Located in the North of Tanzania and overlooking the vast, wildlife-filled planes, lies the colossal, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro. The jewel of Africa stands as the tallest peak on the continent and its presence has entranced adventurers for well over a century.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is no easy feat; at 5,895m you will feel the lack of oxygen and it will test your physical and mental fitness. However, for most fit and active weekend walkers, climbing Kilimanjaro is an achievable goal and when you see that famous summit sign, all the training and effort will be worth it. KE have been taking groups to the summit for over 20 years and have an expert knowledge of Kilimanjaro’s trodden trails.

There are many routes up Kilimanjaro. After more than 20 years of experience guiding walkers up Kilimanjaro, we have picked the best routes to cover all occasions.

Rongai Route

If you've only got a week available to climb Kilimanjaro then this is the one for you. Starting at Rongai Gate (1,950m) on the north side of the mountain, the route traverses the lower slopes towards Mawenzi Tarn and then crosses the Saddle to the base of Uhuru Peak. The summit attempt starts from here and climbs via Gillman’s point to reach Uhuru. The route can take a minimum of six days - but we allow seven days to ensure acclimatisation before our summit attempt. Rongai is classed as one of the easier routes on the mountain as the climb to the top is gradual and steady. The descent is via the Marangu route.

Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route has 8 days of trekking up Kilimanjaro giving you even better levels of acclimatisation. The route begins from the Londorossi gate (2,360m), on the western base, and starts within lush rainforest before heading onto the sparser landscape of the Shira Plateau (3,900m). The summit attempt is made from Stella Point and the descent is via the Mweka route. It is considered one of the most beautiful routes to climb Kilimanjaro as you walk through different climatic zones. It is a little more expensive because of the extra days on the mountain and park fees are charged per day – but increasing your chances of summit success is worth it.

Northern Circuit

Our Northern Circuit has 9 days on the mountain. This is our ultimate Kilimanjaro climbing itinerary, and the one taken by Comic Relief in 2019 when all 9 celebrities summited. We start along the Lemosho Route and up to Lava Tower before contouring around the northern flanks of the mountain. We briefly touch the Rongai Route before summiting via Gilman’s Point. We descend on the Marangu Route. Few companies travel this route up Kilimanjaro, so it's the quietest on the mountain, which is a treat. This combined with the length of acclimatisation creates a brilliant route choice for those with the time and money.

Mount Kenya and Kilimanjaro Machame Route

The Machame Route involves 6 days trekking up Kilimanjaro and we only offer this route if we have spent time trekking at altitude prior to the Kilimanjaro ascent – in this case to Africa’s second highest peak, the trekkers summit of Mt Kenya (4,985m). It begins on the south west side at Machame Gate, passes the stunning Lava Tower and takes you up the Great Barranco Wall. The descent is down Mweka, on the south east side of the mountain.

Mount Meru and Kilimanjaro's Machame Route

As we will have summited Mount Meru (4,566m) prior to climbing up Kilimanjaro, we trek the 6 day Machame route on this itinerary. There is only a short drive between the base of the two highest mountains in Tanzania ensuring that we lose none of our essential acclimatisation. It begins on the south west side at Machame Gate and passes the stunning Lava Tower and takes you up the Great Barranco Wall. The descent is down Mweka, on the south east side of the mountain.

For centuries, the enigmatic allure of Mount Kilimanjaro has stirred the spirits of explorers and dreamers. Nestled in the heart of East Africa, this grandiose volcano, standing at 19,341 feet (5,895 metres), is a beacon of both natural majesty and cultural significance. The Chagga people, living at its base, have cherished Kilimanjaro as a sacred realm, bestowing it with mythical reverence.

In the late 19th century, European adventurers made history when Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller successfully scaled its peak in 1889. Their quest opened the door for modern exploration. Today, Kilimanjaro is an emblem of human determination, attracting a global community of trekkers who embark on an extraordinary journey through diverse ecosystems, bearing witness to the ever-changing face of this iconic mountain.

Have you already climbed Kilimanjaro or just fancy something similar? We have dozens of amazing comparable adventures all over the world. Below are 3 of our favourites: