So, you’ve decided to climb Kilimanjaro. Awesome! One of the first and biggest choices you’ll make is which route to take. There are several paths to the top, and each one offers a different experience. Think of it like this: some routes are the scenic, quieter backroads, while others are the well-traveled, busier highways. To keep it simple, here’s our straightforward ranking of the most popular Kilimanjaro routes.

At the top, you are surrounded by a profound silence, broken only by the sound of your own heart, which feels both triumphant and incredibly small.

1. Lemosho Route: The All-Around Winner

Best For: A great balance of beauty, high success rate, and a quieter experience.

• Why it ranks #1: The Lemosho Route is often considered the best overall route on the mountain. It starts on the remote western side, giving you beautiful, varied scenery and excellent wildlife viewing in the first few days. It provides great acclimatization (getting used to the altitude) because it’s longer, which significantly boosts your chance of reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak. It’s scenic, not overly crowded, and simply offers a fantastic Kilimanjaro experience from start to finish.

2. Machame Route: The “Whiskey” Route

Best For: Adventurous climbers on a slightly tighter schedule.

• Why it ranks #2: Nicknamed the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is the most popular path for a reason. It’s steeper and more challenging than some others, but it’s also incredibly scenic. It’s a shorter route (typically 7 days), which makes it more affordable, but you have to be prepared for its physically demanding nature. The trade-off is that it can be more crowded. If you want a classic, “no-frills” adventure, Machame is a solid choice.

3. Rongai Route: The Easy & Quiet Hike

Best For: Beginners or those who want a more secluded climb.

• Why it ranks #3: The Rongai Route is the only major path that approaches from the north, near the Kenyan border. It’s a gentler, more consistent climb than Machame, making it a good option for first-time trekkers. Because it’s less frequented, it offers a true sense of solitude and wilderness. The scenery is drier but still impressive. If avoiding crowds is your top priority, Rongai is your best bet.

4. Marangu Route: The “Coca-Cola” Route

Best For: Budget-conscious climbers who want hut accommodations.

• Why it ranks #4: This is the oldest and most well-known route. Its big selling point is that you sleep in shared huts instead of tents, which some people prefer. However, it’s often called the “Coca-Cola” route because of its historic reputation for being easier—this isn’t entirely true. Its shorter duration and less ideal acclimatization profile actually give it the lowest success rate of all the main routes. It’s also the only route you go up and down on the same path, making it less scenic.