African Scenic Safaris
mobile rating
#1 Operator in Tanzania
BlogBlog SafariSafari TrekkingTrekking ContactContact MenuMenu
Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Home Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Planning For Trekking In Kilimanjaro?

Let Us Help You Create Your Dream Holiday Experience!

Know About Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

There’s a total of seven routes that lead up to Mount Kilimanjaro. Each of them has its set of advantages and disadvantages, like the acclimatization profile, scenic surroundings, etc. This post will include a complete Kilimanjaro Routes Comparison covering different aspects of your climb so that you can decide which route suits you best.

Our Kilimanjaro Climbing Packages include 4 routes but should you be interested in other routes; private treks can always be arranged. This is thanks to our fully customizable climbing itineraries.

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes

We at African Scenic Safaris offer 4 primary Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes. They are Rongai, Machame, Lemosho, and the Northern Circuit. Below is a Mount Kilimanjaro Route Comparison of each route:

Rongai Route – Navigate Thrilling Passageways

This is the most preferred route for those in search of a remote Kilimanjaro trek. Also, as the north side of Kilimanjaro receives less precipitation, you can climb the mountain via the Rongai Route during the rainy season.

Days Required – 6-7 Days

Advantages:

  • Offers a more remote and less crowded experience.
  • Provides panoramic views of both the Kenyan and Tanzanian sides of Kilimanjaro.

Disadvantage – The steep sections may be challenging for some climbers

Our Point of View – Recommended

Machame Route – Navigate Thrilling Passageways

Also called the ‘Whisky’ Route, Machame Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro. It’s considered a bit challenging in terms of the terrain but is the best choice if you want a more adventurous climb.

Days Required – 6-7 Days

Advantages:

  • Known for its diverse and stunning landscapes, With lush rainforests & breathtaking views.
  • Provides good acclimatization opportunities due to its gradual ascent profile.

Disadvantage – Generally considered to be less scenic when doing a Kilimanjaro Routes Comparison.

Our Point of View – Recommended

Lemosho Route – Revel In Kilimanjaro’s Untouched Beauty!

This is one of the newer Kilimanjaro Routes and approaches the mountain from the west. Lemosho Route is regarded as the most scenic route up the mountain and offers a great combination of low, traffic, scenic views, and high success rates.

Days Required – 7-9 Days

Advantages:

  • Offers a longer trek, allowing for better acclimatization and increased chances of summit success.
  • Provides scenic beauty and a sense of wilderness, Specially early stages of the route.

Disadvantage – Can be physically demanding due to its length and elevation gain.

Our Point of View – Highly Recommended

The Northern Circuit Route – The Grand Kilimanjaro Route!

This is the newest and most exciting route up Kilimanjaro. Northern Circuit Route traverses the mountain around the rarely frequented northern slopes. Boasting a low number of visitors, varied sceneries, and a high rate of success, it’s undoubtedly one of the best Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes.

Days Required – 8-9 Days

Advantages:

  • Known for its excellent acclimatization profile, increasing chances of reaching the summit.
  • Offers stunning views from different angles as it circumnavigates the mountain.

Disadvantage – Requires a longer time commitment, typically spanning around 8-9 days.

Our Point of View – Highly Recommended

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Most Scenic Kilimanjaro Climbing Route

The most beautiful route among the Kilimanjaro Routes is the Lemosho Route. On this trail, you’ll walk through the lush rainforest for the first two days. It also gives the experience of traversing through the Shira Plateau. The plateau offers fantastic views of the Shira Cathedral.

quotion
Picking a Kilimanjaro route is all about what kind of adventure you’re craving! Scenic views or peaceful trails, we’ve got it all. You can always chat with us and find the perfect route for your Kilimanjaro Climb

Most Remote Kilimanjaro Route

The most beautiful route among the Kilimanjaro Routes is the Lemosho Route. On this trail, you’ll walk through the lush rainforest for the first two days. It also gives the experience of traversing through the Shira Plateau. The plateau offers fantastic views of the Shira Cathedral.

7 Days Machame Route

Without The Whiskey
8 Days Lemosho Route

Quest From The West
9 Days Northern Circuit Route

Orbit Kilimanjaro
7 Days Rongai Route

Above The African Plains
2 / 4

Best Overall Kilimanjaro Route

This honor goes to both the Lemosho and Machame Route. They both offer a great blend of high success rates, good acclimatization, and beautiful scenery.

