Do you plan to travel to Kilimanjaro? Every year, over 40,000 adventurers challenge themselves to summit one of the highest freestanding mountains in Africa. Located proudly in northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is the fourth most popular trekking destination, following the iconic Everest Base Camp and the Inca Trail.
Kilimanjaro climbing doesn’t require ice axes or other gear, but many technical questions remain. We’ll help you determine which routes the Kilimanjaro trip offers, how to prepare for the challenging Kilimanjaro weather, where to buy travel insurance for hiking in the mountains, and explore the stats and hike costs.
Let your unforgettable adventure to the “Roof of Africa” start now!
How hard it is to climb Mount Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro Peak doesn’t require special skills but endurance and technique. So it’s still a challenging trek due to the extreme altitude and rapidly changing weather. Let’s turn to Kilimanjaro reviews and try to answer: Can a normal person climb Kilimanjaro? Despite nearly ideal conditions, only about 65% of climbers reach the summit on shorter Kilimanjaro trekking routes. The reason for the difficulty? Quite simply, they fail to acclimatize properly.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
The average Mt. Kilimanjaro hike length ranges from 62 kilometers (38.5 miles) to 97 kilometers (60 miles) for a round trip. The hike time differs depending on the chosen path. Most hikes last between 5 and 9 days. For example:
- Marangu Route: 5-6 days, but lower success rates.
- Lemosho Route: Ideal for 8 day climbing, offering higher success rates.
- Machame Route: 6-7 days with challenging terrain.
Extra days allow your body to acclimate, greatly enhancing your likelihood of reaching the peak.
Is it dangerous to climb Kilimanjaro?
Every year, about 10 die on Kilimanjaro, which accounts for approximately 0.03% of all climbers. This makes the summit relatively safe to climb, especially considering that Mt. Kilimanjaro height is 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) — the highest point in Africa. Where do the deaths come from? Risks include altitude sickness (affecting 50% of climbers), exhaustion, and extreme temperatures.
What travel insurance do you need to climb Kilimanjaro?
Having travel insurance for hiking in the mountains is crucial. Regular travel insurance might cover lost luggage, missing documents, or a broken leg in a hotel. But you need more! Your insurance MUST be marked as Active, Dangerous, or Extreme and include compensation for specific injuries that could happen during climbing and helicopter evacuation. In case of severe altitude sickness or a medical emergency, you will be quickly transported to the mountain base to a populated area without cutting your budget.
What hiking and climbing routes Kilimanjaro offers
Mount Kilimanjaro trails vary in difficulty, duration, and conditions. If you plan to climb, bring a mt Kilimanjaro map to help you stay on track. Take the map from local guides or tourist agencies in Tanzania. Online maps are also available for download before your trip.
- Marangu route: This Kilimanjaro climbing route is ideal for beginners and easy to climb. It has comfortable shelters for overnight stays. The climb lasts 5-6 days. Mobile signal is available at the lower levels.
- Machame route: One of the most scenic routes on Kilimanjaro. The climbing duration is 6-7 days, and the difficulty is moderate with some more challenging sections. Mobile signal is only available at the lower sections of the route.
- Lemosho route: It lasts 7-8 days and is an excellent choice for experienced climbers. Its main advantage is good acclimatization due to the gradual ascent. The difficulty of the route is moderate/high. Mobile signal is limited, especially at higher altitudes.
- Rongai route: The route offers a gentle ascent and is less crowded than other routes. It lasts 6-7 days and is moderately difficult.
- Northern route: Kilimanjaro’s longest and hardest climbing route lasts 9-10 days. It suits experienced mountaineers and requires good physical preparation and mental strength. This route is unique for offering solitude and nature views.
What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro
On Kilimanjaro, the weather changes significantly with altitude.
- At the base (up to 3000 meters), Mount Kilimanjaro temperature is usually 20-25°C during the day and 10-15°C at night. It often rains, especially during the rainy season, but the temperature is comfortable for starting the hike.
- At middle altitudes (3000-4500 meters), the temperature during the day is 15-20°C, and at night it can drop to 0-5°C. The weather becomes colder and more variable, with possible rain, fog, and clouds.
- At higher altitudes (4500-5700 meters), the temperature during the day is around 5°C, and at night it can drop to -10°C. There is often strong wind, snow, and ice.
