Roof of Africa

Kilimanjaro National Park Climbs & Day Hikes

Climb Africa’s highest mountain with experienced local guides, or take a day hike on its rainforest slopes.

SummitUhuru Peak, 5,895 m
UNESCO statusWorld Heritage Site since 1987
Gateway townMoshi
Climb length5–9 days
Day hikesAvailable from Moshi & Arusha

About Kilimanjaro National Park

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. You do not need technical climbing skills to reach the top, but you do need time to adjust to the altitude.

Every route passes through rainforest, heath, moorland and alpine desert before the final push to Uhuru Peak. Longer routes give your body more time to acclimatise and usually mean a higher chance of reaching the summit.

Good to know

  • Best months are January–March and June–October
  • 7 or 8 days gives a better summit chance than 5 or 6
  • Our guides check your health on the mountain every day
  • A safari or Zanzibar beach break is easy to add after the climb

Highlights

Machame route

A scenic and popular route with good acclimatisation, 6–8 days.

Lemosho & Northern Circuit

Quieter, longer routes with beautiful views and high summit success.

Marangu route

The only route with huts instead of tents, 5–6 days.

Day hikes

Walk through the rainforest to Mandara Hut or Shira Plateau in one day.

Best time to visit

June – October

Dry and clear. The most popular climbing season.

January – March

Warmer, fairly dry and quieter on the trails.

April – May

Long rains. Wet and muddy trails; few climbers.

November – early December

Short rains. Climbing is possible with good rain gear.

Kilimanjaro climbs and hikes

Hand-picked trips that include Kilimanjaro National Park. Every trip can be tailored to your dates, budget and travel style.

Frequently asked questions

Which Kilimanjaro route is best?

For most climbers we recommend Machame or Lemosho for scenery and good acclimatisation. Marangu suits those who prefer huts. We are happy to help you choose.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be able to walk several hours a day for a week. Regular hikes before your trip help a lot.

Can I combine Kilimanjaro with a safari?

Yes. Many guests climb first and then relax on a safari to the Serengeti, Ngorongoro or Tarangire.

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