Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing

Conquer Africa’s highest peak with unmatched views and lasting triumph.

Mount Kilimanjaro rises proudly in Tanzania, standing 19,341 feet above sea level as Africa’s tallest mountain. Known worldwide as a bucket-list adventure, it offers diverse routes, breathtaking scenery, and a chance to experience Tanzania’s natural beauty and culture while summiting one of the seven summits.

Altitude

Reaches 5,895 m

Trekkers

35,000 yearly

Routes

7 main trails

Status

Tallest African mountain

Climbing the Roof of Africa with Expert Guidance

Kilimanjaro Climbing

Treks are designed to suit different preferences, with seven main Kilimanjaro routes offering diverse landscapes and difficulty levels. From the classic Marangu path to the scenic Lemosho and the challenging Umbwe, each route presents a unique perspective of the mountain.

The best climbing conditions occur during the dry months, specifically from December to March and June to October. With proper gear, preparation, and guidance, you’re ready for the adventure of a lifetime.

Mount Kilimanjaro welcomes adventurers of all ages, from young trekkers to older climbers seeking the thrill of summiting Africa’s highest peak. What matters most is determination and the proper guidance.

Altitude is the real challenge, but with careful planning and professional support, every step becomes achievable. Our highly skilled mountain guides bring decades of combined experience, ensuring safety, encouragement, and the best chance of reaching the summit.

Discover Your Strongest Self when Climbing Kilimanjaro

Reach Africa’s highest point through changing landscapes, clear air, silent peaks, and moments that test, reward, and stay with you.

Why Serengeti Belongs on Every Safari Traveler’s List

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Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Lorem Ipsum is simply dummy text of the printing and typesetting industry. Lorem Ipsum has been the industry’s standard dummy text ever since the 1500s, when an unknown printer took a galley of type and scrambled it to make a type specimen book. It has survived not only five centuries, but also the leap into electronic typesetting, remaining essentially unchanged.

It was popularised in the 1960s with the release of Letraset sheets containing Lorem Ipsum passages, and more recently with desktop publishing software like Aldus PageMaker including versions of Lorem Ipsum.

Everything You Need to Know About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure—but it also comes with many questions. Here’s a detailed guide to the most common things travellers ask when preparing for the climb.

How do I choose a Kilimanjaro tour operator?

Choosing the right tour company is one of the most important decisions you’ll make. Look for a registered and experienced operator that has good reviews, professional mountain guides, and follows proper safety practices. A good company should also take care of its crew—fair wages, reasonable porter loads, and appropriate meals. Don’t just go with the cheapest option.A reliable operator offers better support, better equipment, and a safer experience on the mountain.

The cost of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro usually ranges between $2,000 and $5,000. This depends on the route, the number of days, group or private climbs, and the services included. Cheaper companies may cut corners on staff welfare or safety equipment. A reasonable price usually includes park fees, experienced guides, meals, tents, porters, and airport transfers. Always ask for a detailed cost breakdown before booking.

The best time to climb is during the dry seasons. January to mid-March and June to October offer the most stable weather and clearer views. These months are ideal for achieving summit success and enjoying comfort. The long rains (late March to May) and short rains (November) make the trails slippery and reduce visibility. While climbing during the rainy seasons is possible, it’s not ideal unless you’re prepared for wet, muddy, and more difficult conditions.

Each route has its strengths. The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are known for beautiful scenery and good acclimatization. Machame is the most popular, offering a dramatic and varied landscape. Rongai is less crowded and drier, great for those seeking quiet trails. Marangu is the only route with hut accommodations, but it offers less time for acclimatization. Your choice should depend on your fitness, time, and comfort level with altitude.

Climbing Kilimanjaro should not be rushed. The longer you spend on the mountain, the better your chances of acclimatizing properly and reaching the summit safely. Most climbers choose a seven or 8-day route. These extra days allow your body to adjust gradually to the altitude and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. Routes shorter than 6 days often lead to lower summit success and more health issues.

The weather on Kilimanjaro changes dramatically with altitude. You’ll experience five different climate zones—from tropical rainforest at the base to arctic conditions at the summit. Days are warmer on the lower slopes (around 20–27°C / 68–80°F), while nights are much colder at higher altitudes. Near the summit, temperatures can drop as low as -20°C (-4°F), especially before sunrise. Be ready for sun, wind, rain, and freezing temperatures—all in one climb.

You’ll need proper gear to stay warm, dry, and comfortable. Key items include waterproof hiking boots, thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, waterproof pants and jacket, gloves, a hat, a warm sleeping bag, a headlamp, and a daypack. The support team carries your large duffel bag (up to 15 kg), while you have only a small daypack with essentials like water, snacks, and a jacket. Your operator usually provides a complete packing list.

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you must be physically prepared. The best way to train is by doing long-distance hikes with elevation gain while carrying a backpack. Build your endurance 2–3 months before the trip with regular walking, stair climbing, strength training, and cardio. Aim for 4–6-hour hikes at a steady pace. Most of all, get used to walking uphill and downhill for several days in a row.

Kilimanjaro is considered a non-technical mountain, but the high altitude can be risky. Good operators take safety seriously. Trained guides monitor your health every day using pulse oximeters and ask questions to check for signs of altitude sickness. Oxygen cylinders, first-aid kits, and emergency evacuation plans are standard. If you climb with an experienced team and follow their advice, the climb is safe and well-managed.

If the price looks too good to be true, it probably is. Budget operators often cut costs by paying porters unfair wages, overloading staff, using worn-out gear, or skipping proper meals and safety checks. These practices are not just unethical; they also affect your overall experience. Reputable companies charge more because they take care of their team, use better equipment, and focus on your safety and success.

A Complete Travel Guide for Your Mount Kilimanjaro Adventure

Planning your Kilimanjaro climb goes beyond choosing a route. It’s about timing, preparation, costs, and even the food that fuels you. Our guides help you understand every detail, making your journey safe, enjoyable, and truly rewarding from start to summit.

When to Climb

Choose Ideal Season

Climbing Cost

Plan Your Budget

Climbing Foods

Fuel Your Body

Tipping Guide

Appreciate Your Crew

When to Climb

Choose Ideal Season

Climbing Cost

Plan Your Budget

Climbing Foods

Fuel Your Body

Tipping Guide

Appreciate Your Crew

Create your tailor-made trip

Plan your trip with us and enjoy safaris, sunsets, and stories you’ll love sharing again and again.

Talk to Safari Expert

Connect with our safari expert today for honest tips, smart planning, and insider travel recommendations.

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

"We had a fantastic time with Kingse Safari’s. We went from Arusha, to Ngorongoro and Serengeti. Peter was an awesome guide. Very knowledgeable and a skilled driver."

Jon H

JON H

Incredible Trip

"Amazing experience from start to finish! The guides were knowledgeable and friendly."

Anna L

ANNA L

Safari Adventure

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