kilimanjaro summit trip

The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Hiking Kilimanjaro is something atop the list of many travelers’ bucket lists. Each year, the iconic mountain attracts thousands who spend days attempting to reach her snowy summit.

Since I’ve never hiked the mountain, I’ve invited my community manager, Chris, to share his tips and advice to help you save money and boost your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.”

Standing on top of Kilimanjaro at sunrise was one of the most amazing feelings I’ve ever had. After a week of struggle — including hiking over 17 hours in a single day — I had made it to the frigid summit. For a few moments, I was the highest person on the entire continent. That was a truly magical feeling.

Kilimanjaro holds a special place in the travel world. It’s one of those activities — like Everest base camp, Machu Picchu , or the Camino — that attracts a certain kind of traveler. The kind who wants a challenge, who wants to push themselves, to test themselves.

While hiking Kilimanjaro has become more tourist-friendly over the years, it’s still a serious challenge. People still get hurt — and die — on the mountain every single year. Only 45–65% of people who start the hike make it to the top.

However, with a little planning and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.” Here’s everything you need to know to make the most of your trip:  

Here’s an overview of the main routes:

Marangu : This is “the Coca-Cola route,” named after the fact that there are huts along the way where you can sleep and buy things — like a cold Coke. It actually has a low success rate, however, as people underestimate the challenge and opt to rush to the top in five days instead of taking more time to acclimatize.

Machame : This is the most popular route. When done in seven days, it has a success rate of over 60%, hence its popularity. It’s called “the whiskey” route,” hinting at the fact that it’s a more serious challenge than the Coca-Cola route.

Rongai : This is the easiest route on Kilimanjaro. It’s a bit less scenic and more expensive (there aren’t as many budget operators here), but it’s the only route that approaches from the north. It’s also much less busy.

Shira : This route jumps into some high-altitude gains early on before joining the Machame route. It’s challenging and more expensive, since you start in the west before linking up with the main route.

Lemosho : This is the most beautiful route up the mountain, which is why I chose it. It offers lots of variety and plenty of challenge. It’s one of the more expensive routes, however.

Umbwe : This route is really only for experienced climbers looking for an extreme challenge. It’s a lot of scrambling and climbing as opposed to regular hiking.

Regardless of what route you take, I would suggest nothing less than seven days. Don’t rush this trip. Although it will cost more money, the slower you go, the better your body adapts to the altitude, which is the #1 thing you can do to drastically increase your chances of success.  

I suggest going for a more middle-of-the-road company for two reasons:

First, they will have more qualified guides, so you can learn more during your hike. These companies also usually pay their porters fairly, so you can be confident your team is taken care of.

Second, you’ll know that the company isn’t cutting corners. There is a lot of competition for Kilimanjaro treks, so you know if one company is just too cheap to be true that they are likely skimping on something. Since this is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, don’t be cheap.

Prices range from $1,000 to over $5,000 USD per person. I wouldn’t book with any company charging less than $2,000 USD (I paid around $2,200 for my trip, before tipping — see more on that below), as anything under that is going to be bare-bones.

Remember, people get seriously injured on this mountain every year, and around 10 are killed. Don’t cut corners! Pay for a reputable company with good reviews. Not only will you enjoy your trip more but you’ll feel more comfortable and be safer.  

Finding a Tour Company

But there are tons of companies available. How do you decide which to go with?

Here are a few tips:

1. Read reviews – Once you’ve narrowed down your choices based on your budget, look for a company that has positive reviews. While online reviews should always be taken with a grain of salt, they will help you establish a first impression. Keep an eye out for details about the gear and food provided.

2. Ask about their client/porter ratio – How many other travelers will you be going with? And how many porters/guides/assistant guides will be included? You don’t want to be stuck in a huge group where you don’t get personalized attention if you have questions or concerns.

3. What is their success rate? – What is the company’s success rate for the route you’re looking at? While they can’t control the weather, they can do everything in their power to get their clients to the top.

4. Are they a responsible company? – The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project has a list of tour operators that meet their standards for responsible and ethical travel. Book with a company on this list to ensure that your porters are fairly treated. I didn’t know about this list before I went, and it’s one of my biggest regrets about the trip.

5. Pick a company with included accommodation – Most companies include a free hotel stay for the night before your trek and for the night after (as well as pick-up and drop-off). Make sure you choose a company that offers this, so you can get a decent night’s sleep before your hike and enjoy a real bed after your strenuous time on the mountain.

Intrepid Travel and G Adventures are two companies I would recommend. They meet KPAP’s guidelines and offer a variety of treks with qualified local guides. Start your search with them.  

A Note on Tipping Your Guides

At the end of your trip, usually while you’re still on the mountain, you’ll need to tip your team. This has to be done in the local currency — which means you’ll need to get all that cash before you hike and carry it with you on the trek.

You’ll be tipping a specific amount per day to each porter, a bit more to the cook, and then a bit more to the guides. Breakdowns usually look something like this:

• Main guide – $20 USD per day
• Assistant guide – $15 USD per day
• Cook – $12 USD per day
• Toilet engineer – $5-10 USD per day
• Waiter – $5-10 USD per day
• Porters – $5-10 USD per day (each)

What I read online beforehand stated that a 15% tip is customary. So, if you paid $2,500 USD for your trip than you’d tip at least $330 USD to the team. When I asked my guide about this, he said a normal tip was closer to $1,000 USD…which is almost a 50% tip.

As you can imagine, things can get awkward if someone is expecting $1,000 USD and you give them an envelope with just $400 USD — and most teams will open the envelope while you’re standing right there in front of them. It can get a little uncomfortable.

Obviously, your porters deserve to be paid fairly. They are doing incredibly challenging work. If you can afford a generous tip, they 100% deserve it. For minimum tipping guidelines, I encourage you to follow the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project’s guidelines .  

13 Tips for Hiking Kilimanjaro

2. Train in advance Every route on Kilimanjaro will offer its own challenges. In order to meet — and overcome — those challenges, you need to make sure you’re physically fit. While most days on the trail are relatively easy, you do a lot of elevation gains, and the last day can involve upwards of 17 hours of hiking in a 24-hour period. I’m not saying you need to be jacked, but you do want to make sure you can handle a week of walking uphill.

3. Prepare for a mental battle Kilimanjaro is just as much of a mental battle as it is physical one. While the final day is incredibly physically challenging, it’s also a mental marathon. Hiking for up to 17 hours, in freezing temperatures, in the pitch black, while also battling the altitude and the weather? That’s a recipe for disaster unless you can keep your mental fortitude.

4. Bring altitude medication The altitude really does impact everyone differently. I saw people less than an hour from the summit who turned back because of it. I highly recommend you bring and take altitude medication just in case. I found it super helpful. Your doctor can give you an overview of your options and their side effects, but I took Diamox and didn’t really suffer any altitude sickness at all. However, the side effect was that I had to pee constantly (which can be inconvenient for women).

5. Bring a water filter Your porter team will make sure you have water during your hike. It’s collected from different areas on the mountain, boiled, and then served to you. Since the water is boiled, it’s perfectly safe. However, it never hurts to be extra safe. Bring a filter like LifeStraw or SteriPen to ensure that your water is free from bacteria. Better safe than sorry!

6. Book a company that includes gear If you’re an avid hiker, chances are you have all the gear you need. However, bringing it with you to Tanzania is likely more hassle than it’s worth — especially when you consider that you need cold-weather gear for summit night, which takes up a lot of space. For that reason, make sure you book a company that has all the gear you need: hiking poles, winter hiking gear for the summit, sleeping bags, gaiters — the list goes on. Most companies include gear, but it’s always a good idea to double-check.

7. Bring snacks! This one is super important for your mental well-being. While the cooks on the mountain are incredibly gifted, I encourage you to bring snacks, so you have a pick-me-up to look forward to. I brought several bags of cookies and candies, so I had a sugar boost during the day for, as well as something for camp. Just make sure you save a bunch for summit night because that’s when you’ll need it most.

8. Pay extra for a toilet Most companies will charge extra for a portable toilet that will accompany you (it’s just a small travel toilet in a narrow tent so you have some privacy). It’s incredibly basic but absolutely worth every penny. The few toilets in the various camps are disgusting, so having your own private toilet tent is a worthwhile expense.

9. Stay hydrated I drank 4-5 liters of water per day while hiking. I was literally drinking all day every day. You’ll need at least 3L on you during the day, and the rest you can drink in camp. That means you’ll need a 2-3L water bladder and then maybe an extra 1L bottle. Always make sure they are full before you set off for the day — and make sure they are empty by the time you get to camp. Staying hydrated is one of the most important things you can do to increase your chances of making it to the top.

10. Break in your footwear If you’re buying new hiking boots for this trip, make sure you break them in. You’ll want at least one month of regular wear in the boots to make sure you don’t get blisters. Over the years, I’ve seen some nasty wounds among travelers who didn’t break in their boots for one hike or another. Don’t make the same mistake!

11. Go slow — and then go even slower I’m a fast walker and a fast hiker, so this was tricky for me, but it’s super important that you take it slowly so you can acclimatize. Your guides will constantly remind you of this —listen to them! On summit night, my speed was half a foot per stride (compared to my usual stride of around three feet). The slower you go, the more likely it is that you will succeed.

12. Double-check your dietary concerns If you have an allergy or special diet, make sure the company knows. And then remind them — multiple times. I informed our company three times that my sister is vegetarian and I am vegan — and we still got meat on day one. Fortunately, we got it all sorted out and had an amazing cook for our trip, but that could have gone sideways very easily. Kili is the last place you want to be lacking calories (or running to the toilet!).

13. Bring extra batteries for your camera After 7+ days of hiking, chances are your phone and camera will be dead. Bring an external charger and/or extra batteries for your camera so that you can be sure to have juice for summit day. You don’t want to get to the top and not be able to snap some photos!  

Hiking Kilimanjaro: Frequently Asked Questions

Can you get altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro? The altitude can cause headaches and fatigue, so take it slow and bring altitude medication just to be safe. I took altitude medication and never had any issues. However, I saw numerous people turn back — even someone who was just an hour from the top — because of the altitude. So take it slow, listen to your guide, and bring medication just in case.

How hard is the hike? It’s challenging. Most days aren’t particularly hard, but there are some days that were exhausting. You’ll want to be physically fit.

Personally, I only found summit day challenging. It involved hiking all day, sleeping for a few hours, and then starting for the summit around midnight. You hike in the dark, and it’s incredibly cold (I had five layers on). After 20 minutes on the peak, you head back down, which means you hike upwards of 15-17 hours in a 24-hour period. It’s exhausting but worth it!

Do you need oxygen to hike Kilimanjaro? Nope!

What is the best month to climb? The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are from December to March and from June and October. That’s when it is the driest.

How cold is it at the top? At night, it can get as low as -20°C (-4°F) at the summit. It was frigid when I arrived at the top at sunrise (my water bottle and water bladder were frozen).

Why don’t people succeed in making it to the summit? The main reasons people don’t make it are the weather, altitude sickness, and lack of physical fitness. Make sure you train in advance and bring altitude meds to boost your odds of reaching the summit!

Hiking Kilimanjaro is an amazing, challenging, and rewarding adventure. While it isn’t cheap and does takes some planning (and training), reaching the summit makes it all worthwhile.

By taking the above tips and advice to heart, you’ll not only save money and get more out of your trip, you’ll drastically increase your odds of succeeding on your trek, giving you the opportunity to stand on the roof of Africa and bask in the continents natural beauty.

Book Your Trip: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Find a cheap flight by using Skyscanner . It’s my favorite search engine because it searches websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is being left unturned.

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld . If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as it consistently returns the cheapest rates for guesthouses and hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• SafetyWing (best for everyone)
• Insure My Trip (for those 70 and over)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Want to Travel for Free? Travel credit cards allow you to earn points that can be redeemed for free flights and accommodation — all without any extra spending. Check out my guide to picking the right card and my current favorites to get started and see the latest best deals.

Need Help Finding Activities for Your Trip? Get Your Guide is a huge online marketplace where you can find cool walking tours, fun excursions, skip-the-line tickets, private guides, and more.

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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MOUNT KILIMANJARO TOURS & SAFARI

Welcome to Climb Kili, your trusted partner for unforgettable journeys to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Our unwavering commitment is to offer memorable, high-quality adventures to those with a spirit of exploration and a desire to conquer the highest freestanding peak in the world.

The Climb Kili Difference

At Climb Kili, we distinguish ourselves in the landscape of Kilimanjaro expeditions, not merely through our expertise but also our dedication to crafting a unique experience for every adventurer. We understand that climbing Kilimanjaro is more than a trek – it’s a transformative journey. It’s about immersing oneself in the awe-inspiring grandeur of nature, pushing personal boundaries, and discovering inner resilience.

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We are not just your guides; we are your partners on this voyage of self-discovery. Our team ensures that your journey is not only safe and thrilling but also profound and meaningful. We aim to leave each climber with a sense of accomplishment that comes from conquering Africa’s highest peak and memories of an extraordinary journey that will be cherished forever. Every step with Climb Kili brings you closer to a meticulously curated and personally fulfilling epic adventure. Embrace the climb! It’s time to conquer Kilimanjaro with Climb Kili.

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The aspiration to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro can be a daunting endeavor, but under the guidance of our expert Kilimanjaro guides, your well-being is ensured. Our guides, seasoned mountaineers, have dedicated their lives to traversing Kilimanjaro’s trails, ensuring a nurturing, enlightening, and secure environment throughout your journey.

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Our belief rests in tailoring Kilimanjaro treks that resonate with the unique preferences and requirements of our climbers. Whether you’re a seasoned trekker in search of a challenging route or a beginner yearning for a less demanding trail, we have a Kilimanjaro expedition option that aligns with your expectations.

Join Us for a Memorable Kilimanjaro Adventure

For those who dream of reaching the ‘Roof of Africa,’ we invite you to embark on a journey beyond the ordinary. At Climb Kili, we combine years of expertise, meticulous preparation, and a passion for exploration to create Kilimanjaro journeys that leave lifelong memories.

Our Kilimanjaro guides have been assisting adventures from all over the world climb Kilimanjaro for over three decades. You choose your start date!

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With nearly 40 years experience summiting Mt Kilimanjaro, Why are we the best Kilimanjaro tour Company? We guide you long before the climbing Kilimanjaro by answering When is the best time to climb, how do you train for Kilimanjaro, what is the best route on Kilimanjaro and much more! Climb Kili is the premier trekking company for climbing Kilimanjaro and Tanzania safaris and we answer all the Kilimanjaro Questions.

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Absolutely! Kilimanjaro’s climbing ability caters to individuals across the fitness spectrum. Our diverse trails cater to a range of skill levels, with our proficient guides accompanying you at every step, ensuring your safety and success.

Our history is steeped in leading adventure enthusiasts up Kilimanjaro. Our seasoned guides, comprehensive preparation, and thorough route planning, coupled with a commitment to your safety and enjoyment, set us apart.

We equip our climbers with a comprehensive gear list, including critical items like thermal clothing, hiking boots, and a headlamp, among other essentials. Our team is ready to answer any questions and assist you in your preparation phase.

Seize the opportunity at Climb Kili for an unparalleled adventure, reaching towering heights and creating memories to last a lifetime! Don’t overlook this incredible opportunity.

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MOUNT KILIMANJARO TOURS & SAFARI REVIEWS

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, East Africa, is the highest mountain in Africa with an elevation of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters). It is the largest free-standing mountain in the world and is one of the seven summits.

Its snow-capped peak towers above the surrounding Savannah’s and is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, which is home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. While it is a dormant volcano, it still serves as an important source of inspiration for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world. More information about Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 feet (5895 meters); Mawenzi 16,896 feet (5149 m); and Shira 13,000 feet (3962 m). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.

Mount Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct while Kibo (the highest peak) is dormant and could erupt again.

The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Kilimanjaro has 2.2 square kilometres (0.85 sq mi) of glacial ice and is losing it quickly due to climate change. The glaciers have shrunk 82% since 1912 and declined 33% since 1989. It might be ice free within 20 years, dramatically affecting local drinking water and crop irrigation.

Who Can Climb Kilimanjaro? Anyone from children over the age of 10 to older generations in their 60s and 70s! All you need is determination and the will to get to the summit. The real challenge with climbing Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent. Don’t worry we will be with you every step of the way!

Our Kilimanjaro Guides are highly skilled professionals and are a key component to your success.

Join the thousands of climbers who have stood on the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Guided by Our Kilimanjaro Trek Expert Team. Climb Kili with the Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operator.

Kilimanjaro climb guide company : We are a premier Kilimanjaro trekking Tours company with decades of combined experience on the mountain, we specialize in Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We run our own trekking operations, staffed with expert mountain guides, and do not act as a booking agent for other companies. We will give you comprehensive advice on packing, fitness, expected weather and trail conditions, and be by your side every step of the way – all the way to the Summit of Kilimanjaro! We will also bring you to the airport after the adventure of a lifetime.

Hiking Kilimanjaro Routes

There are Seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes which lead to the summit, Uhuru Peak , one of which starts on the Northern side of the mountain and the rest on the Southern side. The routes are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe.

Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes between five to nine days in order to reach the Kilimanjaro Summit and then descend to the finishing point. The more days spent on the mountain the more likely you will summit successfully because you will become more acclimated to the altitude.

When is the best time to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and the best time for a Kilimanjaro Hike is during the dry seasons: December to early March and June to October. We don’t climb during the height of the rainy season, for safety reasons.

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In order to give you the very best chance of summiting we operate every aspect of your climb: that means fantastic guides, great equipment and lots of nourishing food.

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Private airport collection, hotels before and after the trek, park fees, guides and porters and all your accommodation and food on the trek. All you need for a great climb.

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Safety is the highest priority on all our Kilimanjaro climbs with detailed risk assessments and excellent guides who are all trained in first aid and altitude sickness prevention.

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Our Consultants team, expert guides and trip leaders are highly accomplished professionals, who know Mount Kilimanjaro like the back of their hands and are the key to the success of every one of our trips. We pride ourselves on having excellent staff and dedicated team leaders – that`s why we are so popular and have a very high summit success rate!

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We operate to the highest standards of responsible travel. Our porters are all treated well and we support the Leave no Trace rules so that Kilimanjaro is not spoiled.

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Mount Kilimanjaro

(19,340ft/5,895m) tanzania, mount kilimanjaro itinerary, our 3 kilimanjaro routes, machame 7 day | lemosho 8 day | lemosho 9 day.

The route and planning put In by Alpine Was Amazing. We saw many operators… And Alpine by far had the best tents, gear, food, service, quality of porters/cooks. Also the camps that Alpine chose allowed us to be at nicer, less crowded camps and to acclimatize better with rest days and lower altitude recovery camps. In terms of the climb, the team of guides was superb. Alpine Ascents lead guide was fantastic and an incredible wealth of knowledge….

Our Kilimanjaro climb recommended in Outside Magazine’s “ 6 Iconic Hikes You Should Do ”

Machame Route - Climb Kilimanjaro

Depart country of origin for Kilimanjaro International Airport, Tanzania (JRO).

( Please note your specific day to day with calendar dates will be sent with your confirmation letter. This will assist with booking flights.)

Arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick-up and transfer to the Four Points The Arusha Hotel (formerly New Arusha Hotel) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Orientation and gear check. We meet over breakfast at the hotel and join a detailed group orientation covering all aspects of the climb. After lunch we have a through equipment check, and those interested can join a walking tour (offsite) of Arusha before dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Machame Route start to finish. Data is approximate. Distance: 64 km/39 miles in 7 days Elevation gain: 4,891 m/16,044 ft. Elevation loss: 5,020 m/16,444 ft.

We travel by Land Cruiser to the Machame trailhead, winding through coffee fields and small forests of ferns and flowers. After registering with the park service, we meet our porters from the Chagga Tribe, indigenous to the slopes of Kilimanjaro. They are an integral part of our African journey and become friends and provide insight into their culture and society. Our climb begins on the edge of a rain forest (elevation 5,800 ft.). Below the watchful eyes of the monkeys, we trek seven hours to the Machame Camp (10,000 ft.) and set camp for the night.

Climb Day 1 Start: Machame Gate 1,830 m/6,000 ft. End: Machame Camp 3,000 m/9,900 ft. Elevation gain: 1,200 m/3,900 ft. Time: 6 hours on average Distance: About 10 km/6 miles

Leave the Machame Camp, cross a small valley, and begin our ascent. The environment changes from heath forest to moor lands. These moor lands are littered with two species of giant groundsel, senecios and lobelia. Halfway up the trail we meet a river gorge and ascend across the Shira Plateau (12,300 ft.). We sleep at Shira Camp.

Climb Day 2 Start: Machame Camp 3,000 m/9,900 ft. End: Shira Camp 3,800 m/12,500 ft. Elevation gain: 800 m/2,600 ft. Time: 4–6 hours average Distance: About 8 km/5 miles

Today we climb to 14,800 ft. while crossing a ridge and viewing the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before dropping to our 12,800-ft. campsite at Great Barranco.

Climb Day 3 Start: Shira Camp 3,800 m/12,500 ft. End: Barranco Camp 3,900 m/12,900 ft. Elevation gain: 2,100 ft. Elevation loss: 520 m/1,700 ft. Time: 7–9 hours average Distance: About 10 km/6 miles * Day includes critical acclimatization gain/loss * Lava Tower option: additional 600 ft. of gain/loss

We climb up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 14,500 ft. before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,000 ft. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as “The Icicle,” was first climbed in the early 1970’s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach 80 degrees F, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

Climb Day 4 Start: Barranco Camp 3,900 m End: Karanga Valley 4,055 m/13,300 ft. Elevation gain: 400 m/1,300 ft. Elevation loss: 300 m/1,000 ft. Time: 4–5 hours average Distance: About 5 km/3 miles

From the Karanga River we climb about five to six hours to our High Camp at Kosovo (15,600 ft.). As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south, we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mowenzi Peak tower before us. At Kosovo, we prepare for the summit attempt. We spend our time packing and preparing for the early morning, 2 a.m. departure.

Climb Day 5 Start: Karanga Valley 4,055 m/13,300 ft. End: Kosovo Camp 4,815m/15,800 ft. Elevation gain: 700 m/2,300 ft. Time: 5 hours Distance: About 5 km/3 miles

Summit day! Awake at 11 p.m. for a light meal and midnight departure. We climb wearing headlamps until the predawn light is reflected off the African plains. Following a distinct ridge, we approach the crater’s rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft.). From here we view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim, the vast crater floor, the tiny Furtwängler Glacier, the ash pit, and the large northern ice cap. We then descend back to High Camp for a short rest and lunch before packing up and continuing down to our last camp on the mountain — Millennium Camp — at 12,250 ft.  Based on the team’s ability, we may continue to descend to Mweka Camp, at 10,000ft.

Summit day average times: Kosovo—Summit 7–8 hours Summit—Kosovo 2–3 hours Kosovo—Millenium 2.5–3 hours

Climb Day 6 High Camp to Summit Start: Kosovo camp 4,815 m/15,800 ft. Summit: Uhuru Peak 5,896 m/19,344 ft. Elevation gain: 1,080 m/3,544 ft. Time: 9–11 hours average return to Kosovo Distance: About 7 km/6 miles

Kosovo Camp to Millennium Camp Start: Kosovo Camp 4,815 m/15,800 ft. Millennium Camp 3,733 m/12,250 ft. Time: 2.5–3 hours Distance: About 5.6 km/3.5 miles

The sunrise is exquisite as we awaken at 5 a.m. below the towering mountain. We depart by 7 a.m., descending through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 20-ft. fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. After reaching the Mweka Gate, we enjoy a festive celebration with our crew, followed by a hot buffet lunch. Our two-hour return drive to Arusha has us back in time for showers, and to enjoy a celebratory dinner together. We will have a 30-minute safari briefing before dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Day 7: Start: Millennium camp 3,733 m/12,250 ft. End: Mweka Gate 1,800 m/5,580 ft. Elevation loss: 2,033 m/6,670 ft. Time: 5 hours average Distance: About 13.5 km/8.4 miles

(Safari itinerary subject to change. Based on team size and availability, travel order of safari parks may be reversed).

Alpine Ascents also offers private luxury safaris through our US-based partner African Safari Company. These are fantastic, upscale safaris and can be catered to your family/group for 4 or more days. Click  here  for more details and to get a quote on a private tent safari.)

Begin the safari to Tarangire National Park. This beautiful valley overlooks African grassland, sprinkled with acacia and baobab trees and is known for its variety of large mammals. Here we overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge.

After enjoying a long, leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa’s seemingly endless roads, we will come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below us. Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park – home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter.

After breakfast we travel 2.5 hours over the Great Rift Valley and into the highlands above Karatu to Ngorongoro Crater. We spend the afternoon in Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders. Here we encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, elephant and hippo. Lion prides are very common and you are likely to see cheetah as well. We overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge perched on the rim of the crater.

Facing the always magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim,  Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a km above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera.

Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs, and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not just stop with the great outdoors: it also flows through the split-level interiors of the main building which all offer an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambiance of both warmth and coziness.

After breakfast we proceed around the Ngorongoro crater rim and descend into the savanna to Serengeti National Park. We enjoy a game drive through the Southern Serengeti National Park en route to a deluxe safari lodge and dinner.

Located on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the southwestern Serengeti National Park, home to many thousands of wild and rare animals , Serengeti Sopa Lodge lies within an area of out-standing natural beauty. An oasis of cool relaxation from the equatorial sun. The lodge allows its guests to experience magnificent sights and enjoy interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, while at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.

There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride. We enjoy a morning game drive in route to Seronera, where we will catch our flight. We fly back to Arusha (weather permitting) for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel, and then prepare for late night international departures.

Arrive country of origin.

Machame 7 Day Climb

This is our bread-and-butter Kilimanjaro climb over the last 20 years. This full, seven-day climb of Kilimanjaro greatly helps summit success and acclimatization, though some try to climb in five days. The Machame travels through five distinct ecoystems. This is the classic climb of Kilimanjaro with Alpine Ascents, with a western guide as the lead.

