When planning your Kilimanjaro climb, the most common question is:
👉 “What does each day on Kilimanjaro look like?”
Your daily experience depends on the route you choose — some are longer, some steeper, some quieter, and some more scenic.
This guide breaks down all major Kilimanjaro routes, day by day, so you can choose the itinerary that matches your fitness level, comfort, and summit goals.
⭐ Why Do Kilimanjaro Itineraries Differ?
Each route has a unique profile:
Lemosho & Northern Circuit → Best acclimatization
Machame → Most popular & scenic
Marangu → Only route with huts
Rongai → Quiet and gradual
Shira → High start, rapid altitude gain
Umbwe → Shortest but steepest
1. Lemosho Route: 7–8 Days (90% Success Rate)
The most popular route, known as the “Whiskey Route.”
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame → Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit → Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Great mix of scenery & challenge.
See full details:
https://kilimanjaroclimbingclub.com/machame-route/
2. Machame Route: 6–7 Days (85% Success Rate)
The most popular route, known as the “Whiskey Route.”
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Machame Gate → Machame Camp
Day 2: Machame → Shira Camp
Day 3: Shira → Lava Tower → Barranco Camp
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga Camp
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu Camp
Day 6: Summit → Mweka Camp
Day 7: Mweka Camp → Mweka Gate
Great mix of scenery & challenge.
See full details:
https://kilimanjaroclimbingclub.com/machame-route/
3. Marangu Route: 5–6 Days (80% Success Rate)
The only route with hut accommodation.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
Day 2: Mandara → Horombo Hut
Day 3: Acclimatization day OR Horombo → Kibo Hut
Day 4: Kibo → Summit → Horombo
Day 5: Horombo → Marangu Gate
Ideal for trekkers who prefer huts over tents.
More info:
https://kilimanjaroclimbingclub.com/marangu-route/
4. Rongai Route: 6–7 Days (85% Success Rate)
The quietest and driest route.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Rongai Gate → Simba Camp
Day 2: Simba → Second Cave
Day 3: Second Cave → Kikelewa Camp
Day 4: Kikelewa → Mawenzi Tarn
Day 5: Mawenzi Tarn → Kibo Hut
Day 6: Summit → Horombo
Day 7: Horombo → Marangu Gate
Perfect for climbers who want solitude.
5. Northern Circuit: 9 Days (95% Success Rate)
The longest and safest route with the highest summit success.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Londorossi Gate → Mti Mkubwa
Day 2: Mti Mkubwa → Shira 1
Day 3: Shira 1 → Shira 2
Day 4: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Moir Hut
Day 5: Moir Hut → Buffalo Camp
Day 6: Buffalo → Third Cave
Day 7: Third Cave → School Hut
Day 8: Summit → Mweka Camp
Day 9: Mweka Gate
Recommended for maximum acclimatization and comfort.
Full details:
https://kilimanjaroclimbingclub.com/northern-circuit-route/
6. Shira Route: 6–7 Days (85% Success Rate)
Scenic route similar to Lemosho but starts at high altitude.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: High-altitude drive → Shira 1 Camp
Day 2: Shira 1 → Shira 2
Day 3: Shira 2 → Lava Tower → Barranco
Day 4: Barranco → Karanga
Day 5: Karanga → Barafu
Day 6: Summit → Mweka
Day 7: Mweka → Gate
Not recommended for altitude-sensitive climbers.
7. Umbwe Route: 6–7 Days (60–70% Success Rate)
Steepest and most challenging route — minimal acclimatization.
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1: Umbwe Gate → Umbwe Camp
Day 2: Umbwe → Barranco
Day 3: Barranco → Karanga
Day 4: Karanga → Barafu
Day 5: Summit → Mweka
Day 6–7: Mweka → Gate
For experienced trekkers only.
⭐ Which Itinerary Is Best for You?
If you want the safest & highest success rate:
✔ Northern Circuit (9 days)
✔ Lemosho (8 days)
If you want popular & scenic:
✔ Machame
If you want huts instead of tents:
✔ Marangu
If you want a quiet route:
✔ Rongai
⭐ Final Thoughts
A Kilimanjaro day-by-day itinerary helps you understand:
Camps & overnight locations
Daily distances and elevation
Acclimatization days
Summit night timing
Route difficulty
Choosing the right itinerary is the difference between success and failure — and that’s where Kilimanjaro Climbing Club guides you from start to summit.
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