There're 8 Kilimanjaro routes. However some join up with each other & merge - so it's worth looking at our map for a sense of the geography.

MACHAME ROUTE - popular and comes in from the South through the rain forest . 6 or 7 days  trek with camp sites en route, and via Barafu high camp and Stella Point to Kilimanjaro's summit.

MARANGU ROUTE - known as the 'Coca Cola Route'as many were on cheap 5 day 'dashes' with poor success rates. Accommodation is in huts of varying levels of quality. Not a route we use or recommend - camping is better on Kilimanjaro!

NORTHERN CIRCUIT - quiet route accessed via Lemosho Route - heading clockwise around Kilimanjaro with great views over Kenya and remote camp sites. Joins Rongai Route at Gilman's Point - done over 8 days.

LEMOSHO ROUTE - approaches from the West and joins the Machame Route on Day 3. Popular - and is one of the 'classic' Kilimanjaro routes with stunning scenery - often done over 7 days

SHIRA ROUTE - also heads to Kilimanjaro from the West and joins the Lemosho / Machame Routes on the Shira Plateau. Not used that much - as the Lemosho Route is better.

RONGAI ROUTE - Starts in the North East near the Kenya boarder. Quieter with more wildlife and shorter trekking distances on the first few days. Normally done over 6 or 7 days with camping  - via Kibo High Camp and Gillmans Point - and then around to join other routes at Stella Point on the way to the summit.

UMBWE ROUTE - starts in the South and is the short & steep way up to Barranco Camp - where it joins up with the Lemosho / Machame Routes. Really only used on 'special climbs' - as a quick way up Kilimanjaro for climbers already acclimatised (eg on Mt Meru).

WESTERN BREACH - accessed from the Lemosho / Machame Routes from Lava Tower - and is the tough way up  Kilimanjaro to the crater and summit from Arrow Glacier Camp - to the West of the mountain. Used only on tough Kilimanjaro itineraries - with the right levels of support & levels of experience.

We've 7 key itineraries covering the main Kilimanjaro routes. Some are shorter - some are tougher - and all have excellent success rates. They include full support on the mountain, UK leaders & doctors in our 'Challenge Groups' - and good quality camping & services in private areas at camp sites along the routes. We have a Kilimanjaro climb for everyone...

LEMOSHO ROUTE - 7 Day Climb (11 day trip from UK) - approaches from West - 72km trekking - good acclimatisation features - popular as it's one of the best with stunning views. Challenge Groups - and as Local Climb Group

RONGAI ROUTE - 7 Day Climb (11 day trip from UK) - approaches from North - 67km trekking - with full acclimatisation day - quieter route with more wildlife and shorter days initially. Challenge Groups - and as Local Climb Group.

MACHAME ROUTE - 6 Day Climb (10 day trip from UK) - approaches from South - 65km trekking - rain forest on day 1 - joins into Lemosho Route - quite tough as it's a long day from Barranco Camp to the Summit. Challenge Groups only.

ULTIMATE KILIMANJARO - 9 Day Climb (13 day trip from UK) - combines Rongai Route, then remote Northern Circuit Route around the mountain to join Machame Route prior to the summit. The best of Kilimanjaro - 83km trekking - excellent acclimatisation. Challenge Groups only.

KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION - 11 day Climb (15 day trip from UK) - tough 100km 'twin peak' challenge - with Mount Meru first (4,556 metres) - then the steep way up Kilimanjaro via Umbwe Route & Western Breach - with camping in the crater at 5,730 metres before the final push to the summit. You need to be fit - and up for it! Challenge Groups.

AFRICAN 3 PEAKS - 12 Day Climb (16 day trip from UK) - a challenge on a grand scale - 10,000 metres and 146 km to conquer. It's Mount Meru first, then mighty Kilimanjaro, and finally Mount Kenya - Africa's 2nd highest mountain at 5,199 metres. Finally a well deserved celebration in Nairobi! Challenge Groups.

DELUXE KILIMANJARO - 8 Day Climb (12 day trip from UK) - do it in style! Via quiet and remote Northern Circuit Route -  with 69 km trekking. Special 'deluxe' services - shower, personal porter, single tent, thick air mattress, training weekend - and much more! Challenge Group.

Many who climb Kilimanjaro with us choose to fly with us - as it makes the arrangements simple. The group meets up at Heathrow Airport - and this option exits for all our Kilimanjaro Group Challenges and Bespoke Trips. We're ATOL covered - so you have nothing to worry about! 

After your Kilimanjaro Climb, why not extend your stay and see more of Africa!  You can choose one of our multi-day safaris to Ngorongoro Crater or the Serengeti, or why not relax for a few days in the tropical archipelago of Zanzibar, with its turquoise waters and white sands!

Alternatively, if you want to stay on, but would like to organise your own activities, we can simply change the return date of your flight home.