Mount Kilimanjaro: The Complete Guide
Mount Kilimanjaro stands in northern Tanzania, close to the town of Moshi and about 330 kilometres south of the equator. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, and it is the highest free-standing mountain on earth.
Mount Kilimanjaro stands in northern Tanzania, close to the town of Moshi and about 330 kilometres south of the equator. At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point in Africa. Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano with three cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, and it is the highest free-standing mountain on earth.
This guide answers the main questions about Kilimanjaro: where it is, how to reach the summit, which route to take, when to go, what it costs and how to prepare.
Where is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is in the Kilimanjaro Region of northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenyan border. The nearest international airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 45 minutes from Moshi and one hour from Arusha. Most climbs begin from a hotel in Moshi or Arusha.
Climate zones on the way up
The climb is like walking from the equator to the Arctic. You pass through farmland, tropical rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit zone. Temperatures range from warm and humid at the gate to well below freezing at the summit, so the right clothes matter.
Routes and how long to take
The main routes are Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe and the Northern Circuit. In general, longer routes give you more time to acclimatise and have higher success rates. Our recommendation for most trekkers is a 7 or 8 day climb on Lemosho or Machame. See our route pages for Machame and Marangu, and our complete route comparison.
Altitude and safety
Altitude sickness is the biggest risk. Symptoms include headache, nausea and dizziness, and serious cases can be life-threatening. Our guides check your oxygen levels daily and have oxygen and rescue equipment. Walk slowly, drink more than three litres of water daily, tell your guide how you feel and descend if symptoms get worse. See our altitude sickness guide.
Fitness and training
You do not need to be an athlete, but you should be able to walk for several hours with a small pack. Training for six to eight weeks, with long hikes, stair climbing and cardio, improves your comfort and your chance of the summit. See our training and packing guide.
Short options: day hikes and Mount Meru
If you do not have time or wish to climb to the summit, a Kilimanjaro day hike on the lower slopes, or a trek on nearby Mount Meru, gives you a taste of the mountain. See our Mount Meru page for a 4 day alternative that also prepares you for Kilimanjaro.
The seven Kilimanjaro routes compared
Marangu
Huts, a gentle gradient, 5 or 6 days, lowest cost, busier trails.
Machame
Camping, great scenery, 6 or 7 days, the most popular route.
Lemosho
Camping, a quiet start and a wide Shira Plateau, 7 or 8 days, high success rate.
Rongai
Camping, from the north, 6 or 7 days, drier and quieter.
Umbwe
Camping, steep and direct, 5 or 6 days, for experienced hikers.
Northern Circuit
Camping, circles the mountain, 9 days, best acclimatisation and views.
What to eat and drink on Kilimanjaro
Your cook prepares three meals a day, with snacks, tea and hot drinks. Expect porridge, eggs, toast and fruit for breakfast, soup and a main meal for dinner and a packed or hot lunch on the trail. Drink three to four litres of water a day, which your crew boils and purifies. Tell us about dietary needs before the climb.
Visiting Kilimanjaro without climbing
If you do not wish to climb, you can walk in the forest of the lower slopes, visit Materuni Waterfalls and a coffee farm, swim at the Chemka hot springs, or drive to the Marangu Gate for a half-day walk. The mountain’s foothills are rewarding at any fitness level.
Climb Kilimanjaro with us
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Marangu Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 1,910 per person) The classic Coca-Cola Route offering comfortable communal hut accommodations and optimal acclimatization.
- 5 Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb via Umbwe Route (5 Days / 4 Nights, from USD 2,141 per person) The steepest, most direct path to Uhuru Peak for fit and experienced trekkers seeking a rapid alpine challenge.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Lemosho Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,787 per person) The scenic western route traversing pristine wilderness and Shira Plateau with high summit success.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The scenic Whiskey Route condensed for fit trekkers with strong endurance and high stamina.
- 7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Machame Route (7 Days / 6 Nights, from USD 2,762 per person) The premier 7-day Whiskey Route with a dedicated acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
- 6-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Adventure via Umbwe Route (6 Days / 5 Nights, from USD 2,484 per person) The optimized steep western approach with an extra acclimatization night at Karanga Camp.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Kilimanjaro?
Uhuru Peak is 5,895 metres (19,341 feet) above sea level.
Is Kilimanjaro in Kenya or Tanzania?
Kilimanjaro is in Tanzania, close to the border with Kenya. It can be seen from Kenya's Amboseli National Park.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Between five and nine days, depending on the route. We recommend at least seven days.
What percentage of people reach the summit?
Success rates vary with the route and the length. They are lowest on 5 day itineraries and highest on 8 and 9 day itineraries.
Do I need a guide?
Yes. Park rules require all climbers to be accompanied by a licensed guide.
What is the success rate on Kilimanjaro?
It varies with the route and the length of the climb, and it is highest on longer itineraries. The most reliable protection against altitude sickness is time.