Climbing Kilimanjaro takes you to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak, at 5,895 m (19,341 ft) according to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA). It is a trek with no technical sections, within reach of a trained walker, but the altitude makes it a real challenge: success depends above all on the number of days you allow to acclimatize. This guide answers the questions to ask before you go: which route, how many days, which season, what budget, what park rules and how to limit acute mountain sickness.
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Kilimanjaro at a glance
- Altitude 5,895 m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak, on the Kibo craterTwo other peaks: Mawenzi (5,149 m, 16,893 ft) and Shira (3,962 m, 12,999 ft), according to TANAPA
- Location northeastern Tanzania, near the Kenyan borderStarting towns: Moshi and Arusha
- Airports Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 40 km (25 mi) from the parkCheck current routes with the airlines
- Length of the climb 5 to 8 days depending on the route, according to TANAPASix routes lead to the summit
- Best time January to early March and June to OctoberOutside the rainy seasons
- Time zone UTC+3, no daylight saving3 h ahead of London and 8 h ahead of New York in winterLocal time now: –:–
- Entry US and UK: visa required (e-visa or on arrival) and mandatory local travel insurance · travel.state.gov · GOV.UK
- Currency Tanzanian shilling (TZS) · currenciesUS dollars widely used for treks and tips
- Budget see our budget section
Kilimanjaro in brief
Kilimanjaro is an isolated volcanic massif rising about 4,000 m (13,100 ft) above the plains. It comprises three volcanoes: the dormant Kibo, which carries the summit; Mawenzi, with its jagged spires; and the collapsed Shira, which forms a vast plateau. The national park, created in 1973 and opened to tourism in 1977, has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987. TANAPA counts more than 35,000 climbers a year.
On the way up you cross five main zones: the Chagga farms and villages of the foothills, the montane rainforest (colobus monkeys, very humid), heath moorland with giant heathers, alpine desert, then the arctic zone above 5,000 m (16,400 ft), with the last glaciers, which have retreated sharply over the past century. Nights at the top are freezing: a sensor installed at 5,803 m (19,039 ft) recorded average lows close to −10 °C (14 °F).
Which route for climbing Kilimanjaro?
Your choice of route determines the scenery, the comfort and, above all, the acclimatization profile. The longer routes, which climb high and then descend to sleep lower, give a better chance of reaching the summit.
| Route | Usual length | Accommodation | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu | 5 to 6 days | Huts (the only route with huts) | Those who want to sleep under a roof; short acclimatization over 5 days |
| Machame | 6 to 7 days | Tent | The busiest; varied scenery, good acclimatization |
| Lemosho | 7 to 8 days | Tent | Starts in the west, quieter, very good acclimatization |
| Rongai | 6 to 7 days | Tent | Starts in the north, near Kenya; drier, fewer people |
| Northern Circuit | 8 to 9 days | Tent | The longest and most remote, best success rate |
| Umbwe | 5 to 6 days | Tent | The steepest; for walkers already acclimatized |
For a first experience of high altitude, a route of at least 7 days (Machame, Lemosho or Rongai) is a good compromise. The cheaper 5-day options leave your body little time to adapt.
Summit night
The last camp is at around 4,600 to 4,700 m (15,100 to 15,400 ft) (Barafu, Kibo Hut or School Hut depending on the route). You set off around midnight by headlamp. It takes five to eight hours of slow climbing on scree to reach the crater rim at Stella Point or Gillman’s Point (5,681 m, 18,638 ft), then about another hour to Uhuru Peak, often at sunrise. You then descend the same day to a camp at around 3,000 m (9,800 ft): the day often exceeds twelve hours of walking.
Altitude and acute mountain sickness
At the summit, air pressure is about half that at sea level. Most climbers experience symptoms of acute mountain sickness (headache, nausea, fatigue, insomnia). The summit is well above the altitude at which severe forms can occur, high-altitude pulmonary edema and cerebral edema, which can be fatal without a rapid descent.
