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Mount Kilimanjaro Treks

Find your route to the top of Africa's highest mountain

With over 25 years’ experience offering treks to Kilimanjaro, our treks are designed to achieve the best possible acclimatisation which is reflected in our high summit success rate on Kilimanjaro. For prospective climbers, the fitter you are for the trip, the more of a holiday it will be, and experienced walkers will likely find that the altitude and the considerable amount of uphill and downhill plains are the main factors in determining the challenge of the trek.

We offer various routes to climb Kilimanjaro however we prefer to send trekkers along trails away from the crowds and along paths that will open them to the prolific wildlife and rich diversity of flora for which the region is renowned. Whenever possible we avoid the busiest routes of Machame and Marangu to offer you the best chance of enjoying your Kilimanjaro trek and reaching the prized summit.

Towering at 5,895 metres, Mt Kilimanjaro – or more fondly known as ‘Kili’ – is one of the famed Seven Summits and the world's highest freestanding mountain, so it has all the elements for an unforgettable trekking adventure.

Trekking on Mt Kilimanjaro: the various routes

Five different approaches to climb Kilimanjaro

Lemosho Route

Passing through beautiful montane rainforests and exploring fascinating rock formations on the Shira plateau, this is arguably the most beautiful route to Kilimanjaro. This trail is a great option for those who want a little more time to reach the summit where you traverse the southern side of Kilimanjaro to ascend to the summit from Barafu Camp. The route has great acclimatisation and a summit success of over 95%.

View full Kilimanjaro Lemosho route trek details.
Beautiful views of Kibo before summit |  <i>Natalie Tambolash</i>


Northern Circuit

Explore Kilimanjaro's less trodden trails for an uncrowded experience on Africa's highest peak. Unlike any other route on Kili, this lengthier itinerary takes you on a circumnavigation of the mountain (about 270 degrees), beginning from the western side to then swing north and around the mountain for spectacular views over the Kenyan plains. It combines the best vistas of Rongai and Shira for a comprehensive Kilimanjaro trekking experience.

View full Kilimanjaro Remote Northern Circuit trek details.


Taking in the stunning scenery at Shira Cathedral |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
Rongai Route

Climbing from the north side of Kilimanjaro, this route is ideal for those short on time or on a limited budget, while enjoying stunning sceneries in Mawenzi Tarn. Do not underestimate the challenge that climbing Kilimanjaro will bring as the six-day itinerary will test your physical limits with a shorter time frame to acclimatise. Despite this, we have 86% summit success.

View full Kilimanjaro Rongai route trek details.


Incredible landscape of Mt Kilimanjaro |  <i>Peter Brooke</i>

Machame Route

It’s the most popular route to climb Kilimanjaro with around 50% of all Kilimanjaro trekkers on this route alone. The climb starts from Machame Gate and follows a ridge through dense montane forest and takes you to views of Kibo’s volcanic cones and the jagged rim of Shira Plateau. Our camp near Shira Hut is the perfect resting spot with some of the most stunning views of Kilimanjaro. With seven days on the mountain, the trails are demanding but we allow for good acclimatisation, breaking up the final days before climbing to the peak to rest at Barafu Camp for a better summit success.

View full Kilimanjaro Machame route trip details.


Camp set up on Kilimanjaro |  <i>Charles Duncombe</i>
Shira Route

This moderate to challenging trek on Kilimanjaro follows unchartered trails through dense forest and moorlands to the caldera of Shira volcano. Approaching Kilimanjaro from the west, you will traverse around the Moir Hut and Lent Hills before trekking beneath southern ice fields of Kibo to summit via the Barafu Camp. This slightly longer itinerary gives you more time to acclimatise with a 95% summit success to Uhuru Peak.

Contact our team to organise a private group via the Shira route.


Trekkers exploring Kilimanjaro Shira route |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
Considering a climb of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain?  To maximise your chances of a safe and successful trek it's important you ensure that your trek includes some basic safety precautions.

What to expect on our Kilimanjaro treks

Trekkers are met on the day before their Kilimanjaro climb begins and given a thorough briefing by our experienced trip coordinator, including details of the practicalities of the trek and particularly the summit day, and a check to ensure all clients have the required equipment for climbing Kilimanjaro.

Diverse terrain means you will need to feel comfortable in variable mountain conditions and the ascent up to Mount Kilimanjaro is a short and steep hike at altitude with expected rock scrambling.

To ensure you reach the prized summit with the best possible chance, you can expect well-paced itineraries and safety at altitude when trekking with World Expeditions. 

  • Trekking towards Lent Hill summit |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
  • Enjoy freshly prepared meals, three times a day, when on trek in Nepal | <i>Lachlan Gardiner</i>
  • Stunning weather overhead as we arrive at Barranco Wall | <i>Heike Krumm</i>
  • Trekkers on Kilimanjaro's Uhuru Summit |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
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  • Setup at the Karanga Campsite |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
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  • IMG_3170
  • Trekking to the summit of Kilimanjaro |  <i>Kyle Super</i>
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Combine your Kilimanjaro trek with a safari experience

Experience the most of Tanzania with the option to add-on a wildlife safari. Enjoy viewing wild game in the fascinating and thriving World Heritage Ngorongoro Crater and Tarangire National Park, as well as the world-famous Serengeti National Park.

Kilimanjaro articles from our Blog

What To Expect Climbing Kilimanjaro

Maximise your chance of summit success with these tips from someone who's climbed it

How Hard Is It To Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Ready to climb Kili? Gain some insights into preparation and learn a few tips for the trail

Choosing the right Kili route for you

With so many different way to reach Uhuru Peak, which one is best for you?

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