Kilimanjaro Region, northern Tanzania · Tanzania
Africa's highest mountain at 5,895 metres, a free-standing volcano with glaciers on the equator.
Photo: Altezzatravel · CC BY-SA 4.0
Kilimanjaro rises from the plains of northern Tanzania to 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It has three volcanic cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, and Uhuru Peak on the rim of Kibo is the summit most climbers aim for.
It is one of the few seven-summit peaks that needs no technical climbing skills. The trek passes through five ecological zones: farmland, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit. Several routes lead to the top, with different lengths, difficulty and scenery.
Altitude is the real challenge. Longer routes give your body more time to adapt, and success rates are much higher on seven- to nine-day itineraries. Climbs must be arranged through a licensed operator, with guides, cooks and porters, and the mountain's permit fees are significant. You do not have to reach the top to enjoy the lower slopes, which offer day walks, waterfalls and coffee farm tours.
Why visit
Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list adventure that anyone fit and well-prepared can attempt.
Reach 5,895 metres.
Jungle to ice on one walk.
A trek, not a mountaineering feat.
Choose your pace.
Chagga and Maasai communities.
Main attractions
The mountain and its foothills offer several highlights.
The summit on the rim of Kibo.
Tip Start the final push around midnight.
The "Whisky route", scenic and popular.
Tip Allow seven days.
A quieter, high-success route from the west.
Tip Eight days is ideal.
The "Coca-Cola route" with huts.
Tip The only route with huts.
Remaining ice on the summit.
Tip Bring a warm layer.
A foothill waterfall with coffee tours.
Tip A good rest-day trip.
Things to do
Many visitors climb, but there are other options too.
A 6 to 9 day trek.
Tip Choose a longer route.
Day walks in the forest zone.
Tip Good for acclimatising.
With the Chagga people.
Tip Often combined with Materuni.
At Kikuletwa near Moshi.
Tip A refreshing break.
Through Chagga villages.
Tip Join a guided tour.
Visit local waterfalls.
Tip Ask your hotel.
Local food
Moshi and the villages around the mountain have simple local food.
Banana beer of the Chagga.
Where to try it Village bars.
Banana and meat stew.
Where to try it Local restaurants.
Maize porridge.
Where to try it Everywhere.
Bananas cooked with meat.
Where to try it Villages.
Grown on the slopes.
Where to try it Cafes in Moshi.
Accommodation
Most climbers base themselves in Moshi or Arusha.
Transport
Most climbers fly to Kilimanjaro airport.
Climbs are guided and supported.
When to go
Two dry seasons give the clearest weather: January to March and June to October.
Dry, warm and clear.
Cooler and dry, the busiest season.
Long rains, with wet and cloudy conditions.
Short rains, fewer climbers.
Worth planning around: April, May and November, when rain and cloud are common.
Itinerary
A classic scenic route.
Rainforest
Moorland
Acclimatise
Scramble
Prepare
Uhuru
Back to Moshi
Travel tips
Planning a climb takes some preparation.
FAQ
Demanding because of altitude, not technique.
Lemosho and Machame are popular, Lemosho has the best odds.
Yes, it is required.
Typically US$2,000 and up.
Climb slowly and tell your guide.
January to March or June to October.
Keep exploring
Places that pair well with Mount Kilimanjaro, whether you have a few spare days or are building a longer route.
Arusha Region, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A bustling gateway city with markets, cafes and museums, plus Arusha National Park, Mount Meru treks and Lake Duluti.
Don't miss Walking among giraffes with a ranger in Arusha National Park, with Kilimanjaro on the horizon.
Explore Destination — Arusha and Mount MeruMara and Simiyu regions, northern Tanzania, Tanzania
A UNESCO-listed park of 14,750 square kilometres, home to the Great Migration of wildebeest and zebra, big cats, balloon safaris and classic acacia-dotted savannah.
Don't miss Watching a river crossing or a lion pride at sunrise from an open safari vehicle.
Explore Destination — Serengeti National ParkUnguja island, Zanzibar, Tanzania
The north and east coast beaches of Zanzibar: Nungwi, Kendwa, Paje, Jambiani, Matemwe and Michamvi, plus snorkelling, kite-surfing and red colobus monkeys.
Don't miss Watching the tide drift out and a dhow sail past at sunset on a quiet beach.
Explore Destination — Zanzibar BeachesRead next
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