- The temperature at the top of Kilimanjaro (5895 meters) can drop to -20°C or lower, especially with strong winds. Be prepared for extreme cold and low oxygen levels.
Hikers should be ready for temperature fluctuations, rain, and extreme cold at high altitudes and pay attention to acclimatization.
Kilimanjaro weather statistics
| Month | Dry Season? | Daytime Temperature | Summit Temperature |
| January-March | Yes | 20-27°C | -10 to -20°C |
| June-October | Yes | 15-25°C | -10 to -20°C |
| April-May | No (Rainy) | 18-22°C | -5 to -15°C |
| November-December | No (Rainy) | 19-24°C | -5 to -15°C |
The Kilimanjaro climbing season aligns with Tanzania’s dry months. So, the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro: January to March and June to October.
How much does a Kilimanjaro climbing trip cost?
The Kilimanjaro trek cost can vary significantly depending on the comfort level, route duration, and additional services. The overall climbing price ranges from $2,000 to $7,000. Let’s break it down:
Budget climbing tour: This climbing option suits travelers who want to reach the summit without spending too much. It typically costs $2,000–$3,000 and includes accommodation in standard tents, simple meals, and water.
Mid-range climbing tour: The mid-range option offers more comfortable conditions, with covered camps, better meals, sleeping bags, and improved services. It costs from $3,500 to $4,500.
Luxury Kilimanjaro climbing tour: If you prefer maximum comfort, take this option and have $5,000–$7,000. It includes accommodation in luxurious camps with beds and toilets, personalized meals with high-quality menus, training, and support.
What’s included in the cost:
- Park fees: $70 per day per person.
- Guide and porter fees: Guides earn about $20-$25/day, while porters earn $10-$15/day.
- Meals and accommodations.
You can buy a Kilimanjaro climbing tour through licensed travel agencies, both online and when you arrive in Tanzania. You can also book climbing tours through official tour companies on the Kilimanjaro National Park website.
How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro
Training to climb Mt Kilimanjaro is essential for anyone, even if they’re not aiming for the summit. A lack of preparation stops most travelers, leads to injuries, and results in being taken off the route.
What does the Kilimanjaro training plan include?
- Physical fitness. Start training 2-3 months in advance. Activities like running, hiking with a backpack, and exercises to strengthen your legs and back will be helpful.
- Acclimatization. Train at higher altitudes a couple of weeks before your trip.
- Mental readiness. Climbing can be tough, so preparing yourself for challenges is important.
Where and how can you prepare for the Kilimanjaro elevation?
You can prepare in specialized mountaineering schools or sports clubs that offer programs for mountain climbing. Alternatively, hire a guide to help you prepare for the routes and teach you essential skills. If training in the mountains isn’t an option, try hiking or trekking with a backpack in local nature areas or forests to build stamina and get used to walking long distances.
A few tips for successful Kilimanjaro summit
Tips are crucial because, even with insurance, it’s worth ensuring your climb goes smoothly and with minimal physical and financial losses.
- Feel free to stop and drink water.
- Rest for a couple of days at a higher altitude to maintain the “climb high, sleep low” rule, which will prevent altitude sickness.
- Layer up. The weather on Kilimanjaro changes daily. Be prepared for extremely hot sun at lower altitudes and cold near the summit.
- Even in summer, the temperature can drop below freezing at night, so it’s better to carry warm clothes.
- A well-balanced diet focusing on carbohydrates will help to maintain high energy and physical condition during the trek.
What Kilimanjaro climbing tours are available for travelers
Why are you climbing Kilimanjaro? Don’t be surprised by this question — your goal for the trip to Mount Kilimanjaro can be entirely different. Not everyone aims to conquer the summit. Some visitors simply want to explore the park and take photos, while others are eager to immerse themselves in local culture and interact with tribes. To cater to all kinds of travelers, several types of Kilimanjaro hiking tours are available:
- Summit climbing tours: Most tourists travel to Mt Kilimanjaro to reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. These tours are divided into routes of varying Kilimanjaro hike difficulty and duration so everyone can find a suitable option.