• Alpine Ascents’ classic climb as highlighted in the media over the last 20 years
• We travel through five distinct ecosystems and utilize some lesser used camps
• We have an over 90% success rate on this route
• For sheer beauty while traveling at a moderate pace this trip is unsurpassed
• This is truly a five-star trip with dining tents, commode toilet tents, chefs and a very talented African staff
• All of our scheduled trips are led by a member of the Alpine Ascents Kilimanjaro Guide Staff

Novice and more seasoned climbers alike. Trekkers should be fit and following the training regimen but no prior experience needed on this nontechnical route. This is a near perfect entry into the world of high-altitude trekking and climbing.

Acclimatization

We utilize seven days to climb and descend Kilimanjaro, while some outfitters offer the Machame as a five day climb.

Lemosho Route 8 Day Intinerary - Climb Kilimanjaro

Arrive in Tanzania. Airport pick up and transfer to Four Points The Arusha Hotel (formerly New Arusha Hotel) in Arusha, Tanzania.

Orientation and gear check. We meet over breakfast at the hotel and join a detailed group orientation covering all aspects of the climb. After lunch we have a thorough equipment check and those interested can join a walking tour (offsite) of Arusha, before a team dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Lemosho Route start to finish . Data is approximate. Distance: 76 km/47.2 miles Elevation gain: 4,818 m/15,807 ft. Elevation loss: 4,858 m/15,938 ft.

Drive to Londorossi Gate, approximately 3 hours. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi Gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho trail head. Here we will meet our local Tanzanian staff, most of whom are Chagga tribe from the area around Kilimanjaro. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkumbwa.

Start: Lemosho trailhead 2,100 m/7,500 ft. End: Big Tree Camp 2,850 m/9,200 ft. Elevation gain: 750 m/2,440 ft. Time: 3 hours on average Distance: About 5 km/3 miles

Big Tree/Mti Mkubwa Camp to Shira I Camp. We soon leave the forest behind and enter the moorland zone of giant heather. This is perhaps the most unique of the different ecological zones on Kilimanjaro. The trail climbs steadily with wide views to reach the rim of the Shira Plateau. There is a tangible sense of wilderness, especially if afternoon mists come in. We camp in the center of the large Shira Volcanic Plateau at Shira I.

Start: Big Tree Camp 2,850 m/9,200 ft. End: Shira I Camp 3,505 m/11,500 ft. Elevation gain: 700 m/2,300 ft. Time: 7 hours average Distance: About 9 km/5.6 miles

Shira I Camp to Moir Camp, 13,500 ft. (4,114 m). Moir Camp is tucked away at the end of a large gorge, below a giant lava flow. We travel through the upper range of the moorlands zone, crossing the large Shira Plateau, and ascend gradually on easy terrain. Here we are on the northwest side of the mountain, above Kenya. This spectacular camp is located beneath the northern ice fields of Kilimanjaro.

Start: Shira I Camp 3,505 m/11,500 ft. End: Moir Camp 4,114 m/13,500 ft. Elevation gain: 600 m/2,000 ft. Time: 6 hours average Distance: About 10 km/6 miles

Moir Camp to Baranco Camp. Today we climb to 15,100 ft. at Lava Tower while crossing a ridge and viewing the plains far below. Here we eat lunch and admire the ancient glacier ice of the Breach Wall before dropping to our 12,900-ft. campsite at Great Barranco.

Climb Day 3 Start: Moir Camp 4,114 m/1,3,500 ft. End: Barranco Camp 3,900 m/12,900 ft. Elevation gain: 1,600 ft. Elevation loss: 520 m/1,700 ft. Time: 6.5 hours average Distance: About 10 km/6 miles * Day includes critical acclimatization gain/loss

We climb up and over the Great Barranco, topping out at about 13,900 ft. before dropping to our camp at the Karanga River at about 13,300 ft. This completes another day of acclimatization as we pass below the famous Breach Wall, the largest ice and rock face in Africa. The Breach Wall climbing route, known as “The Icicle,Camp ” was first climbed in the early 1970’s by Reinhold Messner. Daytime temperatures can reach 80 degrees F, while evening temperatures often drop below freezing.

Climb Day 4 Start: Barranco Camp 3,900 m/ 12,900 ft End: Karanga Valley 4,055 m/13,300 ft. Elevation gain: 400 m/1,300 ft. Elevation loss: 300 m/1,000 ft. Time: 4–5 hours average Distance: About 5 km/3.5 miles

The sunrise is exquisite as we awaken at 5 a.m. below the towering mountain. We depart by 7 a.m., descending through the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 20-ft. fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. After reaching the Mweka Gate, we enjoy a festive celebration with our crew, followed by a hot buffet lunch. Our 2.5 hour return drive to Arusha has us back in time for showers, and to enjoy a celebratory dinner together. We will have a 30-minute safari briefing before dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel.

Climb Day 7: Start: Millennium camp 3,733 m/12,250 ft. End: Mweka Gate 1,800 m/5,580 ft. Elevation loss: 2,033 m/6,670 ft. Time: 5 hours average Distance: About 13.5 km/8.4 miles

After enjoying a long, leisurely game drive between herds of wild animals and along miles of Africa’s seemingly endless roads, we will come over a slight rise and the lodge appears almost immediately below us. Built to blend in with the vastness of its surroundings, Tarangire Sopa Lodge lies hidden among the kopjes, ancient baobab and grasses of the Tarangire National Park – home to the greatest concentration of elephants in Africa. Many can be seen around the lodge, allowing visitors a close encounter.

Facing the always magnificent sunsets to the west, and located at the highest point on Ngorongoro crater’s entire rim, Ngorongoro Sopa Lodge stands well over half a km above the crater floor and offers unparalleled views across this enormous caldera.

There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride.  We enjoy a morning game drive in route to Seronera, where we will catch our flight.   We fly back to Arusha (weather permitting) for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel, and then prepare for late night international departures.

Arrive Country of origin.

• Alpine Ascents’ classic climb as highlighted in the media over the last 20 years
• Take 8 days to climb mountain with an extra camp at 13,000 feet
• We have an over 95% success rate on this route

We utilize eight days to climb and descend Kilimanjaro, while some outfitters offer the Machame as a five day climb.

Lemosho Route 9 Day Intinerary - Climb Kilimanjaro

Drive to Londorossi Gate, approximately two hours. After completing the necessary registration formalities at Londorossi Gate, we drive through varied farmland with open views over the plains to reach the Lemosho trail head. Here we will meet our local Tanzanian staff, most of whom are Chagga tribe from the area around Kilimanjaro. It is an easy day of walking up a small path through beautiful and lush forest. We camp at Big Tree Camp/Mti Mkumbwa.

Start: Lemosho trailhead 2,100 m/6,750 ft. End: Big Tree Camp 2,850 m/9,200 ft. Elevation gain: 750 m/2,440 ft. Time: 4 hours on average Distance: About 5 km/3 miles

We ascend through the upper moorland zone into the alpine desert zone arriving at Lava Tower Camp (15,090 ft.). As noted, this day takes us out of the heath zone and into alpine desert. This is a shorter day, where we are very close to the dramatic western face of the mountain. We sleep at just over 15,000 ft., critical for acclimatizing to the elevation of our High Camp, which we will reach on climb Day 6. There is time for short acclimatization walks for those that are interested. Very scenic mountain views.

Start: Moir Camp 4,114 m/13,500 ft. End: Lava Tower Camp 4,600 m/15,090 ft. Elevation gain: 490 m/1,500 ft. Time: 3.5 hours average Distance: About 5 km/3.1 miles

We descend 2,000 ft. through dramatic scenery to the Barranco Valley before ascending the famous Barranco wall to Karanga Valley Camp. This is one of our longer days, but excellent for acclimatization. From camp we can see some wonderful sunsets and have views of the glacier valley and ice fields above.

Start: Lava Tower Camp 4,600 m/15,090 ft. End: Karanga Camp 4,053 m/13,300 ft. Elevation gain: 442 m/1,450 ft. Elevation loss: 762 m/2,500 ft. Time: 7 hours average Distance: About 11 km/7 miles

From the Karanga River we climb about five to six hours to our camp at Kosovo (15,600 ft.). As we wind through beautiful and rarely traveled regions, we enter a high desert plateau, littered with volcanic boulders. Looking south we view the desert plains as the pinnacles of Mawenzi Peak tower before us. Another night above 15,000 ft. prepares us for sleeping in the crater. At Kosovo we prepare for the summit attempt. We spend our time resting and preparing for our departure the next morning. There will be a detailed summit briefing covering the climb and the crater camp with options to sleep lower than the crater if needed.

Start: Karanga Valley 4,055 m/13,300 ft. End: Kosovo Camp 4,760 m/15,600 ft. Elevation gain: 700 m/2,300 ft. Time: 5-6 hours Distance: About 5 km/3 miles

Summit day and Crater Camp. Awake early in the morning and prepare for the ascent, leaving at approximately 6 a.m. Following a distinct ridge, we approach the crater’s rim, then traverse northwest along the rim to the main summit, Uhuru Peak (19,344 ft.). From here we view the Bismarck Towers, rock pinnacles along the rim, and the hanging Rebman Glaciers. After enjoying the view from the top, we descend down to the crater to camp for the day and night. There are options to visit the tiny Furtwängler Glacier in the crater floor, as well as climb up to the ash pit rim to look down into the blow hole of the volcano.

High Camp to Summit Start: Kosovo Camp 4,815m/15,800 ft. Summit: Uhuru Peak 5,896 m/19,344 ft. Elevation gain: 1,136 m/3,726 ft. Time: 7-9 hours average Distance: About 7 km/3.4 miles

Descent Start: Uhuru Peak 5,896 m/19,344 ft. End: Crater Camp 5,600 m/18,700 ft. OR Kosovo Camp 4,815m/15,800 ft. Elevation loss: 200 m/1,100 ft. Time: 1-3 hours

The sunrises are exquisite as we awaken in the crater. After breakfast, we descend down from the crater all the way to Mweka Camp at 10,000 ft. on the edge of the forest zone. We enjoy views of the towering mountain above us as we descend through the heather to our last night on the mountain.

Start: Crater Camp 5,600 m/18,700 ft. End: Mweka Camp 3,000 m/10,000 ft. Elevation loss: 3,000 m/9,344 ft. Time: 7-8 hours descent Distance: About 14.2 km/9 miles

We descend the lush green landscape of the Mweka route into the thickest jungle we have yet encountered. The environment becomes primordial, with 40-ft. fern trees creating a prehistoric atmosphere. After reaching the Mweka Gate, we have a celebration lunch and drive to Arusha, clean up at the hotel, and enjoy a celebratory dinner. O/N Four Points The Arusha Hotel

Start: Mweka Camp 3,100 m/10,200 ft. End: Mweka Gate 1,800 m/5,580 ft. Elevation loss: 1,300 m/5,900 ft. Time: 4 hours average Distance: About 7 km/4 miles

Alpine Ascents also offers private luxury safaris through our US-based partner African Safari Company. These are fantastic, upscale safaris and can be catered to your family/group for 4 or more days. Click here for more details and to get a quote on a private tent safari.)

After an early breakfast, we travel 2.5 hours to Ngorongoro Crater for an extended afternoon game drive in the crater floor with boxed lunches. Ngorongoro Crater, one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders, is the largest unbroken caldera in the world, part of the volcanic highlands along the western flank of the Great Rift Valley. Here we encounter herds of zebra, antelope, buffalo, and elephant. Sightings of lions, rhino, cheetahs, and hyena are common. We overnight comfortably in a deluxe safari lodge perched spectacularly on the rim of the crater.

Themed around traditionally circular African houses with conical roofs and decorated with examples of Africa’s rich tapestry of artistic traditions by way of rich woodcarvings and sculptures, the lodge harmonizes perfectly with its dramatic surroundings. But the drama does not stop with the great outdoors; it also flows through the split-level interior of the main building, which offers an unsurpassed generosity of space while somehow managing to combine an almost magically welcoming ambience of both warmth and coziness.

Located on the edge of the escarpment overlooking the plains of the southwestern Serengeti National Park, home to many thousands of wild and rare animals, Serengeti Sopa Lodge lies within an area of out-standing natural beauty. An oasis of cool relaxation from the equatorial sun. The lodge allows its guests to experience magnificent sights and enjoy interaction with the land and animals difficult to find elsewhere, while at the same time enjoying the highest level of cuisine and hospitality.

There is an option for a spectacular sunrise balloon ride. We enjoy a game drive in route to Seronera, where we fly back to the local airport in Arusha (weather permitting) for a farewell lunch at the Arusha Hotel and then prepare for late-night international departures.

Lemosho 9 Day Climb

This nine-day itinerary is geared toward the very fit trekker/climber with a chance to sleep at the crater floor after summit. This is a more demanding route than the Machame, and climbers must acclimatize well to 18,600 ft. to use the crater floor camp (we will have a lower camp available). This is also a nontechnical climb but recommended for those with prior trekking and/or high-altitude experience. This trip is also led by one of our Seattle-based professional mountain guides, which is extremely important for a climb of this caliber.

• Chance to sleep at crater floor.
• Sleep at an extra camp in the middle of the climb to help with acclimatization. This should not be confused with the eight-day Lemosho that many companies offer, which has no distinct advantage over the Machame
• Potential to explore the Furtwängler Glacier and northern ice field glaciers
• Walk to the rim of the ash pit and view the blowhole of the volcano
• Witness the sunset across the west from a high vantage point
• Experience a five-star trip with dining tents, commode toilet tents, chefs, and a very talented African staff
• Our trips are led by a member of the Alpine Ascents Kilimanjaro guide staff

The very fit, adventurous trekker, preferably with some high altitude trekking experience as one must acclimatize well to sleep at 18,700 ft. crater rim camp (lower camp available if needed).

This nine-day itinerary offers time to acclimatize and the opportunity to sleep at the crater rim.

I enjoyed the expedition very much. The organization, the attention to detail was excellent. The acclimatization schedule was also very good. I loved the food and the overall friendly atmosphere. Overall excellent.

Mount Kilimanjaro BLOG

2022 Kilimanjaro Webinar

Are you planning on climbing to the roof of Africa this summer?  If so, check out the 2022 Kilimanjaro webinar that we hosted on May 25th.  Our Kilimanjaro Program Director, Eric Murphy, outlined our COVID-19 protocols, the Tanzanian VISA process, and gave a detailed overview of the trip and what to expect.  We wrapped up […]

Kilimanjaro COVID-19 Hunger Relief Update

by Eric Murphy  Our ongoing and very successful ($37,000 +) Kilimanjaro Covid-19 Hunger Relief Fundraiser has just completed the 2nd food distributions for all 310 crew and staff. Members from our Tanzanian partner company Big Expeditions handled all aspects of whole purchase and transport of over 12,000 lbs of rice, corn and sugar. Arusha crew […]

Kilimanjaro: A Tribute to our Tanzanian Crew

by Paul Koubek  As one of the western guides fortunate to work with the Alpine Ascents Kilimanjaro Program, when I was asked to write a blog post about any topic I wanted, the first thing that came to mind for me about my experience on Kilimanjaro was: the people! Every Alpine Ascents climb of Kilimanjaro […]

WHY BOOK WITH ALPINE ASCENTS

Knowledge & expertise.

Alpine Ascents International leads expeditions that have become benchmarks of quality in the climbing community. We operate what we believe is the finest mountaineering school in the country. This expertise is based upon years of accumulated experience-not just from individual mountain guides, but through experience on particular mountains where details are fine-tuned over time.

Our guides are an integral part of Alpine Ascents because they understand and share our climbing principles. These individuals are dedicated to sharing their excellence with others. Many of our guides have been with Alpine Ascents for over five years, with a handful of veterans working with us for most of their careers. The quality of our Guide Staff is the primary difference between us and our competitors.

Environmental Reponsibility

Leave No Trace principles are fundamental to our program, and we encourage all who climb and trek with us to understand proper wilderness practices. We help facilitate this effort by passing on Leave No Trace training and literature to every Alpine Ascents climber.

Partners & Accreditations

How to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro: The Complete Guide

TripSavvy / Ivey Redding

At 19,341 feet/5,895 meters, snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the highest peak in Africa and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. It's also the world's tallest walkable mountain—and what a walk it is. To reach the summit, one must pass through five distinct climate zones  ranging from rainforest to alpine desert and eventually glacial Arctic. Although it is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro without any specific mountaineering training or equipment, summiting the Roof of Africa is not an easy task.

Find a Tour Operator

Experts estimate that only 65% of climbers reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, but your chances increase significantly if you choose the right operator. It is compulsory to climb Kilimanjaro with a guide, and although you can find independent guides for slightly cheaper rates, organized tours offer a better experience and better back-up in case of emergency. Operators vary from first-class to downright negligent, so it's important to be selective and to prioritize safety over cost. Thomson Treks  is a respected operator with a 98%+ success rate.

Top Tip: Avoid low-end companies and make sure to check operator reviews and success rates carefully before deciding.

Time Your Trip

It is possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro all year round, but some months are distinctly more comfortable than others. Tanzanian weather patterns mean that there are two optimum seasons for trekking Kilimanjaro—from January to March, and from June to October. Between January and March, the weather is cooler and the routes are less crowded. From June to October, the mountain is busier (due to the season coinciding with northern hemisphere summer holidays), but the days are warm and pleasant. It's best to avoid the wetter months of April, May, and November while warm clothing is required at the summit all year round.

Top Tip:  Book well in advance for peak season trips with the safest climbing conditions.

Prepare for Success

Although mountaineering training isn't necessary, a reasonable level of fitness goes a long way on Kilimanjaro. If you're somewhat lacking in this department, you'll want to  work on your stamina  in the months leading up to your trek. Practice hikes also give you the opportunity to break in your new  hiking boots , minimizing the chance of debilitating blisters. Exertion at altitude can affect the body in different ways, so it's a good idea to get a medical check-up before departure. Even the most basic ailments can make your life miserable at 18,000 feet.

Top Tip: Comprehensive travel insurance is essential. Make sure that your plan includes cover for medical treatment and emergency evacuation by helicopter.

Choose Your Route

There are seven main routes up Kilimanjaro. Each one varies in terms of difficulty, traffic, and scenic beauty; and choosing the right one for you is a key part of the planning process. Timings depend on which route you choose, with hikes taking anywhere from five to 10 days. The routes with the highest success rate are those that take longer and ascend at a gradual rate, allowing climbers to acclimatize to the change in altitude.

Also known as the Coca-Cola route, Marangu is the classic Kilimanjaro route. It is traditionally considered the easiest, with a gradual slope and communal sleeping huts located at strategic locations along the way. It takes a minimum of five days to climb, although success rates for this time frame are low. Despite its reputation, experts do not recommend Marangu because it is the most crowded and least scenic of the Kilimanjaro routes.

Machame, or the Whiskey route, was opened as a tougher alternative to Marangu and has now replaced Kili's oldest route as the most popular choice for adventurous climbers . It can also get crowded, especially at bottlenecks in the rainforest section. It is steeper and more scenic than Marangu and enjoys a better success rate. You'll need at least six days to climb Machame, although seven is preferable. It is the most affordable route offered by Thomson Treks.

As one of the mountain's newer routes, Lemosho comes highly recommended by trusted operators like Thomson and Ultimate Kilimanjaro . It sees far fewer crowds than Marangu and Machame, and stands out for its unparalleled scenery with panoramic views from all sides of the mountain. This route takes a minimum of six days, although eight to nine days is recommended. Plenty of time for acclimatization and a daytime summit bid explain Lemosho's high success rate.

Northern Circuit

Those with plenty of time to spare should consider the Northern Circuit. Kili's newest route takes nine days and virtually circumnavigates the mountain, making it the longest choice both in terms of time and distance traveled. The extra days spent at mid-altitude allow for plenty of acclimatization, which in turn leads to a very good summit success rate. This is also the most remote route, with magnificent scenery including elevated views into neighboring Kenya.

Rongai is the only route to approach Kilimanjaro from the north, near the Kenyan border. It sees relatively few climbers, and is a particularly good choice if you decide to travel during the rainy season as the mountain's northern face sees the least precipitation. Cons include the fact that the scenery is not as varied as some of the other routes, and the fact that the descent takes you down the crowded Marangu route. Rongai takes six to seven days to complete.

The Shira route approaches the mountain from the west and is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. The only difference is that instead of starting the trek at the Londorossi Gate, climbers are transported by vehicle to the Shira Gate at 11,800 feet/3,600 meters. This allows you to skip the initial section of the climb but also puts you at greater risk of altitude sickness due to the relatively high starting point. This route takes between seven and 10 days.

As the most challenging of the Kili routes, Umbwe is only recommended for experienced climbers who are confident in their ability to acclimatize quickly. It takes a minimum of six days and involves steep, difficult slopes with a rapid ascent profile. You'll also be making your summit bid under cover of darkness. Because of this, Umbwe has a low success rate. However, it is also one of the least crowded and most visually impressive routes.

Top Tip:  Allow time for a longer trek in order to maximize your chances of reaching the summit. 

Pack Carefully

It's important to find the balance between packing light and making sure that you have everything you need. Layers are crucial given the diversity of Kilimanjaro's climate. You'll need sun protection for the lower reaches, and warm clothes for the summit. A good quality sleeping bag is essential, as is a basic first aid kit (your operator should provide more extensive safety equipment, including oxygen and a defibrillator). It is possible to rent equipment on-site, although quality and fit vary greatly. Remember to pack spare batteries for your camera, and photocopies of your passport/ insurance documents.

Top Tip: Make sure to carry cash for tipping your guide and your porter, who will carry up to 30 lbs/15 kg of your personal gear for you.

Get Acclimatized

Altitude sickness is the single biggest reason for failed summit attempts on Kilimanjaro. The best way to acclimatize to the mountain's extreme altitude is to choose a route that ascends gradually, taking six days or longer. Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of your training or fitness, and as such it's vital that you are able to recognize the symptoms. Read up on the effects in advance and be prepared to descend if necessary, remembering that the most serious form of altitude sickness can be fatal.

Top Tip: Learn your limits and don't attempt to push them. When it comes to Kilimanjaro, slow and steady really does win the race.

Budgeting for Your Trip

A Kilimanjaro trek can cost anywhere from $2,400-$8,000+ per person. This fee should include camping, food, guides, park fees, and transport to and from the mountain. You need to make sure that your food is decent, that your guides and porters are fairly treated  and well trained and that you get a good night's sleep. While the shorter routes are cheaper, your chances of reaching the summit are significantly reduced as a result of poor acclimatization. If you opt for a "good deal" make absolutely sure that your guides and porters are well-equipped to handle emergencies.

This article was updated and re-written in part by Jessica Macdonald on September 9 2019.

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What I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro

My hike to Kilimanjaro started a year before I even set foot on Tanzanian soil.

I was on a domestic flight in neighboring Kenya and the pilot announced that if we looked out the window to our right, we could see the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro – the tallest peak in Africa. I decided there and then that I would climb this iconic mountain – and I did.  

Kilimanjaro is a popular peak, high on the list of ultimate treks (along with Mt Everest and Machu Picchu in Peru ), taken on by many who covet the title of climbing the tallest mountain in Africa. We humans love superlatives – the biggest, the tallest, the oldest. But do not be fooled into thinking that just because many have gone before you, it will be a walk in the park. Oh no – this is the most challenging thing I have ever  done. But I couldn’t recommend it more.

The best feeling

I am a firm believer that  anyone  can accomplish this truly life-changing feat – I am still nudging my mum to get up there.

Here are my top tips to help you get up there too.

Before I went on this trip, I read every blog going on altitude sickness – what were the symptoms, what could I do to prevent it – so to save you from all that reading, here ya go: top tip – go slow. I would wait until everyone had gone on ahead and join the line right at the back, so I  knew  that I couldn’t go  any  slower.   

The reason to go slow is that your body is working harder at altitude. The air is thinner and there is less oxygen to breathe. The porters will tell you “pole, pole” which means “slowly, slowly”. Think of The Hare and the Tortoise. Be the tortoise. Walk slower than you normally would, and your body will thank you.  

Porters on the Kilimanjaro trek

Hikes like these are not a race. This is actually one of my favorite things about hiking – it’s not a competitive sport. It’s the opposite in fact, everyone wants everyone to succeed. So don’t be ashamed to be at the back like I was. I didn’t get altitude sickness, and I also made good friends with the porter whose job it was to bring up the rear. His grandfather was one of the first porters to work on the mountain. I wouldn’t know that if I was pacing at the front.  

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Drink plenty  

Hydration will also ward off possible altitude sickness. Ensure you have a CamelPak or Platypus instead of a bottle so that water is constantly accessible as you walk. When your hands are cold you don’t want to be taking off your gloves to unscrew a bottle top. Plus, you should be drinking three liters a day, and it’s a hassle to have to stop to take a bottle out of your bag every time you take a sip.

And more than just water – take hydration salts. I put one sachet straight into my CamelPak every day just to make sure I was uber-hydrated. Diarrhea is common at altitude, and in general if your body is adjusting to being overseas, so salts like Dioralyte are your best friend.  

A hike you need to be prepared for

Get the right gear   

I met someone recently who climbed Kilimanjaro and hated the experience – I was heartbroken – but not surprised when she explained why. The reason she doesn’t swoon nostalgically over how life-changing and magical summit night was, is because she was completely unprepared. She didn’t have enough or even the right type of clothing for the hike. And to top it off, she accidentally left her walking boots at a petrol station on the way to the starting point, and had to climb in trainers. I can’t imagine how awful it must have been.   

Even if you go to the mountain with all the physical training and mental preparation possible, without walking boots or warm clothes, you will hate every second. I wore thermal layers, two pairs of gloves, a hat, scarf, a down jacket and had a heavy-duty sleeping bag, and I still shivered at night.

So get quality thermal gear, enough layers (of appropriate materials like fleece – not cotton which gets heavy with sweat), a down jacket is a must, a four season sleeping bag and hand warmers. Stuff your clothes to the bottom of your sleeping bag each night so they’re warm(ish) in the mornings.

Tough but beautiful hiking conditions

Also remember a sun hat and sun cream. I got sunburnt on day one and trust me, when cold winds blow against burnt skin, it’s not fun. Plus a head torch with enough batteries – for your tent, for toilet trips and for summit night.  

MACHAME OR MARANGU? WE ASK AN INTREPID LEADER WHICH KILIMANJARO ROUTE IS BEST

Sing and laugh   

These are scientifically proven ways to release endorphins and have a good time, which is so important when you’re doing something this intense.

