Needs little introduction. Reputed to be the easiest of the available routes, it is without doubt the most comfortable in terms of facilities and the most convenient in terms of access. Also known as the Coca Cola Route because of the practicality, it is by far the most popular route with an estimated 70% of all climbers choosing the route. This popularity has led to many of the more upmarket operators snubbing it and allegations of overcrowding/environmental damage and other problems relating to the throughput. However, because of the lack of camping equipment required and therefore lower porterage costs, it remains popular with budget travellers, budget operators and those who remain uninformed of the disadvantages and simply want to climb the Highest Mountain In Africa.

Once championed as the discerning wilderness route for climbers, Machame is gaining on Marangu in terms of popularity. It is also the second-most accessible trailhead of the non-steep routes (Umbwe and Mweka), making it attractive to operators.

Its reputation as one of the most scenic routes is entirely justified, with the sweeping views across the Masai Steppe to Meru and the impressive Barranco Valley praised by all who climb it. Gains in popularity, however, are inevitably at the expense of total exclusivity but as the descent route is different from the ascent, climbers are only aware of the popularity when they reach camp. However, it is still infinitely quieter than the Marangu Route and many will believe from the few available reference resources, such as the Internet and guidebooks, that the Machame Route remains the choice of the discerning trekker, making it eminently marketable.

Umbwe is generally considered too steep for most clients to bother with, making it very much a little used route. It picks up the Machame at Barranco and from there, as with Machame, you can split into the Barafu/ Southern Circuit or Western Breach Routes. Most Kilimanjaro operators offer it, but there are no major climbing operators currently brochuring it. It is perfect however, if added onto a Meru or Mount Kenya climb and clients are acclimatised, fit and ready to go. Umbwe-Western breach is a very tough but exclusive way to climb Kilimanjaro.

Starting from a trailhead at Londorossi in Western Kilimanjaro, Shira Route differs from other routes in that there are several variations both in the final days of the summit and the opening days of the climb. The Parks recommend driving up a steep 4WD access road to the gate on the Shira Plateau at an altitude of 9000ft, an altitude too high already for climbers who have yet to acclimatise. As a result, some of the more knowledgeable and discerning operators have started routes that approach from the Lemosho Glades and Forest, so as to ensure a gentler ascent to the plateau, taking an extra day or two in doing so. Shira is one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro (the others being Kibo and Mawenzi) and the Plateau allows for acclimatization walks and even technical climbs of the Shira Needles, before continuing. It is also a very scenic route with fine views across to Meru and Masai Steppe and a chance of seeing game. 

The route picks up Machame (again) but from here there are two options, either to continue the Southern Circuit Route of Machame (i.e. Barranco/Barafu/Stella) or follow the Western Breach Route along the western slope of the Kibo Massif through to Lava Tower, Arrow Glacier and Summit Crater Camp. This is a more demanding route and in June/July may require crampons because of heavy snowfall but is still non-technical and is shunned by all except the more serious of operators. 

The final advantage is that the last camp is the highest of the camps on the mountain and is a mere two hours from the summit, meaning that with a slow approach, most clients who have reached this camp will summit successfully and without illness.

Rongai trailhead is to be found on the Kenyan border on the Northern Side of the Mountain.  It’s position in the rain shadow of Kili means it has a completely different landscape from the other routes, drier and more open, allowing for better views. It is a very beautiful route, with few climbers, and a very gentle ascent, suggesting it as the ideal route to take. However, the position of the trailhead makes reaching it difficult, there is no park office and so park fees must be paid in Marangu and the only descent route allowed by KINAPA is Marangu, detracting from the remote wilderness of the ascent. Nevertheless, it is a very worthwhile route, but the disadvantages make it attractive only to those operators intent on offering something different.