Giving yourself the best chance
- Choose a long route: 7 days or more, with a « climb high, sleep low » profile
- Walk slowly: the guides’ « pole pole » (slowly) is not a slogan, it is the rule
- Drink plenty: 3 to 4 liters (about 1 gallon) of water a day
- Report any symptoms: guides monitor climbers’ condition; with serious signs (confusion, breathlessness at rest, loss of balance), the only solution is to descend
- See a doctor before you go: for a fitness check and, possibly, preventive treatment; ideally at a travel or mountain medicine clinic
- Insurance: check that your policy covers trekking up to 6,000 m (19,700 ft) and evacuation
Kilimanjaro National Park rules
- Guided climbs only: you cannot climb independently: the climb is organized with a registered operator and licensed guides, who handle permits, camps and safety. A team of porters and a cook accompany each group.
- Minimum age: the rules passed on by operators usually set 10 as the minimum age for a summit attempt; we did not find this rule on the TANAPA website: check with your operator.
- Entry fees: the TANAPA Kilimanjaro page (tanzaniaparks.go.tz, checked 26 October 2026) lists US$70 for an international adult and US$20 for a child. Other park fees and the operator’s services, included in the price of a climb, come on top.
- Opening: the park is open all year round; check gate hours with your operator.
- Environment: stay on the trails, leave no litter and respect the wildlife and plants.
- Other activities: TANAPA also offers cycling routes (the Kilema route for the summit, the Shira plateau) and paragliding from the mountain.
The treatment of porters is an important issue: choose an operator that respects maximum loads, provides suitable equipment and pays its team properly. Tips for the team at the end of the trek are customary and make up a significant part of their income: ask in advance about the recommended amount.
When to go: the best season for climbing Kilimanjaro
The best times to climb Kilimanjaro are January to early March and June to October, during the dry seasons. July, August and September are the driest months at the foot of the mountain, but also the busiest and the coldest at night. January-February are a little warmer, with occasional snow at the summit. Avoid April and May, the long rainy season, when the forest trails are muddy and visibility is poor; November, the short rainy season, is possible with the right gear.
The table gives the normals for the Kilimanjaro Airport station, at 891 m (2,923 ft). They show the rhythm of the seasons; on the mountain, it rains much more in the forest and it is much colder: the temperature drops by about 6 to 7 °C (11 to 13 °F) every 1,000 m (3,280 ft), and it is often below freezing above 4,500 m (14,800 ft) at night.
| Month | High °C (°F) | Low °C (°F) | Rain mm (in) | Rainy days | Crowds | Prices | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | 33.1 (92) | 18.9 (66) | 43 (1.7) | 3.8 | High | High | ✅ Dry, often clear skies |
| February | 33.7 (93) | 19.0 (66) | 39 (1.5) | 3.2 | High | High | ✅ Dry, good time |
| March | 32.8 (91) | 19.9 (68) | 94 (3.7) | 6.3 | Medium | Medium | ⚠️ Rains begin |
| April | 29.8 (86) | 20.0 (68) | 132 (5.2) | 11.6 | Low | Low | ❌ Long rainy season |
| May | 27.4 (81) | 18.7 (66) | 73 (2.9) | 9.1 | Low | Low | ❌ Rain, muddy trails |
| June | 26.4 (80) | 16.3 (61) | 9 (0.4) | 2.0 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Dry again, cold nights |
| July | 26.2 (79) | 15.1 (59) | 4 (0.2) | 1.0 | Very high | High | ✅ The driest, very busy |
| August | 27.4 (81) | 15.4 (60) | 6 (0.2) | 0.8 | Very high | High | ✅ Dry, very busy |
| September | 29.6 (85) | 16.0 (61) | 5 (0.2) | 0.7 | High | High | ✅ Dry, good visibility |
| October | 31.3 (88) | 17.6 (64) | 24 (0.9) | 3.2 | Medium | Medium | ✅ Dry, fewer people |
| November | 31.9 (89) | 19.1 (66) | 51 (2.0) | 4.6 | Low | Low | ⚠️ Short rains |
| December | 32.3 (90) | 19.1 (66) | 44 (1.7) | 4.3 | High (holidays) | High | ✅ Fairly dry, holidays |
When to climb Kilimanjaro: key points
- Best times: January to early March, June to October
- Driest months: July to September (less than 7 mm, 0.3 in, and about one rainy day a month at the foot of the mountain)
- Wettest month: April (132 mm, 5.2 in, nearly 12 rainy days)
- Short rainy season: November and, to a lesser extent, December
- Full moon: popular for summit night, which can then be done almost without a headlamp; departures are in higher demand
| Plan | Best time |
|---|---|
| First climb, best chances | July to October, a route of 7 days or more |
| Quieter climb | January-February, June, October |
| Climb + safari | June to October (dry season in the northern parks) |
| Climb + Zanzibar beach | January-February, June to October |
| Tight budget | November or March, with a risk of rain |
For the weather in the rest of the country (northern parks, Zanzibar), see our page when to go to Tanzania and our selections where to go in July and where to go in February.
