Climbing Kilimanjaro
Tanzania
The majestic Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania stands as the highest peak in Africa, with its summit reaching a staggering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Its three volcanic cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira—offer a range of climbing experiences, from challenging hikes to technical ascents. Kibo is the tallest of the three and hosts the famous Uhuru Peak, where mountaineers often aim to conquer. As you ascend, you’ll traverse through distinct climate zones, from lush rainforests at the base to the barren, icy cap at the summit, each presenting its own unique challenges and requiring careful preparation and adaptation.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just a physical endeavor but a mental one, with the altitude being a significant factor to consider. The routes vary in difficulty, with options like the Machame and Lemosho offering stunning vistas but requiring a good level of fitness and acclimatization to tackle the altitude shifts effectively. The Marangu Route, known as the "Coca-Cola" route, is often considered easier but can be crowded, while the Rongai Route offers a more solitary experience. Regardless of the path chosen, the mountain demands respect and careful planning, with weather conditions dramatically shifting and testing even seasoned climbers.
The allure of Kilimanjaro's summit is undeniable, and its icy crown has captivated adventurers for decades. While the climb is non-technical, the need for acclimatization cannot be overstated, with altitude sickness being a common adversary. Many climbers opt for longer routes to increase their chances of reaching the top successfully. With its diverse landscapes and iconic status, Kilimanjaro remains a bucket-list destination for mountaineers around the globe. Numerous guides, precisely 24, offer organized expeditions, providing logistics and support for those ready to take on this formidable African giant.
Table of contents
Route
- 4,095 m gain over 7 days
- Starting and ending in Machame Gate
- approach: drive, walk in
Climb
- +4,095 m over 5 days.
- 0 high camps. No high camps, but there are several before base camp.
Difficulty
- F: Easy (alpine grade 1)
When to go
- January and February
- June to September
Guide mandatory?
- no
- Guided trips are mandatory for Kilimanjaro.
These are pictures taken while climbing Kilimanjaro. They're shown here to give you an idea of what the route is like. You're welcome to share your own pictures of mountaineering Kilimanjaro, to help the community of climbers. Picture here are either uploaded by members (there own, or creative commons pictures), or guides.
Guide links
Kilimanjaro History
Climbing history of Kilimanjaro
The history of Kilimanjaro is steeped in early exploration and the enduring spirit of adventure. The first recorded attempts to reach the summit began in the late 19th century. In 1889, Hans Meyer, a German geographer, along with Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller, achieved the first successful ascent to the highest peak, Uhuru Peak. This accomplishment marked a significant milestone in the exploration of Africa's highest mountain.
Prior to Meyer's successful climb, several expeditions were thwarted by the challenging conditions and the complex terrain. The early attempts were marked by perseverance and a gradual understanding of the mountain's unique environment.
The region surrounding Kilimanjaro is home to the Chagga people, who have inhabited the area for centuries. They have a rich cultural heritage and maintain a close relationship with the mountain, which they regard with reverence and respect. Their traditional knowledge and customs have played a vital role in shaping the cultural landscape of the region.
Machame Camp
Shira Camp
Barranco Camp
Karanga Camp
Barafu Camp (Base Camp)
Uhuru Peak (Summit)
Kilimanjaro weather
How is the weather on Kilimanjaro, and when is the best time to go.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is in these months:
- Jan
- Feb
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
Kilimanjaro Services
Gear rental, porters, guides, transport, internet, accommodation
Accommodation
Accommodation typically consists of tents set up by your trekking crew, though a few routes offer shared huts. Expect basic but adequate options.Food
Food is provided by trekking operators, including hot meals prepared by cooks. Meals are hearty.Guides
Guides are mandatory and cost around $20–$30 per day, depending on the operator.Porters
Porters carry most of the gear and supplies, costing about $10–$15 per day.Medical facilities
No formal health services exist on the mountain, but guides carry basic first aid kits.Gear rental
Most operators offer gear rentals, including sleeping bags, trekking poles, and jackets.Transport
To reach the mountain, you can fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport and drive to the trailhead. Local shuttles or private transfers are common options.Internet / Phone
Phone signal is available in some areas, but it's spotty. Internet access is rare, so prepare for limited connectivity during the trek.ATMs
There are no ATMs on the mountain, but you can find them in towns like Moshi and Arusha before starting the trek.Shops
There are no shops on the route itself, but towns at the base like Moshi have outdoor stores selling basic trekking supplies.Kilimanjaro access - getting there
How to get to Kilimanjaro
Getting to and from the start of a Kilimanjaro climb is straightforward, with several options depending on your preferences and where your route begins or ends:
- By Air: Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is the closest major airport. From there, you can take a transfer to Moshi or Arusha, where most treks begin.
- Private Transfers: Most trekking operators include private transfers from your hotel in Moshi or Arusha to the trailhead. This is the most convenient option.
- Public Transport: Local buses or shared taxis can take you close to the trailheads, but they are less reliable and more time-consuming.
- End of Route Transfers: If your route ends at a different trailhead (e.g., the Rongai Route ends on the Marangu side), operators typically include transportation back to Moshi or Arusha.
- Self-Drive: Renting a car and driving to the trailhead is an option, but parking can be an issue, and the roads are not always well-maintained.
Most climbers rely on the services provided by their trekking operators for seamless transfers.
Kilimanjaro questions
What to know about climbing Kilimanjaro
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
Kilimanjaro Links
useful websites, Groups and communities
Groups / links with more info on the Kilimanjaro route.
These climbs are similar in length, difficulty, and elevation. Offering a similar level of challenge as the Kilimanjaro climb.
