Challenges and Beauty

Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a fantastic adventure! It’s the highest mountain in Africa and attracts climbers from all over the world. Are you planning a climb or looking for information about it?

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, offers adventurers a unique and challenging experience. Located in Tanzania, it is Africa’s tallest peak and one of the famed Seven Summits. The mountain boasts diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforests to alpine deserts and glaciers near the summit. Climbers typically choose from several established routes, each varying in difficulty and scenery. The Marangu route, known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is popular for its relative comfort with hut accommodations, while the Machame route offers stunning views and a more varied terrain.

Successful climbs typically take around 5-9 days, allowing for acclimatization to the altitude. Climbers can encounter changing weather conditions, from hot and humid at lower altitudes to freezing temperatures near the summit, necessitating careful packing and preparation. Experienced guides and porters play crucial roles in ensuring safety and support throughout the journey, handling logistics and providing valuable insights into the mountain’s history and ecology.

Reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit, Uhuru Peak, is a remarkable achievement, rewarding climbers with breathtaking panoramic views and a sense of accomplishment. The experience of Kilimanjaro embodies both physical challenge and natural beauty, making it a bucket-list destination for adventurers seeking to conquer Africa’s highest peak.

Essential Information Before Your Kilimanjaro Hike

Height

19,340 ft/5,895 m

Trekking Distance

42 miles (70km) | Lemosho Route

Climate zones

Rainforest, Heather, Moorland, Alpine, Arctic

Kilimanjaro Routes

Lemosho, Machame, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Marangu, Umbwe Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths 6-9 days Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths

Peaks

Kibo, Mawenzi, Shira

Required Skills

Average fitness level

Trekking Distance

1889, Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller

6-9 days

Kilimanjaro Hike Lengths

$2,500

Average Climb Cost

98%

Kilimanjaro Success Rate

Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes, beginners with little or no trekking experience can climb Kilimanjaro. With proper training and a quality tour guide, your chances of successfully reaching the summit are very high.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?

The duration of a Kilimanjaro climb varies depending on the chosen route. Most expeditions typically last between 6 to 8 days. Experienced hikers with prior acclimatization can sometimes complete the climb in an accelerated 5-day program. For those opting to stay overnight in the crater, the journey can extend to 9 days or longer.

Compared to other peaks in the Seven Summits, Kilimanjaro offers one of the shortest treks. Climbing Mount Everest takes 6-9 weeks, while Denali and Aconcagua require 2-3 weeks. In contrast, summiting Kilimanjaro generally takes about one week.

How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro presents a moderate challenge but is attainable for the average person. By choosing a reputable climbing operator and allowing sufficient time for acclimatization, most climbers can successfully reach the summit.

Popular questions about Kilimanjaro

Mount Meru has two peaks: the main one is named Socialist Peak, and the lower one is simply called Little Meru. The main summit is, of course, the goal of the expedition, and Little Meru is a bonus for active travelers.

On the second day of the ascent, there’s a half-day remaining after reaching the upper camp, Saddle Hut. Those interested can, accompanied by a guide, hike through the saddle to the summit of Little Meru. The route is relatively straightforward, and on a clear day, the views are breathtaking. Little Meru offers a direct view of Mount Kilimanjaro, allowing climbers to admire its “big brother” from the peak.

Little Meru stands at 3,820 meters (12,533 feet) above sea level. Summiting it is recommended for two reasons: besides the stunning landscapes, it provides additional acclimatization before the early morning start to the main summit. It’s a “golden rule” of mountain expeditions: climb high, sleep low.

Visiting the summit of Little Meru is possible on both 3-day and 4-day programs with Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are from late December to early March and mid-June to late October, when the weather is nearly ideal.

While other months can bring rain, this doesn’t mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, the rain starts later in the day, giving trekkers a significant window of clear weather each day, even during the rainy season. There are also many days without any rain. Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions offers discounted climbs during these wet months.

How to Prepare and Train for Kilimanjaro

How to Train for a Mount Kilimanjaro Climb?

Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is crucial for climbing Kilimanjaro. While you don’t need to be an athlete to reach the summit, a healthy average level of fitness is necessary. As a guideline, if you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 miles), you are likely fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Recommended Exercises for Kilimanjaro Hike:

  1. Running: Running is an excellent way to build endurance for your hike. Aim to train until you can confidently jog 4-5 km (2.5-3.1 miles). Consider using the Nike Running Club app for good training programs.

  2. Swimming: Swimming is a fantastic complement to running. It strengthens your entire body and improves heart and lung endurance, making it an excellent addition to your fitness routine. Unlike running, which primarily focuses on leg endurance, swimming engages your arms, core, and legs simultaneously. The buoyancy of water also helps protect your joints while exercising.

  3. Hiking on Rough Trails: If you have access to rural areas with challenging hiking trails, make use of them. Aim for longer hikes, ideally in the 10-15 km (6-10 miles) range. Since much of the Kilimanjaro hike is uphill, training on longer, rougher trails will better prepare you for the ascent.

When Are the Rainy and Dry Seasons in Tanzania?

Tanzania experiences two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season starts in early November and continues until late December, followed by a dry season that lasts until mid-March. After that, the long rainy season begins and ends in mid-June.

If you’re planning to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season, consider the northern slopes. According to the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this area receives five times less rainfall compared to other parts of the mountain. Recommended routes for this period include Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.

Keep in mind that from June to October, East Africa experiences cold nights. At Kilimanjaro’s high altitudes, nights can be especially chilly. Be sure to check our packing list to ensure you have all the necessary gear.

What to pack for Kilimanjaro?

Preparing for any high-altitude trek like Kilimanjaro requires careful packing of essential equipment. At Kilimanjaro Mega Expeditions, we provide all necessary group gear for your expedition, including tents, mattresses, tables, chairs, first aid kits, and oxygen tanks. However, you’ll need to bring or rent personal items such as appropriate clothing, footwear, trekking poles, and personal gear. Given the high altitude, anticipate colder temperatures starting from day 2, especially at night. To ensure you’re fully prepared, we’ve compiled a detailed gear list to equip you for the journey ahead.

Common Safety Concerns About Climbing Kilimanjaro

Our Classic Kilimanjaro Itinerary

Embark on an unforgettable trekking experience with our Kilimanjaro climbs, offering a journey to Africa’s highest peak. Mount Kilimanjaro stands majestically at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, beckoning adventurers with its diverse landscapes and challenging routes.

Mount Meru Climb

Mount Meru Climb

A 4-day adventure to climb Mount Meru, Tanzania’s second-highest peak. Located in Arusha National Park, this climb offers stunning views of…

4 Days

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$1000

Mount Meru Climb via Momella Route

Mount Meru Climb via Momella Route

A 3-day adventure to climb Mount Meru via the Momella Route, located in Arusha National Park. This trek offers stunning views…

3 Days

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$880

Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

Kilimanjaro Climb via Rongai Route

A 7-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Rongai Route. Approaching the mountain from the north, near the Kenyan border,…

7 Days

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$1779

Machame Gate to Machame Camp

Climb via Northern Circuit Route

An 10-day journey to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Northern Circuit Route. This is the newest and longest route, offering a…

10 Days

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$2400

Kilimanjaro Useful Information