Machame Route is one of the most scenic climbing routes upto Uhuru Peak. It affords one the chance of acclimatisation due to the concept of climb high, sleep low. The ascent is from the western side of Mt Kilimanjaro, with the descent down the southern face Mweka route. One passes through changing vegetation from atropical forest, to scrubland, to alpine desert and onwards to the summit with it incredible ice fields. You start your climb at Machame Forest and head through the lush forest, gradually up to Machame Camp. Next day, the route heads into a scrubland with giant Lobelia and daisy bushes up to Shira Camp before heading next day into the alpine desert toLava Tower and down to Barranco. From here on in the terrain remains an alpine desert, with glaciers reaching down the mountain like long fingers, to about 4800m. You will hit the snow line at about 5700m, maybe higher.

Marangu Route is a popular route. It is the quickest route and the most direct and often deemed, easier route. Instead of sleeping in tents, one stays in huts. The ascent is via the eastern face and covers about 80km. The descent is via the same route as the ascent.

Umbwe Route is one of the shortest and less used of all the routes. Although it is not a technical climb, it is a lot steeper and recommend for very fit hikers.

The Western Breach Kilimanjaro Route via arrow glacier is very steep, rocky and is unfortunately, no longer available.

Rongai, Shira Route and Lemosho Glades are seldom climbed, beginning on the northern side of the mountain. The drive to the starting point of Mt Kilimanjaro is long, albeit scenic. Park rules require that the descent route is via the Marangu route fro Rongai, and Mweka Route for Shira and Lemosho.