Lemosho Route
The Lemosho Route is one of the most scenic and least crowded trails to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting on the western side of the mountain, this route offers breathtaking landscapes, diverse ecosystems, and a longer acclimatization profile that significantly increases summit success rates. Trekkers cross lush rainforests, the expansive Shira Plateau, alpine deserts, and glacier-capped peaks before reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). The route merges with the Machame Route near Lava Tower and is ideal for climbers seeking beauty, solitude, and safety.
Clothing
Equipment
From $1450
From $1650
From $2500
Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport β Moshi
Elevation: 915m (3,000ft)
Activities
Overnight: Parkview Inn or similar (B&B)
Route: 2,360m β 2,895m
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Overnight: Big Tree Camp
Route: 2,895m β 3,505m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5β6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp
Route: 3,505m β 3,850m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp
Route: 3,850m β 4,630m β 3,960m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Overnight: Barranco Camp
Route: 3,960m β 4,035m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4β5 hours
Overnight: Karanga Camp
Route: 4,035m β 4,640m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Overnight: Barafu Camp
Route: Barafu β Uhuru Peak β Mweka Camp
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 12β15 hours
End: Summit & descent complete
Route: 3,100m β 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
End: Return to Moshi
Marangu Route
The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is one of the most popular and established routes to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the only route with hut accommodation, making it the most comfortable option for trekkers. Despite being considered an "easier" route, the rapid ascent can still lead to altitude sickness, so careful acclimatization is key. This 5-day itinerary is perfect for those with limited time who still want to experience the majesty of Africa's highest peak with relative comfort.
From $2200
From $1650
From $2500
Elevation: 1,870m β 2,700m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4β5 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Elevation: 2,700m β 3,720m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Activities
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m β 4,700m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Activities
Overnight: Kibo Hut
Elevation: 4,700m β 5,895m β 3,720m
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10β15 hours
Habitat: Arctic to Moorland
Activities
Overnight: Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m β 1,870m
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest
Activities
End: End of trek
Machame Route
The Machame Route, nicknamed the "Whiskey Route," is a scenic and challenging 7-day trek to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. Known for its diverse landscapesβrainforests, moorlands, alpine deserts, and glaciersβand a "climb high, sleep low" acclimatization strategy, it boasts a 95%+ summit success rate. With expert Tanzanian guides and camping accommodations, this route offers trekkers an adventurous path to Africa's highest peak. This route is ideal for those seeking a more challenging climb than Marangu, with better acclimatization and stunning scenery throughout the journey.
Clothing
Equipment
From $2200
From $1450
From $2500
Route: Machame Gate β Machame Camp
Elevation: 1,800m β 3,010m
Distance: 11 km
Hiking Time: 5β7 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
Overnight: Machame Camp (full board)
Route: Machame Camp β Shira Camp 2
Elevation: 3,010m β 3,840m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4β6 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Activities
Overnight: Shira Camp 2 (full board)
Route: Shira Camp β Lava Tower β Barranco Camp
Elevation: 3,840m β 4,630m β 3,960m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Activities
Overnight: Barranco Camp (full board)
Route: Barranco Camp β Karanga Camp
Elevation: 3,960m β 4,035m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4β5 hours
Habitat: Alpine
Activities
Overnight: Karanga Camp (full board)
Route: Karanga Camp β Barafu Camp
Elevation: 4,035m β 4,640m
Distance: 4 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Activities
Overnight: Barafu Camp (full board)
Route: Barafu Camp β Uhuru Peak β Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,640m β 5,895m β 3,090m
Distance: 17 km
Hiking Time: 12β15 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Activities
Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)
Route: Mweka Camp β Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,090m β 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
End: Return to hotel
Northern Circuit
The Northern Circuit Route is the longest and most scenic path to Mount Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Peak (5,895m), offering a 9-day trek with excellent acclimatization. Ideal for those seeking solitude, it traverses the remote northern slopes through rainforests, moorlands, and alpine deserts, boasting a 95% summit success rate with expert Tanzanian guides. Camping accommodations enhance the immersive experience.
Clothing
Equipment
From $2200
From $1450
From $1650
Route: Londorossi Gate β Mti Mkubwa Camp
Elevation: 2,360m β 2,820m
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
Overnight: Mti Mkubwa Camp (full board)
Route: Mti Mkubwa Camp β Shira 1 Camp
Elevation: 2,820m β 3,610m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 5β6 hours
Habitat: Heather / Moorland
Activities
Overnight: Shira 1 Camp (full board)
Route: Shira 1 Camp β Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,610m β 3,850m
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 4β5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Activities
Overnight: Shira 2 Camp (full board)
Route: Shira 2 Camp β Moir Hut
Elevation: 3,850m β 4,200m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5β6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Activities
Overnight: Moir Hut (full board)
Route: Moir Hut β Third Cave β Buffalo Camp
Elevation: 4,200m β 3,870m β 4,020m
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6β8 hours
Habitat: Alpine / Heath
Activities
Overnight: Buffalo Camp (full board)
Route: Buffalo Camp β School Hut
Elevation: 4,020m β 4,750m
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 5β6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Activities
Overnight: School Hut (full board)
Route: School Hut β Uhuru Peak β Mweka Camp
Elevation: 4,750m β 5,895m β 3,100m
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 12β15 hours
Habitat: Arctic / Rainforest
Activities
Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)
Route: Mweka Camp β Mweka Camp
Elevation: 3,100m β 3,100m
Distance: 0 km
Hiking Time: Rest day
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
Overnight: Mweka Camp (full board)
Route: Mweka Camp β Mweka Gate
Elevation: 3,100m β 1,640m
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3β4 hours
Habitat: Rainforest
Activities
End: Return to hotel