At the beginning of day four, where some of our group were really suffering from the altitude, morale was low. It was bitterly cold when we woke because we were shaded from the sun. Trips to the toilet were, to put it lightly, brisk. But as we started walking we started singing – it was either Lose Yourself by Eminem, or Hakuna Matata from the Lion King, both appropriate for our situation – and morale soared instantly.

Whenever you have enough lung capacity, sing.  

Find allies  

One thing is for sure – you cannot climb this mountain alone. If there was ever a time that you will need other people, climbing Kilimanjaro is it. You need them to look out for you. And by look out for you I mean literally keep guard as you pee behind a rock when there are no toilets around (which is anytime you’re not in a camp).   

New friends

You also need allies to keep you motivated. At the end of Day 4, the night before the summit, I was at a low point. The Machame Route is popular because the route aids acclimatization by climbing high and sleeping low, giving your body a chance to adapt. So though we’d gained 4000 meters since we left the town of Moshi, which is a mean feat in itself, we’d actually climbed more than that in order to come back down to sleep.

As we sat in the mess tent having dinner, I couldn’t help but cry. I wasn’t sad, I was utterly exhausted. I couldn’t stop the tears from falling. And instead of making it awkward, my fellow climbers just laughed at me and got out their cameras – this is the sort of attitude you need to keep going on the mountain!  

LISTEN TO THE SWAHILI SONG THAT WILL GET YOUR TIRED LEGS UP MOUNT KILIMANJARO

Prepare physically  

I don’t say this for every hike, but for Kilimanjaro it is necessary.

Altitude sickness strikes indiscriminately – it doesn’t matter whether you’re an Olympian or reigning pie-eating champion, you could get hit. But regardless, being fit for this hike is important. Make sure you do training hikes up hills back home before heading over to Africa.  

Prepare mentally  

Summit night is the hardest thing you’ll ever do. It’s why it’s also the most amazing thing you’ll ever do. But you have to prepare. It becomes way more about your mindset than your physical strength at that point. I was literally falling asleep as I walked, a porter supporting me in case I fell. Porters will help you as much as they possibly can – and they truly are angels – but at the end of the day it is down to you.   

Knowing this, I made myself a summit playlist on my iPod Classic (may she rest in peace) full of motivating tunes. I tucked it beneath about eight layers of clothing to ensure the battery didn’t freeze (a legit concern) and pressed play.  Rocketman  by Elton John started me off. All good. But when the song ended, it started again. I had left the “repeat” setting turned on and I was going to either listen to Elton on repeat for the nine-hour ascent, or listen to nothing. So I pulled out the earphones and instead listened to myself say “step by step, take it step by step”. 

It sounds cliché but when you do this ascent, crawling up loose scree in the dead of night, you uncover strength that you didn’t know you had. Just take it step by step.

And make sure you stop to take in that sunrise – it’s phenomenal.  

How Long Does it Take to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

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 acclimatised to the altitude and will be less fatigued.

Tempted to take on the adventure of a lifetime? Trek Kilimanjaro with Intrepid Travel.

Looking for a beach break post Kilimanjaro? Zanzibar is paradise.

Image credits from top to bottom: Ian Jones, Jen Welch, Michelle Tennant, Intrepid Travel, Ian Jones, Jen Welch, Jen Welch

I've dragged my backpack across six continents, but for now it rests in the bottom of my wardrobe in Melbourne. I have a healthy obsession with bookshops, hammocks and coffee, and when not plotting the next adventure, teach English abroad. Don't ever make me choose between mountains and beaches.

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Kilimanjaro lemosho route.

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Embark on an ascent of Kilimanjaro via the captivating Lemosho Route. Traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests to alpine meadows, ascending to the majestic Uhuru Peak. The Lemosho Route promises an exclusive and awe-inspiring adventure, where every step unveils the pristine grandeur of Kilimanjaro.

At Summit Expeditions, we specialize in crafting unparalleled climbing experiences, and the Lemosho Route is no exception. With a remarkable 99% summit success rate across all routes, we invite you to join us on this extraordinary journey. Conquer Kilimanjaro's iconic peak via the Lemosho Route, where the wild beauty of the mountain awaits those ready to embrace the challenge and magnificence of Africa's highest summit.

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• Summit Expeditions team liaison pre-trek.
• Qualified and experienced English-speaking mountain guides during the trek.
• Support team, including chef(s) providing fresh meals and personal porters for duffel bags.
• Special permit to stay at Kosovo Camp pre-summit.
• Full board expedition with three meals daily, including a celebration dinner post-summit.
• Unlimited filtered water, hot drinks (tea, coffee, and hot chocolate) throughout the trek.
• Private team toilet tents at all camps.
• Premium hotel/lodge in Moshi pre/post trek.
• Individual all weather tents during the trek.
• Transfers to/from the airport.
• All road transport within the itinerary.
• All entrance fees and trekking permits.
• First aid equipment for mountain emergencies.
• Comprehensive pre-trip support to ensure readiness for the trek.
• Training advice to prepare for the physical challenge of Mt Kilimanjaro.

WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED IN THIS TRIP

• Airfare to Kilimanjaro Airport.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Purchase or rental of personal gear.
• Tips for porters (budget $300).
• Drinks and snacks not included in the package.
• General spending money.

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Under the peak of Africa's tallest mounain, Kilimanjaro, zebras feed on grass. This daunting peak can be summited by most climbers in three to five days.

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8 Easy Tips Your Kilimanjaro Guide Forgot to Tell You

A lack of camping and climbing experience shouldn't stop you from taking on this mountain. A little preparation will go a long way.

At 19,341 feet, Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa and the fourth highest of the seven summits. It takes five to eight days at grueling altitudes to make it to the summit and back.

By age 25 I had never been camping in a tent or done any serious hiking. So when my boyfriend mentioned that Mount Kilimanjaro was on his bucket list, I readily agreed without quite understanding what lie ahead.

I climbed with Materuni Tours , a company run by Ambrose, an amazing Tanzanian local who offers good prices and better service. We opted for the seven-day Machame route. You will be prepared by your team with the essentials, but here are some things they might not mention:

Toilet Talk

Bring your own toilet paper. Keep one to two rolls in a plastic bag to keep it dry and keep it in your day pack—it will do no good packed away in your tent during a nine-hour hike! The next tip had me laughing when it was recommended to us, but proved to be the best $160 we spent: the toilet tent. This small standing tent sits a few feet from your sleeping tent at each campsite. The toilet is basic, but will save you from long lines or from walking hundreds of feet in the middle of the night to the hole-in-the-ground toilets.

Hydration Help

You’re going to need to hydrate. A lot. After the first day, your water will come from nearby streams and can be purified with iodine pills. I was not a fan of the iodine flavor and grateful to have nuun tablets with us. Try a few brands and flavors before you go to see what you like (my favorite was pink lemonade). While I can’t confirm whether it gave me extra energy, the flavor certainly helped me stay hydrated!

Most campsites come with beautiful views, but your body will thank you for spending time sleeping rather than stargazing late into the night.

This will be personal for everyone, but after reviewing our weeklong itinerary I packed a small journal, deck of cards, mini watercolor kit, and my DSLR with a 50mm lens. It turns out we didn’t have much free time, after all. We took it slow on hikes, often getting to camp at 5 p.m. Tea and snacks would be waiting for us, shortly followed by dinner and a conversation with our guides. We ate and fell asleep by 8 p.m. most nights thanks to the altitude. I never once took out the cards or watercolor.

We ended up using hand warmer packs but not in the traditional way. Since I mostly used my phone to take photos, a handwarmer saved my battery power. Keep a handwarmer in your jacket pocket to keep the battery warm in between photos.

Train Your Lungs

It doesn’t take a marathon runner to climb a mountain. While there are a select few who run marathons up mountains, that is not what this journey is about. We were surrounded by people of all ages and fitness levels. Altitude is about pacing and listening to your body. I trained by doing HIIT sessions a few times a week in the months leading up to prepare my lungs for the low oxygen without actually living at altitude.

As much as you prepare and hear stories, the most important thing is to listen. Acclimation affects everyone in different ways, so listen to your guides, your body, and pay attention to the mountain. If you’re tired, stop. If you’re dizzy, drink water. If a 70-year-old woman passes you, let it go. It’s not a race to the top but a journey for yourself, so might as well take your time. On day two I lost my appetite, and felt sick and exhausted. We were still four days from the summit, and I had the mounting fear that my body wouldn’t acclimate. After lots of sleep and water, by the afternoon on day three I felt really good. It was only uphill from there…

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Summit Night

Take your summit photo quickly then start the descent to move from the thin air and freezing conditions. My favorite spot was Stella Point, which provides an incredible crater view an hour before you reach Uhuru, the final summit.

Breathe, hydrate, and literally take it one step at a time. On the day of the summit hike we arrived to basecamp in the late afternoon, ate, prepared our layers, and got to sleep as early as possible. At 11 p.m. we woke up, had tea, and added our final layers (I slept in 6 layers on top and 5 on the bottom.) With headlamps to light the way, we began a long, dark hike to a summit we couldn’t see. Little dots of light ahead seem miles away, but keep your head down and take one step at a time. Looking up too much will hurt your neck and make the seven-hour journey feel endless. We stood on the summit—the highest peak in Africa—as the sun cracked over the landscape and lit up the country below.

Thank Your Guides

Park regulations prevent anyone from climbing without a certified guide. And regulations for proper camping and cooking gear mean that most climbers do not ascend without a decent size support group that includes guides, porters, and a chef. A support staff of 11 incredible locals is the reason we were able to summit, and while having them is more of a necessity than a tip, make sure that you do tip them appropriately. They are also grateful to accept clothing, water bottles, shoes, and other gear you may wish to leave behind.

Treat Yourself

Enjoy your shower, wash your hair twice, and take a well-deserved nap. You have accomplished something incredible, so reward your aching body with an amazing safari or a beach weekend in Zanzibar.

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• MOUNTAIN CLIMBING
• TRAVEL AND ADVENTURE

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Kilimanjaro: 19,341′ (5,895 m)

Our guided Mount Kilimanjaro treks are a wonderful experience for climbers of all abilities. Africa offers such diverse options for travel, but climbing to its pinnacle is our favorite way to take in the continent. We cut no corners to help you have the time of your life as you revel in the rich culture, spectacular views, and encounters with local wildlife while we take care of the details. Enjoy the Kilimanjaro climb with the leadership of our highly trained Mountain Trip guides and excellent staff of local guides and porters. Add a Kilimanjaro safari to your trip to round out your experience and see some of Africa’s most majestic and unique animals up close.

There are many different routes you can choose to get to the top of Kilimanjaro, and over the years we’ve done most of them. We are happy to set up a Kilimanjaro climb on any of the routes, but our favorites are the Lemosho and the Western Breach routes. The Lemosho Route is great for just about any trekker and provides a better acclimatization profile than other routes. The Western Breach Route is a different summit option off of the Lemosho. The Western Breach is a steeper route for climbers with a bit of mountain experience and who are looking for the least traveled and slightly more challenging route to the Kilimanjaro summit.

The trek begins at the Lemosho trailhead for both routes, and ascends through beautiful a rainforest where Colobus and Blue Monkeys laugh at us from the trees. We’ll exit the forest on Day 2 and Kilimanjaro will begin to dominate our view. As we ascend the mountain, we’ll enjoy spectacular views of the lowlands and climb out of the rainforest up through the unique climactic zones of Kilimanjaro. The Lemosho Route is an 8 day/7 night trek and the Western Breach route is a 7 day/6 night climb.

Kilimanjaro Safaris

We are happy to add a safari to any Kilimanjaro trek! Options range from three to nine days, visiting Tarangire National Park, the N’Gorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara National Park, and/or the Serengeti. Inquire for details about adding on a custom luxury safari. If you haven’t been to Africa, you should really consider the safari and game drive as a mandatory part of your Mount Kilimanjaro experience.

Lemosho Route - Register Western Breach Route - Register

Mountain Trip Kilimanjaro treks are designed to allow climbers a bit more time to acclimatize, which makes the Kilimanjaro summit push much more enjoyable than shorter trips, and also gives us plenty of time to revel in the magnificent scenery of Africa.

If you have questions, please contact the Mountain Trip office at [email protected] or (970) 369-1153.

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• Western Breach and Lemosho Itineraries
• When to climb Kilimanjaro?
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Why Choose Mountain Trip for Your Attempt on the Kilimanjaro Summit?

There are many, many options for how to summit Kilimanjaro, and you should base your choice of guides based on what you’re hoping to get out of your Kilimanjaro trek—we want to help you make the most of your time in Africa.

From the moment you land at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, we’ll hop in a Land Cruiser and head out to the wilderness instead of staying in a hotel in the cities of Moshi or Arusha. We enjoy a luxurious safari-style tent lodge, where we can watch wildlife from the breakfast table and go on a guided game walk. Expect to see zebra, giraffe, warthogs, and other unique African wildlife up close.

Mountain Trip has worked to earn a reputation of providing very high-quality experiences around the globe. We bring that commitment to quality to our Kilimanjaro trek and Kilimanjaro safaris.

You’ll notice that we stay in extremely nice lodges, and our Kilimanjaro treks are staffed with both local guides as well as our AMGA trained Mountain Trip staff from the U.S. We feel the benefits of having our guides providing the high level of client care, security, and knowledge of altitude medicine for which Mountain Trip is renowned is well worth the expense of staffing our treks with our U.S. guides.

How Hard is it to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly a difficult mountain to climb, but it is also the most achievable of the Seven Summits. It still requires a lot of preparation and training, however it is also a non-technical climb (not requiring ropes or specialized equipment) which makes it much more accessible than most of the other Seven Summits. The trip as a whole is also an incredible cultural experience, with opportunities to engage with the local community and experience incredible new ecosystems, both on trail and in the surrounding area while on a Kilimanjaro Safari. 

Current statistics show that over 50% of climbers on Kilimanjaro suffer from altitude sickness, with a 65% success rate to reach the summit. This is because many guided groups head up too fast, not giving the body the time it needs to acclimatize. This is why we choose to do the Western Breach or Lemosho routes in 7-8 days, setting our climbers up for success. We strongly believe that the more common, 5-day trek is the reason for such low success rates on the mountain.  Mountain Trip cares deeply about each and every one of our climbers and we do everything we can to make your entire trip a top-quality adventure! 

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Western Breach Route

The Western Breach route starts on the Lemosho Route, but after the third night we’ll take a hard left, towards the Breach. Compared to standard routes, this route is steeper and has more exposure to weather and rockfall. The Western Breach is a good choice for climbers or trekkers who have previous experience in the mountains; for example, climbing 14’ers in Colorado such as Mount Wilson or Wilson Peak.

Day 1: Arrival Day Arrive in Tanzania. Generally, it’s preferable to fly directly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where we will meet our team and driver. Often these flights come in late in the evening and we’ll go directly to the beautiful N’darakwai Lodge for the night. Instead of staying at a somewhat generic hotel in the cities of Moshi or Arusha, we’ll take you to a beautiful and luxurious safari-style tent lodge, where you’ll see wildlife from your breakfast table. Make the most of your time in Africa!

Day 2: Kilimanjaro Trek Preparation and Wildlife Viewing!

We’ll have this day to prepare our gear, unwind a bit, and enjoy the grounds of the N’darakwai Lodge. We can take a game walk through their wildlife preserve and see our first African wildlife! We’ll meet our local guides, do a final gear check, and have a pre-trip briefing on this day.

Day 3: Trek to Big Tree Camp 9,120 ft/2,780 m, ~3 miles, 2-3 hours

We’ll wake up early and have breakfast at the lodge before loading into our Land Cruisers to drive to the trailhead. The Lemosho route starts at the Londrossi Gate Park Entrance (7,350 ft/2,250 m). We’ll hike through the lush rainforest, where we’ll see giant fern trees, rare African flowers, and monkeys hanging out above us. After only a couple of hours of hiking, we’ll arrive at our camp in the forest, where we’ll spend the first night on the mountain.

Day 4: Trek to Shira 1 Camp 11,500 ft/3,505 m, ~5 miles, 5-6 hours

After coffee and breakfast, we’ll get off to an early start on this day and trek higher, leaving the rainforest below and entering the giant Heather and Moorland zone. We’ll hike up to the old Shira crater rim, where we’ll get our first close-up views of Kilimanjaro and descend gently towards our camp next to a creek on the Shira Plateau.

Day 5: Trek to Moir Camp 13,600 ft/4,150 m, ~5 miles, 5-6 hours

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, we’ll leave the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges and climbing towards the flanks of Kilimanjaro.  We’ll pass through Fischer Camp and possibly stop here for lunch before continuing up to Moir Camp.

Day 6: Trek to Lava Tower 15,200 ft/4,630 m, ~2.5 miles,  2-3 hours A shorter day as we start to reach higher altitudes and work on acclimatizing for the days to come. We’ll hike just a few hours to the landmark Lava Tower, where we will set up camp for the night. The views from this camp are spectacular and you can see the lights of Moshi town below on a clear night.

Day 7: Trek to Arrow Glacier Camp 16,000ft/4,875 m, ~1 miles, 1-2 hours

The air gets thin at this altitude and we’ll start slowing our pace as we climb up to the base of the Western Breach and the nearly extinct Arrow Glacier. We’ll hike up a bit above camp to scope the route that we’ll be climbing pre-dawn the following morning, and then return to camp to relax and prepare for the summit climb.

Day 8: Kilimanjaro Summit Day! Summit: 19,340 ft/5,895 m, 5-6 hours Mweka Camp: 10,170 ft/3,100 m, ~6.8 miles, 5-6 hours

We’ll start our ascent of Kilimanjaro by headlamp shortly after midnight, so we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree and some scrambling up through the volcanic ridges of the Western Breach will lead us to the Kilimanjaro Crater Rim at 18,700 feet. We’ll walk across the moonscape of the crater, past some remnants of the old crater glaciers, and then make the final 500 foot climb up to the high point on the crater rim at 19,340 feet. The descent to back down through the Barafu Camp goes much faster, and after some rest and refreshment, we’ll continue to descend to reach our final campsite at the edge of Mweka Forest.

Day 9: Descend to Mweka Gate 5,500 ft/1,676 m, ~5.3 miles, 3-4 hours Overnight at Arusha Coffee Lodge.

A sustained descent through lovely forest with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka and on through coffee and banana plantations to Mweka village (3-4 hours walking). There we’ll be met by our vehicles to take us back to a beautiful lodge for a well-earned shower and delicious meal.

Day 10: Homeward Bound

At this point some may be heading back home, or if you are continuing for a safari option or the Mount Kenya Climb, we’ll start those itineraries on this day.

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek: Lemosho Route

The Lemosho Route is a classic Kilimanjaro trekking route. It’s our favorite as it allows for a good acclimatization profile so you’ll have a better chance of summiting and feeling good up high. It’s an 8-day/7-night trek traversing the Shira Plateau and summiting from the Barafu high camp. The Lemosho is less traveled than the Machame route, but the routes join for the last couple of days and the summit route.

Day 1: Arrival Day Arrive in Tanzania. Generally, it’s preferable to fly directly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where we’ll meet our team and driver. Often these flights come in late in the evening and we’ll go directly to the beautiful N’darakwai Lodge for the night. Instead of staying at a somewhat generic hotel in the cities of Moshi or Arusha, we’ll take you to a beautiful and luxurious safari-style tent lodge, where you’ll see wildlife from your breakfast table. Make the most of your time in Africa!

After coffee and breakfast, we’ll get off to an early start on this day and trek higher, leaving the rainforest below and entering the giant Heather and Moorland zone. We’ll hike up to the old Shira crater rim, where we’ll get our first close-up views of Kilimanjaro and descend gently toward our camp next to a creek on the Shira Plateau.

A morning of gentle ascent and panoramic views, we’ll leave the moorland plateau behind to walk on lava ridges and climbing toward the flanks of Kilimanjaro.  We’ll pass through Fischer Camp and possibly stop here for lunch before continuing up to Moir Camp.

Day 6: Trek to Lava Tower and Down to Barranco Valley Camp 12,960 ft/3,950 m, ~6 miles, 6-7 hours

The day begins by trekking 2-3 hours up to the Lava Tower at 15,200 feet. This is an old volcanic lava plug and a striking landmark on the flanks of Kilimanjaro.  We’ll have lunch at the Lava Tower and then continue down hill toward our camp for the night at the Barranco Valley.

Day 7: Trek to Karanga Camp 13,000 ft/3,965 m, ~3.5 miles, 4-5 hours

One of the most stunning days of the trip, we begin this day with a steep climb up the Barranco Wall. We continue around the southeastern flank of Kibo, with vistas of the southern ice fields to our camp at Karanga. There is plenty of time to rest, or for a short optional acclimatization walk in the afternoon up the valley above the camp.

Day 8: Trek to Barafu/High Camp 15,090 ft/4,600 m, ~2 miles, 3-4 hours

The air gets thin at this altitude and we’ll start slowing our pace as we climb up to the rocky Barafu Camp. “Barafu” means “ice” in Swahili, and you’ll feel the temperatures drop as we get higher on the mountain. This is a relatively short day, but we’ll be trying to get some rest as we prepare for our summit climb tonight!

Day 9: Kilimanjaro Summit Day! And descend to Mweka Forest Camp

Summit: 19,340 ft/5,895 m, 2.75 miles/4.5 km, 7-9 hours Mweka: 10,170 ft/3,100 m, 6.8 miles/10.9 km, 5-6 hours

We’ll start our ascent by headlamp shortly after midnight so that we can be up on the Crater rim by sunrise. The steep climb over loose volcanic scree has some well-graded switchbacks, and a slow but steady pace will take us to Stella Point (18,815 ft/5,735 m) in about six hours. We’ll rest there for a short time to enjoy the sunrise over Mawenzi before continuing the 1-2 hour roundtrip along the crater rim to the high point of Uhuru Peak. The descent back down to the Barafu Camp goes much faster, and after some rest and refreshments, we’ll continue to descend to reach our final campsite at the edge of Mweka Forest.

Day 10: Descend to Mweka Gate 5,500 ft/1,676 m, ~5.3 miles, 3-4 hours Overnight at Arusha Coffee Lodge.

A sustained descent through lovely forests with lush undergrowth takes us to the National Park gate at Mweka, and on through coffee and banana plantations to Mweka village (3-4 hours walking). There we’ll be met by our vehicles to take us back to a beautiful lodge for a well-earned shower and delicious meal.

Day 11: Homeward Bound or Begin Safari

When is the best time to try to summit Kilimanjaro?

Many people ask, “when is the best time to try to summit Kilimanjaro?” This comes hand-in-hand with the question, “how hard is it to summit Kilimanjaro?”

You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro any time of year, but some times can be a bit more rainy than others. It can rain anytime, even during the “dry” season, but there are definitely times of year where it rains a lot less and provides a nice time to try for the Kilimanjaro summit. The dry seasons each year last from about mid-December through March, and then again in June through October. We’ll always bring the rain gear as it can rain any day on the mountain, particularly in the rainforest zone below about 9,000 ft/2,743 m.

Through the shorter December-March dry season, you’ll be more likely to see snow up high on the mountain and it can be a bit colder up high than the rest of the year, but it can be a great time to climb with fewer crowds.

The main climbing season on Mount Kilimanjaro is the June-October season, where you’ll be more likely to experience nice weather, but you will also see more climbers on the mountain.

Inclusions and Exclusions for Kilimanjaro Trek

Included in the Mount Kilimanjaro trek fee:

• Unlimited pre-trip access to our office resources.

• Guidance of our experienced Mountain Trip guides and our local guide partners.

• Scheduled group transportation including airport transfers in Tanzania.

• Lodging as included in the itinerary. We may not be able to guarantee a specific hotel, but will always attempt to substitute with equal accommodations.

• All food while on the mountain.

• All group equipment (tents, kitchen, ropes, group med kit, oxygen, Gamow Bag, satellite phone, GPS tracker, etc.)

• Custom expedition dispatch blog for your climb, complete with audio posts from team members calling from the mountain.

• Assistance arranging for post-climb activities in Africa.

Not Included in the trek fee:

• Flights to and from Africa.

• Lodging in Africa beyond what is outlined in the itinerary (two nights prior to your climb and one night after descent).

• Gratuities for local guides and staff.  This is an important part of the local customs, we will provide guidance.

• Personal clothing and equipment per our equipment list.

• Meals while not on the mountain.

• Travel and/or rescue insurance.

• Costs incurred due to evacuation or unplanned departure from the mountain due to illness or other problems.

• Costs incurred as a result of delays beyond the control of Mountain Trip.

• Costs as a result of force majeure.

Kilimanjaro Trek Policies

Refunds and cancellations.

Mountain Trip recognizes how difficult and disappointing it can be for climbers who must cancel expeditions which they have planned for a long time. Team members must also recognize that, due to the nature of planning expeditions and dealing with governmental permits and regulations, Mountain Trip also accrues significant expenses in the months prior to expedition departure dates. We must therefore adhere to a strict refund policy for all climbers. Trip cancellation and travel insurance is generally available for all expeditions. U.S. and Canadian residents should contact us for more information regarding travel insurance. Our refund and cancellation policy is outlined below.

• All expeditions require a deposit to secure a spot on the team. Your submission of a deposit constitutes your acceptance of this Fee Schedule, Refund and Cancellation Policy.

• All deposits for Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions include a non-refundable $1,500 administration fee (We highly recommend that you consider Trip Cancellation Insurance to protect the administration fee, if not the entire cost of your climb.)

• Final payments for expeditions must be received 120 days prior to the Team Meeting Day.

• Failure to pay expedition fees by the date they are due constitutes cancellation of your spot on the team and forfeiture of your deposit.

• Any cancellation 120+ days before your Team Meeting Day will be refunded in full, less the administration fee.

• If you cancel 120-90 days before your Team Meeting Day, you are eligible for a refund of 50% of any monies paid, less the deposit.

• No refunds will be provided for cancellations occurring within the last 89 days prior to an expedition.

• All requests for refunds must be made in writing and received in our Colorado office.

• If you register for a climb within 90 days of the Team Meeting Day, expedition fees will be due in full to secure your spot on the team.

