Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an adventure of a lifetime, drawing trekkers from around the globe to conquer its majestic heights. Standing at 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is not only Africa’s tallest peak but also one of the world’s most iconic mountains.
The journey to its summit takes you through diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and alpine meadows to barren lunar-like deserts and snow-capped peaks.
This incredible trek challenges both body and spirit, rewarding climbers with unparalleled views and a profound sense of accomplishment.
Whether you’re an experienced mountaineer or an adventurous beginner, scaling Kilimanjaro offers an unforgettable experience and the ultimate achievement in high-altitude trekking.
So lets get you prepared for an adventure of a lifetime, this is Everything You Need To Know About Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
This post may contain affiliate links, which means I’ll receive a small commission if you purchase through my links, at no extra cost to you. Please read full disclosure for more information. Thanks for your support!
Mount Kilimanjaro
Located in Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano standing at 19,341 ft (5895 m), making it the tallest mountain in all of Africa and the largest free standing mountain in the world.
On your journey to summit Kilimanjaro you will pass through five distinct climate zones. Farmlands, Rain Forest, Heather and Moorland, Alpine Desert and Arctic. It’s truly a one of a kind expedition.
So what makes this trek so special? Trekking Kilimanjaro builds so much more than just an unforgettable memory. It builds strength, endurance, determination and love.
On days when attitude sickness gets the best of you, you continue and push forward, safely that is. You will find strength in you that you never even knew existed, it makes you a different person, a stronger person, a determined person. A true badass who just climbed to the summit of the tallest mountain in all of Africa!
When you reach Uhuru Peak you will have this overwhelming feeling, we say it’s love. Love for your Tanzanian family for making this core memory possible, love for you and everything you just endured and love for this incredible world and its abundant beauty.
Tanzania Travel Visa
To enter Tanzania you’ll need a minimum 6 month Passport validity with at least 1 blank passport page and a visa to enter Tanzania, you can apply for visa HERE.
There are two options to obtain a visa: Online Visa Platform and On-Arrival Visa Platform CHECK HERE FOR GUIDELINES.
We recommend applying 14 days before travel date as it can take up to 10 days to process. US Citizen Visa cost $100 USD.
US Citizens must apply for a Multiple Entry Visa, US citizens CAN NOT apply for the Ordinary ($50) visa.
A certificate against yellow fever may be required if coming from a high risk yellow fever transmission country. CHECK YELLOW FEVER LIST HERE.
Is Mount Kilimanjaro Safe to Climb
If you go with an accredited tour company like AlTezza Travel, and are physically fit I would say yes, it’s safe. We would say the two biggest safety factors are weather and altitude sickness.
Both of which Altezza take very seriously. All their guides are licensed, have wilderness first responder certificates and have 7+ years experience. They receive their weather forecast for Kilimanjaro from data collected via satellites.
A company like AlTezza will check all your gear and equipment before starting the climb. They’ll make sure you have everything you need to make your journey as safe as possible. During your expedition you’ll have two medical checks daily and three on summit day.
In regards to altitude sickness, any of the symptoms below should never be ignored as it can become fatal if left untreated. The process of acclimization should be taken slowly, and if symptoms develop let your guide know as soon as possible. Diamox can be taken preventabaly or started as soon as symptoms present.
Signs of Altitude Sickness
- Lost of Appetite
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fatigue
- Shortness of Breath
- Problems Sleeping
Am I Fit Enough to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro
This is a hard question to answer because every one endures challenges differently but we would have to say that you should have some type of experience hiking, and have at least hiked 8 mile trails comfortably.
If you have experience backpacking even better. Although certain routes are geared towards beginners while other require a lot more stamina, in general I would recommend being in good physical shape.
Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho Route 43 miles
- Lemosho Route is probably the most beautiful route. It offers the best views on the mountain and increased chances of successful summiting due to its smoothest acclimatization. Can be done over 7 or 8 days. (This is the route that we picked and did it in 7 days)
Rongai Route 44 miles
- Rongai Route arguably offers the best acclimatization opportunities with great scenery and less crowds. Can be done in 6 or 7 days.
Machame Route 40 miles
- Machame Route also named Whiskey route, is the most popular route but considered one of the most difficult routes. Climbers should be acclimatized beforehand and physically fit. Can be done in 6 or 7 days.
Umbwe Route 34 miles
- Umbwe Route is one of the most secluded and the most demanding routes on Kilimanjaro. Strong physical requirements are necessary and acclimatization experience is important. Can be done in 6 days.
Marangu Route 40 miles
- Marangu Route is the quickest route, you sleep in huts instead of campsites. Also known as the ‘coca-cola route’ because it’s mistakenly known as the easiest but acclimatization needs to be done carefully. Can be done in 5 or 6 days but 6 is highly recommend.
Best Month to Climb Kilimanjaro
Although Mt Kilimanjaro can be climbed year long the best weather will be from early June to late September and from late December to late February. You can expect little rain with mostly sunny days which gives you a higher chance of having epic views and a comfortable climb.
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek Cost
Cost will be dependent on many factors. Is it a private or group climb, the route you pick, the number of days of the climb, rental gear if needed, any add ons like; a portable toilet, bottled water or extra porter and how much tip you decide to leave the very deserving climb team.
