Roof of Africa
Stand on Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, the highest point on the continent.
Mountains
Mount Kilimanjaro
Why climb Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. You do not need climbing experience to reach Uhuru Peak, but you do need good fitness, the right route and enough days to acclimatise. Along the way you walk through rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and finally the cold summit zone.
- Elevation
- 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- Routes
- Six main routes
- Duration
- Usually 6–9 days
- Climbing
- Non-technical trek
Climate zones
Cross rainforest, moorland and alpine desert in a single trek.
No technical climbing
A long hike rather than a technical climb — pace and acclimatisation are key.
Kilimanjaro routes
There are six main routes to the summit. Longer routes give your body more time to adjust to the altitude and usually improve your chance of reaching the top.
6–7 days
Machame
Popular and scenic, climbing from the south-west with good acclimatisation via the Barranco Wall.
7–8 days
Lemosho
Starts in the quiet west, crosses the Shira Plateau and has excellent acclimatisation.
5–6 days
Marangu
The only route with hut accommodation; gentler gradient but less time to acclimatise.
6–7 days
Rongai
Approaches from the north near the Kenyan border — drier and quieter, with a gradual climb.
5–6 days
Umbwe
The steepest and most direct route — only for experienced, very fit hikers.
8–9 days
Northern Circuit
The longest route, circling the quiet northern slopes with the best acclimatisation.
How hard is Kilimanjaro?
Most days are long, steady walks, but summit night is cold, steep and very tiring. Altitude — not technical difficulty — is the main challenge, and it can affect fit people too.
Fitness
Regular hiking, stair climbing or long walks in the months before help a lot.
Summit night
Usually 6–8 hours up in the dark and cold, then a long descent the same day.
Altitude
Thin air above 4,000 m makes everything slower — walking slowly is essential.
Mindset
Patience and a steady pace matter as much as strength.
Sample 7-day Machame itinerary
A typical well-paced climb. Every route has its own camps and daily distances; we tailor the plan to your route and dates.
- Day 1Machame Gate through rainforest to Machame Camp.
- Day 2Climb out of the forest onto the Shira Plateau.
- Day 3Walk high to Lava Tower, then down to Barranco Camp to acclimatise.
- Day 4Scramble up the Barranco Wall and continue to Karanga Camp.
- Day 5Short walk to Barafu Camp; rest before summit night.
- Day 6Night ascent to Uhuru Peak at sunrise, then descend to a lower camp.
- Day 7Descend through the forest to Mweka Gate.
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
The driest months, January to early March and June to October, are the most popular. Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the long rains from March to May make trails wet and views limited.
Jan – early Mar
Short dry season
Usually clear and a little warmer, with fewer climbers than mid-year.
Jun – Oct
Main dry season
The most popular window — stable weather and cold summit nights.
Mar – May
Long rains
Wet and cloudy; few climbers and not recommended for most.
Nov – Dec
Short rains
Climbable with good gear and flexible expectations.
What to pack
Temperatures range from warm forest to well below freezing at the summit. Layers are everything; we send a full kit list when you book.
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Base, mid and warm insulated layers
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm down jacket for summit night
- Sleeping bag rated for very cold nights
- Warm hat, gloves and buff
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sun hat, sunglasses and sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration bladder
- Personal medication and first-aid basics
- Daypack for your daily essentials
Permits and park fees
Kilimanjaro National Park is managed by Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). Climbers must go with a licensed operator and registered guide; park fees are paid through your operator and change from time to time.
Park fees
Conservation, camping or hut and rescue fees are charged per person per day — we include current fees in your quote.
Licensed guides
Independent climbing is not allowed; every climb needs a registered guide.
Crew
Guides, cooks and porters make the climb possible; tipping is customary.
Ask us
Contact us for an up-to-date price for your route, group size and dates.
Safety and acclimatisation
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Choosing a longer route, walking slowly and listening to your guide are the best ways to stay safe and enjoy the climb.
Go slowly
“Pole pole” — slowly, slowly — is the golden rule on the mountain.
Climb high, sleep low
Routes that walk high and sleep lower help your body adapt.
Daily health checks
Guides monitor how you feel and decide when it is safer to descend.
Insurance & doctor
Get travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and see your doctor before you go.
Combine Kilimanjaro with a safari
After the climb, most guests rest with a few days on safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti, or relax on the beaches of Zanzibar. Climbing Mount Meru first is a good way to acclimatise.
Other destinations
Pair this Park with other Northern Circuit highlights
Plan your Kilimanjaro climb
Tell us your dates, experience and preferred route — we will plan a safe, well-paced climb and the perfect safari or beach afterwards.