• No refunds will be given for unused hotel bookings due to schedule changes, late arrivals, etc.

• Mountain Trip reserves the right to cancel an expedition prior to the departure date for any reason. In the event that the expedition is cancelled based solely on an internal administrative decision by Mountain Trip ( Internal Cancellation ), all monies, except for nonrefundable administrative fees, collected by Mountain Trip from team members for the canceled expedition shall be refunded within 30 days. That is the extent of our financial liability for such cancellations. This Internal Cancellation provision shall not apply when external factors that force Mountain Trip to cancel an expedition against its will, including, but not limited to international political upheaval, terrorism, drought/famine, epidemics/pandemics, and/or cancellations imposed by foreign or domestic governments or permitting agencies ( External Cancellation ). All External Cancellations shall not be subject to a refund unless such cancellation occurs prior to the deadlines set forth in the Refund and Cancellation policies stated above.

General Agreement Concerning Services to be Provided and Responsibilities of Team Members

When registering for a Kilimanjaro trek with Mountain Trip, we want to help make sure you understand the services we are providing and the services you are responsible for.

Transportation is Incidental

The main purpose of becoming a team member is to join us on a guided Kilimanjaro trek. As such, any transportation we provide or that you may contract for on your own is incidental to the trip. We suggest that you make sure you have time built into your itinerary for delays.

Transportation to and from your Destination

We will designate a specific Team Meeting Day for your Kilimanjaro trek. Transportation to the meeting point on your Team Meeting Day is to be provided by you. You must arrive in time to be ready to participate in a team meeting at the appointed time on the Team Meeting Day for your expedition. This probably means you will need to arrive the day before, as our Team Meetings for Kilimanjaro treks are held in the morning. Expedition climbing is very dynamic and we will provide you with a recommendation as to when you should book your flights to and from your destination. We suggest you book a ticket that allows you to change your flight with little effort or cost.

Lodging off the Mountain

Mountain Trip will provide lodging per the Inclusions and Exclusions section above. Any additional lodging is your responsibility.

Responsibilities of Team Members

You are ultimately responsible for your own well-being, including making all necessary preparations to ensure good health and physical conditioning. You are responsible for understanding the conditions that may exist on the climb and choosing a climb that is appropriate for your abilities and interests. You are responsible for having knowledge of all pre-departure information and for assembling the appropriate clothing and equipment for your climb.

While on the Kilimanjaro trek, team members are responsible to maintain basic levels of hygiene and to conduct themselves respectfully with other team members and members of the local population. If a guide feels that a team member is putting other members’ health or safety at risk, the guide has the discretion to remove a team member from a trip.

Use our office staff and your lead guide as pre-trip resources to ensure that all your questions are answered. Travel insurance may help recoup expenses if you need to leave your Kilimanjaro trek due to an illness.

Airline Responsibility Passenger/Airline contracts are in effect while team members are on board any aircraft contracted for use in the expedition.

No Guaranteed Outcomes

While it is one of our goals to help every climber on every Mountain Trip expedition reach the summit, Mountain Trip cannot guarantee you will reach the Kilimanjaro summit. Any number of factors, including weather, conditions encountered on the route, your personal level of fitness or ability, the abilities of your teammate(s) or any number of other circumstances, might result in you and/or your team turning around before reaching the summit. Failure to reach the Kilimanjaro summit due to any reason associated with mountaineering, such as weather, team dynamics, route conditions, avalanche and rockfall hazard, or due to your lack of fitness or preparation, are not the responsibility of Mountain Trip, and will not result in a refund or a rescheduling of your expedition.

Kilimanjaro Trek Equipment List

The following is a general list of required gear for joining Mountain Trip on a Kilimanjaro trek. Climbers joining Mountain Trip on an expedition will receive an updated, comprehensive equipment list that may supersede this list.

Many of the items on the list need to fit you well in order for you to fully enjoy your experience on the mountain. Please plan ahead with equipment purchased for your trip so you can be certain that your gear fits you well. Tanzania is not the place to discover that your pack is too small for your torso or that your boots give you blisters, as we will not have many options open to us at that point. Recommended items reflect the opinions of our guides. We have used and have faith in all of our recommendations, but they may not necessarily fit or work for you.

Please follow this list closely and don’t hesitate to call or email us for clarifications, or to solicit an opinion about anything you are considering. Lastly, only bring quality gear that is in very good condition; we want you to be as prepared as possible for your Kilimanjaro trek.

Please note: Porters will carry up to 33 pounds (15 kg) per climber in your soft-sided duffel bag.

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Kilimanjaro Climb and Safari

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Climb to the Roof of Africa through some of the continent's most majestic landscapes and afterward witness the greatest wildlife spectacles on earth where lions and elephants still rule the plains.

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Climbing from Kilimanjaro’s rainforests to its glacier capped 19,340’ summit is simply an unforgettable experience.

KILIMANJARO TREK HIGHLIGHTS

• Hike through the soaring rainforests and sleep amongst the giant heather of the Machame Route, a more beautiful and less traveled option to the standard route of Kilimanjaro.
• Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro with an experienced RMI Guide , benefiting from the background, training, and expertise of our guides as you venture to higher altitudes.
• Enjoy the support of RMI’s fantastic local mountain staff who ensure our team benefits from fresh and clean food, comfortable camps, and the luxury of carrying only light day packs throughout the climb.  
• Improve your chances of success with seven days on the mountain, taking advantage of our carefully planned acclimatization schedule as we traverse the southern side of Kilimanjaro in preparation for summit day.
• After the climb watch bull elephants walk across the floor of the Ngorongoro Crater and leopards lounge in the Acacia trees of the Tarangire, embarking on a safari to Tanzania’s famous National Parks where we witness one of the greatest wildlife spectacles found anywhere on earth.
• Take part in the legacy of an RMI adventure and see why we continue to set the standard in guiding excellence.

We begin our adventures amongst the tea, coffee, and banana fields on the lower slopes of Mt. Meru and Mt. Kilimanjaro in Arusha, Tanzania. Our climb of Kilimanjaro ascends Machame Route, which  is also known as the Whiskey Route for  its “intoxicating” views of the mountain.

The extraordinary success rate of our chosen route is attributed to the fact we spend a full seven days on the mountain, giving our team the needed time to properly acclimatize on our way to the summit.

The altitude makes our Kilimanjaro guided climb challenging, but the support of local porters allows our team to carry only light packs throughout the trip, letting us focus on the climb and appreciate the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro. 

Following the Kilimanjaro climb we return to Arusha before departing on our safari. Over the course of four days we watch herds of Africa’s greatest animals amidst the scenery of the Ngorongoro Crater, Lake Manyara, and Tarangire National Parks. Each evening we return to the comfortable luxuries of our secluded safari lodges, located right along the edges of the parks we visit. Watching the sun set across the African landscape from the porch of our safari lodge is the perfect way to finish our climb of Kilimanjaro.

THE RMI DIFFERENCE

Rainier Mountaineering, Inc. was established in 1969 and is one of America's oldest and most-trusted guide services. We are the largest guide service on Mt. Rainier and Denali and leaders in guiding climbs and treks around the globe. Our years of leading mountain adventures give us the experience and knowledge to lead the best possible trips. We work hard to live up to our reputation as an industry leader. Our trip preparation before departure takes care of the details for you, from lodging and airport transfers to safari schedules, so that you can focus on preparing for the climb instead of the distraction that comes with coordinating logistics.

Our Kilimanjaro climbs are led by RMI’s foremost U.S. guides, who bring years of climbing experience on not only Kilimanjaro but on mountains all over the world, from the Andes to the Alaska Range to the Himalayas. As you reach higher elevations and test the limits of your experience, the value of an accomplished, highly trained RMI Guide held to our standards and who can effectively communicate with you cannot be understated. Our professional guides often make the difference between safely reaching the summit or not. We have cultivated a close relationship with our local outfitter on Kilimanjaro whose years of organizing Kilimanjaro climbs is evident in the outstanding local staff we climb with. Our relationships there are the key to our trip’s success.

RMI’s climb of Kilimanjaro redefines the meaning of mountain luxury. With spacious sleeping tents, private toilets, and dining tents complete with tables and chairs that accompany us up the mountain.

During our time in Arusha and while on  safari we stay at select  lodges that are intimate, comfortable, and wonderfully run; they have been hand picked by our guides over the course of the years as their favorites. On the mountain we provide the highest quality food and facilities for keeping our spirits elevated and health in order. Our professional, experienced cooks adhere to strict standards of hygiene while fresh, clean fruits and vegetables complement our diverse menu. With spacious sleeping tents, private toilets, and dining tents complete with tables and chairs that accompany us up the mountain, our highly sought after mountain staff has thought of every detail – from the candles at dinner to the hot cup of tea in bed each morning!

RMI proudly accepts the International Mountain Explorers Connection’s (IMEC) choice of RMI as a Partner for Responsible Travel. Through its Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) in Moshi, Tanzania, IMEC focuses on improving the working conditions of the porters on Kilimanjaro. RMI Expeditions works to ensure proper outfitting for the Kilimanjaro porters assisting on our programs. This includes providing for their food and water, securing care during sickness, helping with the receipt of their wages and tips, and ensuring that loads do not exceed the maximum recommended amount.

CLIMB OR SAFARI ONLY AND EXTENDED VISIT OPTIONS

Our standard program is 15 days and includes a safari program after our climb. We welcome family and friends not keen on climbing Kilimanjaro but interested in experiencing the safari afterwards with you to join our team during this portion of our adventure. For climbers pressed for time we offer a Kilimanjaro Climb only that is 12 days long and includes the climbing portion of the program only. Please contact our office for more details.

From watching herds of wildebeest traverse the Serengeti to walking the white sand beaches of Zanzibar, East Africa offers a lifetime of adventures for visitors; we can help you tailor your visit to capture the very best of the region. If you are interested in extending your visit please contact our office for more details.

Safety has always been RMI's top priority and we strive to create the safest mountain experience possible. RMI's experienced team of guides focus on leading a fun and successful climb without compromising safety. We apply the same standards of safety we bring to Alaska and the Himalayas to our climbs of Mt. Kilimanjaro. While Kilimanjaro is a non-technical mountain, we do reach high altitudes. Our guides are trained, experienced, and certified by rigorous American standards in wilderness and high altitude medicine, avalanche training, and leave no trace techniques. We have spent considerable time in the mountains and know how to do so safely and comfortably; we don’t rush to the top but instead focus on using techniques that allow us to adjust and even excel in the thin air.  Comprehensive medical kits, rescue equipment, and radio and satellite communication equipment are carried with the team throughout the climb.

As you prepare for your upcoming adventure please feel free to contact our office and speak directly to one of our experienced guides regarding equipment, conditioning, the route, or any other questions you may have about our programs. We are available Monday thru Friday 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. at (888) 89-CLIMB or [email protected] .

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The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the fabled Roof of Africa. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro demands determination, dedication, and energy. But it’s also a summit that rewards with visions of African ice caps, wanderings through moss-caked cloud forests, encounters with elephants, and – of course – a chance to stand at the highest point on the continent. Soaring 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level in the midst of northern Tanzania, it crashes through the clouds to a trio of volcanic cones that were formed millions of years ago.

You’ve stumbled across this post because you’re interested in Africa’s highest mountain. Mount Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular destinations for trekkers around the world. In this ultimate travel guide, you’ll discover expert information to help prepare you for one of the best climbing adventures of your life!

What’s in this Guide?

• My experience on Mount Kilimanjaro
• About Mount Kilimanjaro
• History of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
• Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro
• An overview of Moshi, Tanzania
• When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
• Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes
• Sample itinerary of Kilimanjaro’s most popular route
• Key sites while climbing Kilimanjaro
• Preparation and training
• Other adventures near Mount Kilimanjaro  

1. My experience on Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is a trek that asks a lot but gives a huge payoff. Seven days of climbing this sleeping giant from the farms around Moshi, Tanzania to the scree-rimmed summit took me through some of the most incredible landscapes I’ve ever encountered.

I opted for the common and wildly popular Machame Route. It’s got the highest success rate of all the seven routes up Kilimanjaro and peppers the journey with welcome acclimatization camps. My summit push happened on day six of seven. It was the true highlight of the Mount Kilimanjaro hike, opening vistas that sweep north into the elephant-stalked savannahs of Kenya and across to mystical Mount Meru deeper into Tanzania. I’ll never forget that view and you must see it for yourself!  

2. About Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, located in Tanzania. It clocks up an altitude of 19,341 feet (5,895 meters) and anchors the amazing Kilimanjaro National Park in the far north of Tanzania. It’s actually a dormant volcano that’s formed of three main cones. They sit almost equidistant apart, running from Shira (the lowest) in the east to Mawenzi in the west. Hikers are usually aiming for Kibo, the middle cone. That’s where Uhuru Peak, the pinnacle of Kilimanjaro and the final goal of most treks, shoulders above the crater on a bluff.

Kilimanjaro is a mountain of two sides. The northern slopes are softer and host way less vegetation. They drop away towards the Tanzania-Kenya border in sinews of lava chutes and dusty scree. The south is encircled by a lush ring of montane forest and cloud forest, and the main peaks of Uhuru and Mawenzi loom steeper overhead.

One of the defining features of Kilimanjaro is what’s known as the Saddle Plateau. It’s where the mountain sort of flattens out at around 14,400 feet (4,400 meters), forming a tabletop region between the smaller craters with Kibo right in the middle. Good news for trekkers, it gives ample space for multiple acclimatization camps – the whole Saddle measures close to 14.9 miles (24 kilometers) from end to end! Still interested in learning more? Check out these 10 Fast Facts About Mount Kilimanjaro .  

3. History of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

The volcanic activity that formed the cloud-shattering tops of Mount Kilimanjaro is thought to have started around a million years ago and lasted something in the region of 500,000 years. It gave rise to a hulking mass of a peak that has itself inspired human legends. The Tanzania region’s Swahili Chagga people tell of ancient elephant burial grounds on the summit. Others have posited it as the potential source of the life-giving River Nile.

Recorded attempts to climb Kilimanjaro didn’t begin in earnest until the Germans came to East Africa in the second half of the 19th century. Hans Meyer and his Austrian climbing partner Ludwig Purtscheller are now hailed as the first Europeans to conquer the top of Kibo crater and complete the Kilimanjaro hike, which they finally managed in 1889 after a former failed attempt. They did it with help from a team of Swahili porters and camp builders. If this rich history excites you, check out our other Five Top Adventure Destinations for History Buffs !

Since then, the allure of the mythic Roof of Africa and the journey to climb Kilimanjaro has only grown and grown. Today, the mountain sustains a whole industry of climbers and climb assistants in Tanzania – one estimation is that it supports up to 11,000 jobs in the region. A whopping 35,000 to 50,000 trekkers are thought to attempt the Mount Kilimanjaro climb each year, with just over two-thirds of them making it to the summit and successfully completing the Kilimanjaro hike.  

4. Getting to Mount Kilimanjaro

There’s no better way to get right into the base of the great mountain than with a flight to the Kilimanjaro International Airport where your quest to climb Kilimanjaro begins. It’s not only the gateway to the trailheads for Africa’s highest peak, though. It’s also one of the prime access points for the safari meccas of Arusha National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and the savannahs of Tarangire National Park. That means there will be high competition for airfare, so don’t hang around when you come to book.

Thankfully, there’s a good mix of long-haul carriers coming in from Middle Eastern hubs like Istanbul and Doha, along with big European changeover points like Amsterdam Schiphol. There are also plenty of arrivals from African destinations, including Nairobi, Dar es Salaam, and Entebbe.

From the Kilimanjaro International Airport, look to get to Moshi, Tanzania. There’s a good chance that the pickup and transfer will be included in your trekking package. If not, a private taxi from the terminals to any hotel in the town is set at a fixed rate of $50. There are also shared shuttle buses run by Precision Air that cost closer to $5 a head.

All prices are in US Dollars.  

5. An overview of Moshi, Tanzania

Moshi is known as the loveable, ramshackle hub of the whole Kilimanjaro region. A cacophony of honking 4X4s and crying goat herds, it’s the launchpad for the vast majority of expeditions to climb Kilimanjaro. During peak climbing season (more on that below), you can hardly move for trekkers – some fresh-faced and raring to go, others tanned and tired but with one line less on the bucket list– completing the Kilimanjaro hike to the summit.

Don’t whiz out of Moshi for the trailheads too quickly. Take some time to delve into the frenetic Chagga Street bazaar or navigate the stalls of the Mbuyuni market down Double Road, taking in all that Tanzania has to offer. They are working trading places where you can buy everything from used hiking gear to unusual healing roots from Maasai medicine men (not recommended!).

Moshi also has a fine gastronomic offering to help you fuel up before the Kilimanjaro hike or rejuvenate after returning from the summit. That comes in the form of Indian cookhouses selling spicy curries from across the Arabian Sea, a few Italian kitchens, and plenty of coffee stops – you’re in one of Tanzania’s top bean-growing regions, remember?

If you’re doing an organized tour and you haven’t already joined your trekking group at the airport, then you’re likely to do it in Moshi. It’s where you’ll leave from on the first day, usually to the starting point of the Machame Route, which is roughly a 30- to 40-minute drive to the northwest of town.  

6. When is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

So you want to climb Mount Kilimanjaro when the time is best. The general rule for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is to dodge the wet seasons. Tanzania has two of those: the short monsoon season and the long monsoon season. The first – just as the name implies – is over pretty quick. It lasts from the start of November to the first or second week of December. The second spans about three months, from March until May. That really leaves two windows of opportunity for trekkers who want what I’d consider to be peak conditions for their Mount Kilimanjaro hike:

• July-October – This is the busiest time to hike Kilimanjaro but also strikes the best balance when it comes to trekking weather. Rainfall dips to a quarter of what it was only three months before (0.8 inches (20 millimeters) over 30 days on average) and that means clearer skies for better views of the Tanzania landscape as you climb Kilimanjaro. The main downside is the uptick in traffic on the Kilimanjaro routes. Popular trails to the summit, the Machame Route included, see their highest numbers of climbers between July and August. That’s largely because this is during the European holiday, so things should start to temper a little towards October with less people attempting to climb Kilimanjaro. Expect some sub-zero nights as this is the cooler time of the year in Tanzania.
• January-February – The hiatus between the short and long rainy seasons is also one of the best times to climb Kilimanjaro. It’s a lot warmer than the window from July to October and generally stays dry, allowing for more comfort on your Kilimanjaro hike. What’s more, it doesn’t coincide with any major vacations in Europe or the US, which keeps crowds throttled a touch. The only thing to note is that you do risk losing the views come the afternoon. Mornings are typically clear, but heat hazes and clouds can gather by 1 o’clock in the early afternoon, disrupting the gorgeous views as you climb Kilimanjaro.

You don’t necessarily have to stick to the above seasons to make climbing Kilimanjaro a success. It’s actually possible to climb Mount Kilimanjaro at any time in the year. It’s just that the monsoons bring unpredictability into the mix and that means there’s less of a chance that your Kilimanjaro hike will be a success. More practically, traveling during the rainy season means contending with heavy downpours and muddy trails, so you’ll need to pack accordingly.  

7. Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro? Depending on your choice of climbing route, the trek takes between five to seven nights from base to summit. Choosing the right climbing route is arguably the single most important part of planning to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. There are seven routes up Kilimanjaro and each promises a unique experience of the mountain and varying cost to climb. These include the Machame, Marangu, Shira, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, and the Northern Circuit routes.

One might be a slow slog to the summit over seven nights. Another could be a quick five-day romp from base to summit that requires pre-acclimatization and plenty of training to climb Kili on this route. Each trek crosses a different part of the peak on the way to the summit, so you’ll see different things as you climb Kili – cloud forest, montane jungle, scree – depending on which you choose. However, most converge on the upper Saddle Plateau where you prep for the final push to Uhuru Peak.

Here’s a closer look at each of the seven routes up Kilimanjaro:

• Machame – Now the most popular route of all for climbers on Kilimanjaro, Machame involves three days of trekking high and then sleeping at camps that are lower down on the way to the summit. That’s proven to help with acclimatization, which gives the Machame path an overall success rate of 85% on the seven-day version of the Kilimanjaro hike. See why Machame is popular? It’s harder than Marangu, though. In fact, the Machame Route is dubbed the ‘Whiskey Route’ precisely for that reason. Expect steep climbs after leaving the rainforests on the south slopes and camping the whole way along.
• Marangu – They call Marangu the ‘Coca-Cola Route’ because it’s one of the most popular routes and is the most well-established. It’s also rated the easiest way to hike Kilimanjaro. There’s now hut accommodations the whole way along the Marangu route, so you don’t need to pitch tents and carry loads of gear while you climb Kilimanjaro. Marangu can be completed in five days, though that speed usually requires pre-acclimatization on Mount Meru or elsewhere. It’s a steady up and back on the same path on the southeastern edge of Kilimanjaro, making Marangu a great choice for less experienced climbers.
• Shira – The Shira Route for climbing Kilimanjaro begins at the Shira Gate before skirting along the Saddle to join up with the Machame Route before the push to the summit. This route to climb Kilimanjaro is usually reserved for more experienced climbers and certainly not for those on their first long-distance trek, mainly because it begins at an already-challenging altitude of around 11,480 feet (3,500 meters).
• Lemosho – Widely considered to be the most beautiful of all the ways to hike Kilimanjaro to the summit, Lemosho starts on the western side of the park, close to the gate for the Shira Route. But it takes a different path of climbing Kilimanjaro through the lower forests and offers better acclimatization from the get-go (you begin at 7,500 feet (2,286 meters) above sea level – not 11,000!). Sightings of elephant herds and strange fauna are more common along this path to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, and you should find that the path is nowhere near as busy as the high-trafficked Machame.
• Umbwe – The Jimmy Chins out there might want to consider picking the Umbwe Route. The Umbwe route is the hardest of all the ways to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Umbwe starts with two days of very steep walking directly through the rainforests and then the exposed alpine zones of the south slope. Later, Umbwe either connects with the Machame Route to reach the top or takes the cutback path to the Western Breach, one of the few true technical sections on the Kilimanjaro climb that’s open to experienced mountaineers only. Either way, Umbwe is sure to be a challenging, yet rewarding, route for any trekker.
• Rongai – The sole way to climb Kilimanjaro to the summit via the northern side of the mountain, the Rongai Route basically begins right on the Tanzania-Kenya border. It’s a five- to seven-day trek that makes use of the relatively gentle slopes on this half of the peak, although that can make proper acclimatization a little difficult while climbing Kilimanjaro. Descents are usually done on the south side of the mountain.
• Northern Circuit – One of the newer additions to the lineup of Kilimanjaro routes, the Northern Circuit fuses the best of the Shira and the Rongai paths into one nine-day romp. The real pull is that you’ll get to see parts of the volcanic Saddle that other trails go nowhere near, allowing for a more unique way to climb Kilimanjaro.

You should also be aware of the Mweka Route of climbing Kilimanjaro. It’s reserved for descents of the mountain on the south side and has a single camp pitstop on the way. It finishes at the Mweka Gate, which is only a 35-minute transfer back to Moshi. Can’t decide which route is best for you? Contact my team at The Explorer’s Passage, the premier adventure tour company on the planet, for a free travel consultation to help you find the best fit for your Kilimanjaro hike!  

8. Sample daily itinerary of the popular Machame Route

As we’ve already mentioned, the Machame Route is now by far the most popular way to scale Kilimanjaro and it’s easy to see why. 

First off, it offers what we think is the most diverse array of scenery of any trekking path here, first in the lush jungles on the southwestern side of the peak and then along the lunar-like Shira Plateau. 

Secondly, it’s been designed to fit with best practices in acclimatization, allowing trekkers to climb high and sleep low. It’s not for nothing that it has an 85% success rate – the best of all the paths on the mountain. 

The Machame Route is one of the routes we offer on our very own Kilimanjaro expeditions . So, here’s a closer look at what to expect each day, from the moment you arrive in Moshi to the last descent through the Mweka Gate and your departure from Tanzania:

• Day 1: Arrival in Moshi – You’ll be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport and be taken to your hotel in Moshi. There, you’ll meet your guides and fellow trekkers. Expect everyone to be buzzing with excitement!
• Day 2: Cultural orientation to the Kilimanjaro region – Before starting the trek up the great peak, you’ll first get immersed in some cultural explorations. You’ll meet the local Chagga tribe, visit their farms, and see one of the oldest churches in Tanzania.
• Day 3: Begin the climb – It’s time to start your climb on the Machame Route. The trailhead is about an hour from Moshi itself. There, you’ll join a path that weaves through the native rainforest to reach the Machame Camp at 9,875 feet (3,000 meters) above sea level.
• Day 4: Up to Shira Camp – There’s a hefty altitude gain on the fourth day that sees you lift over 2,600 feet (790 meters) to the edge of the main plateau. There are big rewards for your effort during this session – clear days will reveal visions of Mount Meru far on the horizon, along with the outline of Kilimanjaro’s summit looming overhead.
• Day 5: Skirt the mountain edge – Your trek continues on as you push up to 15,000 feet (4,600 meters) and skirt the edge of the Shira Plateau past lava stacks. The main challenge will be completing the technically demanding Western Breach portion of the trail. However, you’ll be rewarded with scenic views. After that, you drop to lower altitudes to rest for the next day.
• Day 6: Karanga Camp – The sixth day of our itinerary is the fourth on the mountain. It’s also one of the most amazing, as you traverse deep canyons and gorges carved into the higher reaches of the plateau. On a clear day, this is where you’ll see the great ice walls of the Kersten Glacier.
• Day 7: Nearing the summit – Day seven crosses a final dash of exposed scree slopes to get you to the last camp beneath the main summit. It’s only three hours’ trekking but can be very tiring on account of the altitude. The remainder of the afternoon is spent resting in preparation for the big push to the peak that begins around midnight.
• Day 8: Summit day – The day begins in the darkness and on extremely steep slopes that lead the way to Kilimanjaro’s legendary Crater Rim. Sunrise usually hits as you push above 19,000 feet (5,790 meters). It’s truly an unforgettable moment, as you watch the light illuminate the African plains and the surrounding lava fields. Later on, you’ll conquer Kilimanjaro by hitting Uhuru Peak.
• Day 9: The descent – You will have dropped back to 12,440 feet (3,790 meters) above sea level straight after hitting the summit. That leaves the last day on the mountain for the descent to Mweka Gate, where you’ll be met by our team and returned to the comfort of your hotel in Moshi for a hard-earned shower and meal!
• Day 10: Lively breakfast and farewells – Breakfast on the final day of your trip will be a very contemplative and jovial affair. All trekkers buzz with the endorphins that come with hitting the highest point in Africa. From here, you can keep exploring the local safari parks or choose to depart Tanzania anyway you like.

