Best time to climb
- Jan-Feb: Warm, clear mornings with fewer afternoon storms.
- Jun-Oct: Peak season with the driest trails and colder nights.
- Nov-Dec: Short rains, greener slopes, and lighter crowds.
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro routes and trekking prep
Compare Kilimanjaro routes by difficulty, acclimatisation, crowd level, and accommodation.
Route list
Choose your route
Compare all seven itineraries by duration, difficulty, and success rate before you commit.
Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: HighAcclimatisation: MediumAccommodation: HutsSuccess: ~75%
7-Day Marangu Route
7 days · 6 nights
Hut-based Marangu ascent with summit push via Gilman's Point; ideal for climbers who prefer structured overnights.
View itinerary →Difficulty: HardCrowds: LowAcclimatisation: WeakAccommodation: CampingSuccess: ~65%
6-Day Umbwe Route
6 days · 5 nights
Direct, steep ascent via Umbwe ridge to Barafu for summit via Stella Point; best for experienced, fit climbers seeking a short route.
View itinerary →Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: HighAcclimatisation: StrongAccommodation: CampingSuccess: ~85%
8-Day Machame Route
8 days · 7 nights
Scenic 'Whiskey Route' camping ascent via Shira, Barranco, and Barafu with varied terrain and strong acclimatization.
View itinerary →Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: MediumAcclimatisation: StrongAccommodation: MixedSuccess: ~80%
7-Day Rongai Route
7 days · 6 nights
Northern approach through quiet forests and saddle to Kibo with descent via Marangu; great for fewer crowds and steady gradients.
View itinerary →Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: MediumAcclimatisation: StrongAccommodation: CampingSuccess: ~90%
9-Day Lemosho Route
9 days · 8 nights
Secluded western approach via Londorossi with rainforest start, Shira Plateau traverse, Barranco, and Barafu for a well-acclimatized summit.
View itinerary →Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: HighAcclimatisation: StrongAccommodation: CampingSuccess: ~88%
9-Day Machame Route
9 days · 8 nights
Extended Whiskey Route adding Karanga camp and extra acclimatization before Barafu, with summit via Stella Point and descent to Mweka.
View itinerary →Difficulty: ModerateCrowds: LowAcclimatisation: StrongAccommodation: CampingSuccess: ~92%
9-Day Northern Circuit Route
9 days · 8 nights
Wide western approach circling the northern flank for maximum acclimatization and remote camps before summiting via Gilman's or Stella Point.
View itinerary →Compare routes
Compare routes
If it's your first climb, pick stronger acclimatisation.
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Acclimatisation | Crowds | Accommodation | Success rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7-Day Marangu Route | 7 | Moderate | Medium | High | Huts | ~75% |
| 6-Day Umbwe Route | 6 | Hard | Weak | Low | Camping | ~65% |
| 8-Day Machame Route | 8 | Moderate | Strong | High | Camping | ~85% |
| 7-Day Rongai Route | 7 | Moderate | Strong | Medium | Mixed | ~80% |
| 9-Day Lemosho Route | 9 | Moderate | Strong | Medium | Camping | ~90% |
| 9-Day Machame Route | 9 | Moderate | Strong | High | Camping | ~88% |
| 9-Day Northern Circuit Route | 9 | Moderate | Strong | Low | Camping | ~92% |
Trekking prep
Trekking prep
Fitness baseline
- Comfortable hiking 6-8 hours on consecutive days.
- 3-4 cardio sessions per week plus light strength work.
- Train with a daypack and boots you will climb in.
Altitude tips
- Do: Drink water regularly and keep a steady, slow pace.
- Do: Sleep early and eat even when your appetite dips.
- Don't: Skip acclimatisation hikes or rush the summit day.
- Don't: Ignore headaches, nausea, or dizziness.
Packing essentials
- Layered base + mid layers
- Waterproof shell
- Insulated jacket
- Broken-in boots
- Warm hat + gloves
- Headlamp + batteries
- Water bottles
- Trekking poles
- Sunscreen + lip balm
- Basic first-aid
Common mistakes
- Choosing the shortest route without enough acclimatisation.
- Overpacking or skipping warm summit layers.
- Underestimating sun exposure and dehydration.
- Not breaking in boots before the trek.
- Trying to match another hiker's pace.
Travel with confidence
Why climbers choose us
Licensed local guides
Fair crew treatment
Safety-first itineraries
Transparent pricing
FAQ
Trekking FAQs
Which route is best for first-timers?
Routes with strong acclimatisation and moderate difficulty, like Lemosho or Machame 8-day, are best for first-time climbers.
How many days should I choose?
Seven to nine days gives most climbers enough acclimatisation time; shorter routes are tougher on the body.
How do I reduce altitude sickness risk?
Choose a longer itinerary, climb slowly, hydrate consistently, and take acclimatisation hikes seriously.