Rainforest
Black-and-white colobus and blue monkeys are often seen in the forest at the start of the climb, along with turacos and other forest birds.
Kilimanjaro Region
Kilimanjaro National Park – Climbing Routes, Zones & Travel Guide
Africa’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak — climb to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m with our team from Moshi, or explore its rainforest on a day hike.
Kilimanjaro Region · 40 min – 1½ hrs from Moshi to the gates
Overview
About Kilimanjaro National Park
Mount Kilimanjaro rises alone from the plains of northern Tanzania, its glaciers floating above the clouds. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa, and Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. The national park protects the mountain above the forest line, and the whole massif was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Kilimanjaro is made up of three volcanic cones — Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira — and climbing it takes you through every climate zone from tropics to arctic in a single week. Reaching the summit needs no technical climbing skills, but it does require good preparation, careful acclimatisation and an experienced team.
Our office in Moshi sits at the foot of the mountain, so Kilimanjaro is quite literally our home. We plan every climb around safety, a sensible pace and the route that suits you best — and for those who would rather not go to the summit, the lower slopes offer superb day hikes.
Highlights
Top reasons to visit Kilimanjaro
- 01
The Roof of Africa
Stand on Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m — the highest point on the African continent.
- 02
No technical climbing
Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek: with fitness, determination and good acclimatisation, it is within reach of many.
- 03
Five climate zones
Walk from farmland and rainforest through heather and moorland to alpine desert and the glaciers of the summit.
- 04
Choice of routes
From the scenic Machame and Lemosho routes to the quieter Rongai and the remote Northern Circuit.
- 05
Sunrise above Africa
Watch the sun rise over Mawenzi and the curve of the earth on summit morning — an unforgettable moment.
- 06
Local expertise
Climb with a Moshi-based team, experienced mountain guides and porters who know the mountain intimately.
Wildlife & birdlife
Animals of Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is not a wildlife destination in the safari sense, but its forests and moorlands support plenty of life — especially in the lower zones.
Moorland & heath
Giant groundsels and lobelias grow here, and four-striped grass mice, white-necked ravens and sunbirds are common companions.
High altitude
Above 4,000 m life becomes scarce: lichens, hardy grasses, ravens and the occasional lammergeier soaring over the cliffs.
Look out for
- Black-and-white colobus
- Blue monkey
- White-necked raven
- Alpine chat
- Malachite sunbird
- Hartlaub’s turaco
- Lammergeier
- Four-striped grass mouse
- Giant groundsel
- Giant lobelia
Landscapes & ecosystems
The land itself
The lower slopes are farmed by the Chagga people, with coffee, bananas and small villages. Above about 1,800 metres, dense montane rainforest takes over — misty, mossy and alive with birdsong. Higher still, the forest gives way to heath and moorland, where strange giant groundsels and lobelias stand like sculptures.
Above around 4,000 metres lies the alpine desert: bare, rocky and cold, with vast views across the Shira Plateau and Mawenzi’s jagged peaks. At the summit, Kibo’s crater rim is edged with ice cliffs and glaciers that have shrunk dramatically over the past century — one more reason to see them now.
Experiences
Things to do in Kilimanjaro
- 01
Summit climb
Six to nine days to Uhuru Peak on the route that suits you, with a full mountain crew and quality equipment.
- 02
Kilimanjaro day hike
Walk through the rainforest to a first-night camp or hut and back — ideal for a taste of the mountain.
- 03
Shira Plateau visit
A high-altitude day trip by vehicle and on foot to the vast Shira Plateau, with views of Kibo.
- 04
Materuni waterfall & coffee
On the mountain’s lower slopes, combine a waterfall walk with a hands-on Chagga coffee experience.
- 05
Climb & safari
Celebrate your summit with a few days on safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti.
When to go
Best time to visit Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year, but the most popular seasons are the drier months: January to early March and June to October. April and May are the wettest; November brings short rains.
Dry season
January · Excellent climbing
Mostly clear and a little warmer than mid-year. A great time to climb, with fewer people than August.
Dry season
February · Excellent climbing
Often clear and dry. Snow on the summit is possible and very beautiful.
Long rains
March · Rains begin
Climbing is possible early in the month; later, rain becomes more frequent and trails muddier.
Long rains
April · Wettest month
Heavy rain on the lower slopes and snow higher up. Only for experienced, flexible climbers.
Long rains
May · Wet and quiet
Rain continues; the mountain is very quiet. We usually recommend a different month.
Dry season
June · Climbing season opens
Cooler and drier. Cold nights at camp, but generally clear summit conditions.
Dry season
July · Peak season
Dry and stable. One of the busiest months — book early, especially for small-group dates.
Dry season
August · Peak season
Reliable weather and clear views. Very popular for summer holidays.
Dry season
September · Superb conditions
Dry, clear and slightly warmer. An excellent month to climb.
Dry season
October · Good and quieter
Generally dry with fewer climbers. Afternoon clouds can build later in the month.
Short rains
November · Short rains
Afternoon showers are likely. Climbing is possible with good gear and a flexible mindset.
Short rains
December · Festive climbs
Showers early in the month, improving towards the holidays. Summit for New Year is popular.
- Dry season
- Green season
- Short rains
- Long rains
Getting there
Getting there & getting around
The gateway to Kilimanjaro is Moshi, a short drive from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO, about 40 km). Most climbers arrive the day before their climb for a briefing and equipment check with their guide.
The route gates are reached by road from Moshi: Machame Gate in about 40 minutes, Marangu Gate in around an hour, Londorossi (for Lemosho and the Northern Circuit) in about 2½–3 hours, and the Rongai route from the north-east in about 3 hours.