9. Key sites while climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro isn’t about checking off the sights like you do on a city break. It’s about moving through primeval cloud forests and jungles to scree ridges carved and blasted by ancient volcanic eruptions. It’s about scaling ridges above the clouds to survey plains dotted with elephants that look no bigger than ants below. To put it another way: Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is about the journey.

That said, there are a few points of interest on the Kilimanjaro hike that you should know about before setting off. They’re the key markers, the camps, the landmarks, and the geological features that you’ll meet along the way as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro:

• The Saddle – The vast plateau that joins Shira cone to Mawenzi cone, crossing the whole top of the mountain. This lunar-like area is where you’ll spend the middle sections of most treks to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
• Barranco Wall – A famous scrambling section on four of the main routes to climb Kili, including the Shira Route, Lemosho route, Umbwe Route, and the popular Machame Route, the Barranco Wall is an 850-foot (259-meter) rock face that climbers need to traverse to make it to the upper portions of the mountain. It’s not technical but can take two hours to complete.
• Uhuru Peak – Standing at 19,340 feet (5,895 meters) above sea level, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and offers mesmerizing views of Tanzania.
• Furtwangler Glacier – Just one part of the ever-diminishing ice cap that crowns Kilimanjaro, this one’s worth knowing because you’ll likely pass its hulking, 20-foot (six-meter) snow walls on the final push to Uhuru Peak. This glacier can be seen on either the Lemosho or Machame routes.
• Lava Tower – A bluff of basalt and frozen lava that rises above a campsite along a short detour off the Machame and Lenosho Routes.
• Mawenzi Peak – The name for the second-highest summit on Kilimanjaro, Mawenzi is the easternmost cone of the mountain and can be seen on the Marangu or Rongai routes. It’s open to climbers but is a much more dangerous prospect than climbing Kilimanjaro. The first ascent here wasn’t until 1913 and it requires expert knowledge of pitching and rope climbing to reach the summit.
• Mweka Camp – Mweka Camp sits along Mweka Route, the main path down the mountain after hitting the summit. It’s here that you’ll get that dopamine rush and gaze back at the sleeping giant you’ve just conquered. Campfire parties and good vibes are the name of the game as you reminisce on your Kilimanjaro hike!

10. Preparation and training

Training for climbing Kilimanjaro is no easy task. The best prep for hiking Kilimanjaro is hiking itself. If you haven’t already, get walking. Try to clock up sessions of four to six hours on comparably rough highland trails close to where you live. Better yet, do that wearing the very same boots you’re taking to Africa (see below) and carrying a full day pack on your back.

On top of that, road running, trail running, and weight training can all work wonders for training to climb Kili. Climbing Kilimanjaro demands a decent level of all-round fitness. That’s why it’s a good idea to take a holistic approach while training to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro and up your trekking game across the board – in cardio, strength, and stamina.

What gear do I need to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

There’s two pieces of good news when it comes to packing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. One: This isn’t a technical climb, so you don’t need any fangled harnesses or fancy carabiners. Two: The bulk of your pack and gear – including all your food, your sleeping setup, and cooking utensils – will be transported by your team (hence why it’s not unusual to have three porters to every one trekker!).

Your responsibility will be to prepare and pack for long-distance trekking while climbing Kilimanjaro that can last upwards of seven days and involve very unpredictable weather conditions. The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is July to October when the weather is milder, however, Kilimanjaro can summon all four seasons in just as many hours. Snowstorms, torrential rains, sub-zero temperatures, soaring tropical humidity – you can have the lot in a single trekking session. That means layers are key and waterproofs are necessary as you climb Kilimanjaro.

Always pack thermals. If you don’t use them in the heat of the Tanzania day, then you almost certainly will at night when the mercury can plummet below nothing without warning. This is another reason why early fall is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro when the weather is milder. Strong hiking sunscreen is a must as you climb Kili in the open sun. Oh, and be sure to pick a pair of boots that you know are comfy. New boots that aren’t worn in already aren’t a great idea because there’s no way to swap them out once you’re up on the saddle!

Altitude considerations for climbing Kilimanjaro

There are many things to consider when hiking at high altitudes . The altitude adjustment as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro is surely the number-one enemy of climbers looking to hike Kili. But, as one of the great Seven Summits, no one said it would be easy, right? Thing is, Kilimanjaro has an added twist: It’s prominence. Whereas you can start the push for Everest at a basecamp more than 16,400 feet (5,000 meters) up, the Machame Gate is a mere 5,900 feet (1,800 meters) above sea level.

That has ramifications as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. First, it means you have further to climb on this trek than you would between basecamp and summit on even the highest peak on the planet – it’s 11,433 feet (3,485 meters) from Everest Base Camp to Everest’s top but over 13,400 feet (4,084 meters) from the Machame trailhead to Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro!

Second, and most importantly, it means that you don’t have the pre-trekking to help you acclimatize. Here, you’re instantly dropped onto a path from relatively low altitudes and quickly gain as you climb Kilimanjaro.

Anyone who knows anything about Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS) will tell you that it’s not good. Not good at all. However, there are ways to deal with it as you climb Kilimanjaro. In fact, one of the reasons that the Machame Route is now so popular is because it works in two or three nights of sleeping low and trekking high, which is perfect for acclimatizing before the summit push. The result? An overall higher success rate and happier trekkers to boot.

You can also work in treks before you hike Kilimanjaro proper. Mount Meru is a smaller option that’s close by and doable in three or four days and a great way to prepare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Climbing Kilimanjaro is no easy task, and you are sure to learn a thing or two along the way .

It’s important to be aware that you’ll be trekking for extended periods above altitudes that are considered safe for humans as you climb Kilimanjaro. Estimations are that around 70% of climbers hiking Kilimanjaro suffer at least some symptoms of AMS. They could be anything from light fatigue to severe headaches and vomiting. Always communicate any level of symptoms to your guides and be ready to descend to lower altitudes if things get too bad as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro. Safety is our number one priority, so make sure you’re aware of the many important reasons to turn back during an adventure .

Mount Kilimanjaro permits

It’s been almost 30 years since the Tanzanian government imposed the requirement that all trekkers who wish to climb Kilimanjaro engage a licensed guide. There’s no going at this one alone, folks. You have to get help from a qualified company that specializes in trekking in the region, though those are certainly not all created equal, but that’s another story.

In addition, everyone entering the Kilimanjaro National Park is liable to pay certain fees. These actually make up a hefty chunk of the cost of most trekking packages, sometimes accounting for as much as 70% of the total cost to climb Kilimanjaro. They include a conservation fee of around $70 per day, a camping levy of $50 per trekker, per night, and $2 per porter and guide, per day. As you can imagine that all adds up over a seven-day expedition to climb Kilimanjaro– you’re looking at around $955 in fees for the normal Machame Route. Thankfully, these are usually included in quoted costs to climb Kilimanjaro as part of your travel package and are paid by the tour organizer beforehand.

All prices are in US Dollars.

Passports and visas to visit Tanzania

There’s a little visa admin to go through either before you touch down in Kilimanjaro or as you pass through the airport on the way to Moshi, Tanzania. That is, unless you’re from one of the 70 or so countries that get visa-free access to Tanzania. Sadly, the USA and the UK aren’t included in said list, though it is possible to get a 90-day visa on arrival. It costs $50 for non-US citizens and $100 for US citizens and must be purchased in dollars.

You can now also pre-authorize your visa to reduce waits at the airport (and there can be waits!) by applying for an eVisa on the official Tanzania immigration portal online. These expenses are important to factor in when considering the total cost to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. If all this sounds overwhelming, don’t worry! The Explorer’s Passage is always here to work with you and your preferences to craft a trip that fits your needs .  

11. Other adventures near Mount Kilimanjaro

The desire to stand at the very top of Africa draws something like 50,000 trekkers to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro every year. But that’s actually only a fraction of the total number of people who come to the beautiful country of Tanzania. Yep, the surrounding Kilimanjaro National Park can pull in 5,000 extra day visitors itself, and that’s not even mentioning the safari meccas, lakes, waterfalls, and other natural jewels that abound in the greater region.

Here’s a look at just a few of the most enticing adventures to be had near Mount Kilimanjaro:

• Climb Mount Meru – A little under 43 miles (69 kilometers) to the southwest of Kilimanjaro, Mount Meru is the next great peak that scores the Serengeti. It hits 14,900 feet (4,542 meters) and can be conquered in three or four days. It’s often seen as a fantastic acclimatization hike before climbing Kilimanjaro proper.
• Swim in the Marangu Waterfalls – As the name implies, these gushing waterfalls are close to the Marangu Route that goes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. They can be seen on a day trip from Moshi, too, offering wild swimming amid the vine-strewn tropical jungles under the mighty mountain itself.
• Bathe in the Kikuletwa Springs – What’s a volcano without hot springs? Cue the Kikuletwa Springs, where you can soothe post-hike muscles in lukewarm water beneath drooping palm trees.
• Lake Chala – Cruise down the A23 (a major road) from Moshi to the Tanzania/Kenya border and you’ll find this glimmering crater lake. It’s possible to kayak and swim in Lake Chala, but it is home to Nile crocs, so be wary!
• Lake Jipe – Eight-mile-long (13-kilometer-long) Lake Jipe is a good alternative to Lake Chala. Come here to see traditional fishing techniques in action and spot hippos between the reed-sprouting banks.

Cultural activities in the Mount Kilimanjaro region

The Mount Kilimanjaro region is a unique melting pot of East African peoples and cultures. It’s a land where the Maasai merge with the Chagga folk, where the Pare peoples of the highlands mingle with descendants of Indian émigrés. If that sounds like a great place for cultural excursions, then that’s because it is. Check out:

• The Olpopongi Maasai Cultural Village and Museum – See the traditional Maasai Boma huts made from dung and shop for folk trinkets at this cultural village on the west side of Kilimanjaro.

• Chagga Villages – Tour the hamlets north of Kibosho village and Moshi to see how the local Chagga folk cultivate exotic crops in the unique volcanic lowlands around Kilimanjaro.
• Coffee Union Café – No trip to northern Tanzania could be complete without a sampling of the local beans. Do it here, in a café that’s owned and run by the Kilimanjaro Native Cooperative Union, the oldest cooperative in Africa. It’s all roasted right there on site.

Safari options in Tanzania

Got some time left after your seven-day Kilimanjaro climb? There’s no better way to fill it than with a Tanzanian safari. In fact, the region around Moshi is considered one of the finest safari destinations on the planet. It’s got a string of five reserves (the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park among them) that are together referred to as the Northern Circuit, offering glimpses of diverse habitats and the fabled Big Five game .

• Ngorongoro Conservation Area – The Ngorongoro Conservation Area is one of Africa’s most famous safari destinations. On the edge of the Serengeti, it’s hemmed in by the crater rim of an old volcano, making it relatively easy to track lion prides and even more elusive creatures like cheetahs.
• Arusha National Park – Mount Meru crowns this compact park some 40 miles (64 kilometers) west of Moshi. It’s one of the safari jewels of Tanzania, replete with flamingo-filled tarns and gallery woods laden with blue and colobus monkeys. Arusha National Park is not the best for big-game viewing but it’s one of the more accessible and unique safaris in Tanzania.

• Serengeti National Park – Covering a whopping 18,641 square miles (48,280 square kilometers) of land at the heart of the Great Rift Valley, the Serengeti has become a byword for safari going the world over. And for good reason. It’s arguably the bucket-list destination, counting all of the Big Five and much more. It’s also the best place to witness the legendary great wildebeest migration across Tanzania.

This trip guide is just a taste of what you’ll experience on a remarkable trek up Mount Kilimanjaro. For more things you should know before climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro , check out the curated list of educational blog posts located on our website.

Better yet, if you have more questions on hiking Kilimanjaro or need help planning your trip to Tanzania, let’s connect! Our knowledgeable Adventure Consultants would love to hear from you so contact us and let us show you what’s possible .

Why travel with The Explorer’s Passage?

We pride ourselves on delivering extraordinary tours based on travelers’ needs and are humbled by our guests’ testimonials . In fact, our dedication has earned us a 5-star rating on Tripadvisor , and awards by Travel+Leisure Magazine and Newsweek. Check us out and discover why so many travelers worldwide choose us . My team and I would love for you to join us on the trek to Mount Kilimanjaro or any of our many other adventure trips !

Cheers, Jeff

Jeff Bonaldi Founder & CEO The Explorer’s Passage

About Jeff Bonaldi

Jeff Bonaldi is the Founder and CEO of The Explorer’s Passage, a premier adventure travel company. His mission is to provide travelers with the opportunity to transform their lives and the planet through the power of adventure.

Learn more about Jeff’s story and his company HERE .

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Climbing Kilimanjaro Trek Guide – Successfully Summit Africa’s Highest Mountain

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This climbing Kilimanjaro trek guide covers everything you need to successfully summit the highest mountain in Africa on the Lemosho Route.

Base Camp’s midnight black air is tinged with brisk cold, and the murmuring of unspoken nervousness turns into the sound of precisely paced footsteps on a dusky wall of a volcanic mastiff, decorated in a coil of headlamps. Climbing Kilimanjaro, an unpredictable and often unforgiving journey through the elements, comes down to this singular, extraordinary moment in time – reaching the highest point on the African continent.

By 6:30 am we emerge upon a plateau lit by the yellowing blue of early dawn, covered in the echoes of exhausted cheers, boots on crunching snow and the whirl of treacherous icy winds. Uhuru Peak, where the famed wooden sign congratulatory places you at Kilimanjaro’s Summit, is a fuzzy blur through frosty tears.

We’ve trekked up the bouldering mastiff for seven tiresome hours and sobbing is the natural release. I flitter simultaneously between feeling painfully fatigued and speechlessly overjoyed – an incredible odyssey of emotions standing on the magnificent snow cone of the Kibo volcanic crater and looking out across the world.

The Honest Guide to Climbing Kilimanjaro

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Mount Kilimanjaro is unsurpassable. Africa’s tallest mountain at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) is Tanzania’s centrepiece and an icon of the continent. The proclaimed ‘Roof of Africa’ is the highest single freestanding mountain in the world and attracts those wanting to climb it, stand upon the great extremities of a dormant volcano and witness views extended from the sky.

There’s no denying the trek to Kilimanjaro is demanding work and an endurance test that is not the equal sum of exhausting and euphoric.

Each day of climbing Kilimanjaro takes you slowly through a layered, five-tier geographical system from warm, dense rainforest to wind piercing desolate rocky desert hinterland to the snow-bound, glacier-capped crater summit with bitter minus temperature chill.

Summit night is the most gruelling and painful thing you will likely ever undertake on a commercial climb, yet every slow step that bears the weight of your lagging body is one closer to the goal and disappears as soon as you reach that famed board on the peak of the crater top. Agony fades in minutes with the awe and accomplishment it brings.

The Kilimanjaro trek is one that is only fully understood once completed – some aspects of the participation can never be so accurately put into words. The overall experience is achievable with the right planning and a responsible team of people and makes an inconceivable life goal a lifelong memory.

I’m here to ensure you have everything you need in this mammoth Kilimanjaro guide, following my journey on the Lemosho Route. All things to thoroughly plan your trip, manage your expectations, calm your nerves and get you ready to complete your biggest and greatest adventure, but with an honest dose of caution and reality.

READ MORE: Trekking 8 Days on the Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route .

Trekking Kilimanjaro – Technical Questions Answered

Many questions dominate your mind before deciding on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and that’s normal. Safety should be at the fore, as well as understanding the reality of the undertaking to prepare appropriately. Ego has no place on this mountain.

Climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is difficult and requires a reasonable degree of physical fitness, like any multi-day hike at altitude. It helps if you have hiked before and have trained beforehand, especially to build some stamina.

Despite a high, rocky wall climb and steep sections, no technical climbing skills are needed, such as ropes, harnesses and crampons.

Kilimanjaro is an intense and compounded expedition set to a disciplined pace rather than a gentle ramble through a national park. Everyone in my group found different days difficult, and what is a breeze for one is the worst day for another. Overall, with each day carefully paced, it’s more physically exhausting because of altitude, rather than distance, and you have no control when your body decides what to make of a particular trail that day.

Summit night on Kilimanjaro is tough and incomparable to anything I have ever undertaken. It was the most challenging, gruelling element of a trek I’ve ever experienced. A 1500m ascent that takes over six hours in darkness and potentially treacherous conditions, followed by a 3000m journey down to a lower base camp at a safer altitude, ravages your body since you will be trekking for around 16 hours on this day.

Anybody who says summit night and day is easy is lying, and it’s disingenuous not to be upfront about how wreaking that part of the trek is.

Depending on your chosen route, it can take six to nine days to climb Kilimanjaro, from the starting gate to leaving the national park.

Tackling this climb any quicker should be avoided – treks are precisely paced and planned over more extended periods for your safety in adjusting to the altitude, having plenty of rest, and being able to climb and then sleep at lower levels.

Kilimanjaro’s Uhuru summit – your ultimate goal – stands at 5,895 meters. At its lowest level, Moshi is 700m above sea level.

A small bus dedicated to your trek team and your gear drops you off at Londorosi Gate at 2250m to sign in before transporting you to your starting gate. From the start gate to Summit, you climb the entire way. 

I started at Lemosho Gate (for the start of the Lemosho Route ) at 2100m, taking seven days to safely climb a difference in altitude of around 3,795m.

There are two windows deemed to be the best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, which correspond to the driest months of the year , and with warmer temperatures:

• December to March
• June to October

The busiest times for trekking groups within those two windows are:

• January to February
• August to September

The wettest months are:

• April and May

There is no particular ‘best month’. Friends who trekked two months before me in December faced rain every day yet lucked out with a gorgeously clear, blue-skied, sunny Summit. In February, I experienced daily trails in sunshine and light chill and spontaneous showers, yet Summit was a treacherous and icy -20 degrees.

In short, even in the dry season window you are more or less guaranteed to experience all four seasons trekking to Summit.

The mountain, with its five different geographical systems, means you’ll pass a full spectrum of humid tropics to minus temperatures, regardless of what time of the year you visit.

Nights are chilly and sometimes in the low minus figures, even if the day is relatively mild. The Uhuru Point Summit can get as bitter as -20 degrees. We experienced -10 degrees with -10 degrees wind chill on the very top.

The Uhuru Point Summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

There’s no denying trekking Kilimanjaro carries with it a certain streak of dangerous territory since it is an extreme altitude mountain trek. And while not technical, it’s sheer height levels it on the side of heavy precaution.

While ‘how many people die on Kilimanjaro?’ is not the thing to Google before you go, it does pay to be aware of the low ratio of extreme cases concerning the overall amount of people who trek.

Over 30,000 people trek Kilimanjaro every year. Out of that, park reports state around 1,000 evacuations from the mountain and an average of ten deaths, attributed to Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS), known more commonly as Altitude Sickness.

With the right trekking group and guides, your health and wellbeing will be monitored every step of the way, including being brought down to a lower altitude quickly if you do get sick. You will soon notice when your guides are in high alert mode and how instantly they can detect changes in the behaviour and feeling of trekkers. They are your lifelines to a successful Summit.

Kilimanjaro Routes – Which One to Choose?

There are seven ways to get up Kilimanjaro, passing through the five ecosystems from forest to moorland, alpine desert, and rocky hinterland to ice glaciers and snow at the Summit.

There are four commercial Kilimanjaro routes you will hear most about, each with varying levels of difficulty and comfort, the means to acclimatise and the average success rate, alongside the desire to hike in a shorter amount of time or without the crowds.  

• Days trekking: 5 days
• Days trekking : 6 days
• Days trekking: 8 days
• Days trekking: 6 days

Looking for a comprehensive overview of which route to choose? READ MORE: How to Choose the Best Kilimanjaro Route

The four main Kilimanjaro trekking routes. 

I would choose between Macheme, as it is the most set and practised route, and Lemosho because of the extra time for acclimatisation, which is essential for summit success.

Choosing a Kilimanjaro Trek Tour

Now you have a better idea of which route you want to take, the next most crucial decision is with which tour operator to book your trek. With dozens of companies out there running variations of trips for hiking Kilimanjaro, it can be overwhelming.

Here are some questions you should be asking and what kinds of things you need to research and know before making your final choice.

Choosing a company with the right ethical approach to the work practices, conditions and wellbeing of its guides and porters is paramount. Are they paid well? Are they able to climb with the proper footwear and clothing? Are there enough porters for the size of the group, or are they being made to carry more than they should?

You’ll see plenty of porters without decent gear or pushed physically beyond healthy means. Many trekkers donate some of their equipment and clothing to the porters after the trip. Make sure your tourism dollars contribute to a decent wage and fair treatment. These guys are absolute warriors.

Are your porters well taken care of?

Your success at getting to Summit isn’t only about your physical fitness and your luck at the time with how altitude treats you.

It’s also about having a superb team with you who know how to read the mountain terrain and weather predictions and guiding each day precisely.

It’s about a team that knows how to read every passenger and immediately notice any changes that could compromise their health and safety.

It’s about guides who are with you every step of the way and don’t trek ahead and leave you behind, which I saw many times in other groups we passed.

It’s about having someone watch out for you, one-on-one, during summit night, noting your every move and feeling to ensure you make it to the top.

Booking a Kilimanjaro trek isn’t cheap, and there’s a reason for that. Hired guides and porters ensure your safety at the risk of their own lives and should be paid fairly, and then there’s the cost of transport, equipment, permits, food and amenities.

Therefore, you must never compromise on the above things by being blinded by a lower price.

Is the equipment in good shape? Some treks with lower prices don’t have the best equipment, such as tents and tables, or a decent standard of food.

What size of the trekking group? Treks can have a lower price because of larger trekking groups sizes. Ideally, you want no more than 10-12 in your group to ensure you receive due care and attention.

Is anything extra included in the price of your tour? Check if the cost consists of a pre and post-trek hotel stay.

Is the trekking time shorter? Mostly, lower prices are because the tours claim to get you to Summit quicker, where the recognised minimum amount of time is short by one day. This reduction of time is a huge red flag and compromises on essential acclimatisation days needed for your safety on the mountain.

Climbing Kilimanjaro with G Adventures

I travelled with G Adventures because they are world-leading Kilimanjaro trek experts , with a continuous and high summit success rate amongst the 1,500 trekkers who trek with G every year, and I was invited to showcase this particular trek. 

All four G Adventures Kilimanjaro trek tours score 100% on their ‘Ripple Score’ – an audit of the money spent on tours in each destination. Alongside a high success rate, you also know exactly how far your money is going. You become part of the collective commitment to supporting the locals in Tanzania when you undertake this trek of a lifetime.

Trekking group and the “G Fighters” team – How it worked

An outstanding team of 35 guides and porters accompanied the 11 trekkers in our group. Every day the ‘G Fighters’ (as is the affectionate name given to them) carried all our camping equipment, mess tents, food, water and a 10kg bag from each person. It would have been 33, but with a unanimous agreement to hire a portable toilet for the duration of the trek at an extra cost, we were able to employ two extra porters.

The porters are an invaluable part of your trek experience. By the time you leave camp, they’ve already packed it down. By the time you’ve reached the next camp, hours behind them, it is set up and waiting for you. Some would even walk back on the track to come and meet us, take our daypack from us if we were tired, and show us to our tents.

They brought us a hot drink and “washy washy” hot water every morning. Breakfast, lunch and dinner were hearty, well made, tasty and focused on maximum energy supply.

Incredibly, on Summit night, we were each paired with a guide or one of the most robust porters who would look out for us from start to finish in the return loop from Basecamp.

Trek prices start from €2000-€2500 for the Marangu and Macheme routes. Since they are the shortest routes, they tend to be on the lower end of the cost scale.

The Lemosho trek will set you back closer to €3000 as the tour is much longer, and therefore more staff need to be on the ground, and more essentials such as food are required.

The cost to trek Rongai is approximately €2400 – somewhere in the middle of the trek price spectrum.

Costs include Kilimanjaro National Park entry permit fees, camping permit fees and permit fees for porters, cooks and guides and the hotel stay on either side. Most of your money pays the wages of your mighty expert team, although you should also tip them at the end of the trip.

To climb Kilimanjaro, you must be accompanied by a licensed guide and legally follow one of the set routes on the mountain.

This rule, administered by the Tanzanian government and Kilimanjaro National Park Authority, became mandatory in 1991 to protect the environment and yourself.

Don’t think trying to skirt this is possible either, as these rules are heavily enforced and monitored. At every camp, you will sign in and list your details, which includes the name of your guide and tour company. Everyone must sign in and out of the National Park with his or her trekking guides present.

Your entire teams of guides and porters are essential to the success of your trek. If your ego is too big for this realisation, trekking Kilimanjaro isn’t for you.

Preparing and Training for Kilimanjaro

Some people join Kilimanjaro groups as first-time hikers but succeed because they are in good shape and have done the preparation. Success depends on your physical condition and how your body reacts to altitude (often unpredictable). It’s not based on how many previous treks you have done.

There’s no definitive answer, but many people train for 2-6 months before trekking Kilimanjaro.

Practice treks

We trained for two solid months here in Austria since we have more choices for different trekking grounds, including steep hills and hours-long circuits with varying elevations. If you are in the UK, consider a long weekend of training somewhere like the Lake District , with its pick of challenging but accessible mountain hikes. 

Friends had blocked out time to travel to various parts of their respective countries to tackle some hikes in rugged terrain, or in the UK, for example, hiked Snowdon to get their bodies used to the feeling.

Other workouts

I also did at least two HITT workouts a week at home to build core strength and stamina, alongside the Yoga with Adriene ’30 Days of Yoga’ challenge, which helped with the control overall with my breathing with the altitudes of Kilimanjaro and the rhythmic pace of each day of trekking.

