Rising majestically above the plains of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's tallest mountain and a bucket-list destination for adventurers worldwide. Known for its striking beauty and unique ecological zones, the mountain offers an unparalleled experience for those who dare to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. From lush rainforests at its base to the stark, glacial summit at Uhuru Peak, every step of a Kilimanjaro hike is an exploration of nature’s diversity and grandeur.
Embarking on a Kilimanjaro trek is not just about reaching Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters—it’s about the journey itself. With various routes to choose from, including the Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho routes, climbers can tailor their adventure to suit their fitness levels and interests. Whether joining a group or hiring an experienced guide for a private Kilimanjaro tour, the climb is an opportunity to immerse yourself in breathtaking landscapes, meet fellow adventurers, and push your limits. Planning to climb Kilimanjaro is a rewarding challenge that combines physical endurance with awe-inspiring scenery.
For those seeking a lifetime achievement, a Mt Kilimanjaro hike offers not just the thrill of summiting Africa's highest peak but also the joy of discovering its cultural and natural heritage. From encounters with local Chagga communities to the exhilaration of standing above the clouds, every moment is unforgettable. If you're ready to take on this epic adventure, prepare for an incredible Kilimanjaro trek that promises memories to last a lifetime.
Prepare for an adventure climbing Kilimanjaro. This overview provides essential details on routes, difficulty, costs, and the best times to go, helping you plan a successful expedition.
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.
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.
These guides offer organised climbs for Kilimanjaro. Compare each trip - pricing, reviews, and key details to help you choose the right guide. To explore more options / routes, check out our full Guides Directory.
We've carefully selected these independent guides based on their expertise with Kilimanjaro. Compare their offerings, from group sizes and equipment inclusion to trip duration and support services. Each guide brings their own unique approach, so you can find the perfect match for your adventure. Click through to see full details and connect directly with any guide that interests you.
Let's climb to the real "Roof of Africa", the highest point of the African continent.
The easiest ascent from the Seven Peaks of the World project
is smooth acclimatization, which will allow you to ascend without headaches and malaise
Guides with 8000 meters of experience are your guarantee of safety
Comfortable accommodation in cabins during the entire ascent
Delicious and varied meals along the entire route
A 5* hotel before and after the ascent, where you can relax in the SPA
The opportunity to reward yourself with a safari in the best parks of Tanzania after climbing
The Machame route includes well-spaced camps that aid acclimatization, culminating at Barafu Camp before a summit push to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. This itinerary provides diverse landscapes and challenging elevation gains for experienced trekkers although will not challenge mountaineers.
On summit day, descend to Mweka afterwards (via a rest at Barafu). The next day continue out to the Machame gate.
Machame Camp
Located within lush montane forest, this is the first stop on the Machame route after departing from the park gate.
2,835 m
Shira Camp
Situated on the Shira Plateau, this camp offers incredible views of Kibo Peak and the surrounding landscape.
3,750 m
Barranco Camp
Nestled near the imposing Barranco Wall, this camp is a key acclimatization stop on the way to higher altitudes.
3,900 m
Karanga Camp
A shorter trekking day brings climbers to Karanga Camp, offering a chance to rest and further acclimatize.
3,995 m
Barafu Camp (Base Camp)
The final camp before the summit attempt, Barafu Camp provides stunning views and a sense of anticipation for the climb ahead.
4,673 m
Uhuru Peak (Summit)
The highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the tallest peak in Africa, offering unmatched views and a profound sense of achievement.
View the summit location and surrounding terrain to get a sense of the mountain's environment. This map offers a valuable perspective on the peak's position within the region, aiding climbers in visualizing their route and nearby landmarks.
How is the weather on Kilimanjaro, and when is the best time to go.
Kilimanjaro's weather is heavily influenced by its location near the equator and its elevation. Temperatures vary by altitude but generally remain consistent year-round, with colder conditions at higher altitudes. Rainfall is defined by two rainy seasons: the long rains from March to May and the short rains from November to December. The dry months, particularly January to February and June to October, are the most popular times for climbers.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is in these months:
Jan
Feb
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Weathers consistent and good enough year round however the dry months, particularly January to February and June to October, are the most popular times.
The Kilimanjaro route has well-established trekking infrastructure with various services for trekkers / climbers. You'll find options for accommodation, food, and assistance; porters, guides, and rental gear make it manageable for both experienced and novice trekkers.
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.
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.
Get inspired by these incredible videos capturing the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro. From route highlights to summitsummit views, these clips showcase the mountain’s beauty and the challenges it presents. Have your own Kilimanjaro video? We'd love for you to share it with the community to inspire future climbers.
Common questions people have about this trek, if yours isn’t here - add it to get an answer.
No, Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak and does not require technical climbing skills, but the altitude and physical demands make it challenging.
Many climbers underestimate the effects of altitude sickness, and taking a longer route for acclimatization can greatly improve your chances of success.
Temperatures at the summit can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower, especially during the night, so proper cold-weather gear is essential.
Water is collected from streams and purified, bring water purification tablets or filters if you're antsy about this.
Yes, hiring a guide is mandatory as per Tanzanian regulations.
No, there are no charging facilities on the mountain, so bringing power banks or solar chargers is recommended. It's a short enough climb, with porters included, to make a battery pack or two the simplest option.
The best time is during the dry seasons: January to March and June to October, as these months offer the most stable weather conditions.
Some insurances top out at 4000 meters, you might want to check yours covers trekking peaks up to 6000m.
Basic toilet facilities are available at camps, but they are often very basic.
You don't need to be an athlete although a good level of fitness is essential to handle the physical demands of the trek and the altitude.
Tanzania
Machame Camp
Barafu Camp (Base Camp)
Uhuru Peak (Summit)
