Marangu, Machame, Lemosho or the Northern Circuit? A plain-language guide to picking the climb that suits you.Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres — and, remarkably, a walkable one. There are no rope...
Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 metres — and, remarkably, a walkable one. There are no ropes or technical climbing on the standard routes. Success comes down to two things: acclimatisation and route choice.
The gentle ones
Marangu (5–6 days) is the only route with hut accommodation and a steady gradient — comfortable, but its short profile means a lower success rate. Rongai approaches from the quieter north and is a good wet-season option.
The scenic ones
Machame (6–7 days) is the most popular route for good reason — dramatic scenery and a 'climb high, sleep low' profile that aids acclimatisation. Lemosho (7–8 days) is quieter and even more beautiful, joining Machame higher up.
The highest success
The Northern Circuit (8–9 days) is the longest route, and precisely because of that it has the best acclimatisation and the highest summit success. If your priority is standing on the roof of Africa, this is the one we recommend.
Our advice
More days on the mountain almost always means a better chance at the summit and a more enjoyable climb. Tell us your fitness and time, and we'll match you to the right route — with experienced guides and a support team throughout.