We also gave up alcohol for six weeks before starting the Kili trek, although this is not essential. It was a personal choice to be in the best shape possible.

Testing your gear

The trek training period is also the prime time to break in new hiking boots and test your gear, including waterproof layers, thermal layers and the weight of carrying water via hydration backpacks.

With a 15kg limitation for the bag the porter will carry, plus the essentials bagged up in a daypack you carry, what to pack for Kilimanjaro can feel overwhelming. My Kilimanjaro Packing List covers my tried and tested trekking and camping gear, from hiking shoes and clothing to essential accessories and electronics. 

There is no risk of malaria when climbing Kilimanjaro since you won’t typically find mosquitoes above 2000m or so.

However, there is a high risk on the ground in Moshi before and after the climb.

Therefore, it becomes a precise process of when to take your anti-malaria medication. You have to start taking it one or two days before entering the malaria area of Moshi, yet only a day after arrival do you begin trekking Kilimanjaro.

Whether you continue to take antimalarial pills beyond the first day of trekking and while on the mountain is a personal choice. We stopped and then restarted them on the last day we were coming down.

Give yourself at least two months to organise your vaccinations. You will need Hepatitis A and B, rabies, diphtheria, tetanus, polio, typhoid, and a yellow fever vaccination before travelling to Tanzania. These are usually administered over a few weeks if you haven’t had them before or need boosters.

You will be required to get a single entry ‘Ordinary Visa’ (valid for three months upon entry) for Tanzania for your Kilimanjaro trip, and you can quickly get this online at the Official Tanzania Immigration Services Website . You need a valid passport (of at least six months), including one free page for visa stamps on entry and extra.

An Ordinary Visa (Single Entry) costs $50. Applications can take up to 10 days to be approved, so give yourself plenty of time in case of any issues or if you need to resubmit your application. You will receive an e-mail with a User Identification Number from which you can keep track of the progress.

You must have a travel insurance policy covering the usual elements like damage, in-patient medical treatment and repatriation, but also one that covers mountain ascents and rescue.

Check the fine print since many policies state a mountain pass limit, commonly “up to 2,500 metres” or “under 5,000m”. You may need a separate insurance policy or an activity/sports add-on, which includes trekking up to 6,000 metres. 

For climbing Kilimanjaro, you will need an insurance policy that covers

• Treks up to the height of at least 6,000m.
• Mountain Rescue by Helicopter/helicopter evacuation.

To get to Kilimanjaro, you need to fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), located right in the middle of the two towns of Moshi and Arusha.

Moshi is the town closest to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and is a 50-minute drive from Kilimanjaro airport. You can usually arrange a pick up via your tour company, or arrange a taxi via your hotel starting point.

It is a good idea to arrive early with plenty of time to rest before meeting your group. You will want to be present for the full briefing and last-minute preparations.

Kilimanjaro Trekking Tips

There is no miracle cure for an aversion to altitude. In the worst case, it can be severe and result in death, but in most cases, it just makes you feel sick and lethargic and can cause pounding headaches.

Everyone reacts differently or unexpectedly, but there are some ways to help prevent altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro.

Go slow – Pole! Pole!

Taking slow, measured steps during the trek to Kilimanjaro is as important as staying hydrated to prevent altitude sickness. Trekking is not a race or an opportunity to show off your sporting prowess – altitude can cripple even the most athletic.

You’ll regularly hear the Tanzanian “Pole! Pole!” meaning slowly-slowly, and while it feels strange at first, that pace needs to become second nature so that you do not overexert yourself at higher climbs.

Drink plenty of water

Drinking a lot of water daily – around 2-3 litres – is essential. Each day we were assigned an ideal amount of water to drink according to how many kilometres and hours we would be trekking.

Always Rest

You tend to leave each morning around 7 am and arrive at each camp in the early afternoon – and there is a reason for it. You need plenty of hours to rest, lie down and not overexert yourself at a higher altitude. What might feel like a long time to essentially “do nothing” is paramount for your overall success.

Daily health check-in

Every evening at dinner, we would go around the table and state how much we drank, how we felt and check our heart rate and oxygen levels with a finger pulse oximeter. Logging our vitals was a part of our daily health monitoring regarding progress or deterioration.

Try to eat, even if your appetite wains

Another way of detecting when altitude is affecting you is with appetite. Your appetite will proportionately decline as altitude increases. However, it’s essential to try to eat what you can, even if the only thing you can stomach is chocolate for a little energy boost.

Your body needs everything it can to deal with the thinning air. Even getting dressed and putting your boots back on in the morning becomes more challenging, and you often feel like you have to pull your body with each step once you are higher up.

Garlic Tablets

I spent a long time reading about the benefits of garlic tablets for altitude sickness and tales of garlic soup on high-altitude climbs. While I wouldn’t say my daily Garlic tablet supplement ultimately saved me, Garlic does help to thin the blood and enhance its levels of oxygen in the body, and therefore it might have certainly helped.

Taking Diamox for Kilimanjaro

I chose not to take Diamox/acetazolamide when trekking to Everest Base Camp , although I did have to take some two days before getting to the base camp summit or I wouldn’t have made it.

Since I am both a migraine sufferer and have a pre-existing condition – asthma – I have always tried to avoid altitude sickness drugs since they effectively mask effects and what your body is trying to tell you.

When planning for the Kilimanjaro climb, I had an instinct that I wanted to take Diamox. We both went to the doctor and talked through the options and given a prescription – for two tablets, taken daily.

After chatting with our Kilimanjaro guides, we soon learnt that one tablet a day was enough – half a tablet in the morning and the other half in the evening. It meant not overloading our body with Diamox, and still retaining a greater sense of feeling.

It’s a very personal choice. Some people in my group, like us, took it the entire time; others took it halfway through the trek, while one woman chose not to take it at all and still made it to Summit while feeling wretched.

I would advise having it with you and discussing the options with your guide. Have it for safekeeping in case you need it later.

A trek of this magnitude isn’t just about physical fitness. Rough day-to-day aspects of it can quickly overshadow the rosy, rainbow-filled picture of glorious hikes in mountainous lands.

With Kilimanjaro, camping can get to people, especially if you’ve never slept in a tent before. When the nights get cold and uncomfortable, it can push anyone’s limits. The stingingly cold weather and drenching rain downpour can strip out your positivity since there’s no way to dry off. The food can feel monotonous after a while and merely craving a comforting, wholesome meal makes you cranky. Someone in your group might start grating on you more than you would otherwise notice, and in your one mess tent and small camping circle, it’s hard to escape.

In short, you must do everything you can to make yourself feel better.

Pump yourself up with positive thoughts before you begin. Calm the nerves and think only of the greatness of the journey. Know the beauty of nature and the glory of the climb with these pre-trek encouraging mountain quotes. Choose one and let it power you. 

Approach each climb thinking of the spectacular endpoint. Know that every excruciating last step is worth it. Remember why you are doing this.

Be patient, and don’t expect instant gratification . The first few days may seem a little unstable, but you will soon form a routine, know what to expect, where your strengths lie and where to ask for help.

Know that having mixed emotions is ok. You’ll move from feeling fine and energised, to sad and moody, to bored and unhopeful, all in one day. You have to use a lot of mental energy to pull yourself out of it.

Bring your favourite things for comfort. Bring a book for the hours-long rest; bring your favourite snacks and large bars of chocolate. Fill your phones with motivational playlists and downloaded movies.

Remove yourself from negativity and annoyance. Walk away from people who are negative or do the simple thing of standing in a different part of the trek line from them.

Avoid asking, “how much longer?” or “are we nearly there yet?” We all did it, and the guides know how to word the answers to keep morale. You are told the night before about the next day ahead and average timings. Overall, I found it helped not to wear a watch.

Rely on the camaraderie of the group . Whether through singing songs, forming in-jokes, having chats about life as you get to know one another, or playing cards in the evening, your group morale is invaluable for your mentality.

Every day the chant was: “One team, one dream! Non-stop, to the top!”

Camping, Hygiene, Toilets and Water

Camping can get tiresome and rough during your time on Kilimanjaro, but it is also the main thing you need to get used to quickly. You camp with two-person tents assembled and dissembled by the porters. Each tent has a number, so you use the same tent and padded sleeping mats for the entire trek duration. Overall, this ensures a dedicated level of hygiene and peace of mind.

Get used to the fact that you will not be showering until you return to the hotel for the most glorious cleanse of your life. You get given a bowl of hot water in the morning and evening for washing, and it’s worth bringing baby wipes and a microfibre towel to feel as clean as possible.

We paid to have two portable toilets for our group, which saved having to rely on the gross long-drops found at the camps – which can be quite a walk from your group camping spot. Paying extra for the toilet is worth it for the overall morale of the group and general comfort.

On the trek, there are no toilets, only nature, affectionately dubbed “sending a message”.

Porters always carry water, providing daily drinking water for the trek team, topping up at any water sources we pass and using water purification tablets that kill microorganisms in the water. Water is readily available during meals and in the morning for the essential refill before the day’s trek.

Is there an Internet connection on Kilimanjaro?

Seriously, embrace the digital detox and enjoy the incredible landscape you find yourself within during this once-in-a-lifetime trekking experience. There might be a little signal, should you have a local Simcard, but it’s unnecessary.

What is the food like on Kilimanjaro?

There’s no denying that the food on Kilimanjaro does feel repetitious after a few days. However, our daily breakfasts, lunches and dinners were tasty, prepared with care, and every need was taken care of, even if someone was vegetarian or had an allergy or intolerance.

Breakfast consisted of a bowl of porridge, pancakes (with jams and peanut butter), and an omelette with added filler such as sausages.

Lunches and dinners were a course of vegetable soup, and then the main dish was made up of rice or pasta, vegetables and potatoes. Lunch after the famous Barranco wall was chicken and chips, and the group was delighted. You don’t realise how good a real hearty, comfort meal is until you have it after an arduous day.

Snacks were plentiful, including popcorn and biscuits, alongside a steady supply of tea, coffee, hot chocolate and our favourite treat – ginger tea.

Commercial as it has become, climbing Kilimanjaro is unmistakably worth it, especially for regular trekkers looking to up the ante and on the Lemosho Route that gets you a little off track to the more trodden routes.

Kilimanjaro isn’t an easy climb, and it never will be. Not everything achievable is easy, and it’s OK to say Kilimanjaro is quite the feat to endure and overcome. That is typically a strong basis for trekking – the pain brings reward. And with Kilimanjaro, you are rewarded with one of the most scenic and highest mountain summits in the world.

What to Do After Climbing Kilimanjaro? Beach and Safari

We went to Zanzibar before our Kilimanjaro time, as our flight route was cheaper to get from Europe to Zanzibar and then to fly in Kilimanjaro airport, although, in hindsight would have preferred this downtime post-trekking. Some members of our group chose the Kilimanjaro to Zanzibar trip and relished the relaxation. 

We spent two days uncovering the millennium layers of history in the architectural labyrinth of UNESCO Heritage Stone Town, where African, Arab, Indian and European cultures intertwine, before heading up to the island’s northern beaches for the day – said to be the most beautiful on the island.

As part of our trek-safari combo-tour , we headed straight to Arusha after Kilimanjaro to embark on the long, scenic drive into the centre of the Serengeti. The trip starts with a visit to Mto wa Mbu village and the opportunity for locals to introduce us to this multi-cultural area where over 18,000 residents from 120 different tribes reside.

Our drive into the wildlife parks began with the grassy flood plains of Lake Manyara National Park Safari on the western wall of the Rift Valley, patched with acacia and mahogany woodland and a haven for birdwatchers. The Serengeti is a vast savanna, spread so wide that you will never reach its outer edges without spending days on the road. You wild camp for the entire trip, to the distant sound of a lion’s roar and the footsteps, sniffing and shuffles of buffalos and hyenas curiously wandering around at night.

We came full circle back to the epicentre of the Ngorongoro Crater before camping on its rim. The water pasture of the Crater floor provides the ecosystem support for over 20,000 to large mammals and a chance to spot more zebra, prides of lions, hippos, and, if you are lucky, rhinos.

Our trip ended with a visit to a Maasai village to see the social enterprise Clean Cookstove Project in action. Some 120 women have trained to install more than 4,000 stoves in more than 60 Maasai villages across the Serengeti, replacing traditional open-fire and fuel-burning stoves whose smoke pollution is the fourth biggest health risk in the world.

Any plagiarism of this Kilimanjaro blog or any of its descriptions and images used on other sites and blogs without attribution is not information authorised by myself for use. Know your source. 

About Becki

Becki Enright is a British Travel Press Award-winning writer whose work focuses on changing perceptions about misunderstood aspects of destinations. Her writing combines storytelling with insight into the social, historical, political and economic factors that shape the country or place in relation to tourism. Becki has appeared live on Sky News and CNN and has contributed to high profile media including National Geographic, Time.com, Guardian online, New York Times, Grazia and Buzzfeed.

Charlotte Blackwood says

31 December 2020 at 11:39 am

Thank you for this information lots of questions answered here.

Candice says

24 November 2020 at 1:36 pm

Holy smokes this is an incredible guide. Thank you!

24 November 2020 at 1:49 pm

Thank you so much! Are you thinking of climbing Kilimanjaro in the near future?

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Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know in 2024-2025

Kilimanjaro climbing guide.

Kilimanjaro towers at 5,895 m/19,340 ft above sea level. It is the highest free standing mountain in the world and the "Roof of Africa".

Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular travel attractions on the continent. Over 40,000 people visit it every year. It's an incredibly beautiful trek where a climber doesn't require technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average fitness level. This is why many people begin their Seven Summits journey with Mount Kilimanjaro.

We wrote this guide to help climbers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime adventure. All the recommendations below are the results of our 10+ years of experience. Over this time we at Altezza Travel have organized Mount Kilimanjaro hiking trips for over 20,000 people.

Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike

Kilimanjaro Routes and Maps

Kilimanjaro Group Climbs

We offer Kilimanjaro group climbs almost every day. If you have specific vacation dates and can't find a suitable group, contact our managers. We may consider opening a new open group beginning on the dates you suggest. To sign up for a trip, we require a $100 deposit only.

Popular questions about Kilimanjaro

When is the best time to climb kilimanjaro.

Late December to early March and mid-June to late October are the best times for a Kilimanjaro climb. This is when the Kilimanjaro weather is nearly ideal.

Although other months have rain, it doesn't mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, rains begin in the latter half of the day. This allows trekkers a significant window of clear weather every day during the rainy season. There are also days without any rain. Altezza offers discounted climbs during the wet season.

You may read more about the seasons of Kilimanjaro .

How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?

As of 2024, a comfortable and safe 7-day group climb costs about $2600-2800. A shorter 5-6-day adventure or a season-discounted trip comes at $2100-2400. This amount includes the park entrance fees, which make up about 40% of the total trip cost.

Any trekking companies offering below this amount should warrant caution. You may get low-quality guides and bad equipment. Such trips often lack medical kits and oxygen tanks, putting your safety at risk.

Also, low prices always correlate with the mistreatment of porters. None of those operators is a member of the KPAP. The crews of budget operators are often underpaid and poorly fed, putting their and hikers' safety at risk.

Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa. It is just three degrees south of the equator. While some of the most iconic panoramic shots of Mt. Kilimanjaro have been captured from the Kenyan side, all trailheads lie in Tanzania. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.

Many Kilimanjaro expeditions begin in Moshi, the capital of the same region.

Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, stands tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Yet, this doesn't mean you'll be starting your climb from the very base. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are at an altitude of 700-1,000 meters above sea level. The trailheads begin at elevations of 1,600 meters and above.

Due to its altitude, Mt Kilimanjaro is among the few places in East Africa to see snow. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is truly a sight to behold!

We believe that after seeing it, Ernest Hemingway decided to name his famous story "The Snows of Kilimanjaro." The title refers to the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It represents the unattainable, and the purity of idealist motives. In the story's conclusion, the protagonist dreams of being taken to the summit of Kilimanjaro, symbolizing redemption.

The time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the route chosen. Most expeditions last 6 to 8 days. An experienced hiker with prior acclimatization usually climbs Kilimanjaro through an accelerated 5-day program. If you stay overnight in the crater, Kilimanjaro climbs can take 9 days or longer.

Among the Seven Summits, the Kilimanjaro trek is one of the shortest. For example, climbing Mount Everest takes 6-9 weeks, Denali and Aconcagua- 2-3 weeks. Kilimanjaro takes about one week only.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is subject to the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The official rules dictate that a local guide must accompany all hikers. Rangers at the park will not permit entry to anyone without a professional Kilimanjaro guide.

Also, venturing up to the Roof of Africa solo involves certain risks. During the summit night in the peak zone, one may succumb to altitude sickness or get injured. If needed, the guides will assist with evacuations and other emergencies.

Finally, climbing Kilimanjaro is more than merely a physical challenge. You'll go on a rich cultural journey with your guides. You will learn about Kilimanjaro's plants, animals, and history. The guides will also share vibrant stories of the communities living in its shadow.

Anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro should keep the park entrance fees in mind. As of today, they come at $140 per day per hiker. This amount includes several types of fees:

• 'Conservation fees' are for staying in the National Park and enjoying its nature.

'Crew fees' - there is a small charge for each crew member entering the National Park to support you on the trek.

'Rescue fee' - this is a sort of mandatory 'insurance' payment. The hikers pay it to use the Kilimanjaro rescue cars. Please keep in mind that this is not a substitute for a real insurance package.

Don't worry about the park fees when planning your trip. Tour operators include them in the tour price and we will pay them to the park authorities on your behalf. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Altezza you can be sure that we will take care of every detail.

Preparing and training for Kilimanjaro

How should i train for mount kilimanjaro climb.

Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is crucial to climb Kilimanjaro. However, summiting Kilimanjaro doesn't require athletic prowess. A healthy average would be adequate. As a guideline, we suggest assessing whether you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 mi). If you can do it, then you are fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

A great exercise for hiking Kilimanjaro is running. Keep training until you can confidently jog 4-5 km (2.5 - 3.1 miles). Good training programs are available at the Nike Running Club app.

Swimming is an excellent complement. Swimming strengthens your entire body and improves your heart and lung endurance. This makes it a great addition to running. The first primarily focuses on leg endurance. Swimming takes it further by engaging the arms, core, and legs at the same time. Water buoyancy is also good for people who want to protect their joints while exercising.

Finally, it is great if you have any rural areas nearby with rough hiking trails. Aim for longer ones, ideally in the 10-15 km (6-10 mi) range. Remember, most of the Kilimanjaro hike will be uphill. So, training over longer distances in the countryside will prepare you for the Roof of Africa.

You may also check our Kilimanjaro training plan . It's useful for building your stamina and fitness for the climb.

When are the rainy and the dry seasons in Tanzania?

Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season begins in early November and lasts until late December. It is followed by the dry season, which lasts until mid-March. Then the season of long rains begins, ending in mid-June.

You should consider the northern slopes to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. According to the data we received from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this part of the mountain receives five times less rainfall. Good Kilimanjaro routes to choose from are Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.

One should also remember that the period from June to October in East Africa is marked by cold nights. At the high altitudes of Kilimanjaro, the nights will be pretty chilly. Make sure you have everything from our packing list.

Fit climbers often hike Kilimanjaro too quickly. They don't take enough time to acclimatize at lower elevations. Many reach camps faster than the rest of the group. The fast pace increases their risk of getting mountain sickness.

Climbing Kilimanjaro preparation goes beyond physical fitness. It's also a test of discipline and a steadfast commitment to the acclimatization plan.

On a Kilimanjaro trek with Altezza Travel, every climber receives a balanced diet designed specifically for the mountain environment. Our specialized menu is rich in calories and carbs to provide you with ample energy.

For breakfast, we serve porridge, pancakes, fruit, eggs, sausages, and toast with jam. Lunch or dinner options include delicious soups like butternut, tomato, leek, vegetable, and beef, potato dishes, spaghetti, chicken, stews, fresh vegetable salads, and avocado. All meal courses are served with delicious sauces and dressing. For dessert, we have mangoes, bananas, pineapple, and oranges. They give you important vitamins and minerals. Coffee and tea are always available in the camp.

We also have extended meal plans for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free climbers. We will do our best to accommodate other diets also.

Throughout the trek, our guides will frequently pause for tea with biscuits. Nonetheless, climbing Kilimanjaro demands considerable energy. Hence, we recommend you bring snacks such as energy bars, dried fruits, and high-calorie treats. It's preferable to purchase these at home. There might be a much broader variety of such products available in your country compared to Tanzania.

At Altezza Travel, we've conducted an in-depth analysis and examined the data from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. We looked at the records of over 40,000 climbers.

Our findings revealed that starting your trek on a Wednesday or Thursday reduces the crowds you will encounter. There are almost twice fewer climbers starting on these days compared to the rest of the week.

Additionally, we discovered that the Rongai route has eight times fewer climbers than the popular Machame route. Thus, by hiking Mount Kilimanjaro on Thursday and opting for the Rongai route, you'll encounter nearly 16 times fewer climbers on your way to Uhuru Peak.

What should I pack for a successful summit?

We offer tents, thick sleeping mattresses, tables, tableware, chairs, and other equipment. However, you must bring your own hiking gear. This includes boots, a sleeping bag, duffle bags, pants, trekking poles, and other items from the packing list.

When you climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the temperature changes a lot. It can be as hot as 25°C/77°F and as cold as -15°C/5°F. It is essential to bring clothes for all kinds of mountain weather.

If you want to travel light or don't want to buy gear, you may rent equipment from Altezza Travel. We have an extensive inventory of quality gear in prime condition.

Check our Kilimanjaro Packing List to learn everything you need to know

Kilimanjaro Guides

50+ expert kilimanjaro guides work for altezza travel.

Our lead guides have a lot of experience across all Kilimanjaro routes. All are certified as Wilderness First Responders. They are a great company to climb Kilimanjaro with.

Professional Guiding Crew

Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

This trail is one of our favorite Kilimanjaro routes. It starts on the beautiful western side of the mountain. On Lemosho, one may see amazing views of the Shira plateau.

Rongai is a great option for exploring the northern side of Kilimanjaro. It offers a more private experience and amazing views of the Mt Kilimanjaro summit. We recommend it for the rainy seasons.

The Machame route is the second most popular of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes. It offers good acclimatization and great views on the way to Uhuru Peak.

Questions about Kilimanjaro safety

Altezza Travel recommends Global Rescue , known for reliable reimbursements. Your coverage should include three important things. These are high-altitude hiking up to 6000 meters, helicopter evacuation, and medical services.

In order to acclimate and summit successfully, we recommend following these simple rules:

Hike slowly. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. By following a moderate pace, you'll enable it to produce more red cells. Those are used to transport more oxygen to the vitals and to increase the breathing rate. Our guides will be monitoring your pace and will help you to correct it if needed.

Drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Staying properly hydrated is essential. Water will be provided by our crew along the trek.

Join our acclimatization hikes. Each day, our guides lead short hikes from the camp to higher ground and then back again. These hikes usually last no more than 2 hours. They help a lot with getting used to the altitude. We suggest everyone takes part.

If you have time, consider climbing Mount Meru before your Kilimanjaro trip. Those close to South America will have many options for similar hikes. For example, on the Inca Trail. Climbing other lower mountains around the world can also be fantastic. It will help you get used to higher altitudes, preparing you for the Kilimanjaro journey.

Lastly, if you choose routes that are seven days or longer, your body will have more time to adjust. This will improve your chances of reaching the summit.

To acclimatize better on Kilimanjaro, the best routes are Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai. Consider them, or other itineraries with seven days and more.

On the seven-day Machame route, you won't need any extra acclimatization days. Equally good options are Rongai and Lemosho. These are the main routes we use for most of our trips. However, if you think you're not very physically fit, you may add one or two days for extra rest.

At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the level of oxygen in the air is roughly half of what it is at sea level. Most climbers can reach Uhuru Peak without using extra oxygen.

Yet, to be on the safe side, we take precautions. On our expeditions at Altezza Travel, we always have plenty of oxygen tanks. The cost of oxygen is included in the tour price.

We have 300+ oxygen tanks ready for our expeditions, more than all other operators combined. In an unlikely scenario, if your group needs extra oxygen, we will send it from our base. The neighboring Altezza groups on the mountain are also ready to share theirs. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with us is always safe.

During climbing Kilimanjaro expeditions, Altezza Travel teams carry comprehensive medical kits . On the hikes, we use smaller tactical kits. They contain everything needed to treat injuries, scratches or twisted limbs. Our camp's larger medical kits have medicines for common problems on a Kilimanjaro climb. Such as for nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues. Also, we have lots of oxygen ready to help you prevent altitude sickness when first symptoms arise.

The situation is different if you take any prescription medication. Better take it with you on your Tanzania trip.

Relative to other mountains, Kilimanjaro has a low death rate on all its seven routes. Of the approximately 50,000 individuals hiking Mount Kilimanjaro each year, 3-5 lose their lives. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization.

The mortality rate for Kilimanjaro porters is notably higher. Each year, 20-25 porters die while being a part of a Kilimanjaro crew. The most popular reason is pneumonia, caused by a lack of proper gear or shoddy tents. Responsibility for this largely lies with super-budget trek operators.

To end the mistreatment of porters, always choose a KPAP-registered company when climbing Kilimanjaro. This organization makes sure that operators treat their crew fairly by paying good wages and providing everything they need for safe working conditions on Kilimanjaro. You may learn more in our video about our involvement in the KPAP work .

In the 10 years that Altezza Travel has been operating, we've guided over 20,000 climbers to the summit. We haven't had a single fatality. In addition, we are a proud member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and regularly donate funds to them.

The highest peak of Kilimanjaro was named Uhuru Peak to celebrate Tanzania's independence from Britain in 1961. "Uhuru," means "freedom" in Swahili.

Tanzania has famous destinations for any kind of African adventure. The most popular destinations are Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. It is undoubtedly a great idea to plan a safari before or after the climb. We have a fleet of new safari cars and a team of highly professional safari driver-guides who will your safari truly unforgettable!

Altezza Travel - a responsible operator of Kilimanjaro climbs

Altezza Travel is a Tanzania-registered tour operator. We live, work, and pay taxes in this country only. Our commitment to Tanzania extends to impactful social responsibility initiatives . Our team regularly plants trees on Kilimanjaro, fights bushfires, and protects wildlife on the mountain.

