What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
Find the best route to climb Kilimanjaro with our experienced team.
Mount Kilimanjaro consists of three volcanic cones, Kibo (5,895 meters), Mawenzi (5,149 meters) and Shira (3,962 meters), and lies inside Kilimanjaro National Park, a World Heritage site that covers an area of 753 square kilometers. The mountain itself straddles the border with Kenya, but the peak is entirely within Tanzania and the mountain can only be climbed from Tanzania. Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in the world that can be climbed without specialized equipment and experience.
There are five vegetation zones on Kilimanjaro: cultivated lower elevations; montane forest; moorland; alpine desert; and the barren arctic summit zone. Some wildlife may be seen in the forests of Kilimanjaro.
We organize climbs on Kilimanjaro via several routes including Machame, Lemosho/Shira, Rongai, Umbwe, and the Northern Circuit Route. Duma does not currently book trips that ascend via the Western Breach due to the ongoing danger of rock falls. It is still possible to overnight at Crater Camp via a Barafu Camp ascent. We run approximately 30 Kilimanjaro climbs per year and offer climbers many opportunities to join a group.
Though not a technical climb, most trekkers experience varying levels of altitude sickness on Kili. Duma Explorer recommends a longer climb up Kilimanjaro to ensure a higher success rate to ensure proper acclimatization. Our most popular climbs are the seven day Machame, eight day Lemosho, and eight day Northern Circuit routes.
Kilimanjaro Success Rates
We can help you determine the best success rate to climb Kilimanjaro based on your interests, schedule, budget, prior altitude experience, and overall physical fitness. Longer climbs have the highest success rates and we recommend taking a minimum of 6 days to climb Kilimanjaro.
All of Kilimanjaro's climbing routes originate on the Tanzanian side of the mountain. The Western routes are thought to be the most scenic and most of our climbs ascend via the Lemosho (8 days), Northern Circuit (8 or 9 days) and Machame (7 days) trails. The Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai, and Umbwe Routes are the least crowded while Machame (Whiskey Route) and Marangu (Coca-cola Route) are the most popular. Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Machame and Umbwe descend via the Mweka Trail while Rongai and Marangu descend via the Marangu Trail.
For those who want to spend a few days around the Kilimanjaro area prior to hiking the mountain, we recommend staying at Kaliwa Lodge or Shu’mata Camp. Read on for details on each route.
Lemosho Route success rate
The Lemosho Route is normally climbed in 7, 8, or 9 days. Crater Camp may be included in only the 8 or 9 day climbs. We do not arrange treks via the Western Breach; you’ll ascend to Crater Camp via Barafu Camp.
This route is a scenic ascent, with fewer climbers than other routes, and expansive, beautiful views of Kilimanjaro. This route also crosses the scenic Shira Plateau, which some tourists visit as a day hike. Shira is actually a caldera, and is known for its wildlife; sometimes, animals wander in from neighboring Amboseli National Park which lies across the border in Kenya. The longer climb allows for greater acclimatization and as such, high summit success rates. This is Duma’s most popular route.
Note that this route is more expensive as there are additional forest fees, and a longer ride to the trailhead. During the wet season, the trailhead may not be accessible.
Machame Route success rate
The Machame route is our second most popular route and offers easy access to the trailhead, varied scenery along the route, and ascends on the west. Barranco Camp, the third campsite on this route, is a favorite amongst our mountain staff. This is also the most popular camping route overall, so you may see a lot of fellow climbers. It’s also the least expensive camping route along with Umbwe.
Northern Circuit Route success rate
The Northern Circuit climb circles the mountain and is the least traveled route on Kilimanjaro. You’ll start in the west, circle around to the north, and ascend via Marangu on the east. You’ll then descend via the south, so you’ll see the entire mountain during your trek. This route provides the most comprehensive views of the mountain and crosses other climb routes, including Lemosho, Rongai, Marangu, and Mweka routes. The longer 8 to 9 day climb allows for greater acclimatization and as such, high summit success rates.
Umbwe Route success rate
The Umbwe route is considered by most to be the most difficult summit attempt, the trail from Umbwe Gate to Barranco Camp is extremely steep, and we do not recommend this route for inexperienced hikers. You’ll see fewer climbers and enjoy a challenging climb, using 5 or 6 days to complete the route. Note that the trailhead may be inaccessible during the wet season.
Rongai Route success rate
The Rongai Route is a remote, eastern route, and starts near the Holili border with Kenya. Rongai is one of the least crowded routes, and we recommend a 6 or 7 day climb on this route. There are not as many campsites and elevation changes on this route, and thus not as ideal for acclimatization. There is a possibility that you’ll see wildlife on this route, although the scenery is not as dramatic in the first part of the route compared to others.
Marangu Route success rate
The Marangu Route, otherwise known as the Coca-Cola route, is the oldest climbing route on Kilimanjaro. It is the only route which offers huts in dormitory style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds in each hut at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Duma books the Marangu Route the least of all its climbs. It is possible to climb Marangu in only 5 days, however we recommend 6 days to allow for acclimatization.
