Lemosho, Machame, Rongai or the Northern Circuit — what matters and what doesn't.
Days on the mountain matter more than the route
Summit success correlates most strongly with acclimatisation time. An eight-day itinerary gives your body far better odds than a six-day one on the same path. If budget forces a choice between a fancier route and an extra night, take the extra night.
Lemosho — our default recommendation
Approaching from the west over the Shira Plateau, Lemosho is scenic, gradual and quiet in its first days before joining the southern circuit. Seven or eight days is ideal.
Machame, Rongai and the Northern Circuit
Machame is beautiful and busy. Rongai approaches from the drier north-east and is the gentlest underfoot, with less varied scenery. The Northern Circuit is the longest option at nine days and has the highest success rates — and the fewest people.
What we insist on
Fairly paid and properly equipped crews, portable oxygen and a pulse oximeter on every climb, and daily health checks by the lead guide. Ask any operator for their porter welfare policy before you book.
