Climb Mt Kilimanjaro

Join our professional mountain guides for climbing Mt Kilimanjaro    

Africa’s highest  mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro, rises from coastal scrub land to a breathtaking, snow capped height of 5,895m

Kilimanjaro, on the northern border of Tanzania, is the largest free standing mountain in the world

Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the world's most accessible high altitude summits

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a scenic, climatic tour from the equatorial tropics to the Arctic

Hike to Shira plateau on Mt Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro camping - machame route

guide and climbers reach Kilimanjaro summit

What you say!

'The organization was steller. Each of the guides offered different perspectives on things. We were incredibly impressed by the knowledge they had about the flora and fauna as we climbed each day. They nurtured us, provided support when a couple of the team struggled and they made sure we were doing the right thing. The food was amazing, the service was amazing, the cook, the porters, the guides were all exemplery'. Louise C, USA, On Kilimanjaro

Our Pleadge to you:

Mt Kilimanjaro climbing routes are gradual and non-technical.

Trekking on Kilimanjaro takes you through banana and coffee plantations, into lush montane forest - home to elusive eland, elephant, leopard, buffalo and small mammals; then higher, through moorland, carpeted by heathers and giant lobelias.

Above 4000 meters, the barren lunar landscape supports only mosses, lichen and a few hardy birds. Finally, the vegetation gives way to the glaciers of Kibo and Mawenzi on 'the roof of Africa'.

Snow capped Uhuru Peak on Kibo is the ultimate quest for Kilimanjaro climbers. 

Climb kilimanjaro any time of the year.

However, it is often muddy within the lower level rain forest during the rainy season which extends from March to May and also November.

August to October and December to February are the warmest and driest months with clear sky's, and therefore the busiest time for Kili treks.

Whatever the time of year you choose to climb, good equipment is necessary to ensure your comfort and safety.

A reasonably fit individual with stamina, strength and determination, stands a good chance of successfully reaching the summit.

Don't expect luxury as facilities are basic. On Marangu route there are shared mountain huts for sleeping, communal dining area and toilet blocks with cold water taps (not at Kibo Hut).

All other routes are camping only and everything, including water, has to be carried by hard working porters. Long drop tolets are provided en-route and in the designated camping sites.

Kilimanjaro climbing routes

Returning to Marangu gate after Kili trekking hiking on Shira plateau on kilimanjaro Kilimanjaro summit climb

 

Marangu route is a gradual ascent on well maintained tracks. Hiking towards the summit there is a steep zig-zag scree path up to Gilman's Point. The route then flattens out to hike around the crater, Marangu 'the coca cola route' is the most popular route. More details can be found on the Kili trekking Marangu route page

Machame is a scenic route with the highest summit success rate because of the up and down nature of the climb - hiking high and sleeping low is good for acclimatization. There is a challenging almost sheer wall to climb - Baranco wall. However, it's easier than it looks. More details are available for Kili trekking on Machame route

Rongai route begins with a rough drive to the eastern slopes of Mt. Kilimanjaro. The road can be difficult in bad weather. Easy and gradual hiking for the beginning of the ascent but hiking days get longer.  The route joins Marangu route at Kibo Hut for the summit ascent. The Kilitrekking on Rongai route program page has more details

Lemosho route starts with a rough drive through western Kilimanjaro to Lodrossi gate. Remote and spectacular with dramatic gorges and views of West Kilimanjaro. Climbers join Machame route for the summit ascent after a tough hike on Shire Plateau (weather exposed) - see the Lemosho Kilimanjaro trekking program for more information

Umbwe route is a spectacular and little used route with steep gorges, glaciers and panoramic views. The trail gains altitude quickly and involves some tough scrambling. Climbers need a good level of fitness and must be prepared for a steep ascent which may increase problems with altitude sickness. For more information on Kili trekking on Umbwe route check out the program page

There is also a more challenging Mt Kilimanjaro Circuit Route which includes the rarely visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro. More details of the route can be found on the Circuit route program page

Adding an extra day above 3,000m onany of the above routes will help the body to adjust to the altitude and give you an added opportunity to explore and enjoy your Mt Kilimanjaro climb.

NOTE: The Western Breach route, also known as Arrow Glacier, is closed to non-technical climbers until further notice, due to rock instability.

Within this web site you will find information on planning a Mt Kilimanjaro trek, increasing your level of fitness as well as help with choosing Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes

Kilimanjaro summit glaciers

 

Information on climbing Mount Meru or Oldonyo Lengai can be found on the Add-on Activities page

Page update 21/04/08



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