Choosing the right Kilimanjaro route for your climb is an important decision.
Which climb route is the best? There are seven Mount Kilimanjaro routes: six routes up Kilimanjaro and two down. (Yes, that sounds like there are eight routes. But one of the ascent routes can also be used for descent, so there are only seven routes.)

MARANGU ROUTE
This route is also known as the “Coca–Cola” route. The only Kilimanjaro climb route that offers hut accommodation, The route is popular for its comfort while undertaking this classic trek. Regarded as the least difficult of routes, Marangu is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro.Gentle slope; it has a gentle slope for the first several days, before the tough summit attempt from Kibo Hut.
For many years Marangu used to be the most popular Kilimanjaro route. It has now been delegated to number two by the Machame route (see below).
Duration: 5 days Marangu route | 6 days Marangu route, acclimatization day can be added

Advantages
• Low cost.
Accommodation is in huts, no camping equipment is needed.
• Supposedly the easiest route. (I beg to differ.)

Disadvantages
• Lowest success rate. (See? Not that easy after all!)
• Very crowded. Camping is not allowed.
• The only route that is used the same way up and down.

MACHAME ROUTE.
The most popular climbing route up Kilimanjaro is the forest; it is the richest forested area on the mountain. Lush and beautiful; but also gets very muddy during the wet season, is also one of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro, Once the budget operators discovered it, Machame quickly became the most popular Kilimanjaro route.
Duration: 6 days Machame route | 7 days Machame route

Advantages
• Relatively low cost.
• Very scenic.
• Higher success rate than Marangu.

Disadvantages
• Higher level of difficulty.
• Very crowded.

RONGAI ROUTE.
The Rongai route is the easiest route up Kilimanjaro. It has a reputation as a remote wilderness trail. Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north.
Duration: 5 or 6 days.

Advantages
• The easiest Kilimanjaro route.
• One of the quieter routes on Kilimanjaro.
• Approaches the mountain from the driest side, best chances of good weather.
• Ascent and descent are on opposite sides, you see both sides of Kilimanjaro. (You descend on the Marangu route.)

Disadvantages
• Higher cost due to additional travel to reach the other side.
• Considered somewhat less scenic.

SHIRA ROUTE
The Rongai route is a more gradual ascent and is therefore preferred by those with little or no backpacking experience. The easiest route on Kilimanjaro and has less traffic.

The route over the Shira Plateau has several possible variations.
Duration: 6 – 8 days

Advantages
• Less crowded on the first days.
• Very scenic.

Disadvantages
• Higher cost.
• Higher difficulty level.
• Meets the Machame trail, hence very busy in the later days.

LEMOSHO ROUTE.
The eight-day trek itinerary allows for maximum time for acclimatization. Allowing for improved chances of reaching the summit and allowing time to enjoy a variety of scenery in the different climatic zones. The most beautiful Kilimanjaro climb route, but expensive Traversing beautiful forests and moorlands. Remote and beautiful, but long and expensive, this route also approaches Kilimanjaro across the Shira plateau.
Duration: 7 – 8 days

Advantages
• Very scenic route.
• Very low number of climbers during the first days.
• Plenty of time for acclimatization.

Disadvantages
• High cost.
• Higher difficulty level.
• Meets the Machame and Shira trail, hence very crowded on the later days.

UMBWE ROUTE.
It is a very challenging route and very muddy, especially during the rainy season. The steepest Kilimanjaro route. Steep with a big capital S. Duration: 5 – 6 days. This route is not used much. The Umbwe route is only suitable for people with mountain climbing experience and who are already well adapted to the altitude.

THE NORTHERN CIRCUIT ROUTE.
This is one of the best routes on Kilimanjaro, offering high degrees of beautiful scenery including the quiet, rarely visited northern slopes. As the longest route on Kilimanjaro, the Northern Circuit also has the most acclimatization time and the highest summit success rate. You must have enough time and money

MWEKA ROUTE.
This is not a climbing route, it is only used for descent. You will follow it if climbing Kilimanjaro on the Machame, Shira, Lemosho, or Umbwe route.