There are several routes by which to reach Kibo, or Uhuru Peak, the highest summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, namely, Marangu, Rongai, Lemosho, Shira, Umbwe and Machame.

Annually, approximately 15,000 people attempt to reach the summit of the mountain, of whom 40% do so. A brief summary of the advantages and disadvantages of each route is set out below.

Machame:

Marangu:

Shira or Lemosho:

Rongai:

Umbwe:

Of all the routes, Machame is by far the most scenic albeit steeper route up the mountain. The Rongai is the easiest camping route and the Marangu is also easy, but accommodation is in huts. As a result, this route tends to be very busy and ascent and descent routes are the same. Although the Rongai route is a flatter walk it offers less opportunities for acclimatisation. The Machame and Lemosho routes both allow better opportunities to "walk high and sleep low" which is critical to avoiding altitude sickness.