We are also the largest tourism employer in Kilimanjaro. There are over 300 people in our office and hotel teams. Our Kilimanjaro crew is 1500+ people strong and keeps rising annually. We are proud to attract the best talent in the region by offering the best working conditions and pay.

Feel free to contact our team for comprehensive advice about Kilimanjaro. We are here for you.

See you in Tanzania!

Updates from Mount Kilimanjaro

Altezza Travel runs 15% of all expeditions on Kilimanjaro

Hi! You can read our article about Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari here: https://altezza.travel/en/articles/giant-groundsel .

On every route, there are stationary toilet facilities at the camps, but we highly recommend renting a portable toilet to improve the comfort of your expedition. Many of our guests say that this was their best investment ever :)

As for the stationary shower, it's available only on the Marangu Route, but it's a cold shower. You can rent a portable shower from us that comes with hot water. It's allowed to be used on any route, except Marangu.

Thank you for your question! We offer two types of expeditions - private and groups. You can visit our YouTube channel to learn more about the difference - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7SSaFpWW0OU . Our join-in groups typically consist of around 12-15 people during peak season and 4-6 during the low season. Regarding the pace, you don't need to worry. Our guides hike at a very slow and comfortable pace. However, if you prefer to go faster or slower, the group can easily split up so that everyone can walk at their own comfortable pace.

Greetings! If we are a family of three, can we share one tent during the climb?

In our classic expeditions, we use The North Face VE-25 model tents. Although these are designed as 3-person tents, it can be quite cramped with three people and their duffel bags inside. Therefore, we recommend these tents for two people and their baggage.

For our premium climbs, we offer Altezza walk-in tents equipped with beds. These tents also have a standard capacity for two people. However, we do provide a Living Tent option where we can accommodate up to four beds. This is an excellent option for families who wish to sleep together. The only minor drawback is that these larger tents can be a bit more chilly at night compared to the smaller ones.

Hi! It's stated that April is a rainy season on Kilimanjaro, but how many days does it really rain and how heavy is it?

Based on our experience and information from the Meteorological data of Tanzania, it rains almost daily in April and can be quite heavy. If this is the only month you can climb Kilimanjaro, we would advise choosing the Marangu route, where you can overnight in wooden huts, or the Rongai route, where there is three times less rain than on the southern routes

Trek to the Summit of Africa's Highest peak

• Climb Kilimanjaro!

From $6,895

Very Strenuous

Call 1-800-368-2794 or contact us for any questions

Important Note: Wilderness Travel does not summit Kili from Barafu (15,311'), as most other companies do! The bleak and crowded Barafu campsite is packed tent-to-tent with climbers who begin their 9-hour summit day at midnight, climbing through the dark on a crowded path. Our Northern Circuit Route avoids this by camping at Crater Camp (18,800'), beside the spectacular glaciers at Kili's crater rim, making our summit climb short—just 541 feet!

SAFARI EXTENSION DISCOUNT $500 off per person when you add a Safari Extension to your Kilimanjaro Climb Special offers cannot be combined with other discounts

Arrive: Arusha, Tanzania

Depart: Arusha, Tanzania

• Climb the best route to the summit of Africa's highest mountain!
• Uncrowded trails, Kili's five ecozones, vital extra days for acclimatization
• Sunrise on the summit of Africa, camp by the glaciers on Kili's crater rim
• Led by the most experienced guides on the mountain
• Best camp amenities for your comfort, safety, and nourishment on the climb
• We set the standard for environmental stewardship and support for our porters

Dates & Pricing

Pricing below is per person and based on double occupancy. The earlier you book, the more choice you’ll have. WT also has the most generous cancellation and transfer policies in the industry, we make it easy if you change your mind. Have a small group of your own? Take over an existing date or choose your own. You’ll have your own private guide–and the adventure–all to yourselves!

Payment & Cancel Schedule

At time of reservation: $600 90 days prior to departure: Balance

Cancellation & Transfer Schedule

Up to 91 days prior to departure: No Charge! 61-90 days prior to departure: 25% of trip cost 46-60 days prior to departure: 50% of trip cost 45 days or less: 100% of trip cost

• Expert leadership of a Wilderness Travel Trip Leader and local guides
• Accommodations in mountain camps and private acclimatization camp
• All group camping and cooking equipment
• All ground transportation and baggage handling from meeting until departure
• All activities as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Use of Mountain Hardwear Lamina sleeping bag rated to -30ºF and 3" Therm-a-Rest sleeping pad
• Membership in Knight Support First Air Responder

Not Included

• Travel to and from the arrival and departure location as indicated in Detailed Itinerary
• Additional hotel nights outside the trip's scheduled dates
• Optional gratuities to Trip Leaders and porters
• Optional travel insurance
• Other expenses of a personal nature (some alcoholic beverages, laundry, etc.)

Accommodations

Scroll through our signature accommodations for this trip below. Although it is highly unlikely, we may make substitutions when necessary.

Mount Meru Seasonal Camp

Arusha National Park, Tanzania

Days 1-2 (2 nights)

Camping on the Mountain

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Days 3-10 (8 nights)

Mount Meru Game Lodge

Arusha, Tanzania

Day 11 (Day Room Only)

Trip Leaders

Wilderness Travel Trip Leaders have a passion and a joy for creating an unforgettable journey. We are extremely proud of them and the incredible travel experiences they make possible. For more information, including client comments about them and which specific trips they will be leading, please click on their profiles below.

Samia Asindamu

Bonaventure Kivuyo

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated a Level 6+ (Very Strenuous) according to our trip grading system, our most strenuous rating. There are no alternative hiking options available. Despite the fact that the Kilimanjaro climb doesn't require climbing equipment or technical skills, it is extremely challenging and considered a real physical test. All trip members must be in excellent shape—both physically and mentally!

Challenge Days

• Day 9 - 7-9 hours, 2 miles, 2,500 feet ascent/descent
• Day 10 - 8-10 hours, 8 miles, 500 feet ascent, 9,200 feet descent

How Tough is This Trip?

You need to be able to hike on steep, uneven surfaces and over loose scree. You must feel comfortable and confident on your feet for an average of 8 hours a day, with recent experience hiking 10 miles in a day. There are dangers inherent in any expedition to high altitude—in this case, 19,340 feet, with an overnight at 18,500 feet.

Trail conditions, weather and the group's level of fitness can affect hiking times. Normally, some trip members hike faster than others. Our climbing groups are accompanied by highly experienced Kilimanjaro mountain guides in addition to the Wilderness Travel Trip Leader so that we can divide into smaller groups, each hiking at their own pace and each with its own guide.

You will be hiking through a variety of different terrain along your ascent and descent. From forested areas with low angle dirt trails, into loose lava flows and valleys, all the way up to steep volcanic scree. In general, the trail is a tight footpath, rocky underfoot, winding its way across lava flows and exposed ridges. As you gain elevation, the mountain becomes steeper and the footing becomes looser. Compounded by the high elevation, these last days cover less ground but are the most physically demanding. Along this trek, dangers include everything from rock falls to the possibility of a serious fall, accident, or sickness without access to a means of rapid evacuation, adequate medical supplies, or adequate medical attention once provided. Although we carry oxygen and Gamow bags on every climb, it is important that all participants understand that the climb is very challenging. Our Trip Leaders and crew are experienced veterans of the mountain, but it takes cooperation and flexibility from each participant to ensure a successful ascent.

Every participant must understand that this trek is truly challenging — you should be in excellent physical condition. Even though trip members carry only a daypack (with camera, jacket, rain gear, water bottle, and other small necessities you may need during the day), we recommend you make a special effort to get in top physical shape for the trip by hiking, running, swimming, bicycling, or engaging in other forms of aerobic exercise well beyond your normal routine. Many activities get heart and lungs into shape, but the most effective way of getting fit for hiking is to hike! Walking up and down flights of stairs is also an effective way to train. Bending your knees as you go down stairs will help strengthen your quad muscles. At least two months prior to your trek, we urge you to go on weekend day hikes that involve long uphill and downhill walking.

For this trek, we require your doctor sign the Wilderness Travel Medical Form. Once Wilderness Travel has confirmed your place on the trip roster, no refunds beyond our standard fees will be made if your physician refuses to sign the form. It is very important that you and your physician fully agree that you are physically capable of undertaking a strenuous trek, and equally important that you undertake proper conditioning prior to the trek.

The Trek Leader has the right to disqualify any member from the trip at any time if it is medically necessary, to avoid endangering the group, or if the participant in question is physically unfit for the rigors of the trip. Refunds are not given under such circumstances.

As in most mountain areas, the weather on Kilimanjaro can and does change abruptly. Usually, Kilimanjaro's summit clouds appear around 10:00 am and then disappear from around 4:30 pm until sundown. The snow line usually begins at 17,000 or 18,000 feet, but a sudden storm may bring it as low as 14,000 feet (the snow line is usually at its lowest after the two rainy seasons). Daytime temperatures range from the 50s to the 70sF at altitudes from 7,500', where we start the climb, to about 12,000'. Above this altitude, daytime temperatures are lower and evening temperatures can drop to 10°F or even lower.

Above 16,000', daytime temperatures most often are in the high teens to low 40s, but on the occasional clear calm day, because of the lack of atmosphere to filter the UV, it can feel hot. At this altitude, you should expect nighttime temperatures to be below freezing, and temperatures below zero are not uncommon. At the summit, it is rarely above 45°F during the day. Kilimanjaro is the first high-altitude obstacle facing the moisture-laden winds from the Indian Ocean, so it receives higher than average rainfall.

We don't offer climbs during the rainy months of April and May or November. As with most mountain areas, the weather on Kilimanjaro can change abruptly so you need to be ready for these sudden changes with extra layers of clothing, including waterproof gear, in your day pack at all times. Usually, Kilimanjaro's summit clouds appear in the late morning and then dissipate shortly before sundown.

On the Kilimanjaro climb, porters carry the group gear and you carry a daypack for your wind/rain jacket, water bottle, and camera (depending on your equipment, this can weigh approximately 10 pounds). The camp crew sets up camp each day and we are served dinner in a dining tent with tables and chairs. We use American-made mountaineering tents rated by the manufacturer as 3-person tents but we use them for only two people, ensuring a fair amount of space for sleeping. Sleeping bags are rated to -30°F and sleeping pads are three inches thick and over two feet wide. Fires are not allowed on the mountain so there are no hot showers available at camps (hot showers are available at all of our safari camps).

For more information about our accommodations, please reference our “Camping with Wilderness Travel” and “Climb Kilimanjaro Lodging” pages of the detailed itinerary.

While there are certainly limits as to what can be done in such a setting, our Kili climbs have become renowned for the excellent meals served on the mountain, even at the highest altitudes. We have put a great deal of effort into combining proper nutrition with appealing and varied dishes; WT even launched the first chef training school in Tanzania over twenty years ago to create the highest standard of food quality for our high-altitude climbs.

Breakfasts typically include tea, coffee, fruit, eggs, bacon, porridge and homemade granola. Picnic lunches set up along the trail midway through the day can include sandwiches, soup, energy bars, nuts, fruit, cheese, crackers, and guacamole. Dinners vary day by day (and with elevation moving to foods that are easier to digest) but include soups with baked bread, an assortment of salads, pasta with garlic bread, spaghetti Bolognese, cauliflower, carrots, tomatoes, and of course brownies and apple pie with cream!

We have a separate dining tent with food available upon request at any time, and provide an assortment of snacks for you to take on the trail, including mixed nuts, energy bars, homemade granola, dried fruit and much needed sugary sweets to boost your energy at higher elevations such as chocolate bars.

Please let us know of any dietary needs and we will accommodate as best as possible.

Environmental Concerns

Extend Your Trip

Gorilla Tracking in Rwanda’s Parc National des Volcans Extension

From $3,395

Ngorongoro Crater and Serengeti Safari Extension

From $3,885

Client Testimonials

"We had an amazing time on this trip. It was extremely well planned, and we didn't have to worry about anything!"

Amanda & Lance L.

"Amazing trip! Leadership, other personnel (cooks, porters, etc.), itinerary, and particularly the meals definitely exceeded my expectations!"

Houston, TX

"I felt very well cared for in every way. This was a challenging trip, but it was so well planned and well executed that success was assured. Thank you for designing a trip that made it possible for me to complete this climb with such high spirits and all happy memories!"

Palo Alto, CA

"We were very impressed by the quality of the crew on the Kili climb. All were friendly, supportive, encouraging, and clearly better organized than other groups we saw on the mountain. Our camp cooks were amazing."

Lebanon, NH

"It was an amazing trip, with awesome porters and guides who created a fun atmosphere. Turkey dinner on Christmas Day with Christmas crackers! How fun was that! On the summit, we were on top of the world, thanks to our guides and porters."

Redmond, WA

"Your team did an amazing job coordinating, assisting, informing, and providing sound leadership."

Hillsborough, NJ

"Wonderful trip, very smooth despite the logistical challenges. Amazing, really! I felt well taken care of."

San Antonio, TX

"Had the time of my life. Beautiful landscapes. Great companions. Didn't want to come home!"

Raleigh, NC

"The climb up Kilimanjaro could not have been better. The preparation and communication of what and where we were going was outstanding. The overall guide team was fantastic; all were caring and concerned about our health and well-being. The route was good, and the timing of the campsites allowed us to make the summit without much difficulty. The food was great, the porters were friendly and thoughtful. A really memorable time."

Richmond, VA

"Wow. I was blown away by the quality of the food and lodging during the Kilimanjaro expedition. This was due to the very hard work of the many experienced, talented, and excellent porters and staff members who accompanied us on the mountain. The head cooks, in particular, went above and beyond in crafting healthy, delicious menus that sustained us on our journey."

Jacqueline V.

Atlanta, GA

"This is the best Kilimanjaro trek that you are going to find anywhere, with any company. I highly recommend it!"

Newton Center, MA

"It was an indescribable, life-affirming experience that I will always cherish. In particular, I wanted to commend your selection of Bonaventure and Innocent as trip leaders. Their skill, thoughtfulness, and dedication made the entire trip seem effortless even though the challenge was great."

Burbank, CA

"We had an amazing adventure and it was made perfect by the hard-working team of people on the ground. The leaders and porters were truly amazing, and every day their kindness and attitude were outstanding. I can't say enough wonderful things about your team in Africa!"

Jennifer K.

Kittery Point, ME

"Bonaventure and staff continually inspired confidence in our group. At no time did I ever doubt we would make it to the summit."

Newburgh, IN

"I loved, loved, loved the trip—if I could do the Kilimanjaro climb every year, I would. It was an extraordinary experience."

Alexandria, VA

"The Kilimanjaro climb was the experience of a lifetime. WT does such a fantastic job. It was so well organized and I always felt safe and secure."

"Another incredible WT trip!! 5-star cuisine all the way to the top. Porters and all staff went out of their way to pamper us and rally us to the top. The whole trip was impressive."

"It was a wonderful experience! The guides and porters were half of what made the experience great, as were the really nice people we had in our group. We thought the route we took was awesome, and when we descended along the other route and looked back at the camping areas and scenery, it was confirmed that we had chosen the most beautiful hiking option with the best camping sites! As well, when we looked at other operations on the hike, it was obvious that Wilderness was one of the best run and top quality operations out there!"

New Ulm, MN

"There are no words to describe this adventure. This is the best trip so far!"

"It was a trip of a lifetime. WT did everything to make it a success and to maximize our chances to summit and it showed. The care shown by WT and its local partners for their guests made us feel like we could do anything, including summiting Kili! It is why we keep returning to WT for our adventures. "

Arlington, VA

"This trip was everything I've ever wanted and then some! The food was phenomenal and the accommodations (even the tents) were extraordinary. I had an amazing experience and can't wait to go on another Wilderness Travel trip."

Granger, IN

"I cannot say enough incredible things about the logistics, trip quality, support team, leadership. The emphasis on cleanliness at camps was highly appreciated and the food was always excellent and plentiful."

North Wales, PA

"I was very impressed. Everything was smooth. Amazing food on the mountain!"

Steamboat Springs, CO

"The Kilimanjaro trip was one of the best trips I've ever done. Both my husband and I loved the trip and our guides were excellent!"

Michelle W.

Johannesburg, South Africa

"The trip of a lifetime for me! It was life changing and outstanding in every way. I not only made the summit but also fell in love with Africa and her people."

"This is an outstanding trip. Everything is well thought out and very well executed, every step of the way. The pre-trip planning and organization are top-notch. Everything from pick-up at Kilimanjaro airport on arrival to drop-off at departure was seamless. Pre and post-climb lodging were exceptional. The Safari extension was similarly well planned and well organized. The tented camps were fantastic and our safari guide was exceptional. This was a life-altering experience for us. Thank you for making it possible!"

Anchorage, AK

"Climbing Kilimanjaro was one of my life goals, and I am so glad to have done it with Wilderness Travel. The trip was amazing, extremely well thought out from start to finish. The team anticipated our needs and did everything within their power to ensure that we had a fantastic experience. Their knowledge and assistance enabled us to get to the top and to feel good doing it! And the food...holy moly! I ate the best pizza I have ever had in my entire life on the side of Mt. Kilimanjaro. How many people can say that?!"

San Francisco, CA

"A first-class trip, smooth from start to finish."

Boulder, CO

"You did a wonderful job of planning the trip, and my climbing partners and I felt wonderfully cared-for—pampered really—by so many details such as hot water and coffee at the tents upon wake-up, tea time every day (which included wine except when we were climbing), hot eucalyptus-scented washcloths and cool fruit juice awaiting us when we returned from hot, dusty days on the Serengeti."

Middletown, CT

"An epic, life-changing trip for all 7 of us. Will sing your praises to any and all people that want to take on this challenge. As far as I am concerned, your plan is the only way to do the trip!"

San Clemente, CA

"Our guide and the assistants were outstanding, encouraging us and providing helpful information for the entire itinerary. We could not have summited without them!"

"Trip of a lifetime. We are so pleased that we selected Wilderness Travel."

"I had a fabulous trip—truly the trip of a lifetime. I cannot thank you enough for the well-thought-out itinerary and acclimatization plan."

Sacramento, CA

"A trip of a lifetime that far exceeded my expectations. The route was truly spectacular, which we appreciated more on our descent and saw what other climbers experienced on their way to the summit. We could not have asked for better guides, who provided individual attention to each climber to give them what they needed and to ensure all were successful in reaching the summit. Unforgettable memories!"

Palatine, IL

"Fabulous—could not have expected more and cannot think of any way the trip could be improved. I felt very well taken care of, comfortable, and loved every minute of it!"

Sarabeth D.

"Seeing the sunrise at the summit was exhilarating! All of the staff were amazing, from the leaders to the guides, cooking/camp staff, and porters."

"Although standing atop Kilimanjaro was arguably the motivation and goal for this trip, the ascent to the summit up the snow slope out of Crater Camp was an incredible experience for me. The beautiful weather (mostly cloudless, no wind) was definitely a contributing factor, but the crunch of the snow beneath my boots, the freezing air, and the first rays of sunlight striking the clouds on the horizon while the stars gleamed above... absolutely sublime. I'll never forget that moment and the experience on that slope. (Reaching the summit was cool too.) It is why we seek out the wild places, as you know."

Hampton, NJ

"A class organization. Other groups we encountered on the mountain were not even in the same ballpark. The Trip Leaders, porters, and all ancillary support staff were fantastic."

South Londonderry, VT

"This was an awesome trip. It is a challenging hike but the staff does a great job at making the summit attainable—I wouldn't go with anyone else!"

Manakin Sabot, VA

"An outstanding itinerary, giving us time not only to acclimatize but also to enjoy the many wonders of the mountain, which go well beyond just the summit (spectacular as that is)."

Seattle, WA

"Amazing, fantastic, great, awesome. I totally loved it."

"Wilderness Travel's route up Kilimanjaro was far better, more interesting than the major highways used by most trekkers. We were the only group at many campsites and felt like we were the only people on that magnificent mountain."

Trenholm W.

Charleston, SC

"Fantastic travel experience with a caring staff, comfortable accommodations, and delicious food considering the logistical challenges on Kilimanjaro. Camp food was varied and beautifully presented. Porter service was always with a smile."

Virginia Y.

Leesburg, VA

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Our Area Specialists know every detail about our tours. They will be happy to answer any questions and help you choose the journey that’s right for you. Contact us to learn more or book your trip today!

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Trip Levels

With more than 200 different adventures to choose from, we want to help you find the trip that’s right for you. Our Trip Level system ranks each trip in two ways: a number rating from 1 to 6 according to the activity, and general travel rigors. 1 is the easiest and 6+ the most difficult—see descriptions below for explanations of each number. A plus (+) sign means the trip is a bit more strenuous than other trips of that level. The detailed explanation of each trip—below the bar with the number rating—is perhaps more important, specifying activities, altitudes, hiking, and travel conditions. The Detailed Itinerary, available by download or mail, gives further information. Our Area Managers can also answer questions and guide you to the trip that best suits your interests.

Level 1 – Easiest

Non-camping journeys, optional walks, little elevation gain or loss.

• Royal Rajasthan and Villages of India
• Small ship cruises

Level 2 – Easy to Moderate

Hotel nights and/or safari-style camping, hikes of two to four hours on some days. Other physical activities are sometimes included, such as optional sea kayaking.

• Our African safaris
• Costa Rica Wildlife

Level 3 – Moderate

Half- to full-day hikes (3-6 hours) over rolling countryside on most days, occasional steep trails. Many of our hotel-based walking tours are in this category, as are our snorkeling adventures.

• Tuscany & the Cinque Terre
• Argentina: Hikes and Estancias of Patagonia
• Palau Snorkeling & Sea Kayaking
• Some trips with minimal hiking but rugged travel conditions or long drives, such as  Tribal Ghana, Togo & Benin,  are Trip Level 3.

Level 4 – Moderate to Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-6 hours), mountainous terrain, significant elevation gains and losses (hiking up or down as much as 3,000 feet) on many days. Altitudes no greater than about 10,000 feet.

• Ultimate Patagonia
• Hiking the Spanish Pyrenees

Level 5 – Strenuous

Full-day hikes (4-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Trips with hiking at average altitudes of 10,000 to 12,000 feet are in this category.

• Inca Trail to Machu Picchu
• Everest Lodge to Lodge

Level 6 – Very Strenuous

Full-day hikes (5-8 hours), mountainous, steep terrain (hiking up or down as much as 3,500 feet) on many days. Most hikes take place at altitudes above 10,000 feet, with some days ascending as high as 18,000 feet.

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Kilimanjaro is one of the best known and most famous mountains in the world.  It also might be the most climbed mountain with an elevation this high, though in some years Cotopaxi (only 1-2 meters higher!) might give it a run for its money.  

The mountain holds many accolades.  It is the highest mountain in Africa, one of the Seven Summits, and the highest freestanding mountain (a freestanding mountain is a mountain that isn’t part of a mountain range).  It is also the highest volcano in the eastern hemisphere and the forth most prominent mountain in the world.

Kilimanjaro is a huge stratovolcano composed of three distinct volcanic cones, Kibo (the highest summit) in the center, the rugged Mawenzi on the east, and the Shira on the west.  Kibo is considered to be dormant and it is possible that it could become active sometime in the future.   Shira is the oldest part of the mountain at 1.9 to 2 million years old and Kibo is the youngest at 150,000 to one million years old.  The last large eruption of Kibo dates to about 360,000 years ago, but minor eruptions have happened as recently as 200 years ago. The mountain is most famous for the accolades above, but also because of its equatorial glaciers and snow, the fact that it can be ascended by trekkers, anf because it forms a backdrop to famous game reserves such as Amboseli National Park, often with elephants or giraffes posing in the foreground. The mountain is one of the "easiest" to climb of any mountains in the world of a similar elevation, but it should not be underestimated.  Thousands of trekkers underestimate the mountain every single year and every single year there are a few deaths.   The famous icecap and glaciers of Kilimanjaro are rapidly disappearing and the mountain has lost more than 85% of its icecap in the last 110 years.  Many of the former glaciers are completely gone and most of the remaining glaciers are expected to disappear completely by 2040 with the last remaining ice disappearing before 2060. Historians don't agree on the origin of the name Kilimanjaro, but most agree nowadays that it either means mountain of caravans or mountain of greatness in the past local languages.  Kibo apparently means spotted in Bantu and refers to the alternating snow and rock patterns high on the mountain. The mountain was first ascended by Hans Meyer on October 6 1889.  In recent years, about 30,000 people climb Kilimanjaro every year, though there was a drop off in numbers due to COVID in 2020 and 2021. 

• Getting There

Getting to Kilimanjaro is easier than it ever has been.  Most people will use the Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) located between Arusha and Moshi.  Others may come overland from Nairobi or even Dar es Salaam, though the later is a bit time consuming.   Most guiding services will pick you up at the airport, though it is possible to arrange everything on site by taking the shuttle or a taxi to Moshi or Arusha.  Moshi is probably the better of the two cities to organize a Kilimanjaro trip from since it is much closer to the mountain.  

• Routes Overview

There are seven recognized routes on Kilimanjaro that are legal for trekkers to use.  In the past there were several technical routes on Kilimanjaro, but these have melted out and are no longer allowed or viable. Starting from the Marangu Route, here are the routes in clockwise direction from Marangu Gate: Marangu Route This is said to be the easiest route up the mountain, but the one which also has the lowest success rate.  The reason for the low success rate is that many people don't take enough time to acclimatize.  This is also the easiest route to organize, is the least expensive route, and the only route where you stay in huts each night. The biggest disadvantage to the route is that you descend the same route that you ascend, unlike all of the other routes so you don't get to see as much of the mountain.  Some say this is the least scenic route because of this, but it's still pretty. This is a good route to take in the wet season since you stay in huts and don't have to worry about the rain. Some say that this route doesn't provide good acclimatization, but there are possible side hikes to side hikes from Horombo Hut to places like Zebra Rock and beyond towards East Lava Hill and Mawenzi, so it doesn't have to be that way.    If you do the Marangu route, it is recommended that you spend 2-3 nights acclimatizing around the Horombo Hut before heading up to Kibo Huts.  The side trips above are one way to occupy your time. Many people try the Horombo Route in just five days, but very few are successful.  Taking six days is better, but taking seven (or more) is much better and provides a much better chance of reaching the summit. Also be aware than many people using this route just reach Gilman's Point and call it the summit, but the true summit (Uhuru) is quite a ways from there.  Although the marangu is considered the easiest route on the mountain, summit day is harder than on some of hte other routes because you must do the traverse between Gilman's Point and Uhuru.

