Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most exciting adventures you can have—but if you’re going to take on Africa’s tallest mountain, the most important question is: which route gives you the best chance of reaching the summit? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore in this guide.
Success on Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just about being fit or brave. It’s about choosing the right route, one that gives your body enough time to adjust to the high altitude. With seven main routes up the mountain—each offering different landscapes, lengths, and challenges—it can feel overwhelming to choose. But don’t worry. We’re here to break it down simply and clearly.
In this post, we’ll compare the most popular Kilimanjaro routes: the Lemosho Route, Machame Route, Rongai Route, and Marangu Route. You’ll learn which one has the highest success rate, what makes it so effective, and how to pick the route that’s right for you.
Let’s get started by understanding what a “success rate” really means when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
What Does “Success Rate” Mean on Mount Kilimanjaro?
When people ask, “What’s the success rate on Mount Kilimanjaro?” they’re asking: how many climbers actually make it to the top?
Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit, known as Uhuru Peak, sits at 5,895 metres (or 19,341 feet). That’s high enough for serious altitude sickness, which is the main reason people fail to summit. Even strong, athletic hikers can struggle if they ascend too quickly.
Success rate = the percentage of climbers who reach the summit.
Most guided treks on Kilimanjaro last between 5 to 9 days. The more days you spend on the mountain, the more time your body has to acclimatise. And better acclimatisation means a much higher chance of success.
Here’s what you need to know:
- Shorter routes (like the 5-day Marangu Route) often have success rates around 60–70%.
- Longer routes (like the 8-day Lemosho Route) can offer success rates as high as 90–95%.
So if your goal is to stand on the Roof of Africa, the smartest move is to choose a route that gives you time to adjust and breathe easy—literally.
Quick Comparison Table
| Route | Days | Success Rate | Crowds | Terrain | Comfort |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | 7–8 | 90–95% | Low | Scenic, varied | Tents |
| Machame | 6–7 | 85–90% | High | Dramatic | Tents |
| Rongai | 6–7 | ~80% | Low | Dry, remote | Tents |
| Marangu | 5–6 | 60–70% | High | Gentle | Huts |
Why Route Choice Matters So Much
You might think that being young and in shape gives you an edge. And while fitness helps, it’s not everything. When it comes to Mount Kilimanjaro, the real challenge is the thin air at high altitudes.
Here’s why route choice is critical:
- Altitude sickness doesn’t care how fit you are. Going up too fast can make anyone sick.
- Longer routes give your body more time to create extra red blood cells, which help carry oxygen in thinner air.
- Some routes use the “climb high, sleep low” technique, which is one of the best ways to help your body adjust naturally.
Routes like the Lemosho Route and Machame Route are designed with this science in mind. That’s why they have such high summit success rates.
A Quick Overview of Kilimanjaro’s Most Popular Routes
Before we dive deeper into which route has the best success rate, here’s a quick introduction to the four routes we’ll be comparing. Each has its own personality, challenges, and pros and cons.
🟩 Lemosho Route
- Duration: 7 to 8 days
- Success Rate: 90–95%
- Highlights: Scenic beauty, gradual ascent, low foot traffic
- Best for: First-time climbers who want the highest chance of success
🟧 Machame Route (Whiskey Route)
- Duration: 6 to 7 days
- Success Rate: 85–90%
- Highlights: Stunning views, “climb high, sleep low” profile
- Best for: Fit adventurers who want a challenge and strong summit odds
🟨 Rongai Route
- Duration: 6 to 7 days
- Success Rate: ~80%
- Highlights: Dry northern side, quiet, good off-season option
- Best for: Those climbing in the rainy season or seeking solitude
🔴 Marangu Route (Coca-Cola Route)
- Duration: 5 to 6 days
- Success Rate: 60–70%
- Highlights: Huts instead of tents, gentler slopes
- Best for: Budget travellers who want comfort—but with lower odds of summiting
How to Choose the Right Route for You
Choosing the best route up Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t just about success rate. You should also think about:
- Your fitness level
- Your experience at altitude
- How much time you have
- Your budget
- The kind of experience you want (peaceful vs. social, camping vs. huts)
But if reaching the summit is your top priority? Then choose a route that gives you more days on the mountain, like the Lemosho Route or the 7-day version of the Machame Route.
These two options give your body time to adjust to the altitude, include more variation in elevation (which helps your body acclimatise), and offer amazing scenery that keeps you motivated along the way.
Practical Tips for Success
Here are some easy, science-backed tips to improve your chances of making it to the top—no matter which Kilimanjaro route you choose:
👉 Pick a longer route – Aim for 7 or 8 days if possible.
👉 Go “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) – This Swahili phrase is your new best friend.
👉 Drink 3–4 litres of water daily – Dehydration worsens altitude sickness.
👉 Eat even if you’re not hungry – Your body needs energy to adapt.
👉 Use trekking poles – They save your knees and help with balance.
👉 Sleep well – Bring earplugs and a warm sleeping bag to rest better.
👉 Train in advance – Do long hikes with a weighted pack to prepare.
Coming Up Next
Now that you know what success rate means and why your route choice matters, let’s break down each of the top four routes in detail. In the next sections, we’ll explore:
- The Lemosho Route and why it’s the gold standard
- The ever-popular Machame Route and how to maximise success
- The quieter Rongai Route, perfect for rainy seasons
- The budget-friendly Marangu Route, and when it’s worth the risk
By the end, you’ll know exactly which route gives you the best shot at standing on top of Mount Kilimanjaro.