Compare every route by difficulty, duration and USD price. Mount Kilimanjaro's trekking summit is Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Pick a route, then book on WhatsApp.
Summit: Uhuru Peak (5,895m). Typical duration: 4–8 days. Difficulty: trekking (no technical climbing) for the main summit; technical rock climbing only for Mount Kenya's Batian/Nelion. Best season: January–February and July–October. Guide required: yes, by law. From price: $1,750 per person.
Choose by scenery, crowds, difficulty and duration. Every route below is operable by our team.
| Route | Difficulty | Duration | Scenery | Crowds | Summit | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Machame | Challenging | 6–7 days | Five climate zones, Barranco Wall | High | Uhuru Peak | Trekkers wanting the best acclimatization profile on a scenic route. |
| Marangu | Moderate–Challenging | 5–6 days | Rainforest, moorland, Saddle | High | Uhuru Peak | Trekkers who prefer hut accommodation over camping. |
| Lemosho | Challenging | 7–8 days | Shira Plateau, western slopes, Barranco Wall | Low | Uhuru Peak | Trekkers wanting the highest summit success rate and fewest crowds. |
| Rongai | Moderate | 6–7 days | Dry northern slopes, moorland | Low | Uhuru Peak | Trekkers wanting a drier, quieter route with steady gradient. |
| Umbwe | Very Challenging | 6–7 days | Steep forest, ridges, moorland | Very low | Uhuru Peak | Experienced trekkers confident with a steep, fast ascent. |
| Northern Circuit | Challenging | 8–9 days | Remote northern slopes, full circumnavigation | Very low | Uhuru Peak | Trekkers wanting the longest, quietest and newest route. |
Every package below shows a clear starting price, full itinerary, what's included and a persistent booking CTA.
The Machame route (the 'Whiskey Route') is the most popular path on Kilimanjaro, offering the best acclimatization profile with a climb-high…
The Marangu route (the 'Coca-Cola Route') is the only Kilimanjaro route with sleeping huts, making it popular with trekkers who prefer not t…
The Lemosho route is the most scenic and uncrowded path on Kilimanjaro, starting on the remote western side and crossing the Shira Plateau b…
I combined the Mara with a Kilimanjaro Machame climb and it was the trip of a lifetime. The river crossings were jaw-dropping, and standing on Uhuru Peak two weeks later was surreal. One company, one seamless booking, zero stress. I cannot recommend CKS highly enough.
Kilimanjaro (5,895m) is higher and more famous, with a higher summit success rate on longer routes but more crowds. Mount Kenya (4,985m trekking peak) is more scenic, much quieter, cheaper, and offers a true wilderness experience. Many climbers do Mount Kenya first to acclimatize, then Kilimanjaro.
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are January–March and June–October. January–March is colder but quieter; June–October is warmer and busier. Avoid the long rains (April–May) and short rains (November) for safety and comfort.
No. All standard Kilimanjaro routes to Uhuru Peak are trekking routes — no ropes or technical climbing required. You need good hiking boots, layered clothing and a sleeping bag rated to -15°C. A walking pole helps on summit night.
For Point Lenana and Kilimanjaro trekking routes you need good general fitness — able to hike 6–8 hours with a daypack for several consecutive days. No technical climbing skills are needed. For Batian you need rock-climbing experience at Grade IV+.
All our mountain packages include park fees, guide/cook/porter team, all meals on the mountain, tents and sleeping mats, and transfers from Nairobi (or Moshi for Kilimanjaro). Not included: crew tips, travel insurance, personal gear, visas and flights.
Yes. Above 3,500m, altitude sickness can affect anyone regardless of fitness. We minimise the risk with gradual ascent profiles, acclimatization days, hydration and daily health checks. Our guides are trained to spot symptoms and respond, including emergency descent.
Tell us your fitness, dates and budget. We'll recommend the best route — no obligation.
Get my route recommendation