It takes five to nine days in order to reach the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit and then descend to the finishing point. The more days spent on Mount Kilimanjaro the more likely you will successfully summit, as you will become more acclimatized to the altitude and will be less fatigued.

A few brave record breakers have occasionally done it in just one day! Treks vary in length as well as duration. As a rule of thumb, the more gradual ascents are the slowest. It allows time for climbers to adjust to the changing altitude as they gain height.

The Marangu route is considered an easier ascent and takes between five and eight days. In comparison, those opting for the Lemosho trail should allow six to eight days. The Northern Circuit is not only the newest route, but also the longest.

Traversing the quieter northern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, you should allow at least nine days to climb using this trail. The Machame route takes 6 days, and takes you through five diverse climatic zones.