- Safari tours with climbing: These tours combine the adventure of Kilimanjaro with safaris in Tanzania’s famous national parks, such as Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
- Cultural Kilimanjaro guided tour: This tour is designed for travelers who wish to learn more about the lives of local tribes, such as the Maasai. It includes visits to villages, traditional celebrations, and workshops.
- Photography tours: Specially curated for photographers, these tours focus on routes with the best views to capture unforgettable sunsets, landscapes, and wildlife.
- Eco-Tours: This climbing tour is perfect for those who want to contribute to environmental conservation. It often includes participation in trail cleanups or support for local ecological initiatives.
All these climbing options are available from licensed tour operators. Many companies offer customizable combination tours to suit your goals. You can book tours online or in person through travel agencies in Tanzania.
What to do in Kilimanjaro National Park
Visiting the park means easy walks at the foot of the mountain, safaris, cultural tours, and many Mount Kilimanjaro pictures. It’s perfect for those who want to enjoy the view from Kilimanjaro without strenuous physical challenges. To reach one of the most popular Kilimanjaro tourist attractions, fly into JRO International Airport. It’s just an hour’s drive from the park. Many travel agencies include transfers in their packages, but if you prefer independence, you can take a taxi or rent a car.
Do you need insurance? Yes, absolutely! Active sports insurance is essential even if you’re not climbing the summit. It covers injuries, altitude sickness, and helicopter evacuation in emergencies.
What are the popular in-park attractions for travelers?
- Walks at the foot of the mountain. Enjoy easy climbing trails, beautiful forests, and stunning views for those who love nature without the extreme effort.
- Safari. Meet the local wildlife: elephants, buffalo, monkeys, and other park inhabitants.
- Cultural tours. Visit Maasai villages, try their dishes, and learn more about the local culture.
What post-climb recovery is needed
Congrats, you’ve conquered Kilimanjaro! But don’t be surprised if your body feels like it’s been through an epic battle. After the descent, you might feel wiped out, have a few sore muscles, or even experience a post-adventure emotional dip. It’s normal!
Here’s how to bounce back like a champ:
- Chill Days: Take a day or two just to kick back. You’ve earned it!
- Safaris: Trade the mountain for the savannah and go hang out with lions, elephants, and zebras in Serengeti or Ngorongoro.
- Hot Springs in Moshi: Soak those tired legs in the Chemka Hot Springs. They’re warm and bubbly, perfect for Instagram pics.
- Cultural Tours: Meet the Chagga people, taste their local brews, and dance at a village party. Who said recovery can’t be fun?
Take it easy, enjoy the views, and give yourself a pat on the back — you just climbed to the top of Africa!
Fascinating facts about Kilimanjaro
You already know a lot about the place you will visit soon, but here are 5 interesting facts about Mount Kilimanjaro that help give you a complete picture of this amazing place.
- Does Mount Kilimanjaro have snow? Yes, the summit is covered in snow year-round, despite being near the equator.
- Who was the first person to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro? Hans Meyer and his guide Yohannes Kinyala Lauwo were the first to reach the summit in 1889.
- How many people have climbed Kilimanjaro? While exact lifetime numbers are hard to estimate, hundreds of thousands of climbers worldwide have reached its summit since the first recorded ascent in 1889.
- Is Kilimanjaro a volcano? Yes, there are three volcanic Kilimanjaro peaks: Kibo (dormant), Mawenzi, and Shira (both extinct).
- How was Mt. Kilimanjaro formed? It was formed 3 million years ago through volcanic activity caused by tectonic plate movements.
What to remember about climbing Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure that requires physical preparation, proper equipment, and thorough planning. Choose the right climbing route, get insurance for active sports, and trust professional guides. At the summit, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and a sense of achievement that will stay with you forever.
FAQ
Where is Kilimanjaro located in Africa?
Kilimanjaro is located in Tanzania, near the border with Kenya.
What does Kilimanjaro mean?
The name has mixed origins and translates to “Mountain of the Great White.”
Where to go to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Start your climbing journey at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), then head to Moshi or Arusha, where tour operators are based.
What are the best months to climb Kilimanjaro?
The best months for climbing are January-March and June-October when the weather is dry and stable.
Can I climb to the summit with regular travel insurance?
No. You will need active sports insurance covering mountaineering, injuries, and evacuation.
