Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes & Prices
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. There are 7 main trekking routes, each offering a different experience in terms of scenery, difficulty, success rate, and comfort.
Choosing the right route is key to a successful summit.
Kilimanjaro Routes Overview
There are 7 official routes:
Lemosho, Machame, Marangu, Rongai, Umbwe, Shira, and Northern Circuit
1. Lemosho Route (Best Overall)
Duration: 7–9 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: ~90%+
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Lemosho:
Most scenic route
Excellent acclimatization
High summit success rate
Highlights: Rainforest, Shira Plateau, panoramic views
💰 Price: $2,200 – $3,200 per person
👉 Best for: First-time climbers who want high success and amazing views
2. Machame Route (Most Popular)
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate to challenging
Success Rate: ~80–85%
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Machame:
Very scenic
Good acclimatization (“climb high, sleep low”)
Popular and well-tested route
💰 Price: $1,800 – $2,800 per person
👉 Best for: Adventurous trekkers
3. Marangu Route (Comfort Route)
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: ~65–75%
Accommodation: Huts (only route with huts)
Why choose Marangu:
Budget-friendly
Comfortable hut accommodation
Shortest route
⚠️ Less acclimatization = lower success
💰 Price: $1,400 – $2,000 per person
👉 Best for: Budget travelers & beginners
4. Rongai Route (Quiet Route)
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: ~80–85%
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Rongai:
Only route from the north (near Kenya)
Less crowded
Drier climate
💰 Price: $1,900 – $2,700 per person
👉 Best for: Those seeking a quiet experience
5. Northern Circuit (Best Success Rate)
Duration: 8–10 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Success Rate: 90%+
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Northern Circuit:
Longest route → best acclimatization
Least crowded
360° views around the mountain
💰 Price: $2,800 – $3,800 per person
👉 Best for: High success & premium experience
6. Umbwe Route (Most Challenging)
Duration: 5–6 days
Difficulty: Very difficult
Success Rate: Low (~60%)
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Umbwe:
Fast and direct route
Very scenic but steep
⚠️ Poor acclimatization → not recommended for beginners
💰 Price: $1,700 – $2,500 per person
👉 Best for: Experienced climbers only
7. Shira Route (High Altitude Start)
Duration: 6–7 days
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Camping
Why choose Shira:
Similar to Lemosho
Starts at higher altitude
⚠️ Not ideal for beginners due to altitude start
💰 Price: $2,000 – $2,800 per person
What’s Included in Price
✔ Park fees
✔ Professional guides & porters
✔ Camping equipment or huts
✔ Meals on the mountain
✔ Rescue fees
✔ Transfers
❌ Not Included
✘ Flights
✘ Visa & insurance
✘ Tips for crew
✘ Personal gear
🎯 Final Advice for Your Guests
Best success: Lemosho or Northern Circuit
Best budget: Marangu
Best adventure: Machame
Best quiet route: Rongai
