• Umbwe Route (66 hikers) is one of the shortest and least crowded routes in the initial days. The 6-day variation is designed for experienced high-altitude trekkers, while the new 7-day itinerary is suitable for fit beginners. Although the first two days on Umbwe are quite challenging, the subsequent trek becomes more manageable.
• Lemosho Route (15,675 hikers) is the most scenic path with an excellent acclimatization profile. Though it was relatively quiet a decade ago, it is now gaining a lot of popularity. The 6 and 7-day Lemosho itineraries, sometimes referred to as the Shira route, start from a high-altitude drop-off. You’ll be transported to an elevation of 3,407 m/11,177 ft by an off-road vehicle, beginning the hike from this point. This helps to jump-start acclimatization by spending more nights on the mountain.
• Marangu Route (14,794 hikers), dubbed the “Coca-Cola route,” is another highly popular Kilimanjaro route, and the only route providing overnight stays in huts. The huts offer dormitory-style accommodation. The Marangu route starts southeast of Mt Kilimanjaro at Marangu Gate, ascends the summit, and returns back via the same trail.
• Rongai Route (1,397 hikers), the only route starting from the northern slope, offers an off-the-beaten-path experience and is ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy seasons. Passing by Mawenzi, one of Kilimanjaro’s volcanic cones, it ensures a unique perspective, with the return journey through Marangu offering views of both sides of the mountain. The Rongai is a great choice if you want to avoid the Barranco Wall.
• Northern Circuit Route, the longest Kilimanjaro route, allows climbers to enjoy a quiet trek and witness the mountain from all sides. This trail, sharing the trailhead with the Lemosho route, receives only 5% of Lemosho’s traffic. It’s recommended for those seeking extended trekking experiences in remote wilderness with minimal crowds and a gradual slope.
• Kilema Route is the exclusive mountain bike trek on Kilimanjaro, running parallel to the Marangu route and converging with it at the Horomobo Huts Camp. Few people know about it, but we are happy to organize specialized expeditions for true mountain biking enthusiasts.
• Western Breach (a few hundred hikers)- this rarely used path is a shortcut to Kilimanjaro’s summit that few operators know how to navigate. The reason is simple: there is a real danger of rockfalls.

While Kilimanjaro offers eight diverse routes to the summit, they aren’t entirely independent. Many trails overlap. For example, Rongai and Northern Circuit meet in the School Hut Camp. Lemosho, Machame, and Umbwe converge in the Barranco camp and continue as one route to the summit via the Barranco Wall.