Route is an 8 or 9 day journey.
The Northern Circuit is the most amazing ride on Kilimanjaro. Starting from the west, this is the only route that goes north around Mount Kilimanjaro. It covers almost the entire mountain before reaching the top. This is absolutely the most scenic route available and there will be almost no other hikers on the north side.
As a relatively new route, you can be one of the first to enjoy the tranquility and stunning panoramic views of the Northern Circuit. This route has a high success rate and is highly recommended.
The Northern Circuit is an 11-day journey.
9 DAYS + 2 NIGHTS
From $1804 US
The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts on the far north side of Kilimanjaro, near the Kenyan border.
We trek through a true wilderness towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle before climbing the east crater wall of Kibo.
The Ronga route shows a more gradual ascent. It is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience. However, the route is equally enjoyable for even the most hardened hikers. Rongai is a good choice for those who want a quick hike on gentler slopes.
The Rongai Route is an 8 or 9 day trip.
7 DAYS + 2 NIGHTS
From $1804 US
The Marangu route is the original way to climb Kilimanjaro. For a long time, this was the only road that existed on the mountain. The trail starts on the southeast side of Kilimanjaro. We hike through rainforest towards the jagged Mawenzi Peak, then cross a barren desert saddle before climbing the east crater wall of Kibo.
The Marangu route shows a more gradual ascent. Clients who have little or no backpacking experience prefer it, but the shorter itinerary may present an acclimatization problem. This is the only route where climbers sleep in dormitory huts. Marangu is a good choice for those who want to climb in the rainy season and prefer a more gradual ascent.
The Marangu route is 8 days.
6 DAYS + 2 NIGHTS
From $1804 US