Mt. Kilimanjaro Overview
Snow-capped Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 19,341 ft (5895 meters) above sea level. It has three major volcanic centres: Shira (4160 m), Snow capped Kibo (5895 m) and Mawenzi. Widely considered the roof of Africa, climbing mount Kilimanjaro through one of the great trekking routes is one of the most rewarding experiences that any person can enjoy.
We organize treks to the summit of the Mountain using 5 different routes: Machame, Shira, Rongai, Lemosho and Northern Circuit. Regardless of the route, no special equipment (just walking gear) or previous experience is required to climb the Kilimanjaro. A good level of fitness but specially an exceptional level of determination (the last 500 meters of ascent to the summit will be extremely demanding, regardless of your physical condition) is all you will need.
Summary:
Travel dates: Any time of the year. Your travel dates are fully customizable, as per your preference.
Duration of Trip: 10 days/9 nights
Accommodation: Double- Occupancy ( i.e. 2 people sharing a Room/Tent or Luxury Climb)
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho Route: preferred
We consider the Lemosho 8-day Route to be the most interesting. This route provides a very balanced trek, having some of the most spectacular scenery and wildlife while not being as demanding as the Umbwe route. It also enjoys a very high summit success rate and very little traffic. If you choose to climb Kilimanjaro on this route, you will have the chance to cross the entirety of the plain from west to east in a pleasant, relatively flat hike. The Lemosho route is also the longest and less economic one so, if time or budget do not make it a convenient choice, the other two routes we recommend are the Rongai and Machame ones.
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machame Route: most popular
The Machame Route is one of the most popular routes, being the first choice of most seasoned hikers and providing impressive views and a variety of habitats. Most climbers choose the 7 days version to err on the side of caution and make sure that they are properly acclimatized before reaching the summit. However, the 6 days route is also quite safe and most people with an active lifestyle will manage it without major problems.
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RONGAI Route: recommended
The Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the Northern, or Kenyan side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Because of its remote location the route offers trekkers a relatively unspoilt wilderness experience where it is possible to see large wildlife like antelope, elephant and buffalo.
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northern circuit Route: recommended - longest
The Northern Circuit is the newest and longest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It begins in the West at the Londorossi Gate and follows the same path as the Lemosho Route for the first two days. After crossing the Shira Plateau the path veers north near Lava Tower, following the longer Northern Circuit instead of the more popular Southern Circuit via Barranco Valley.
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shira Route: recommended for trekkers accustomed to high altitudes
Shira Route starts at 3,600 meters and is therefore not ideal for trekkers who have little or no experience of high altitude trekking. The Shira Route is practically identical to the Lemosho Route. In fact, Shira was the original route before Lemosho was created to improve the route start point.
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Marangu Route: lowest success rate & cheapest
We do not usually recommend the Marangu route because, though it is the only route where you can sleep in huts, they sometimes prove to be less comfortable than the tents we provide. Besides, it has a lower success rate (specially the 5 days version) because it does not use the "climb high, sleep low" principle.
Best Time to Climb
High Season = Dry Season: The two high seasons for climbing Kilimanjaro are January through March and June through October. You can’t beat these months for weather and visibility, though you’ll have to share the trail with others. But sharing is caring, right? Plus this mountain is a behemoth; no matter the season—there’s plenty to go around.
By Season:
January - March
Less Rain, More People, Warmer Weather
January is the driest time of year for climbing.
A great time of year to consider Kilimanjaro for those less experienced.
Warm and clear, the crowds are moderate.
March - May
More Rain, Fewer People, Cooler Weather
Low season for Kilimanjaro, due to this period being the rainy season.
Muddier trails and lower visibility.
You’ll have the trails more to yourself.
June - October:
Less Rain, More People, Cooler Weather
This is the most popular season for Kilimanjaro treks.
Students and families are on summer break, and many choose this Nme.
By June the rainy season has subsided, bringing dry days and cool nights.
October - December:
More Rain, Fewer People, Warmer Weather
A short rainy season typically arrives in November.
Choose these months and you’ll find fewer people.
December can see more visitors due to the holidays.
When considering when to climb to the Roof of Africa, each season has its advantages; you never know what you’ll get. Choose a month that best suits your schedule and goals, then hakuna matata. No worries. Because Kilimanjaro will leave you breathless (literally) and forever inspired. There’s simply no experience quite like it. So keep climbing.
Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project
The mistreatment of porters can be a troubling challenge in the climbing industry. We are an approved Partner company with the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project – KPAP – and the International Mountain Explorers Connection – IMEC – Partner for Responsible Travel Program.
We voluntarily participate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs. By climbing with us you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.
KPAP also helps to improve the working conditions of porters by:
Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing
Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly
Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment
Offering educational classes to porters
Please consider supporting KPAP by making a financial contribution to enable them to continue with their Partner for Responsible Travel Program and free services for porters. To make a donation, please visit kiliporters.org/donate-now.
