Our Mt Kilimanjaro hikes are privately run and supported by our incredible team of resilient guides, porters, masterful chefs and second to none mountain equipment.
There are seven routes accessible to hike Mt Kilimanjaro and lead you to the summit at Uhuru Peak. Uhuru is swahili for ‘Freedom’ and that’s exactly how you will feel when you stand on Africa’s highest peak. Routes vary by starting point, length, difficulty and scenery.
Fitness and acclimatisation are the key factors to a successful summit. The longer and slower the hike, the better your chance of acclimatisation and a successful summit.
As a result of the better acclimatisation offered, the best routes to hike Mt Kilimanjaro for summit success are the 9 Day Northern Circuit route and the 8 Day Lemosho route.
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Approaches from the west and starts at a higher altitude (2100m) than other routes.
More gradual ascent.
The 8 day itinerary provides more time to acclimatise and offers a better opportunity for summit success.
Considered one of the most scenic routes.
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The Rongai route is the only route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north near the Kenyan border.
It is the recommended route for the rainy season as the north side of the mountain receives less precipitation.
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Approaches from the south and is one of the most popular routes.
The Machame route is challenging and steep and better suited to more adventurous hikers.
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Approaches from the south.
The only route that offers huts.
Camping is not available on this route.
Lesser number of days makes acclimatisation difficult.
Gradual incline.
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Approaches from the south.
Less than 2% of hikers take this route making it the least travelled route.
Umbwe is a very short, steep and difficult route, making it hard to acclimatise and successfully summit.
You can add an acclimatisation day or hike Mt Meru first to support you along this lesser travelled route to a successful summit.
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The Northern Circuit route follows the same route as Lemosho route for the first few days approaching from the west and then following lesser-used northern trail.
Offers beautiful 360 degree panoramic views.
Offers the best opportunity of all routes for acclimatisation and summit success.
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Approaches from the west.
Almost identical to the Lemosho Route with Lemosho being the improved variation.
Rarely used now due to the high altitude starting point.
Our Mt Kilimanjaro hiking itineraries
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Lemosho Route
Most scenic + high summit success
Duration: 7 or 8 Days
Distance: 71 km
Difficulty: One of the easiest routes
Traffic: Low
Starting elevation: 2100m | 6890ft
Success rate: High
Ascent: Gradual at start of trail
Accommodation: Camping only
Price: 8 Days starting from $3210 USD -
Rongai Route
Quiet route + generally less rainfall
Duration: 6 or 7 Days
Distance: 79 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Traffic: Less traffic | increasing in popularity
Starting elevation: 1950m | 6398ft
Success rate: Moderate
Ascent: More gradual ascent
Accommodation: Camping only -
Machame Route
Stunning scenery + high summit success
Duration: 7 Days
Distance: 62 km
Difficulty: High
Traffic: Busy
Starting elevation: 1800m | 5905ft
Success rate: High
Ascent: Steep
Accommodation: Camping only
Price: 8 Days starting from $3210 USD -
Marangu Route
Dormitory accommodation + quick route
Duration: 6 Days
Distance: 72 km
Difficulty: Moderate
Traffic: Busy
Starting elevation: 1970m | 6400 ft
Success rate: lower
Ascent: More gradual ascent
Accommodation: Communal huts -
UMBWE Route
Steep + remote
Duration: 6 - 7 Days (Optional acclimatisation day)
Distance: 53 km
Difficulty: High
Traffic: Low
Starting elevation: 1800m | 5905ft
Success rate: Varies
Ascent: Steep
Accommodation: Camping only -
Northern Circuit
Longest, easiest route + high summit success
Duration: 8 or 9 Days
Distance: 88 Km
Difficulty: Low
Traffic: Low (increasing in popularity)
Starting Elevation: 1,600m | 5,250ft
Success Rate: High
Ascent: More gradual
Accommodation: Camping Only
Testimonials
Brian Thomas (Experienced world traveller) - NSW, Australia
2023 Tour
“The attention to detail, responsiveness to calls and questions from Dianna was the best I’ve ever experienced with a tour organiser. Isa and the team backed it up on the ground with an incredible level of care that even got an old bloke like me to the top of Africa! Every issue on the climb was handled by the team in a professional and caring manner. And the same can be said about the Safaris and the choices of accommodation in Zanzibar. I’ve travelled extensively and never seen such personalised service, all around the same price of the others who couldn’t even return calls or didn’t really know the country - use these guys if you want to have the best Tanzanian experience.”
