Kilimanjaro vs Mount Kenya: Which Climb?

Both Kilimanjaro and Mount Kenya offer extraordinary high-altitude adventures. Here’s a detailed comparison to help you choose.

Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m)

• Duration: 6–9 days depending on route
• Cost: From $2,500 per person
• Difficulty: Moderate — no technical climbing required on main routes
• Success Rate: ~65% reach the summit
• Best Routes: Machame (6–7 days), Lemosho (7–8 days)
• Pros: Highest peak in Africa, iconic status, accessible routes

Mount Kenya (5,199m / Point Lenana at 4,985m)

• Duration: 4–6 days
• Cost: From $1,800 per person
• Difficulty: Moderate to challenging. Technical routes available.
• Success Rate: ~80% to Point Lenana
• Best Routes: Sirimon-Chogoria traverse
• Pros: More diverse ecosystems, fewer crowds, shorter duration

Our Recommendation

First-time high-altitude trekkers: start with Mount Kenya. Bucket-list climbers: Kilimanjaro is the iconic African summit.