Training and gear
No mountaineering skills are needed, but you must be able to walk six to eight hours a day for several days in a row, and a dozen hours on summit day. Start training two to three months before: hikes with elevation gain, multi-day mountain trips, running or cycling. Previous experience above 3,000 or 4,000 m (9,800 or 13,100 ft), in the Alps or the Rockies for example, helps you know how you react.
- Layers: technical base layers, fleece, warm down jacket, waterproof jacket and pants; at the summit, the wind chill can drop well below −10 °C (14 °F)
- Extremities: hat, balaclava or neck gaiter, thin gloves and warm mittens, wool socks
- Footwear: broken-in high-top hiking boots, gaiters, and sandals for camp
- Sleeping: a sleeping bag rated for comfort around −10 °C (14 °F) (often rented locally)
- Accessories: headlamp and batteries, poles, glacier glasses, high-SPF sunscreen, insulated bottles or hydration bladder, purification tablets
- First aid: put it together with your doctor, plus blister plasters
For the safari or beach part of the trip, our list what to pack will help you complete your bag.
Budget for climbing Kilimanjaro
The price of a climb depends on its length (each day adds park fees), the route and the operator’s level of service. Very cheap offers often come at the expense of porters and safety. Indicative ranges per person, excluding flights, converted to US dollars at the European Central Bank rate of 23 October 2026:
| Item | Budget option | Comfort option |
|---|---|---|
| Guided climb (park fees, guides, porters, meals, camps) | roughly US$2,250 to $3,150 (5 to 6 days) | roughly US$3,350 to $5,050 (7 to 9 days) |
| Tips for the team | roughly US$225 to $335 | roughly US$335 to $450 |
| Nights in Moshi or Arusha before and after | roughly US$35 to $65 per night | roughly US$110 to $225 per night |
| Gear rental | roughly US$55 to $110 | your own gear |
| Visa and insurance | see entry requirements below | same |
To estimate your budget in shillings or dollars, use our currency converter.
Getting there and where to stay
- By air: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) lies between Moshi and Arusha. Check current routes with the airlines; many connections go via hubs such as Amsterdam, Doha, Addis Ababa or Nairobi.
- Transfers: the operator usually arranges transfers from the airport and to the park gate for your route.
- Moshi: the closest town to the park gates, at the foot of the mountain; plenty of hotels and lodges, with views of Kibo on clear days.
- Arusha: larger, further from the mountain, but the starting point for safaris in the northern parks.
- Before and after: plan a night before departure, for the briefing and gear check, and a night on your return.
Entry requirements, health and safety
- US citizens: according to the U.S. Department of State (travel.state.gov, last updated September 3, 2026), tourists must obtain a one-year multiple-entry visa for $100, applied for online in advance or obtained on arrival. You need a passport with at least one blank page and six months’ validity, a round-trip ticket and proof of sufficient funds.
