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Climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the experience of a lifetime. Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at a staggering 5,895 metres (19,341”), and the world’s highest free-standing mountain. Though many of the mountain’s routes are not for the faint-hearted, with an experienced guide at your side, you certainly don’t need to be an experienced climber to reach its summit.

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CLIMBING KILIMANJARO VIA THE 5-DAY MARANGU ROUTE WITH HUTS

Beautiful Maundi Crater
Lunar Landscape Views
Certified for Ethical Climbing

FROM $1,771 USD

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the successful 7-day Lemosho Route

Spectacular Shira Plateau
Breathtaking Summit Sunrise
Certified for Ethical Climbing

FROM $2,615 USD

Climbing Kilimanjaro via the popular 7-day Machame Route

Breathtaking Summit Views
Scenic Machame Route
Certified for Ethical Climbing

FROM $2,570 USD

Kilimanjaro National Park is a popular destination for travellers who are up for a challenge. Here we delve into everything you need to know about your Mount Kilimanjaro trek, from our best recommended Kilimanjaro itineraries to how-to the practicalities of preparing for the adventure of the lifetime.

CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

THE PREPARATION GUIDE

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KILIMANJARO ITINERARIES

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?

KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES: OVERVIEW

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 Kilimanjaro route – Northern circuit
During rainy season – Rongai Route
Highest success rate – 8 days Lemosho Route or 9 days Northern Circuit

KILIMANJARO ROUTES: PROS AND CONS

There are seven different Kilimanjaro climbing routes to choose from, each with various pros and cons to suit the capabilities of the hiker. They all differ in length, difficulty, scenery, traffic, accommodation and a myriad of varying factors.

The Adelaid Tour team are experts at defining the best route for your journey... The most popular routes with our clients are the Machame Route, Marangu Route or Lemosho route.

MACHAME ROUTE

Also known as the “Whiskey Route”, Kilimanjaro’s Machame Route is one the most popular climbing routes in Tanzania. Better yet, this route has a fantastically high success rate.

Climbing Kilimanjaro through Machame route

During this route, you will walk through the green rainforest to the amazing Shira Plateau...

PRO: The Machame Route is less expensive than most of the others.

CON: This route can be quite busy, especially during the peak season.

MARANGU ROUTE

This route, nicknamed the “Coca-Cola” route, has a reputation for being one of the easiest paths on the mountain.

Marangu route climb

Some climbers prefer this route because of the hut accommodation, in contrast to camping in tents...

PRO: One of the cheapest and quickest Mount Kilimanjaro routes.

CON: You do the same trail for your descent as you did for your ascent.

LEMOSHO ROUTE

The Lemosho Route is a beautiful and unique route, known for its breathtaking views. In contrary to other Mount Kilimanjaro climbing routes, it starts on the western side of Kilimanjaro. Because of this, the Leomosho Route is less crowded with climbers and offers a much more secluded hiking experience.

Marangu route climb

Better yet, the Lemosho trail is completely unspoiled, making for a breathtakingly beautiful adventure up to the famous Shira Plateau. After a few days, the Lemosho Route joins the Machame Route at Lava Tower. You can do this route in 7 or 8 days, and it does require a decent level of fitness! .

PRO:The price is definitely worth it! The Lemosho route gives climbers plenty of time to acclimatize properly, the views are spectacular and the success rates to reach the summit are high. This is one of the most beautiful and complete routes to climb Kilimanjaro. --> > .

CON:Lemosho is undoubtedly a more expensive route – it’s a long trail and requires extra transport to the other side of the mountain. .

BEST TIME TO CLIMB KILIMANJARO

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a year-round experience. At Adelaid Tour, we provide expert advice on the best time for you to plan your Kilimanjaro trip based on your individual requirements.

The two main climbing seasons are the dry months from December to March and from June to October. The warmest months are from December to March. During these months the skies are clearer and there is less chance of snow on the trail. February is the best month since the temperature is high and the chances of rainfall are low. From June to October, the temperatures on the mountain are noticeably colder and the trails are busier.

During the rainy season, it can be wet, slippery and the visibility may be limited. Most climbers avoid these seasons, although some experienced climbers and adventurous travellers prefer to climb at this time. There are certainly some pros: a lack of crowds being a big draw!

HOW TO PREPARE FOR CLIMBING KILIMANJARO

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 grueling, 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.

CLIMBING KILIMANJARO COSTS

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 your operator costs, other expenses to consider include:

Buying the right equipment: think walking poles, hiking boots, waterproof daypack, breathable clothing etc.
Travel insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro.
Tipping guides and porters: the porters and guides work very hard – often for little money. Tipping on Kilimanjaro is standard and helps support the local community.