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.
Once you’ve made the decision to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the next step is to choose the best route for you. There are a total of seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes which lead to the summit. One route begins on the Northern side of the mountain and the remaining six begin on the Southern side. Tanzania Specialist offers climbing Kilimanjaro itineraries for all the different Kilimanjaro Routes. The main question is which route should you choose?
Best for beginners – Marangu or Machame Routes
Spectacular scenery – Lemosho or Machame Routes
Beginners with a budget – Marangu Route
For moderate hikers – Machame or Lemosho Routes
Expert hikers – Umbwe Route
Most popular Mount Kilimanjaro route – Machame Route
Longest Mt Kilimanjaro route – Northern circuit
During rainy season – Rongai Route
Highest success rate? – 8 days Lemosho Route or 9 days Northern Circuit
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible all year round, but choosing the right time can greatly enhance your experience. At African Landscape Adventures, we offer personalized guidance to help you plan your Kilimanjaro trek based on your preferences, fitness level, and goals.
The two main climbing seasons are during the dry months, from December to March and June to October.
December to March offers warmer temperatures, clearer skies, and less snow making February the most ideal month for many climbers.
June to October is cooler on the mountain, and trails tend to be busier due to the high season.
The rainy seasons April to May and November bring wet, slippery conditions and reduced visibility. While most climbers avoid these months, the trails are much less crowded, attracting more seasoned hikers looking for solitude and a different kind of adventure.
Even though there is a route for every level on Mount Kilimanjaro, it’s important to be able to cope with around 6-7 hours of walking every single day. This can be gruelling, so preparation is always a fantastic idea. During an average climbing day, you will walk 6-7 hours per day. In the months leading up to your trip, head out on long hikes every few weeks, gradually building up your stamina to endure a full weekend hike.
Other exercises that can help with preparing for your trek include yoga and breathing classes. Stretching out your body and mind makes your muscles stronger and less likely to let you down when you need them most!
Get a few tips on how to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro in this article.
In order to acclimate and summit successfully, we recommend following these simple rules:
Hike slowly. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Keeping a moderate pace when climbing Kilimanjaro will help to produce more red cells. Those are used to transport more oxygen to the vitals and to increase the breathing rate. Our mountain team will be monitoring your pace and will help you to adjust it if needed.
Drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Staying properly hydrated is essential. Water will be provided by our crew along the trek.
Join our acclimatization hikes. Each day, our guiding crew will lead short hikes from the camp to higher ground and then back again. These hikes usually last no more than 2 hours. They help a lot with getting used to the altitude. We suggest everyone takes part.
If you have time, consider climbing Mount Meru before your Kilimanjaro trip. Those close to South America will have many options for similar hikes. For example, on the Inca Trail. Hiking other lower mountains around the world can also be fantastic preparation for this climb. It will help you get used to higher altitudes, preparing you for the Kilimanjaro journey.
Lastly, if you choose routes that are seven days or longer, your body will have more time to adjust. This will improve your chances of reaching the summit.
Among the best routes for acclimatization profile are Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai. Consider them, or other itineraries with seven days and more.
On the seven-day Machame route climb, you won’t need any extra acclimatization days. Equally good options are Rongai and Lemosho. These are the main routes we use for most of our trips. However, if you think you’re not very physically fit, you may add one or two days for extra rest
At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the level of oxygen in the air is roughly half of what it is at sea level. Most climbers can reach Uhuru Peak without using extra oxygen.
Yet, to be on the safe side, we take precautions. On our expeditions, we always have plenty of oxygen tanks. The cost of this service is included in the price of the climb.
We have 300+ oxygen tanks ready for our expeditions, more than all other operators combined. In the unlikely scenario that your group needs additional oxygen, we will send it from our base. The neighboring Altezza groups on the mountain are also ready to share theirs. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with us is always safe.
At African Landscape Adventures, your safety is our top priority. During all Mount Kilimanjaro expeditions, our team carries comprehensive medical kits to handle common health concerns on the mountain.
On the trail, we use compact tactical kits equipped to treat minor injuries such as scratches, sprains, or twisted joints. At camp, larger medical kits are available, stocked with medications for typical altitude-related issues including nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach discomfort.
To help manage and prevent altitude sickness, we also carry an ample supply of oxygen and are trained to respond at the first signs of altitude-related symptoms.
If you take prescription medication, we strongly recommend bringing enough for your entire trip, as such medications may not be available in Tanzania.
Compared to most other high-altitude mountains, Kilimanjaro has a relatively low death rate across its seven routes. Out of the approximately 50,000 hikers who attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro each year, only 3 to 5 fatalities occur. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks.
Tanzania offers renowned destinations for all kinds of African adventures. The most popular spots include Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Planning a safari before or after your climb is undoubtedly a great idea. We have a fleet of new safari vehicles and a crew of highly professional driver-guides who will make your safari truly unforgettable!
During your Mount Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll be surprised by the quality and variety of meals served on the mountain. At African Landscape Adventures, our mountain chefs prepare fresh, nutritious, and energy-rich meals to keep you fueled and strong throughout your climb.
You can expect a mix of local and international cuisine, typically including:
Breakfasts: porridge, eggs, toast, pancakes, fruit, tea, and coffee
Lunches: hot or packed meals with pasta, rice, vegetables, sandwiches, and fruit
Dinners: hearty soups, stews, grilled chicken, vegetables, potatoes, rice, or pasta
Snacks: popcorn, biscuits, and hot drinks served in the afternoon
We also accommodate special dietary requirements, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-sensitive menus just let us know in advance.
Despite the high altitude and remote setting, our cooks work hard to ensure every meal is safe, satisfying, and energizing.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is subject to the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The official rules dictate that a local guide must accompany all hikers. Rangers at the park will not permit entry to anyone without a professional Kilimanjaro guide.
Also, venturing up to the Roof of Africa solo involves certain risks. During the summit night in the peak zone, one may succumb to altitude sickness or get injured. If needed, the guides will assist with evacuations and other emergencies.
Finally, climbing Kilimanjaro is more than merely a physical challenge. On this journey, you will learn about Kilimanjaro’s plants, animals, history, and traditions. The guides will also share vibrant stories of the communities living in the shadow of the mountain.
Anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro should keep the park entrance fees in mind. As of today, they come at $154 per day per hiker. This amount includes several types of fees:
‘Camping fees’, or ‘hut fees’ on the Marangu route. – The fees for pitching the tents or sleeping in the Marangu wooden cabins during the climb.
‘Crew fees’ – there is a small charge for each crew member entering the National Park to support you on the trek.
‘Rescue fee’ – this is a sort of mandatory ‘insurance’ payment. The hikers pay it to use the Kilimanjaro rescue cars. Please keep in mind that this is not a substitute for a real insurance package.
Don’t worry about the park fees when planning your trip. Tour operators include them in the overall price of climbing Kilimanjaro and we will pay them to the park authorities on your behalf. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with African Landscape Adventures you can be sure that we will take care of every detail.
Location: Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa
Notable Feature: free-standing, snow-capped volcano near the equator.
Wildlife:
Home to elephants, buffaloes, colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of birds and smaller mammals
The costs for climbing Kilimanjaro depend on the route you choose. We work with our clients to create custom Kilimanjaro itineraries for a wide range of budgets – from shoestring to bespoke luxury. Aside from tour operator costs, other expenses to consider include:
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