- UK citizens: according to the UK FCDO (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026), you must have a visa: apply for an e-visa before you travel, or get a single-entry visa on arrival at the main ports of entry. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival, with at least one blank page, and you must show a return or onward ticket.
- Mandatory insurance: according to the UK FCDO, all visitors to mainland Tanzania and Zanzibar must buy Tanzanian government-provided inbound travel insurance (from the National Insurance Corporation if you arrive on the mainland), even if they already have their own policy; you may be refused entry without it.
- Yellow fever: a certificate is required if you arrive from a country with a risk of transmission, including after an airport transit of 12 hours or more in such a country (GOV.UK; U.S. Department of State).
- Health: according to the UK FCDO, health risks include malaria and dengue: see a doctor about malaria prevention at least 8 weeks before your trip. Medical facilities are limited outside Dar es Salaam (U.S. Department of State): insurance covering medical evacuation is strongly recommended.
- Safety: protests after the 29 October 2025 election led to deaths and injuries; stay away from demonstrations (GOV.UK). There is a risk of armed crime throughout the country: avoid walking alone at night.
For the climb, your own insurance must explicitly cover high-altitude trekking and evacuation: see our travel insurance guide.
After Kilimanjaro: safari and beach
Most travelers extend the climb with a safari in the northern parks of Tanzania (Tarangire, Ngorongoro Crater, Serengeti), starting from Arusha, then a few days’ rest on the beaches of Zanzibar. The main itineraries are detailed in our Tanzania travel guide. On the Kenyan side, Amboseli National Park offers the most famous view of the mountain: see our Kenya guide.
Practical tips for Kilimanjaro
- Money: bring recent US dollars in small bills for tips; withdraw shillings from ATMs in Moshi or Arusha.
- Internet: there is mobile coverage in places on the mountain; an eSIM or local SIM card lets you send news from the camps.
- Choosing an operator: ask for the success rate by route, the guide-to-climber ratio, whether oxygen and a pulse oximeter are carried, and how porters are treated.
- Photos: always ask permission before photographing people in villages.
Frequently asked questions
How high is Kilimanjaro?
5,895 m (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak, the highest point, according to Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) and UNESCO. It is the highest mountain in Africa.
How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
From 5 to 8 days depending on the route, according to TANAPA, plus the arrival and departure days. A climb of 7 days or more greatly improves acclimatization.
Is Kilimanjaro hard to climb?
There are no technical sections, but the altitude makes the climb demanding, especially summit night, with more than 12 hours of walking. Good fitness and a long route are the keys to success.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
No: the climb is organized with a registered operator and licensed guides, accompanied by porters.
What is the best time for climbing Kilimanjaro?
January to early March and June to October, during the dry seasons. Avoid April and May, the long rainy season.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
Generally from roughly US$2,250 to over $4,500 per person excluding flights, depending on the route, length and operator, plus tips for the team. TANAPA lists a park entry fee of US$70 per international adult.
Our sources
- Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Kilimanjaro National Park official pages (tanzaniaparks.go.tz), checked on 14 and 26 October 2026
- Entry, health and safety information read on 26 October 2026: U.S. Department of State, Tanzania country information (travel.state.gov, last updated September 3, 2026), and UK FCDO, foreign travel advice for Tanzania (GOV.UK, updated 20 October 2026)
- Climate normals: 1991-2020 normals for the Kilimanjaro Airport station (891 m), published by the World Meteorological Organization and NOAA, as shown in the climate box of the Wikipedia article « Moshi, Tanzania », checked on 14 October 2026
- Wikipedia, article « Mount Kilimanjaro » (altitudes, summit readings, altitude risks), checked on 14 October 2026
- European Central Bank, euro reference rates of 23 October 2026 (budget conversion)
- Our methodology
Updated October 2026.
To plan the rest of your trip: our Tanzania guide, the page when to go to Tanzania, our Zanzibar guide, neighboring Kenya and its page when to go to Kenya, and all our destinations in Africa.