Rising to 5,895 metres, Mount Kilimanjaro is Afica’s highest mountain and the world’s tallest free-standing peak. Located within Kilimanjaro National Park, several trekking routes lead to the summit, each offering its own scenery, pace and experience. From lush rainforest and alpine heath to dramatic volcanic landscapes and the glaciers of Uhuru Peak, every route showcases the mountain’s remarkable beauty. Whether you’re seeking a shorter challenge or the highest chance of reaching the summit, there’s a Kilimanjaro route to suit every adventure.
Why climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Africa's Highest Peak
Stand on the roof of Africa at 5,895 metres and experience the incredible achievement of reaching the continent’s highest point.
Five Unique Climate Zones
Journey through diverse landscapes including the cultivation zone, rainforest, health and moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit.
A Route for Every Adventurer
Choose from several routes, each offering different scenery, acclimatisation profiles and levels of challenge to suit your goals.
The Ultimate Summit
Watch the sunrise from Uhuru Peak and enjoy breathtaking panoramic views that make every step of the journey worthwhile.
At a glance
Duration
5-9 Days
Highest Point
5,895m
Difficulty
Challenging
Accommodation
Camping (Huts on Marangu Route)
Route
6 Main Trekking Routes
Wildlife
Colobus & Blue Monkeys, Birdlife
National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park
Best Time to Visit
January-March & June-October
What is included?
- Professional, English-speaking mountain guides
- Assistant guides, porters and chefs
- All park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
- Accommodation during the trek (plus 2 nights in Arusha)
- Three meals a day (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
- Mineral drinking water and hot beverages
- Camping equipment
- Private toilet
- Airport transfers
- Group medical kit and emergency oxygen
What is not included?
- International flights
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees
- Personal trekking gear (including sleeping bag)
- Tips
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guides ($25), chef ($17) and porters ($12 per porter) per day
- Additional hotel nights and meals outside itinerary
Kilimanjaro Routes
Machame Route
The scenic favourite
- Duration: 6-7 Days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Best for: Scenic views & good acclimatisation
Lemosho Route
Best for acclimatisation
- Duration: 7-9 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best for: High summit success
Marangu Route
The classic hut route
- Duration: 5-6 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Hut accommodation & shorter duration
Rongai Route
The quiet Northern route
- Duration: 6-7 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Best for: Fewer crowds & a drier ascent
Northern Circuit
The ultimate Kilimanjaro experience
- Duration: 8-9 Days
- Difficulty: Moderate to Challenging
- Best for: Highest summit success & quiet trails
Umbwe Route
The most challenging route
- Duration: 5-6 Days
- Difficulty: Challenging
- Best for: Trekkers seeking a challenge
Supporting our mountain crew
A Mount Kilimanjaro climb is made possible by a dedicated team of professional guides, porters and chefs who work hard behind the scenes to ensure your safety, comfort and success on the mountain.
At A Travelling Soul Adventure, we believe in responsible and ethical tourism. We are committed to ensuring our mountain crews are treated with respect, paid fairly, and provided with good working conditions. Your trek directly supports local employment and communities in Tanzania.
Tipping is not compulsory, but it is a valued tradition in Tanzania and a meaningful way to show appreciation for the incredible effort and care provided by your mountain crew. Tips are shared among the guides, porters and chefs who contribute to making your adventure unforgettable.
Recommended Tipping Guidelines
While tipping is always optional, it is a valued tradition and a wonderful way to thank your mountain crew.
- Lead Guide - $25/day
- Porters - $12/day per porter
- Chef - $17/day
These are general guidelines and can be adjusted depending on your group size and experience.
We believe tips should be rewarded for exceptional service, not a substitute for fair wages. Our goal is to ensure every member of our mountain team is valued and respected.
Frequently asked questions
How difficult is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenging but achievable trek for most people with a good level of fitness and the right preparation. While no technical climbing experience is required, the high altitude, long trekking days and changing weather conditions make it a demanding adventure.The key challenge is the altitude, as the summit reaches 5,895 metres (19,341 feet). A slower pace, proper acclimatisation and choosing a route with enough time to adjust to the altitude greatly improve your chances of reaching the summit safely.
With determination, preparation and the support of our expert local guides, standing on the Roof of Africa is a highly possible achievement.
How fit do I need to be?
You don’t need to be an experienced mountaineer or an athlete to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, but a good level of fitness and preparation are important. The trek involves walking for several hours each day over varied terrain, with longer and more challenging days as you approach the summit. Building your cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and endurance before your climb will help you enjoy the experience and handle the demands on the mountain. Regular walking, hiking, cycling, running or strength training are great ways to prepare. The most important factors for a successful summit are proper acclimatisation, a steady pace, mental determination and listening to your body. Our experienced guides will support you throughout the journey, ensuring you trek safely and comfortably towards the summit.
Which route is best?
The best route depends on your personal preferences, fitness level and how much time you have available. Routes vary in scenery, difficulty, duration and acclimatisation opportunities. For many climbers, the Lemosho Route is one of the best choices due to its beautiful landscapes and excellent acclimatisation profile. The longer itinerary allows your body more time to adjust to the altitude, giving you a higher chance of a successful summit. Other popular options include the Machame Route, known for its stunning scenery and challenging terrain, and the Northern Circuit, which offers the longest route with excellent acclimatisation and a quieter experience.
Our team will help you choose the route that best matches your goals, experience and travel plans, ensuring you have the safest and most rewarding Kilimanjaro adventure possible.
What is altitude sickness and how can I prevent it?
Altitude sickness occurs when your body doesn’t have enough time to adapt to higher elevations. It can affect anyone, regardless of age or fitness level, and symptoms may include headache, nausea, dizziness and fatigue.
While there is no guaranteed way to prevent altitude sickness, the risk can be reduced by ascending gradually, staying well hydrated, eating regularly and following your guide’s pace. Our experienced mountain guides closely monitor your wellbeing throughout the trek, carry emergency oxygen and use pulse oximeters to check your oxygen saturation levels. Your safety is always our highest priority, and if symptoms become more severe, our guides are trained to take the appropriate action, including descending if necessary.
When is the best time to climb?
Mount Meru is a year-round destination, but the most popular times to climb are January to early March and June to October, when the weather is generally drier and summit views are at their best. If you’re planning your trek during the rainy season, we’re happy to advise on the best dates based on current conditions and your travel plans.
What wildlife might I see?
Mount Meru is located within Arusha National Park, making it one of the few mountains in Africa where your trek begins with incredible wildlife viewing. Along the lower slopes, you may see giraffes, buffalo, zebras, warthogs, bushbucks and a variety of monkeys, including black-and-white colobus monkeys and blue monkeys. The park is also home to hundreds of bird species, making it a fantastic destination for birdwatchers. For your safety, an armed park ranger accompanies all trekking groups through the wildlife areas.
What should I pack?
Packing the right clothing and equipment is essential for a safe and comfortable trek. We recommend you bring warm layers, waterproof clothing, sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag, gloves, a hat, sunglasses and a daypack for your daily essentials. Once your booking is confirmed, we’ll provide you with a detailed packing list to help you prepare. If you don’t have all the necessary equipment, we can also advise on hiring quality trekking gear in Arusha.