Kilimanjaro Travel Guide
Kilimanjaro holds an extraordinary place in the travel world. It’s one of those undertakings — like Everest base camp, Machu Picchu — that invites a certain kind of traveller. However, with a little planning and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.” Here’s the Kilimanjaro Travel Guide that you need to know to make the most of your trip.
On this page, we cover everything about Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing and how to prepare for your summit attempt. So stick around, pop the kettle on, and let’s get started!
Kilimanjaro Travel Guide 2023
ROUTES: Machame Route, Lemosho Route, Rongai Route, Northern Circuit Route
IMPORTANT: Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing, Is Climbing Kilimanjaro Safe, Kilimanjaro Climbing Experience, Kilimanjaro Porters, Kilimanjaro Tried & Tested Treks, Kilimanjaro Routes Comparison
MORE USEFUL TRAVEL TIPS: Best Time To Climb Mt. Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Packing List, Training For Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Travel Insurance, Kilimanjaro Faq’s, Kilimanjaro Inspiring Stories, Kilimanjaro Food, Kilimanjaro Altitude Sickness, Kilimanjaro Airport, Kilimanjaro Daypack, Kilimanjaro For Beginners, Kilimanjaro Rescue, Typical Day On Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro Fullmoon Climb
Summit Safely And Successfully
We do not sell climbing adventure, we simply provide fair advice. Get a quote from our recommended local trek operator.
Mount Kilimanjaro Quick Facts
Height : 19,340 ft / 5,895 m
Type : Stratovolcano
Location : 330km South of the equator on the East African coast
Peaks : Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira
Climate zones : Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic
Cities Nearby : Moshi (Kilimanjaro region), Arusha (Arusha region)
Closest Airport : Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
First Climb : 1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller
Fastest Ascent : 6 hours and 42 minutes in 2014 by the Swiss Karl Egloff
About Mount Kilimanjaro
Also called the Roof of Africa or the Crown of Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain as well as the world’s tallest free standing peak. Standing at 5,875 metres above sea level, Kilimanjaro is also unique as it is located just 330km from the equator.
The height of Mount Kilimanjaro is 5,895m or 19,341 feet, and its main summit is called Uhuru Peak. To put Mt Kilimanjaro’s height into perspective, Mount Everest stands at 8,848 meters (29,029 feet) – just over 2,950 meters higher.
Learn more about the More About Kilimanjaro
When To Climb Kilimanjaro
The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro is January – March and June – October. The former season is generally colder than the latter but is also often quieter.
January through March is a good time to climb Kilimanjaro. April and May are the rainy season months. It is not a great time to hike Kilimanjaro. June through October is the busiest season on the mountain. November is a light rainy season. December is fast becoming a popular season.
Learn more about the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro
Which Kilimanjaro Routes To Take?
With the ever-increasing popularity of Mt. Kilimanjaro, potential climbers are often uncertain as to which route to take. Choosing the ideal Kilimanjaro Routes is of paramount importance. Ultimately it may decide your Kilimanjaro Success Rate.
So which Kilimanjaro Routes to take? Confused? Don’t be. African Scenic Safaris will help you work out the Best Route To Climb Kilimanjaro.
The Northern Circuit Route enjoys the highest Kilimanjaro summit success rate of 97%.
Learn more about the Kilimanjaro Routes
What to Pack before Kilimanjaro Climb?
Packing for Kilimanjaro can be confusing, not least because so much information exists on the internet! This may be a new experience for you and the weather and varied climate zones don’t help when you’re trying to decide what to bring.
With that in mind we’ve prepared a comprehensive equipment checklist and guidance notes which we will automatically send when you enquire with [email protected].
Footwear
Study Pair Of Hiking Boots
The footwear you choose for the hike is critical for your safety and summit success. Quality and well-fitting boots are a must. It is advisable to break them in before your Kilimanjaro adventure by making 2-3 simpler treks.