Accommodation
Where to stay in Kilimanjaro
Before and after your climb, stay in Moshi or on the mountain’s lower slopes — comfortable, quiet and close to the gates.
Mid-RangeChanya Lodge
Moshi / KilimanjaroA family-run garden lodge on the edge of Moshi, founded in 1988 — a pool among tropical greenery, a spa and the open-air Zingira restaurant, close to the Kilimanjaro gates.
View the lodge →
LuxuryKilimanjaro Wonders Hotel
Moshi / KilimanjaroA four-star boutique hotel in Moshi with an open-air bar on the fourth floor facing Kilimanjaro, a pool, fitness room and children’s playground.
View the lodge →
Ultra LuxuryUltra Luxury stays
Exclusive country lodges near Kilimanjaro offering spa treatments and private service after your summit.
Browse Ultra Luxury lodges →Recommended itineraries
Safaris that visit Kilimanjaro
Choose the Kilimanjaro route that matches your experience, fitness and time. Every climb can be combined with a safari or Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
5-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
Kilimanjaro’s historic “Coca-Cola Route”: rainforest, moorland and alpine desert to Uhuru Peak, sleeping in the mountain’s only permanent h…
- Summit
- 5,895 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Marangu Gate
from $1,550 ppView journey
Kilimanjaro · the Marangu route
6-Day Marangu Route Kilimanjaro Climb
The historic hut route to Uhuru Peak, with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut and a guided walk to Zebra Rocks.
- Summit
- 5,895 m
- Pace
- Challenging
- Begins
- Marangu Gate
from $1,750 ppView journey
Kilimanjaro · the Machame route
6-Day Machame Route Kilimanjaro Climb
The scenic “Whiskey Route”: rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall on a six-day camping climb to Uhuru Peak.
- Summit
- 5,895 m
- Pace
- Challenging strenuous
- Begins
- Machame Gate
from $1,650 ppView journey
Regions & areas
Areas to explore
01
Scenic western routesKilimanjaro
Machame & Lemosho
Popular, beautiful routes across the Shira Plateau with good “climb high, sleep low” acclimatisation. Lemosho is quieter at the start.
02
Huts instead of tentsKilimanjaro
Marangu
The only route with dormitory huts. A gentler gradient, but fewer acclimatisation days unless you add an extra night.
03
Quieter & drierKilimanjaro
Rongai & Northern Circuit
Rongai approaches from the north and is drier in the rainy months. The Northern Circuit is the longest route, with excellent acclimatisation.
04
Summit nightKilimanjaro
Kibo summit
From Barafu or Kibo hut, climbers set off around midnight to reach Stella or Gilman’s Point at the crater rim, then Uhuru Peak at sunrise.
Before you go
Essential travel information
Park & rescue fees
Park, camping or hut and rescue fees are set by Tanzania National Parks and are included in every climb we quote.
Acclimatisation
Altitude is the main challenge. Longer routes improve your chances of reaching the summit safely — we usually recommend seven or eight days.
Fitness
Regular hiking or cardio training in the months before your climb makes a big difference to your enjoyment.
Health & insurance
See your doctor before climbing at altitude, and make sure your travel insurance covers trekking up to 6,000 m and evacuation.
What to pack
Warm layers, a down jacket, waterproofs, broken-in boots and a four-season sleeping bag. We send a full kit list.
Porter welfare
We follow fair wages, proper equipment and load limits for porters, and encourage climbers to tip through the agreed process.
Fees, rules and opening times can change. For the latest official information, visit Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) ↗
Year-round
National Park
Arusha
Walking & canoe safaris, colobus
Forests, crater lakes and the slopes of Mount Meru, less than an hour from Arusha — walk, canoe and drive among giraffes, colobus monkeys and flaming…
1 day · Meru 3–4 daysExplore
Year-round
Safari capital
Arusha
Coffee farms, culture, first night
Tanzania’s safari capital at the foot of Mount Meru — a lively, green city of coffee farms, markets and culture, and the starting point for journeys …
1–2 nightsExplore
Year-round
Kilimanjaro gateway
Moshi
Waterfalls, coffee, hot springs
Our home town at the foot of Kilimanjaro — waterfalls, coffee farms, hot springs and crater lakes, with Africa’s highest mountain watching over every…
2–3 nightsExplore
Questions
Kilimanjaro safari FAQs
Can’t find your answer? Our team in Moshi is happy to help.
Ask on WhatsAppHow many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Between six and nine days depending on the route. More days mean better acclimatisation and a higher chance of reaching the summit — we usually recommend seven or eight.
Which is the best route up Kilimanjaro?
Machame and Lemosho are favourites for scenery and acclimatisation. Rongai is drier and quieter, Marangu has huts, and the Northern Circuit is the longest and most gradual.
Do I need climbing experience?
No technical climbing is required. You need good general fitness, determination and to follow your guide’s advice on pace and acclimatisation.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The driest months are January to early March and June to October. April and May are the wettest.
How cold is it at the summit?
Temperatures at Uhuru Peak are often well below freezing at night and on summit morning, especially with wind chill. Proper warm clothing is essential.
Can I combine Kilimanjaro with a safari?
Yes — it is a very popular combination. Many climbers add three to five days on safari, or relax on Zanzibar afterwards.
Photo gallery
Start planning
Plan your Kilimanjaro climb
Tell us your dates, your experience and the route you are considering. Our Moshi team will recommend the right climb and look after every detail.
- Call us+255 762 032 480
- WhatsAppChat with our team
- Email[email protected]
- OfficeMoshi, Kilimanjaro, TanzaniaEvery day · 08:00 – 18:00 EAT