Mount Kilimanjaro
- Home
- Destinations
- Mount Kilimanjaro
A free-standing, snow-covered dormant volcano, majestic Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa. Located in northeast Tanzania, it can be seen from far into Kenya and Amboseli National Park.
75,000 mountaineering enthusiasts climb Kilimanjaro every year, so it is not the most untouched mountain, nor is it the most arduous. However, it is certainly a test of one’s endurance, with altitude sickness the main reason for hikers not getting to the summit of Kilimanjaro. Although it has become a very popular challenge and the experience is slightly crowded with other climbers, we still highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in mountaineering.
Mt Kilimanjaro is located in North Tanzania next to some of the top safari parks in Africa, so while making an ascent it would be a shame not visit the northern parks and experience the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire.
There are hundreds of operators that work on Mount Kilimanjaro but over the years we have decided to work with only 2 companies based on their safety track record, guides and cost. Climbing Kilimanjaro is potentially very dangerous so its important to be with the right company!
A Guide to climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro
How high is Kilimanjaro?
Once you have reached the summit, you will be standing 5,895m or 19,340 feet high as Kilimanjaro is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. By comparison, Everest’s highest peak is 8,848m above sea level. It is also commonly known as the roof of Africa, as it towers over East Africa, and the whole continent for that matter. It is so big, that if you stand at the bottom, you usually can’t really see it…
Where is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro, unless climbed, is actually quite difficult to see in Tanzania. For the best view, hop over to Kenya’s Amboseli National Park (if you can handle the crowds) for that iconic Kili backdrop view. If you are lucky, you will spot it on a plane from Nairobi, as it is situated on the Tanzania/Kenya border to the East of Arusha. It is easily accessible once in Tanzania to begin your climb…
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Cost
There are two choices when beginning to think about climbing Kilimanjaro – whether to go on a fixed departure climb with a group, or to go on a private climb. Per person the fixed departure dates begin at around $2,500 per person. Private climbs vary depending on how many climbers you are, and also which route. If you are a group more than 2, it could even be better value to do a private climb, but please do let us know and we can do the maths for you. We do not choose the cheapest operator, but one we have been working with for 20 years and trust wholly to take the best care of our clients.
The best time to climb Kilimanjaro: Mount Kilimanjaro Weather
March to end of May is the wet season on Mount Kilimanjaro and not a great time for trekking. The rest of the year is good though with the absolute peak season being similar to the best game viewing from July through to the end of October. Afterall, you want to be in with a chance of catching your summit on a clear day to get an amazing view from the highest point in Africa.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro
This does depend on route, but the fastest assent can take 4 nights, though most people take 6-8 nights depending on route
Overall mountaineering fitness required
Although it is possible to simply trek a route to the pinnacle of Kili without relying on professional climbing equipment, it remains a hard and serious endeavour that requires a level of physical fitness, stamina and a realistic awareness of the potentially damaging effects of high altitudes. Many tour operators request that clients consult a doctor before attempting to scale the mountain, and have a physical check-up for overall fitness.
5 DAYS – MARANGU ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax1,7881,7881,7881,7881,7881,686 The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at...
6 DAYS – MACHAME ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,0162,0162,0162,0162,0161,987 Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern Icefields...
6 DAYS – MARANGU ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,0622,0622,0622,0622,0621,959 The Marangu route, also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. This is the only route that offers sleeping huts in dormitory-style accommodations instead of camping. There are 60 bunk beds each at...
6 DAYS – RONGAI ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,0162,0162,0162,0162,0161,987 The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route. It is a long drive to the starting point, but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will...
6 DAYS – UMBWE ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax1,9761,9761,9761,9761,9761,987 The Umbwe route is short, steep and direct. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization....
7 DAYS – LEMOSHO ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,2662,2662,2662,2662,2662,237 Lemosho glades route: an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the western Breach route or followed by the Kibo south circuit to gain the easier Barafu...
7 DAYS – MACHAME ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,2662,2662,2662,2662,2662,237 Sometimes called the Whisky Route. This is a popular route up steep paths through magnificent forests to gain a ridge leading through the moorland zones to the Shira Plateau. It then traverses beneath the glaciated precipices of the Southern...
7 DAYS – RONGAI ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,2662,2662,2662,2662,2662,237 The Rongai route begins on the northern side of the mountain and is the least travelled route. It is a long drive to the starting point but you are rewarded by fantastic views and the likelihood that you will...
7 DAYS – SHIRA ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,2662,2662,2662,2662,2662,237 The Shira Route is a little used trail that begins near Shira Ridge. It is nearly identical to the Lemosho route. In fact, Shira was the original route and Lemosho is the improved variation. Although Shira is a varied...
8 DAYS – LEMOSHO ROUTE COST – US$ PER PERSON 1Pax2Pax3PAX4Pax5PAX6pax2,5162,5162,5162,5162,5162,487 Lemosho glades route: an unspoilt, remote little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. It can either be used to gain the western Breach route or followed by the Kibo south circuit to gain the easier Barafu...