Conquer Africa's Highest Peak: The Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro

Climbing to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro is on the bucket list of almost every adventurous traveller and for good reason! Rising to 5,895 metres, it is the highest peak on the African continent and offers jaw-dropping views from its top.

If you’ve been considering the climb, we’ve put together a Mount Kilimanjaro travel guide with everything you need to know about scaling this African icon safely and successfully. We’ll cover everything from Mount Kilimanjaro trekking routes to gear requirements and the best time to climb, as well as tips on how to increase your Mount Kilimanjaro summit success rate.

Mount Kilimanjaro hiking experience

Despite the challenges faced when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, you don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer to successfully summit and enjoy the experience along the way. Your team of guides and porters will be there to help you every step of the way, with an in-depth understanding of Kilimanjaro altitude sickness.

That being said, you do need to have a good level of fitness to complete the climb and doing a few multi-day hikes in the lead-up to your trek will be beneficial. One of the only restrictions imposed is that children have to be at least 10 years of age.

Mount Kilimanjaro gear requirements

The importance of having high-quality gear and being prepared for all weather conditions cannot be overstated when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. You can expect everything from extreme heat to heavy rains and nighttime temperatures that drop well below freezing point. When planning your Mount Kilimanjaro packing list, you want to include lightweight, weatherproof and water-resistant gear that you have already tried and tested.

In addition to a -10 degree sleeping bag, we recommend adding a lightweight and insulated sleeping pad to your Kilimanjaro equipment checklist. All of your gear can be carried within a 70-litre rucksack but it’s also a good idea to include a 30 or 40 litre day pack for the final ascent. You also want a comfortable pair of hiking boots that you have already worn in, plus trekking poles to help you along the way. Pack lightweight, waterproof clothing that can easily be layered on and off as the weather conditions change.

Choosing a trekking company

It’s not possible to trek Mount Kilimanjaro without a guide and this has been imposed for a good reason. Local guides bring with them a wealth of knowledge about the terrain and trail conditions, as well as where and when you need to acclimatise along the way. You’ll likely encounter changing weather conditions as you ascend to the summit and a local guide will know the signs to keep an eye out for if bad weather is rolling in.

In addition to Mount Kilimanjaro guides, trekking companies will also provide cooks and porters, who will be responsible for carrying gear such as tents, chairs, tables and food. This means not only less for you to carry but also less for you to organise upon arrival in Tanzania. Before you leave home, your Mount Kilimanjaro trekking company will give you a list of everything you need to pack so you are 100% prepared.

Getting to Mt. Kilimanjaro

If you’re flying into Tanzania for the sole purpose of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, then Kilimanjaro International Airport is the best gateway. It receives regular flights from major African cities, as well as Doha, Dubai and Amsterdam. If you’re visiting other parts of Tanzania or East Africa as part of your trip, then you might want to consider flying into Julius Nyerere International Airport near Dar es Salaam, which has a wider choice of flight connections.

Arusha is the main base for trekkers before and after their climb, with a good choice of Mount Kilimanjaro accommodation to suit all budgets. It also serves as a gateway for exploring the Northern Circuit national parks of Serengeti and Ngorongoro Crater if you’re planning a Tanzania safari as part of your trip.

Best time to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is accessible to climbers throughout the year, although some periods are more suitable for trekking than others. January to early March and June to October are considered the best times to trek when relatively clear skies and drier conditions prevail. That being said, these periods are also the busiest times on the mountain and you can expect a lot of foot traffic on the more popular routes.

From the end of March through to May, more rainfall is forecast and visibility can be poor due to the cloudy skies and fog. If you want views as far as the eye can see and stunning photographs, then avoid trekking during this period. The trails also tend to be much muddier, especially along the southern face, making for a more strenuous trek. November is another rainy season and, together with April, usually sees the highest monthly precipitation.

While there are distinct seasonal differences, it’s important to be aware that Mount Kilimanjaro weather conditions can change dramatically in a single day, no matter what time of the year you are trekking.

Summit routes

Mount Kilimanjaro can be ascended along one of several routes, each of which differs in terms of terrain, difficulty and comfortability.

Marangu Route

Often referred to as the Coca-Cola Route, the Marangu Route is one of the most popular ways of reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro as it is one of the easiest and most comfortable. This six-day, roundtrip trek includes accommodation in dormitory huts, so it’s ideal if you’re not into the idea of camping. Most people who aren’t experienced trekkers or are worried about their physical abilities opt for the Marangu Route and it offers the best chance of successfully reaching the summit.

Machame Route

If you’re after a bit more of a challenge, then consider the Machame Route, which has been nicknamed the “Whiskey Route”. It’s longer in duration than the Marangu Route (it takes seven days to reach the summit alone), despite being shorter in distance. The reason for this is the time needed to acclimatise along the way. Accommodation along the Machame Route is in tents.

Lemosho Route

More strenuous but arguably more beautiful is the Lemosho Route, which takes seven or eight days return. It allows for plenty of acclimatisation time but includes some unique challenges, including the Barranco Wall ascent and a steep climb on summit night. Along the way, you can expect lush rainforests and magnificent scenery on the Shira Plateau.

Rongai Route

Taking seven days to complete, the Rongai Route approaches Kilimanjaro’s summit from the opposite side of the mountain from the other routes, making it a good choice if this is your second time or you want to get off the beaten track. As it’s more remote, the landscapes feel more untouched, although some trekkers say it’s not as spectacular as the Lemosho Route.

Umbwe Route

The Umbwe Route is the most challenging way to reach Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit and is only for highly experienced trekkers. It takes at least six days, with a short, steep climb to the Southern Glaciers and the Western Breach. If you revel in the challenge of a tough journey and have a good level of fitness, the rewards and lack of crowds make this route more than worth it.

Mount Kilimanjaro travel tips

• Pace yourself and take frequent breaks. Trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is all about the journey (not just the destination) and pacing yourself will give you the best chance of reaching the summit.

• Acclimate. No matter how fit you might be, trekking at altitude is demanding on the body. Always listen to your guide and stop to acclimatise at every opportunity, rather than trying to power through.

• Hydrate. It’s extremely important to stay hydrated, particularly when trekking at altitude. Remember to drink not only during the day but also while resting in the evening.

Want to conquer Mount Kilimanjaro in style? Get in touch with one of our Tanzania travel experts today.