What is the 'easiest' route?

There is no 'easy' route, but the Lemosho route is considered the most manageable because the gradual ascent profile gives your body the best chance to adjust to the thin air.

Can I do it in 5 days to save money?

You can, but you shouldn't. The success rate for 5-day climbs is extremely low, and you are significantly more likely to suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) and have to turn back.

Do I need to carry all my gear?

No. Porters carry your main duffel bag (usually up to 15kg). You only carry a daypack with water, layers, and snacks.

Choosing the Right Route Up Mount Kilimanjaro

Choose your route based on your acclimatization needs rather than scenery, as altitude sickness is the primary reason climbers fail to summit. If you are inexperienced at high altitudes, prioritize routes that take at least 7 to 8 days, such as the Lemosho or Northern Circuit.

Assess your physical fitness and altitude tolerance. If you have never hiked above 3,000 meters, do not choose a 5-day route like Marangu. You need extra days to 'climb high, sleep low,' which increases your success rate from 60% on shorter routes to over 90% on 8-day routes.
Select a route based on your objective. Pick the Lemosho or Northern Circuit if you want the highest summit success rates and the best scenery. Pick the Machame route if you want a classic 'campsite' experience but are on a tighter 6 or 7-day schedule. Avoid the Marangu route if you want to avoid crowds, as it is the only route that uses hut accommodation and shares one path for both ascent and descent.
Evaluate the traffic density. The Coca-Cola route (Marangu) and Machame are the most popular and can feel like a highway. If you want solitude, pay a premium for the Northern Circuit, which circles the mountain and sees significantly fewer hikers.
Check the logistics for each route. Ensure the tour operator provides a 'climb high, sleep low' profile. Avoid any operator offering a 5-day ascent; it is physically dangerous and the failure rate is extremely high due to insufficient time for physiological adjustment.

What is the 'easiest' route?: There is no 'easy' route, but the Lemosho route is considered the most manageable because the gradual ascent profile gives your body the best chance to adjust to the thin air.
Can I do it in 5 days to save money?: You can, but you shouldn't. The success rate for 5-day climbs is extremely low, and you are significantly more likely to suffer from acute mountain sickness (AMS) and have to turn back.
Do I need to carry all my gear?: No. Porters carry your main duffel bag (usually up to 15kg). You only carry a daypack with water, layers, and snacks.