• Umbwe Route

This is considered the toughest of the trekking routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro, but some say that it is also the most spectacular.  Since this is also the shortest route up Kilimanjaro, there is a temptation to go too high too fast. On the plus side, this is the least popular of the open routes to Kilimanjaro so you will likely have solitude the first few days. Most trips access the summit via the ridge between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, but accessing the Western Breach (when open and stable) is also a possibility.  If you do take this route, it is recommended that you take a day or two layover from Barranco camp before summiting.  At least six days is recommended and seven is better.  The route descends the Mweka Route.  

• Machame Route

This scenic route is also the most popular, having taken the title from the Marangu Route several years ago.  This route is considered to be harder than the Marangu, but provides more acclimatization.  The scenery is good and this is the second least expensive route.  The only real drawback to the route is the crowds. Most of trekkers using this route now days access the summit via the ridge between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, but accessing the Western Breach (when open and stable) is also a possibility. Seven days is recommended, but some climbers try it in six.  The route descends the Mweka Route.  

Lemosho Route Along with the Umbwe Route, this is considered the most scenic route on the mountain. It is also said to have the best views. It is also one of the longest routes, but that's good, acclimatization wise.  The route is said so tie with the Rongai Route as having the most wildlife of any of the routes.  The trail offers many advantages, but the two disadvantages are that it tends to be more expensive since it's a long drive from Moshi and it tends to be one of the wettest routes so it is only recommended in the dry season.   Still, many consider this to be the best route on the mountain and it getting more popular all of the time.

Most of trekkers using this route now days access the summit via the ridge between the Rebman and Ratzel glaciers, but accessing the Western Breach (when open and stable) is also a possibility. Most people take 7-9 days on this route.   The route descends the Mweka Route.  

Shira Plateau Route This route is similar to the Lemosho and meets the Lemosho Route after the first day, but it used more for rescue work that by trekkers.  The route is still open for trekkers, but isn't recommended since it missed the forest and has a higher trailhead which provides less acclimatization.  Every source I have seen says to do the Lemosho instead and that is my recommedation as well.

Northern Circuit Route This is the newest and longest route on the mountain. It ascends the Lemosho Route to Moir Camp and then traverses the entire north side of the mountain to the Rongai Route.  Many say this is the best route on the mountain and it provides the best acclimatization and highest success rate.  It is the most diverse route and sees all sides of the mountain (except for maybe the southeast).  The only real disadvantage to the route is cost. The route takes nine days minimum.  The route descends the Marangu.  

Rongai Route This is the only route on the northern side of the mountain.  Advantages of the route are that along with the Lemosho, it is considered to have the most wildlife and it is on the driest side of the mountain which makes it a good route in the shoulder and wet seasons.   Because this is on the dry side of the mountain, some consider this to be a less scenic route than the Lemosho, Umbwe, or Machame routes, but that's only true if you opt for the six day version.   The seven day version is better and visits Mawenzi Tarn and Mawenzi itself up close.  This is one of the most scenic and spectacular places on the mountain.  The forest isn't as lush on the north side of the mountain, but since you descend the south side via the Marangu you will see the lush forests anyway.   The Rongai is said to be the second easiest route up the mountain (after the Marangu), but the seven day version is the one recommended, both for the best scenery and acclimatization.  

Opinions There are no bad routes on Kilimanjaro and all of them have their own advantages and disadvantages.  From talking to several people and guides, I'd recommeded the Lemosho or Northern Circuit if you are there in the dry season and the Rongai if you are there in the shoulder or wet season.  Of course opinions might vary and you really can't go wrong with any of the routes (unless you don't take enough time with acclimatization!).  

All parties or individuals making the climb must do so with a licensed agency and guiding service.  This is mandatory and no exceptions are made.  Park fees, camping fees, and guiding fees have all gone up significantly in recent years and Kilimanjaro has become rather expensive.  Booking with a local agency will be much cheaper than booking with an international service and local services will usually provide a better experience.  

• When To Climb

Kimilmanjaro can be climbed year round, but some time periods are generally better than others. The best times of year to climb the peak are probably February to early March and September and early October.  These two generally provide the best balance between stable weather and lower crowd levels. July and August probably have the best weather of all, but are also the most crowded.  Mid December through mid or late January also tends to be very crowded.  For this reason, many might want to avoid those two time periods.  April is the wettest month of all and should probably be avoided.  May and November can be quite wet too, but the Rongai route especially can have fine weather then. If you go during the wet season, the Rongai and Marangu Routes are best.  The Rongai is on the driest side of the mountain and the Marangu has huts to sleep in so the rain isn't that much a problem (though do expect muddy trails in the forest.  The good news is that the crowds are much lower in the rainy season.  In May 2022, we saw one couple on the Rongai Route on day 2, but that was it until we reached the Kibo Huts.    Keep in mind that the highest parts of the mountain are actually quite dry.  It's the lower slopes where rain is more of a problem, though snow does fall on and around the summit.  The below chart shows when the driest and wettest times of the year are.

The Marangu Routes have Huts at every night's stop.  All other routes require camping and permits to do so, but this will be taken care of through your licensed guide service.  

Blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, alpine mice, rock and tree hyraxes are all commonly seen on a trek to Kilimanjaro.  Birdlife is plentiful as well. Elpahants and giraffes do inhabit parts of the mountain, but are rarely seen.

The climate on Kilimanjaro depends on the elevation and ranges from Tropical to Arctic.  The west and south slopes of the mountain are wetter than the east and north sides of the mountain.  See below for the generalized climate of Kilimanjaro at various elevations.

• Mountain Conditions

CLICK HERE FOR SUMMIT WEATHER FORECAST

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A TYPICAL TRIP ITINERARY

A TYPICAL TREK & SAFARI ITINERARY

A typical trip itinerary with the kilimanjaro experts.

Because a trek up Africa’s Highest Mountain is probably not something they’ve done before, so it can be quite difficult for our climbers to imagine what their trip is going to look like.

With this in mind, the following is a ‘typical’ itinerary for an ‘average climber’. Of course, there is no such thing as a typical itinerary, just as there is no such thing as an average climber.

There are so many variables with every itinerary. You may not want a safari, for example; or, if you do, you may prefer to take it before the trek rather than afterwards. You may not be flying in to Tanzania but crossing overland from Kenya or elsewhere. You may or may not want a ‘free day’ before your trek to recover from your flight.

And so on and so on.

But hopefully the following schedule will give you some idea of what your trip will look like – with variations – if you book your climb with us.

And of course your own itinerary will be built to suit you, and as a result may or may not look like the example given here.

We have assumed that this person  has booked an eight-day climb on the Alternative Lemosho Route, as that is our most popular trek, and that they have a safari booked for after the trek – as again, this is what the majority of our climbers request.

Itinerary: 8-day Alternative Lemosho Route trek followed by a five-day safari

Day 1:  arrival at kilimanjaro airport..

After clearing customs and passport control, you will walk out of the airport, to be met by a crowd of taxi drivers and representatives of various agencies. Our driver will be holding up an A4 piece of paper with your name clearly printed on it. Just make yourself known to him and he will take your luggage from you and lead you to his car.

It is approximately 45 minutes from the airport to Arusha, though this travel time can be shorter/longer depending on which hotel in Arusha  (or just outside of it) you have chosen.

At the hotel you will be taken to reception. Having checked in, you then have the rest of the day/evening to relax.

Your accommodation, and the transfer from the airport, are both included as part of the standard trek package (though you may have to pay a little extra if you have chosen an upgrade on the standard hotel).

Day 2:  Free day; pre-trek briefing in evening. 

It is advisable, particularly if you are flying in from North/South America, Australia/New Zealand, or the Far East, to give yourself.a full day to rest, relax and recover fully from your flight. It also gives you more time to prepare properly for the expedition ahead. You can spend this day relaxing by the pool, going on a half-day tour of Arusha with one of our guides , or even take a safari to Arusha National Park (which is a very good idea if you haven’t booked a post-trek safari). There are actually several different national parks that you can visit on a day-trip from Arusha, but Arusha National Park is perhaps the best for a pre-trek safari as it is close to Arusha and makes for a relaxing, easy introduction to Tanzania).

In the evening you will be met by your guide for the trek. He will brief you on your expedition , and c heck that your clothing and equipment will be suitable for the climb . He should also bring any clothing or equipment that you have chosen to hire from us, to make sure that it fits. This may also be the first time that he checks the oxygen saturation in your blood using a simple gadget known as a pulse oximeter. He can then use this reading as a ‘baseline’ by which the readings he takes on Kilimanjaro will be judged.

Note that if your hotel is out of the city, or if the other trekkers on your climb are spread out over several different hotels, the guide may have to brief you in the morning, during the drive to the mountain. We will try to warn you in advance if this is likely to occur.

Your accommodation, and the briefing, are both included as part of the standard trek package (though, again, you may have to pay a little extra if you have chosen an upgrade on the standard hotel). This is the second and final ‘free’ night’s accommodation. Note that the accommodation is booked on a B&B basis, so you will be responsible for finding and buying your own lunch and dinner (though the hotels do all have their own restaurants). The guide book that we give you has a guide to Arusha, including reviews of the city’s restaurants.

Day 3-10:  Alternative Lemosho Route trek, 8 days.

The itinerary for the trek itself is dealt with separately and depends, of course, on which route you actually take. But note that, whatever route you chose,  you are scheduled to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro on the morning of the penultimate day . So in this example, for an eight-day trek, you will reach the summit on the morning of the seventh day of the trek (and the ninth day of the whole trip).

Note that park fees, wages, food, camping equipment and transport to/from the mountain at the start/end of your trek, are all included as part of your trek package. The only thing that isn’t is the tips .

Day 10: Last day of trek. Return to Arusha for night in a hotel.

All being well, you will finish your trek and arrive at the exit gate of Kilimanjaro National Park at about lunchtime. Having collected your certificate as proof of a successful climb, you’ll then be taken to Moshi for a celebratory lunch with the entire crew. This is where tips are distributed. You’ll then be taken back to your hotel (or to a different one, if you’ve decided to stay somewhere different after your trek) for a well-earned shower and, perhaps, a celebratory dinner with your fellow trekkers before you all go your separate ways the next morning.

If you’ve booked a safari for the next day, your driver will visit you this evening for a quick briefing about the safari .

If you have already spent two nights in Arusha, then you will have to pay for this third night’s accommodation – it is not part of your trek package.

(Note, too, that if you are pressed for time, it is possible to fly out from Kilimanjaro Airport this evening (and there are several airlines with evening flights). If you need to do this, we will take you straight from the lunch in Moshi to the airport. We can secure you a day room at a hotel convenient for the airport, so you can have a shower before catching your flight – though note these are a lot more expensive than they should be! If you have any bags left behind at the hotel in Arusha, we can bring them to you at the airport so you’ll be reunited with them before your flight.)

Day 11-15: Four-day safari, Northern Circuit.

Again, the details of this safari will vary from person to person. Some will want a five-day safari so they can spend some time in the Serengeti and maybe even go on a balloon safari. Others will be happy with just a simple day tour to one of the more convenient parks such as Manyara or Tarangire.

Day 15: End of safari. Return to hotel. 

At the end of your safari, we will again return you to you hotel in Arusha. Once again, if you have a flight out this evening, we can take you straight to the airport after your safari (taking you via the hotel if necessary so you can pick up any luggage you left at the hotel, and perhaps have some dinner if you have the time). Alternatively, you can spend one more night at your hotel (again, this will be at your expense).

Day 16: Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for flight home.

The driver will pick you up from your hotel and take you to the airport in good time to check in for your flight (this usually means you’ll be collected from your hotel approximately three hours prior to the departure of your flight).

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OUR DATES AND PRICES! >

Our Ironman and Hybrid treks >

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How to book >

A typical trip itinerary >

Safety on the trek >

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Kilimanjaro Experts specialise, unsurprisingly, in climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. We are called the Kilimanjaro Experts, because that’s what we are. Henry Stedman has been writing the bestselling guide book to climbing Kilimanjaro for over 20 years, and has handpicked the best and most experienced guides, cooks and porters to make sure your Kilimanjaro climb is safe, fun and successful.

We also provide treks up Kili’s little brother, Mount Meru, as well as top-class  safaris around Tanzania’s famous Northern Circuit.

To begin your journey to the top of Africa’s Highest Mountain, just click here .

Alternatively, contact us via one of the following methods:

Mobile: Henry +44 7710 973063 David +44 7791 251778

email: [email protected] or: [email protected]

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Budget Tours & Trips to Mount Kilimanjaro

230 budget mount kilimanjaro tour packages with 692 reviews.

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Mount Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu Route 8 days Tanzania (all accommodation and transport are included)

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GROUP JOINING MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING THROUGH MARANGU ROUTE 8 DAYS TANZANIA (all accommodation and transport are included)

"Climbing Kilimanjaro was an accomplishment that was made easier and more enjoyable. The food was great and they were very fun to be around." prince, traveled in October 2022

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Kilimanjaro Climb Machame Route 6 days

"Your unwavering dedication, positive attitude, and boundless enthusiasm made our expedition truly extraordinary." Markéta, traveled in February 2024

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"World Adventure Tours was perfect in all aspects of the trip. We were given fine mountaineering equipment and the chef made some of the best meals we ate in Tanzania." Olivier, traveled in June 2023

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Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route 7 days

"They give it all a 100% to deliver the best service for your entire climb." Decran, traveled in November 2022

7 Days Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro Trek using Marangu Route

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8 Days Tanzania Mount Kilimanjaro Trek using Machame Route

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Kilimanjaro Trekking Machame Route 8 Day Program **Qualified Mountain Guides & Sustainability Certification**

"Fantastic service and staff." Sagipa, traveled in June 2023

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Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 10 Days *

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Climb Mt.Kilimanjaro via Lemosho Route

"The overall experience exceeded my expectations. I highly recommend Authentic Africa Travel to anyone looking for an adventure of a lifetime." Winfrida, traveled in November 2023

What people love about Budget Tours in Mount Kilimanjaro

We summited Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route with Spider Tours And Safaris. 6 days on the mountain. There were 6 of us in the group with an age range from 14 to 66. Our guides Emanuel Peter and Marco were great - attentive, knowledgeable, encouraging. The chef did an excellent job keeping us fueled.The whole team, guides to porters, were very supportive and made it possible for all of us to reach the top, and we all did.

Smart and friendly guides, professional service, good food . Highly recommend spider tours and safaris!

We want to express our deepest appreciation for the outstanding service you provided during our recent Kilimanjaro climb. Your unwavering dedication, positive attitude, and boundless enthusiasm made our expedition truly extraordinary. From navigating challenging terrains to preparing delicious meals at high altitudes, your commitment to excellence was evident every step of the way. Your professionalism, combined with infectious morale, not only ensured our safety but also contributed significantly to the overall enjoyment of the journey. Each one of you played a pivotal role in creating lasting memories that will forever be etched in our hearts. Your teamwork, kindness, and genuine passion for what you do shone brightly, turning a challenging adventure into an unforgettable experience. So, to Haji, Musa, Isaac, Kizuri, Juma, Sulle, Ally, Chuwa, Mwinijuma, Salimu, Jumanne and Zuberi, we wholeheartedly recommend your exceptional services to anyone seeking not just guides, chefs, and porters but genuine partners in their quest for adventure. Thank you for making our Kilimanjaro ascent not only a physical triumph but also a soul-stirring adventure filled with camaraderie and joy.

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‘Keep putting one foot in front of the other:’ Chattanooga women reflect on climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

June 23, 2024 at 4:36 p.m.

by Sam Still

For Shawanna Kendrick, the journey to climb Mount Kilimanjaro began before she ever set foot in Tanzania, Africa.

Missing a connecting flight in London resulted in Kendrick, 48, and two other Chattanooga women having to start their ascent of the mountain the same day they arrived in Tanzania. Feeling the effects of travel added to the rigors of an already arduous trek but did not detract from their ability to "complete the task at hand," Kendrick said by phone Friday.

As the founder and CEO of the H2O Life , a community-based organization that helps women of color, especially Black women, connect to the outdoors for not just their physical health but also their mental health, Kendrick set out to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest point and the tallest freestanding mountain in the world, in the company of four other Black women from Chattanooga. The group included Crystal Sorrells, executive principal at Brainerd High School; Melony Collins, graphics and technology specialist with the Chattanooga-Hamilton County Regional Planning Agency; Capt. Terri Roshell of the Chattanooga Fire Department; and Patricia Washington, a retiree who joined the group a week prior to their departure for Tanzania.

The ascent began June 10, and "there was nothing easy about it," Kendrick said. While the trek to the summit, which sits at an elevation of more than 19,000 feet, is certainly a physical challenge that tests the body's limits (Kendrick said she was grateful for ibuprofen), it also tests one's mental fortitude, according to those who've previously made the climb . It was hard but not impossible, Kendrick said.

"It really did uncover more layers, or a deeper sense of self, for me than I really thought was there," Kendrick said of the experience, adding that she would reflect each night, looking at what she had accomplished, what she wanted to accomplish but hadn't and how she could apply what she learned during the experience to her everyday life.

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"Yes, the things that I want to accomplish and hope to accomplish, they are going to be difficult, but it doesn't mean I can't do it," she said. "I just have to keep putting one foot in front of the other. I do have to prepare properly. I have to make certain that I'm putting aside time for rest, so that I will have the energy to continue. I will have that mental fortitude. I will have the physical ability to continue along my own personal journey.

"So, those are the things that resonated and continued to help fuel me each day, because I know if you can do that, you can do anything. If you can summit Mount Kilimanjaro, you can do anything," Kendrick added.

(READ MORE: Young Chattanooga climber wins national championship)

Of the five women, three — Kendrick, Collins and Roshell — officially summited Kilimanjaro. Kendrick reached the lower Gilman's Point, one of three recognized summit points, and Collins and Roshell reached the highest point, Uhuru Peak. While Kendrick won't downplay her accomplishment of summiting, she said she intends to climb Kilimanjaro again, hopefully next year, to reach that highest point.

"I don't know who Gilman is; I haven't done that research. I'm grateful that I made it as far as I did, but I want to reach Uhuru Peak," she said. "And the reason I want to reach Uhuru Peak is because: No. 1, I'm just that determined to meet the goals that I set for myself; but, No. 2, the word 'uhuru' means 'freedom,' and there is something so magical about summiting and giving your all, physically and mentally, to reach a peak."

At first, Roshell, of the fire department, wasn't interested in doing the climb, she said by phone Friday. But the more she thought about it, the more she asked herself, "Why not," until eventually she decided to take the challenge. Reflecting on the climb, Roshell said summiting Kilimanjaro was an accomplishment she didn't know she needed.

"At that half-century mark, you feel like you're living on borrowed time sometimes, but I got a lot left in me," Roshell, 53, said about the experience. "I can start new adventures, and I think this climb was one of those starts to say, 'Hey, whatever I want to do now, I can just go out there and get it done.'"

(Meet Chattanooga area adventurers who are addicted to dangerous hobbies)

While Roshell's experience as a firefighter helped her be prepared physically for the climb, she said nothing can prepare you for the limited oxygen at higher altitudes. Even simple tasks like setting up a sleeping bag or changing clothes became more difficult due to the lower oxygen levels, Roshell said.

Reaching the peak is a mind game, Roshell said. There were times when she considered turning back, but she felt a drive to finish what she started. By the time Roshell reached the peak, which she described as ice-covered and slick, she was exhausted.

"I was really almost too tired to be excited," Roshell said. "But, I do remember feeling like, 'Wow, I'm here. I did this. I made this climb, as rough as it was.'"

Roshell said the goal-centered focus of reaching the top of the mountain sticks with her the most. Despite the struggles of the climb, she said seeing the sign that tells climbers "Congratulations," realizing she had made it, that she had accomplished what she set out to do, was glorious.

Contact Sam Still at [email protected] or 423-757-6579 .

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Commentary: At the summit of Mount Everest, ‘no one is coming to rescue you’

Portland native Jared Harris recounts his trip to the top of the world, the summit of Mount Everest.

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Jared Harris set a goal of reaching the highest peak on each continent. “I love climbing mountains. I love being in nature. I like pushing myself to see what’s possible,” he says. Derek Davis/Staff Photographer

An hour before he stood at the summit of Mount Everest, at the apex of the world, Jared Harris realized a goal he set more than a decade ago was actually happening.

“I could see that the sun, it was just predawn, so the twilight was just on the horizon, over the border into Tibet,” Harris said. “I could see in the distance, along the ridge, the prayer flags that mark the true summit. That’s when – I’m getting chills – that’s when I knew that this was actually happening.”

It was May 13, and it was Harris’ 43rd birthday.

Approximately 800 people attempt to summit the planet’s highest peak every year. But the thought of scaling the 29,035-foot Everest was a long ways off when Harris, a Portland native and 2000 Deering High graduate, tackled his first major climb in 2009 – Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. Harris grew up hiking in New Hampshire’s White Mountains, but Kilimanjaro opened his eyes to something new.

“I thought, I love this. This is for me. I love this. What can we do next?” said Harris, who now lives in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and works in software sales.

In 2012, Harris attempted to climb Argentina’s Mount Aconcaqua, the highest peak in South America at 22,841 feet. Storms forced Harris and his party to turn back just 200 meters from the summit. In 2013, he climbed Denali in Alaska, North America’s highest mountain (20,322 feet). That’s where Harris realized Everest was doable. Advertisement

Eighteen months ago, after a conversation with a client who had climbed Everest, Harris was reminded that the dream still simmered.

Everest is dangerous, time-consuming and not cheap to climb. Harris declined to say how much the excursion cost, but according to numbers on the website for Climbing the Seven Summits – the guide service Harris used – Everest packages start at $54,995. After arriving in Katmandu, Nepal, on March 31, Harris’ adventure lasted eight weeks.

From Katmandu, Harris and his team took a helicopter to Lukla, which is where the trek into base camp begins. Harris was at base camp for a month. Base camp sits at 17,598 feet, and the days were spent making training climbs to get the body accustomed to the altitude. Climb, sleep, climb down, recuperate. Then do it again. Then do it again.

Jared Harris celebrates after reaching the summit of Mount Everest on May 13. “I like pushing myself to see what’s possible,” the Portland native said of his journey to the top of the world.   Photo courtesy of Jared Harris

Climbing the Seven Summits, or any guide outfit remotely concerned with safety, won’t take money from any fool with a dream. Harris had to show he was prepared. Since he had climbed Denali with the group, led by owner Mike Hamill, he was deemed an acceptable climbing risk. Still, Harris had to train.

There were numerous training runs around the Portland area, half marathons in a 20-pound weighted vest. There were weekend trips to Mount Washington all winter, climbing in the same weighted vest and 8,000-meter boots like the ones he’d wear on Everest. Harris couldn’t mimic the thin Everest air, but Mount Washington is known for its brutal winter weather. He could mimic Everest’s cold, and work on technical skills like ice climbing.

In January, Harris traveled to Pico de Orizaba, the highest peak in Mexico, to give his mountaineering skills a test. Advertisement

Harris wrestled at Deering. When he returned from Everest, he called Eli Small, a previous assistant coach for the Rams. He thanked Small for helping instill the competitive drive he knew was instrumental as he climbed.

“Everest and things I’ve done, I wouldn’t have even attempted if not for experiencing high school wrestling,” Harris said. “It really did build a foundation mentally for so many things. I wouldn’t have attempted this, it all came from high school wrestling.”

There are four camps between base camp and the summit. Harris and his team, including Pasang Bhote, his personal Sherpa, spent one night at each. The weather report said they would have a window to summit on May 13. They arrived at camp four on May 12 at approximately 10 a.m. They spent the day resting for the summit push that would begin at 9:30 p.m. All you can do is sit in the tent and try to eat. You’ve been using an oxygen tank almost constantly since camp three because the air is so thin, it’s barely air at all.

“It is a pretty inhospitable place. You can’t be outside of the tent. You try to eat, but it’s hard to eat,” Harris said. “You try to rest, but I didn’t sleep a wink. I didn’t sleep the night before. Going for the summit, I hadn’t slept in like two days because with the altitude, it’s really difficult, even on supplemental oxygen.”

They made the climb to the summit in the dark. The only thing Harris saw was the three feet in front of him illuminated by his head lamp.

“That’s one of the most nerve-wracking times, because from that point on, you’re on your own. No one is coming to rescue you. Either you’re getting down on your own two feet or you’re not getting down,” Harris said. Advertisement

Time spent at the summit is measured in minutes. Enough time to remove the oxygen mask for a few pictures. A photo of Harris at Everest’s summit is a photo of achievement personified. His goggles are on his forehead, his oxygen mask under his chin. Harris’ right arm is raised in victory. He knows the journey isn’t close to complete. Plenty of climbers have perished coming down Everest after summiting. On one side of him was a 5,000-foot drop into Nepal. On the other, an 11,000-foot drop into Tibet. It’s like the view from an airplane, Harris said.

At that moment, Harris was calm.

“It wasn’t until we reached the summit my anxiety started to kind of dissipate. I realized, we’re going to be all right. Fears subsided, we’re going to make it down safely,” he said.

Everyone in Harris’ group of 11 climbers made it home, although not all reached the summit. Three had to take a helicopter from camp to a hospital in Katmandu because of frostbite, he said. When he summited, Hamill called Harris’ girlfriend, Megan Smyth, to let her know.

Harris’ new goal is to climb the Seven Summits, the highest point on each continent. He has Everest, Denali and Kilimanjaro checked off. He’s eager to make another attempt at Aconcaqua. There’s also Vinson in Antarctica, Elbrus in Europe, and Australia’s Mount Kosciuszko.

That’s the thing about pushing yourself. Each time you do it, the line moves.

“I love climbing mountains. I love being in nature. I like pushing myself to see what’s possible,” Harris said. “I accomplished something. That’s great, but how can we take this to the next level? If I did this, maybe I could do that. Maybe I couldn’t, but let’s give it a shot.”

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