Climbing Kilimanjaro
- Home
- Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Kilimanjaro towers at 5,895 m/19,341 ft above sea level. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the “Roof of Africa”.
Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular travel attractions on the continent. Over 40,000 people visit it every year. It’s an incredibly beautiful trek where climbers don’t require technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average fitness level.
We wrote this guide to help travelers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure. All the recommendations below are the results of our 11 years of Kilimanjaro experience. Over this time, we have organized climbing Kilimanjaro tours for over 20,000 people.
- Scenic & Varied Landscapes
- High Success Rate with Good Acclimatization
- Challenging Yet Popular Adventure
- Hut Accommodation Along the Trail
- Shortest Route to the Summit
- Classic, Well-Established Path
- Stunning Remote Scenery
- Excellent Acclimatization Profile
- High Summit Success Rate
- Quiet, Less-Crowded Trail
- Approach from Northern Side
- Gentle, Gradual Ascent
- Steep, Direct Ascent
- Shortest Route to Summit
- Challenging for Experienced Climbers
- Longest & Newest Route
- 360° Panoramic Views
- Highest Summit Success Rate
Best time to climb Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round, but some months offer better weather and a more enjoyable experience. Choosing the right time depends on what matters most to you clear skies, warmer temperatures, or fewer crowds.
Dry Seasons (Best for Most Climbers):
December to March – Warmer weather and clear views. February stands out as one of the best months, with mild conditions and little rainfall.
June to October – Cooler temperatures but also the busiest season, as many trekkers take advantage of the stable weather.
Rainy Seasons (For Adventurers):
April to May and November bring rain, slippery trails, and cloudy skies. While conditions are tougher, these months are perfect if you prefer quiet paths and fewer people.
👉 In short: February is often considered the top choice for warm, clear, and comfortable climbing.
FAQs About Kilimanjaro Climbing
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an exciting adventure, and many people have questions before they start. Our Mount Kilimanjaro FAQ section answers the most common questions with practical, step-by-step guidance to help you plan a safe and successful climb.
1. Is Kilimanjaro suitable for first-timers?
Short answer: Yes, if you train and choose enough days.
Step-by-step prep:
8–12 weeks out: 3–4 cardio sessions/week (hikes, runs, stair climbs).
Add strength: 2 sessions/week (legs, core, back).
Weekend hikes: Wear your boots, carry a daypack, practice slow pacing.
Break in gear: Boots, socks, backpack, layers.
Optional: Try a high-altitude day hike if you can.
2. How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?
The easiest way to reach Mt Kilimanjaro is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. From there, it’s a 50-minute drive to Moshi where most climbs begin. Major airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air France offer flights to JRO.
Alternatively, you can fly into Dar es Salaam and take a local flight to Kilimanjaro, though this may come with extra costs for domestic flights and baggage fees. Another budget-friendly option is to fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and take a bus to Moshi, but keep in mind the additional costs of a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and the bus transfer ($45), with a total journey time of about seven hours.
3. Which route should I choose?
Quick route picker:
Machame (6–7 days): Scenic + popular; good acclimatization.
Lemosho (7–8 days): Remote start; great acclimatization; high success.
Northern Circuit (8–9+ days): Longest; 360° views; highest success.
Marangu (5–6 days): Hut accommodation; classic route.
Rongai (6–7 days): Quiet north approach; gentler gradients.
Umbwe (5–6 days): Very steep/direct; only for experienced hikers.
Rule of thumb: If unsure, choose 7–8 days for comfort and success.
4. How many days do I need?
Aim for success, not speed.
Step-by-step planning:
Set baseline: 7–8 days suits most people.
Add 1 acclimatization day if you’ve had altitude issues before.
Avoid 5-day itineraries unless you’re highly experienced and time-pressed.
5. Will I get altitude sickness, and how do I prevent it?
It’s common but manageable.
Altitude playbook:
Go “pole pole” (slowly): Keep breathing easy; don’t chase pace.
Hydrate & eat: 3–4 liters/day; steady carbs and snacks.
Climb high, sleep low when itinerary allows.
Medication: Discuss acetazolamide (Diamox) with your doctor.
Know symptoms: Headache, nausea, dizziness tell your guide early.
Golden rule: If symptoms worsen, descend.
6. What should I pack?
Think layers and essentials.
From skin out:
Base layers: Moisture-wicking tops/bottoms.
Mid layer: Fleece or light synthetic.
Insulation: Warm down/synthetic jacket.
Shell: Waterproof jacket & pants (taped seams).
Extremities: Warm hat, buff, sun hat, liner + insulated gloves.
Footwear: Broken-in boots + 2–3 sock systems.
Bags: 20–30L daypack; soft duffel for porters (most operators allow ~12–15 kg).
Must-haves: Headlamp, sunscreen, lip balm, water bottles/bladder, personal meds.
7. Do I need a guide, and is it safe?
Yes, guides are required by park regulations.
Safety checklist:
Licensed team: Certified guides + properly equipped porters.
Daily monitoring: Pulse-ox checks, symptom reviews.
Emergency gear: Oxygen, first-aid kit, and evacuation plan.
Insurance: Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking and evacuation.