Clothing
High-quality trekking outfit
Your inner and outer layers for Kilimanjaro should be both warm and breatheable. Cotton should be avoided and, once again, a good fit will maximise your comfort. We would recommend the North Face, Mountain Hardwear
Accessories
Headlamps, trekking poles, and other items
Your Kilimanjaro packing list should also include durable and strong trekking poles, a headlamp with spare batteries, water bottles (or hydration bladders) and other essential items that will make your
Frequently asked questions
Upon inquiry, you’ll receive a detailed equipment checklist and guidance to help you prepare. Many of our guests find they already have some of the items we recommend, for example, hiking boots, base layers, warm hat, fleece sweaters, and gloves.
The government has given specific guidance regarding plastic bags. The ban is largely aimed at single-use carrier bags. Large refuse sacks or black bags are accepted, as are Ziplock bags, as long as you plan to take them home after your climb and not to dispose of them in Tanzania. We encourage you to use reusable or biodegradable bags wherever possible.
At the base of the mountain, average temperatures are 70 to 90°F (21 to 32°C) throughout the year. On the summit, temperatures range from -10 to 23°F (-23 to -5°C) with windchill. Weather is changeable, and you should be prepared for these extremes. Your guide will help you decide on appropriate clothing in a detailed daily briefing.
On the first day of your climb, you are likely to lose signal before reaching the gate and will not regain it until day two. From then onwards, for most routes, you will find the signal at some point, and sometimes even in camp. On the Rongai route and Northern, Circuit reception can be more limited and tends to be via Kenyan networks, as the routes pass close to the border.
You don’t need to be an athlete or have experience with technical mountaineering, but you do need to be active, committed to training, and ready for a challenge! The trails can be very steep at points. You will find training recommendations here.
On the majority of routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days, aside from summit day which will likely be 10-15 hours. There are a few days where treks are longer, extending to as much as 10-11 hours for those trekkers who need to take their time! This is generally only one or two days in addition to the summit and not on the day immediately before your summit attempt.
There’re Over 300 Kilimanjaro Operators (Choose Wisely!)
We do not sell climbing adventure, we simply provide fair advice. Get a quote from our recommended local trek operator.
Get Connected With The Best Kilimanjaro Operator
We do not sell climbing adventure, we simply provide fair advice. Get a quote from our recommended local trek operator.
From our clients
Steve Davis
Manaslu 2019
Manaslu was my first 8,000er and first time with Elite. They exceeded my expectations at every level and stage. I would have no hesitation in booking with them again! Highly recommended!!!
How To Know About Kilimanjaro Tried & Tested Treks?
We are the chosen trekking outfitter for charities such as Dig Deep from the United Kingdom and Youth Challenge International from Canada.
We are the trusted operator for agents based far and wide, including Inspired Adventures from Australia, Fair Voyage from Switzerland, Different Travel from the UK, and others from South Africa, China, Israel, Turkey, Malta, Canada, Tanzania and more.
We feature in Lonely Planet and Petit Futé and are recommended by Henry Stedman, who wrote the best-selling book, Kilimanjaro: The Trekking Guide to Africa's Highest Mountain.
We are a member of the TripAdvisor Hall of Fame, having repeatedly been awarded their ‘Certificate of Excellence’ year on year.
How Kilimanjaro Porters are the best mate during Kili Climb?
African Scenic Safaris is proud to be a partner company of The Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP).
For many climbers the real beauty of Kilimanjaro lies in sharing your journey with the people of the mountain, the porters and crew who forge out a living on its slopes. Not only do they carry all the equipment and set and break every camp, they do it whilst encouraging you! You will feel warmed by their deep, melodic voices sharing stories and laughter, often bursting into rousing song, and we deeply respect everything they do for you, our guests.
Each African Scenic Safaris climb is monitored by a third-party KPAP porter, who determines if we are meeting the proper treatment standards. Our partnership is completely voluntary, demonstrating our commitment to the people who really do make your climb possible
