Kilimanjaro Routes: Pros and Cons

Choosing the right route to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is key to a successful summit. There are seven main routes, each with unique advantages and challenges. Factors such as trail length, difficulty, scenery, traffic, and accommodation options vary, so it’s important to select the route that best matches your fitness level, goals, and preferences.

At Tanzania Specialist, we take the guesswork out of planning your Kilimanjaro trek. With hundreds of successful summits and clients from around the world, our team will help you choose the best route based on your group’s needs. Among the most popular choices are the Machame Route, Marangu Route, and Lemosho Route.

Machame Route – “The Whiskey Route”

The Machame Route is one of the most popular and scenic ways to summit Kilimanjaro. It offers a high success rate thanks to its gradual ascent and good acclimatization profile. The trail circles around the mountain, providing dramatic views and diverse landscapes.

Highlights:
You’ll trek through lush rainforest and cross the stunning Shira Plateau. The final push to the summit begins at Stella Point — the most physically demanding section of the trek. While it requires a basic level of fitness, the route’s design helps your body adjust to the altitude.

Duration:
6 or 7 days (7 days recommended for a higher summit success rate)

• Pros:

  • Great scenery and varied landscapes

  • High success rate

  • More affordable than other routes due to shorter duration and easy access

• Cons:

  • Can get crowded during peak trekking seasons

Marangu Route – “The Coca-Cola Route”

The Marangu Route is often considered the most accessible route on Kilimanjaro. It’s the shortest and only route that offers hut accommodation, making it a preferred option for climbers looking to avoid camping.

Highlights:
While the Marangu Route is popular among beginners, its shorter itinerary means less time for acclimatization — which can affect your chances of reaching the summit. You’ll ascend and descend along the same trail, which limits the variety of scenery.

Duration:
5 or 6 days

• Pros:

  • Lowest cost option

  • Hut accommodations with beds and basic amenities

  • Ideal for budget-conscious travelers

• Cons:

  • Less scenic (same trail up and down)

  • Lower success rate due to shorter acclimatization period

  • Shared dormitories offer less privacy

Lemosho Route – Remote and Scenic

The Lemosho Route is a favorite for those looking for a quieter, more immersive wilderness experience. Starting on the western side of Kilimanjaro, it offers pristine landscapes, low traffic, and excellent acclimatization opportunities.

Highlights:
This trail begins in remote forest and climbs gradually to the scenic Shira Plateau. Around Lava Tower, it merges with the Machame Route. It’s ideal for trekkers with a moderate fitness level who want a more complete and less-crowded experience.

Duration:
7 or 8 days

• Pros:

  • One of the most scenic and varied routes

  • High summit success rate due to gradual ascent

  • Less crowded, more remote start

• Cons:

  • One of the more expensive options

  • Requires extra transport to the western side of the mountain

Which Route is Right for You?

Whether you’re a first-time trekker or an experienced hiker, there’s a Kilimanjaro route to match your ambition. At Tanzania Specialist, we’ll help you choose the perfect path and support you every step of the way — ensuring your Kilimanjaro climb is safe, memorable, and rewarding.