The following is a representation of the Kilimanjaro Route Comparison covering all the climbing aspects:

Kilimanjaro Route Comparison

Kilimanjaro Route

For convenience, it's a good idea for a group member to organize an online album, ensuring all participants can access and share the captured memories from the Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing adventure.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Kilimanjaro Route

The following are some factors that should be taken into consideration when doing the Mt. Kilimanjaro Route Comparison:

How Many Days You Have

Consider the duration of your climb - longer routes like Lemosho or Northern Circuit provide better acclimatization with 8-10 days, while shorter routes like Marangu can be completed in 5-6 days for those with limited time.

Acclimatization

Prioritize routes with good acclimatization profiles - Machame and Lemosho routes have gradual ascents, allowing for better adaptation to altitude, while Northern Circuit provides the longest acclimatization period.

Budget Considerations

Keep your budget in mind - routes like Marangu are more cost-effective due to accommodation in huts, while Lemosho or Northern Circuit routes may be pricier with longer durations and camping options.

When You Want To Climb

Choose a route based on the time of year - drier months of January to March and June to October are popular, but the Rongai or Northern Circuit Route offer more flexibility for year-round climbs.

Simbo Natai

Climb Kilimanjaro With Us

Get ready for a mountain adventure with real advice, smiling guides, and simple help that actually works. We’re with you from start to summit.

African Scenic Safaris

Piecing Together Your Kilimanjaro Ascent

Each of the routes in a Kilimanjaro Route Comparison offers unique advantages. For example, the serenity of Rongai, the scenic beauty of Machame, the beauty of Lemosho, or the comprehensive experience of the Northern Circuit. Carefully evaluate your preferences and circumstances for a memorable Kilimanjaro Climb that aligns perfectly with your aspirations and needs.

Explore Kilimanjaro Travel Guide

Find essential topics below to help you plan, prepare, and enjoy your Kilimanjaro travel experience fully.

Mt Kilimanjaro Map Mount Kilimanjaro Elevation Mount Kilimanjaro Facts Weather In Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro Song Kilimanjaro Glaciers Kilimanjaro Temperature Crater Camp Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro Difficulty Kilimanjaro Books Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators Kilimanjaro Altitude Kilimanjaro Stella Point Kilimanjaro Base Camp Kilimanjaro Wildlife Kilimanjaro Movies Barafu Camp Kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro Height Mount Kilimanjaro Eruption Kilimanjaro Difficulty Kilimanjaro Books How Long Does It Take To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro Best Kilimanjaro Guides

Frequently Asked Questions

The best Kilimanjaro Climbing Route depends on personal preferences and factors like acclimatization needs, desired scenery, and available time. Popular routes include Machame, Lemosho, and Northern Circuit.

The Marangu route is often considered the easiest Kilimanjaro Route due to its gradual ascent profile and accommodation in huts.

The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes generally have higher summit success rates due to their longer durations and better acclimatization profiles.

The Machame route is known for its good acclimatization opportunities with a gradual ascent, allowing climbers to adapt better to the altitude.

The Rongai and Northern Circuit routes are generally less crowded compared to popular routes like Machame and Marangu, offering a quieter climbing experience.

The Machame and Lemosho routes are renowned for their stunning and diverse scenery, providing picturesque views throughout the climb.

Kilimanjaro Routes differ in difficulty based on factors like steep sections, length, and terrain. Generally, routes like Marangu and Rongai are considered less challenging, while Machame and Northern Circuit are more strenuous.

The Marangu or Machame routes are often recommended for first-timers due to their popularity, infrastructure, and reasonable difficulty levels.

Different Routes On Kilimanjaro can indeed have varying success rates in reaching the summit. Factors like duration, acclimatization, and crowd levels contribute to these differences.

The Northern Circuit Route often provides the best camping sites and accommodations, allowing for a more comfortable and scenic experience compared to other routes.

Simbo Natai
Simbo Natai, founder of African Scenic Safaris, crafts sustainable, meaningful Tanzanian journeys rooted in his deep local knowledge and passion.
Director
Related Blogs
Related Blogs

What Our Guests Say

TripAdvisorAfrican Scenic Safaris #1 on TripAdvisor
Hannah W
Hannah W / Sep 2022

The best company out there!

African Scenic Safaris were Amazing. We were a large group of students who climbed Kilimanjaro with them and went on a safari in Tarangire National Park.

Read Review
TripAdvisor
Johanna S
Johanna S/ Apr 2025

Great experience on Safari.

The guide was absolutely fantastic. Emanuel was present answering questions and not least telling a lot like the animals.

Read Review
TripAdvisor
Gabriella M
Gabriella M/ Feb 2025

Amazing experience

We relied on African Scenic Safaris for organising a 5 days safari. Nembris provided us with suggestions for the itinerary through Serengeti.

Read Review
TripAdvisor
  • Atta
  • Atta
  • Tato

© Copyright African Scenic Safaris 2025 | All Rights Reserved

×