Montane Rainforest
Tall trees, mosses and ferns in a humid, shaded belt.
Stand above the clouds on Africa's highest mountain
Mount
Kilimanjaro
Rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and snow-capped summit on a journey to the roof of Africa.
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The roof of Africa
Welcome to Kilimanjaro
Rising above the plains of northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain, with a snow-dusted summit and a remarkable sequence of ecological zones from forest to ice.
No technical climbing is needed on the standard routes, but the altitude is demanding. We help you choose a route, prepare well and acclimatise safely.
What makes it extraordinary
Three reasons to climb Kilimanjaro
Reach the roof of Africa
At about 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is Africa’s highest point — a true once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Five ecological zones
Rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the summit zone, each with its own scenery.
A route for every climber
Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai and the Northern Circuit each offer a different experience.
A journey through changing worlds
The mountain experience
The climb starts in mossy rainforest full of birdsong, then opens into moorland dotted with giant groundsels before reaching the rocky, exposed alpine desert high above the clouds.
The final summit push is cold and demanding. Our mountain team, careful pacing and route planning give you the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
From rainforest to ice
Distinct zones, different experiences
Each zone of the mountain brings new scenery, terrain and conditions underfoot.
Heath & Moorland
Open skies with giant groundsels and lobelias.
Alpine Desert
Rocky ground, sunny days and freezing nights.
The Summit Zone
The crater rim and Uhuru Peak, with glacial ice.
Where you'll stay
Mountain camps & lodge stays
Most routes use tented mountain camps; Marangu uses huts. Before and after the climb, rest in a comfortable lodge in Moshi with time for briefings, gear checks and celebrations.
Step by step, through changing landscapes and beneath vast African skies, the mountain reveals its extraordinary beauty.
Choose your route
Climbs on Kilimanjaro
A few ways to reach the summit. Routes and durations can be tailored to your experience and dates.
- 6-Day Umbwe Route6 days on the mountain · 8 days total — Kilimanjaro's steepest, most direct and least crowded route — best for fit, experienced hikers who acclimatise well.
- 7-Day Umbwe Route7 days on the mountain · 9 days total — The bold Umbwe climb with an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp for a safer summit push.
- 8-Day Northern Circuit Route8 days on the mountain · 10 days total — A near-360° journey around Kilimanjaro's quiet northern slopes, with one of the best acclimatisation profiles on the mountain.
- 10-Day Northern Circuit Route10 days on the mountain · 12 days total — Kilimanjaro's longest route, with the best acclimatisation, the highest success rate and a rare night at Crater Camp.
- 5-Day Marangu Route5 days on the mountain · 7 days total — The classic 'Coca-Cola Route' and the only Kilimanjaro climb with mountain huts — the quickest way to the summit and back. From $1,750 pp
- 6-Day Marangu Route6 days on the mountain · 8 days total — The hut route with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo — our recommended way to climb Marangu.
- 6-Day Machame Route6 days on the mountain · 8 days total — The popular 'Whiskey Route' — rainforest, the Shira Plateau, Lava Tower and the Barranco Wall in six days. From $2,100 pp
- 7-Day Machame Route7 days on the mountain · 9 days total — The scenic Machame climb with an extra day for acclimatisation, through five ecological zones to Uhuru Peak.
- Machame RouteVaried scenery and a popular, rewarding climb.
- Lemosho RouteA scenic western approach with time to acclimatise.
- Marangu RouteThe hut route — still a challenging high climb.
- Northern CircuitThe longest route, circling the quiet northern slopes.
Travel inspiration
Stories for your climb planning
When to climb
The Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Seasonal weather, trail conditions and visibility to help you pick dates.
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Preparation
How to Prepare for Kilimanjaro
Fitness, clothing, gear and what to expect on a multi-day climb.
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Routes
Which Kilimanjaro Route Is Right for You?
Duration, scenery and acclimatisation compared across routes.
Read moreReady to plan your Kilimanjaro climb?
Tell us your dates and group size. We reply within 24 hours with a suggested itinerary and a clear price.