Marangu
5–6 daysThe only route with hut accommodation instead of tents. Often the lowest-priced option, but its short schedule gives less time to acclimatise.
Tanzania · Climbing Guide
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 m. Uhuru Peak can be reached without technical climbing skills, but altitude makes it a serious trek. Choosing the right route and number of days matters most.
Summit
Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
Park
Kilimanjaro National Park (TANAPA)
Gateway towns
Moshi and Arusha
Nearest airport
Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
Choose a Route
Kilimanjaro Routes
Longer routes give your body more time to adjust to altitude, which improves the chance of reaching the summit.
Machame
6–7 daysA popular scenic route through rainforest, moorland and the Barranco Wall. Camping throughout.
Lemosho
7–8 daysStarts on the western side, quieter at first, with a longer schedule that helps acclimatisation.
Rongai
6–7 daysApproaches from the north near the Kenyan border. Drier and less crowded.
Northern Circuit
8–9 daysThe longest route, circling the northern slopes. Strong acclimatisation and few other climbers.
Umbwe
5–6 daysShort and steep. Suited only to experienced, fit trekkers.
Not sure which route suits you? Tell us your fitness, dates and group size.
Plan my climbPriced climbs
Climbs You Can Book
Offered by Click Expedition from Moshi. Hotel nights, transfers, park fees, crew and meals included.
Seasonal Planning
Best Time to Climb
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the dry months are the most popular.
Main dry season: June to October
Clear skies and the busiest period on the mountain. Nights near the summit are very cold.
Short dry season: January to early March
Usually good weather and fewer climbers than mid-year. A popular time for summit views.
Long rains: April and May
Wet trails and fewer climbers. Some operators run reduced schedules.
Short rains: November
Afternoon showers are common. Climbs still run.
What a climb package usually includes
Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a licensed guide. Prices vary by route, number of days and group size, so always confirm exactly what is included before booking.
- ✓ Park fees, camping or hut fees and rescue fees
- ✓ Licensed mountain guide, assistant guides and porters
- ✓ Cook and meals on the mountain
- ✓ Tents and camping equipment (except on Marangu)
- ✓ Airport and hotel transfers
- ✓ Hotel nights in Moshi or Arusha before and after
Usually not included: international flights, Tanzania visa, travel insurance, personal gear and tips for the mountain crew.
Health & Safety
Altitude sickness
Altitude sickness can affect anyone, regardless of fitness. Walk slowly, drink plenty of water, and choose a route with enough days to acclimatise. Tell your guide at once about headache, nausea or dizziness. Descending is the main treatment.
Check with a doctor before climbing and take out travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.
Also near Arusha
Mount Meru
Tanzania's second-highest mountain at 4,566 m, inside Arusha National Park. Usually climbed in 3–4 days, often as an acclimatisation trek before Kilimanjaro. Walkers are accompanied by an armed ranger because of wildlife on the lower slopes.
Request a Mount Meru climbPlanning a trip to Tanzania?
Tell us where you want to go, your dates, group size and budget. We will reply with options and put you in touch with an operator. There is no charge for asking.
Official Tanzania websites
Always confirm visa, park and health requirements on the official site before travelling.