Thomson has tested every Kilimanjaro route on the mountain, and we only offer the best:
Kilimanjaro Route Overview
Photo credit: Kevin Brennan
LONGER ACCLIMATIZATION KILIMANJARO ROUTES:
Thomson's Western Approach
Lemosho
This scenic 8-9 day Kilimanjaro route is far less traveled than most. Lemosho gives trekkers ample acclimatization time, great views, and a daytime summit bid, all important factors in summit success.
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Thomson’s Grand Traverse
Northern Circuit
A remote trail that nearly circumnavigates the mountain, the Northern Circuit is a 9-10 day Kilimanjaro climb with stunning views into Kenya. This route offers maximum acclimatization.
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Private treks only
Shira
Like Lemosho, Shira approaches from the west. Beyond the plateau, trekkers continue along either the Northern Circuit or Lemosho. Shira climbs range in length from 7-10 days.
Contact UsSHORTER KILIMANJARO ROUTES:
Umbwe
The best of the shorter Kilimanjaro trails, Umbwe’s steep, challenging slopes mean far fewer trekkers choose this scenic route. A 6-7 day Umbwe trek with a nighttime summit bid is physically demanding, but ultimately rewarding.
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Machame
Sometimes called the “whiskey route,” (it opened as a tougher alternative to Marangu) this 6-7 day Kilimanjaro climb is very popular, with some bottlenecking in the rainforest. Beautiful scenery makes it a good choice for cost-conscious climbers.
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Private treks only
Marangu
The most popular route on Kilimanjaro, the 4-6 day “Coca-Cola Route” is also the most crowded, with trekkers ascending and descending the same paths and sleeping in large communal huts.
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Private treks only
Rongai
This 6-7 day Kilimanjaro trek is less crowded route than Marangu and Machame on the ascent, but has relatively static views, and descends via crowded Marangu. Rongai may be the best choice during the rainy season, when the northern side of Kilimanjaro stays drier.
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KILIMANJARO DESCENT ROUTE
The Mweka Route
A quick and direct way down from Kilimanjaro’s summit, this is the descent route on all scheduled Thomson treks.