The Bob’s Blood Angels team - NSW, Australia
2023 Kilimanjaro Climb
“We all had such a wonderful and lifelong memorable time, never to be forgotten. We couldn’t be happier for all that was done for us. The planning, development and implementation of the climb was outstanding. Connecting 10 trekkers and 40 guides is no easy feat. It all went smoothly and without a hitch. Truly such a big impact to our lives and our generations to come. We can’t thank the team of Tanzania Discovery Tours and the guides enough for the pleasure of being part of this amazing journey. We are so glad we choose this company to manage our journey - no fuss, no worries. All our individual needs were met with a smile and professional courtesy. Our heart goes out to you all and we are looking forward to promoting Tanzania Discovery Tours as much as we can in Australia so others can enjoy this amazing experience and life journey. ”
Karen Massarotto | NSW, Australia
2023 Tour
“An experience of a lifetime for Bob’s Blood Angels bringing awareness to donating blood. Tanzania Discovery Tours were unbelievable, they went out of their way to help our group of 10 through this challenging climb. They showed so much kindness, and safety was 100% -lots of smiles and laughter, it was amazing. We met with Isa who is so lovely, nothing was a problem. Sleeping in tents every night was a great experience, surprisingly so comfortable and warm, the crew would bring in hot water bottles every night and hot coffee and tea every morning. The breakfast lunch and dinners were out of this world - absolutely yummy food. The crew would check on us all every morning and night to see how we were feeling. After the amazing climb we all finished off on a 4 day safari. The accommodation was the best and once again the food was awesome.
Thank you so much Dianna and Isa for doing a fantastic job in booking our trip. I have shared my experience with all my family and friends and would highly recommend you.”
Cindy James - VIC, Australia
2023 Tour
“An epic trip of a lifetime and the only way to climb Mt Kilimanjaro, visit Tanzania & safari to see the wonderful animals of Africa! Tanzania Discovery Tours put together a personalised 16 tour to Tanzania that has me wanting to return in a heart beat! Travelling solo was a initial concern, however Tanzania Discovery Tours tailored an Itinerary including a recommended route, transfers, detailed welcome pack with everything from what to pack to what to expect. Every detail was well planned including all transfers.
The team were incredibly professional, friendly, hardworking with a core focus on safety and ensuring I was having fun. At first we were strangers and upon leaving we had created amazing friendships, so much so I didn’t want to leave! A special shout out to Peter, Dickson, Emmanuel and the team! I hope to return and see you all again! Such a great team!
The food was impressively good, every meal was 3 courses always using fresh produce of the land and every meal was different! Thank you to Pachaa the chef! The service was 5 star everyday and at every level, I was even lucky enough to do few side tours through Meru and Mto wa Mbu! Thank you Tanzania Discovery Tours for making this adventure a reality and a holiday I'll remember forever!”
David Haertsch - NSW, Australia
2018 Tour
“Together with my cousin and sister, we did the Kilimanjaro climb with Tanzania Discovery Tours in July 2018.
Isa took great care in organising all the guides, porters and support crew for our eight-day trek through the National Park via the Lemosho route. Over the eight days, we came to know and appreciate all the crew and the time we spent in their company on the mountain remains quite memorable.
The guides were very helpful explaining the landscape and its different ecosystems along the gradual winding ascent through the national park and up to the highest camps. They were flexible and adjusted various timings on the route in order to increase our chance of success.
The climb to the summit, although not technical, proved more demanding than anticipated due to the effects of altitude. With the benefit of the guides’ support, competence and experience, we were able to overcome our difficulties to reach the summit. Consequently, the sense of exhilaration that we all felt at the peak above the clouds was truly life-changing.
By the direct daylong descent down through all the Kilimanjaro's diverse strata, we came to appreciate the power of this unique landscape with its great variety of plants and animals.
Many thanks to Isa, Emmanuel and the crew for an experience we will never forget."
