Compare Kilimanjaro Routes
Compare the Kilimanjaro routes side by side: days, difficulty, trail traffic, accommodation and where each one starts.
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Traffic | Accommodation | Starts at | From |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame Route | 6–7 days | Challenging | Busy | Tented camps | Machame Gate (approx. 1,800 m) | |
| Lemosho Route | 7–8 days | Challenging | Moderately busy | Tented camps | Londorossi Gate (registration); walking starts at the Lemosho trailhead (approx. 2,390 m) | |
| Marangu Route | 5–6 days | Moderate | Busy | Mountain huts | Marangu Gate (approx. 1,860 m; park headquarters) | |
| Rongai Route | 6–7 days | Moderate | Quiet | Tented camps | Rongai Gate (approx. 1,950 m) | |
| Northern Circuit | 8–9 days | Challenging | Quiet | Tented camps | Londorossi Gate (registration); walking starts at the Lemosho trailhead (approx. 2,390 m) | |
| Umbwe Route | 6–7 days | Very strenuous | Quiet | Tented camps | Umbwe Gate (approx. 1,640 m) |
How should I read this comparison?
Look at the recommended days first. Two routes with the same altitude can feel very different depending on how quickly they gain height. Then decide what matters most to you: fewer people on the trail, huts rather than tents, a particular landscape or a lower price. Prices depend on the number of days and your group size, so shorter routes are cheaper, but they are also harder on the body.
If you are unsure, the route finder weighs your answers against the same data and explains every suggestion.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Machame or Lemosho route better?
Both summit via Barafu Camp and share much of the upper trail. Lemosho starts further west, is quieter for the first days and is usually done in eight days, which helps acclimatisation. Machame is shorter to reach and a good choice if you have seven days.
Is Marangu easier than Machame?
Marangu has gentler gradients and huts, but it is often climbed in five or six days. A seven-day Machame usually gives better acclimatisation than a five-day Marangu. With an extra acclimatisation day, Marangu is a comfortable option.