Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything You Need to Know
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Climb the Magnificent Mount Kilimanjaro
Ready for an epic adventure? Embark on the unforgettable journey of climbing Kilimanjaro, Africa's majestic rooftop! Our website is your ultimate resource for planning your dream Kilimanjaro climb in Tanzania. Discover the thrill of trekking through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to the stark beauty of the alpine desert, as you ascend towards the iconic Uhuru Peak. Experience the unparalleled sense of accomplishment as you conquer this legendary mountain. Start your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure here and explore our expertly crafted itineraries and essential planning tips for an unforgettable Kilimanjaro trekking experience.
6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route: Northern Slopes Trek
$1,631 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Mountain Hut & Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Arusha (End)
5 Day Climbing Kilimanjaro Via Marangu route
$1,485 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Mountain Hut & Camping
You Visit: Arusha (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Arusha (End)
8 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route: Summit Adventure Trek
$2,101 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Moshi (End)
7 Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb: Affordable Summit Trek
$1,870 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Moshi (End)
7 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Lemosho Route: Scenic Summit Trek
$1,980 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Moshi (End)
6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route: Challenging Summit Trek
$1,815 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Arusha (End)
6 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Marangu Route: Classic Hut Trek
$1,617 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Mountain Hut
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Moshi (End)
7 Day Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route: Northern Slopes Trek
$1,931 pp (USD)
Tanzania: Shared tour (max 6 people per group) Budget Mountain Hut & Camping
You Visit: Moshi (Start), Mt Kilimanjaro, Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro), Arusha (End)
Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike
Highest Point
UHURU PEAK
5,895 M / 19,341 FT
THE TALLEST
FREE-STANDING MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD
TOP-5
THE TALLEST MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD MEASURED FROM THE EARTH'S CRATER
Famous For
THE HIGHEST
MOUNTAIN IN AFRICA
THE HIGHEST
VOLCANO IN THE EASTERN HEMISPHERE
UNESCO
WORLD HERITAGE SITE
Highest Point
UHURU PEAK
5,895 M / 19,341 FT
THE TALLEST
FREE-STANDING MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD
TOP-5
THE TALLEST MOUNTAIN IN THE WORLD MEASURED FROM THE EARTH'S CRATER
5-9 Days
Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths
$1,800
Average Climb Cost
94%
Kilimanjaro Success Rate
Even if you're new to trekking, reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is possible. Success hinges more on allowing your body to adjust to the altitude than on previous hiking experience, and this is best done with a trek lasting 7 to 8 days. To maximize your chances of a successful climb, it's crucial to select a trustworthy tour operator and carefully heed the safety advice provided by your guides.
For a firsthand account of what the Kilimanjaro climb is really like, consider reading "What I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro" by Georgia Fowkes, one of our previous adventurers who has shared her personal experiences.
For an optimal Kilimanjaro ascent, aim for late December to early March or mid-June to late October, when weather conditions are most favorable. While other months experience rain, it's usually not continuous downpours and often begins in the afternoon, offering trekkers substantial clear weather each day. Even during the rainy seasons, completely rain-free days are possible. More details about Kilimanjaro's seasonal patterns are available.
A Kilimanjaro view from the maize farms
In 2025, a typical 7-day group climb on Kilimanjaro costs around $2,100 for a comfortable and safe experience. Shorter 5-6-day trips or those during the off-season might be available for $1,500-1,700. These prices include park fees, which account for roughly 35% of the total cost. Be wary of any trekking companies offering significantly lower prices.
Low prices often indicate poor treatment of porters. Budget operators frequently underpay and underfeed their crews, compromising both the porters' safety and the overall hiking experience. For more details on Kilimanjaro climbing costs, please refer to our comprehensive blog post.
A Mountain Raven in Kilimanjaro
Get PDF Packing List
This free Kilimanjaro packing list tells you what equipment you'll need to bring for your climb
What Should I Bring for Kilimanjaro?
Embark on an unforgettable Kilimanjaro trek, where you'll traverse five distinct climatic zones, from lush tropical rainforests to stark Arctic landscapes. Temperatures fluctuate dramatically, plummeting to a chilly -15°C (5°F) at the summit during nighttime and soaring to a balmy +20°C (68°F) at the base. The mountain's weather is notoriously capricious, with bright sunshine swiftly giving way to rain, fierce winds, or fog, often within hours. To ensure a safe, comfortable, and successful ascent, equipping yourself with the right gear is essential. This includes high-quality clothing for layering, sturdy footwear, a warm sleeping bag rated for sub-zero temperatures, reliable trekking poles, and other critical supplies tailored to the mountain’s challenges.
Prepare thoroughly for this adventure of a lifetime by downloading our free, expert-curated packing list, meticulously designed to help you conquer Kilimanjaro with confidence and ease.
Kilimanjaro Climbing routes: Overview
For those new to mountain trekking - The Marangu and Machame Routes are excellent starting points.
If breathtaking views are a priority - consider the Lemosho or Machame Routes.
Budget-conscious beginners - will find the Marangu Route to be the most economical option.
