There are seven official routes up Kilimanjaro, and choosing the right one is the single biggest decision a first-time climber makes. Get it wrong and you risk altitude sickness and a failed summit; get it right and you stand on Uhuru Peak at dawn.
For beginners, two routes stand out: Rongai and the 6-day (not 5-day) Marangu. Rongai approaches from the dry northern side, has gentle gradients, fewer crowds and a strong acclimatisation profile — our 6-day Rongai climb has one of our highest summit success rates. Marangu is the only route with sleeping huts (no tents), which some beginners prefer, but only the 6-day version with an acclimatisation day is safe for first-timers.
Machame is the most scenic and most popular, but it is tougher — steeper, with camping — and we only recommend it to beginners who are fit and happy to camp.
Our clear recommendation for a first Kilimanjaro climb: the 6-day Rongai route. It balances scenery, success rate, comfort and cost. From $1,983 USD per person, all-inclusive.