Which route is the easiest?

There is no 'easy' route, but the Rongai route has the most gentle gradient, and the Northern Circuit is widely considered the best for acclimatization.

Should I climb via Marangu?

Only if you insist on sleeping in huts rather than tents. However, it is the most crowded route and has the lowest success rate because it lacks the necessary acclimatization profile.

Do I need to be an expert climber?

No. Kilimanjaro is a 'walk-up' mountain. You need excellent cardiovascular endurance and leg strength, but no technical climbing skills are required.

Choosing the Right Kilimanjaro Route

Choose your route based on your physical fitness and the number of days you can commit to acclimatization. Stick to routes with at least 7 or 8 days to significantly increase your summit success rate.

Assess your physical tolerance. If you are prone to altitude sickness, choose the Lemosho or Northern Circuit routes. These paths provide the most gradual ascent, giving your body more time to adapt to thin air.
Decide on your scenery preference. Choose the Machame route ('Whiskey Route') if you want diverse, dramatic landscapes, or the Rongai route if you prefer a quieter, more remote experience approaching from the north.
Check the duration requirements. Do not book a 5-day route. Statistical summit success rates on 5-day routes are below 40%, whereas 8-day routes on the Lemosho or Northern Circuit climb to over 85%.
Account for your budget. Longer routes require more park fees and more days of guide/porter wages. Budget for an extra $200 per day for every day added to your itinerary beyond the standard 6-day minimum.

Which route is the easiest?: There is no 'easy' route, but the Rongai route has the most gentle gradient, and the Northern Circuit is widely considered the best for acclimatization.
Should I climb via Marangu?: Only if you insist on sleeping in huts rather than tents. However, it is the most crowded route and has the lowest success rate because it lacks the necessary acclimatization profile.
Do I need to be an expert climber?: No. Kilimanjaro is a 'walk-up' mountain. You need excellent cardiovascular endurance and leg strength, but no technical climbing skills are required.