Hikers with some experience - will find the Machame or Lemosho Routes well-suited to their abilities.
The Umbwe Route - is best reserved for experienced and very fit hikers.
The Machame Route - holds the distinction of being the most frequently chosen path up Mount Kilimanjaro.
For the longest and most immersive Kilimanjaro experience - the Northern Circuit is the route to select.
When climbing during the wet seasons - the Rongai Route is generally the preferred choice.
To maximize your chances of reaching the summit - consider the Lemosho Route (8 days) or the Northern Circuit (9 days).
Routes and Maps
Machame Route
The Machame Route is a popular and scenic option for climbing Kilimanjaro. Known as the "Whiskey Route," it offers diverse landscapes and requires good physical fitness due to its steeper trails. Typically taking 6-7 days, it provides excellent acclimatization opportunities with its "hike high, sleep low" profile. The route starts from the southwest and offers stunning views.
Kilimanjaro National Park is a bucket-list destination for adventurous travelers. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to plan your Kilimanjaro trek, from recommended itineraries to practical preparation tips. So, get ready to embark on the adventure of a lifetime!
Climbing Kilimanjaro Itineraries
After deciding to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, selecting the most suitable route is crucial. There are seven primary routes leading to the summit, six originating from the Southern side and one from the Northern side. Tanzania Specialist provides Kilimanjaro climbing itineraries for each route. The key decision lies in choosing the route that best aligns with your individual needs and preferences.
Get PDF Packing List
This free Kilimanjaro packing list tells you what equipment you'll need to bring for your climb
What does Kilimanjaro mean?
The designation "Kilimanjaro" has unclear origins, though it's thought to derive from Swahili and Chaga, possibly meaning "mountain of greatness" or "shimmering mountain." Several theories persist, highlighting the area's deep cultural history.
Discover the significance of the name "Kilimanjaro" by reading our detailed article.
A climber near Giant Groundsels on Kilimanjaro
A tented camp on Kilimanjaro
Closer view of Mount Kilimanjaro
Where exactly is Mount Kilimanjaro situated?
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is located in northern Tanzania, East Africa, just three degrees below the equator. Although some of the most famous panoramic views of Mt. Kilimanjaro are taken from the Kenyan side, all climbing routes begin in Tanzania. As a result, visitors can only ascend Mt. Kilimanjaro from Tanzania. The nearest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Many trekking adventures to Kilimanjaro start in Moshi, the regional capital sharing the mountain’s name.
How can I reach Mt Kilimanjaro?
The most convenient way to access Mt Kilimanjaro is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. From there, it’s about a 50-minute drive to Moshi, the main starting point for most treks. Major carriers like Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air France operate flights to JRO.
Alternatively, you could fly into Dar es Salaam and catch a domestic flight to Kilimanjaro, though this can involve added expenses for local flights and luggage. A more economical route is to arrive in Nairobi, Kenya, and take a bus to Moshi. However, this option requires a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and a bus fare ($45), with the full trip taking roughly seven hours.
Kilimanjaro International Airport JRO
The rim of Mount Kilimanjaro crater
What is the height of Mount Kilimanjaro?
Uhuru Peak, the highest point of Mount Kilimanjaro, reaches an impressive 5,895 meters (19,341 ft). However, this doesn’t imply you’ll begin your trek from sea level. Most lodges around Kilimanjaro are located at about 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) in elevation.
The trail starting points sit even higher, from around 1,600 meters (5,250 ft) upward. Thanks to its lofty elevation, Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the rare places in East Africa where you can witness snow.
When will Kilimanjaro lose glaciers?
Scientists Warn Kilimanjaro’s Glaciers May Vanish by 2040–2060 Amid Climate Change and Declining Snowfall.
Furtwängler Glacier, the Best-Known Ice Sheet, Is Rapidly Receding, Reflecting the Effects of Environmental Shifts on Africa’s Tallest Mountain.
Learn about the Furtwängler and other Kilimanjaro glaciers in our article.
Mt. Kilimanjaro glaciers
The hiker navigating Mt. Kilimanjaro
Who made the first ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro?
The first ascent of Kilimanjaro by German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller in 1889 marked a remarkable achievement. Their expedition conquered harsh conditions, opening the path for future climbers.
Discover more about the first individual to reach Kilimanjaro’s peak and explore intriguing milestones on the mountain in our latest articles.
What are the rainy and dry seasons in Tanzania?
Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season starts in early November and continues until late December, followed by the dry season, which lasts until mid-March. The long rainy season then begins, ending in mid-June.
For climbing Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, it is recommended to consider the northern slopes. According to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this area receives significantly less rainfall—five times less. Good routes for Kilimanjaro are Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.
Maize farms around Mt. Kilimanjaro
Mt. Kilimanjaro highest point "Uhuru Peak"
Why is the highest point on Kilimanjaro named Uhuru Peak?
The summit of Kilimanjaro is named Uhuru Peak because "Uhuru" means "freedom" in Swahili. It symbolizes the independence gained by Tanzania from colonial rule.
The peak's name reflects the country's newfound liberty after the end of British control in 1961.