The average cost of a climb is between $2000 to $6000 per person. Just for reference our cost for a private Lemosho 7 day climb was $5337 USD (price in 2021). This cost was for two adults, we each had a duffle bag and sleeping bag rental, addition of a portable toilet and tip.
Then you have to account for your flight, visa, vaccinations and travel insurance.
CHECK CURRENT KILIMANJARO PRIVATE CLIMB COST HERE
Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operator
We can whole heartedly 1000% recommend AlTezza Travel. I’ve only climbed Kili once in my life but I can tell you that by the looks of our crew, gear and meals during our time on the mountain, AlTezza is by far the best Kilimanjaro Tour operator in the business.
They exceeded our expectations in every way possible. We don’t get any sort of commission by recommending them to you, we just genuinely think highly of AlTezza Travel.
AlTezza provided amazing guides, porters, an unbelievable chef who cooked up the most insane and delicious meals, a moving table, my absolute favorite (snacks and tea mid hike), high quality equipment, medial checks, and pre hike preparation briefing. For reference here is what AlTezza includes and excludes in their cost.
THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION COMES STRAIGHT FROM ALTEZZA TRAVEL WEBSITE
Altezza Kilimanjaro Climb Cost Includes:
Transfers:
- Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi
- Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park
Entry Fees:
- Park Fees: all park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others)
Accommodation:
- Accommodation at 3* hotel (Aishi Machame Hotel or Altezza Lodge) one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay – friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool.
- Tented accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro (4-season tent custom-designed by UK-based engineers)
Meals:
- Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike
- All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost
- All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water)
Hiking and Safety Equipment:
- 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats
- All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery)
- Oxygen cylinders and oximeters
- GPS-tracking service
- Complete medical kits including Diamox
Climbing Crew:
- Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience.
- Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.)
Taxes:
- 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy
Kilimanjaro Climb Cost Excludes
- International flights
- Visa Fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others)
- Personal gear rentals
- Portable toilets (if required – 250 USD per unit, one can be shared between 3-4 people)
- Mountaineering insurance. You’ll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.
- Tip for Crew
Extras for Mount Kilimanjaro Climb
We absolutely recommened having your own portable toilet, with out a doubt this extra cost is 100% worth it. Bottled water is not needed, the water given on the climb is filtered and taste great. I would say skip the shower as well and just enjoy the experience fully. It gets very cold outside especially in the evening when you arrive to camp, a shower would be dreadful.
Mount Kilimanjaro Itinerary-7 Day Lemosho Route
This is a summery of the itinerary that I was provided by AlTezza Travel. This is what the 7 day Lemosho Route trek journey will look like.
Day by Day Summary
Day 1: HIGH-ALTITUDE DROP OFF DESTINATION AND TREKKING TO SHIRA 1 CAMP
In the morning your guides will arrive at your hotel for a meet and greet and briefing will take place at the AlTezza office. Afterwards you will travel by vehicle (roughly 3–4 hours) to Kilimanjaro National Park’s western entrance, Londorossi Gate 7,218 ft (2,200 m).
While meeting the rest of the mountain crew and having lunch your guides will be acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service. The entire group then continues upwards towards their drop off point by off-road vehicles (reaching 11,483 ft or 3,500 meters).
The route from your drop off point to your first high-altitude camp Shira 1 features a small gain in altitude and is not too physically challenging. The mountain crew will prepare camp for you at each campsite.
Trekking from Drop Off Location to Shira 1 Camp:
Change in Elevation: Lemosho Glades 11,483 ft (3,500 m) — Shira 1 Camp 11,499 ft (3,505 m)
Hiking distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Day 2: TREKKING FROM SHIRA 1 CAMP TO SHIRA 2 CAMP
Depart from Shira 1 Camp 11,499 ft (3,505 m) and towards the second high altitude camp: Shira 2 Camp 12,795 ft (3,900 m). Shira 2 Camp is the best place weather permitting to see Mount Meru (the fifth summit of Africa),
On your arrival to camp lunch is provided, and after a two-hour rest period you will have an acclimatization hike towards Lava Tower Camp that features a 656 ft (200 m) gain in altitude.
Trekking from Shira 1 Camp to Shira 2 Camp:
Change in Elevation: Shira 1 Camp 11,499 ft (3,505 m) — Shira 2 Camp 12,795 ft (3,900 m)
Hiking distance: 4.4 miles (7 km)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp 12,795 ft (3,900 m) — Destination point on the way to Lava Tower 13,484 ft (4,110 m)
Hiking distance: 1.2 miles (2 km)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Day 3: TREKKING FROM SHIRA 2 CAMP TO THE LAVA TOWER AND DESCENT TO BARRANCO CAMP
After breakfast you leave Shira 2 Camp 12,795 ft (3,900 m) and towards Lava Tower 15,190 ft (4,630 m). This section of the route has a lot of ascents and descents. For a successful acclimatization you have to spend at least 1–2 hours at Lava Towers. Lunch will be provided here.
Then you will descend to Barranco Camp 12,992 ft (3,960 m). Here you will see the famous Barranco Wall.
Trekking from Shira 2 Camp to Barranco Camp:
Change in Elevation: Shira 2 Camp 12,795 ft (3,900 m) — Lava Tower 15,190 ft (4,630 m) — Barranco Camp 12,992 ft (3,960 m)
Hiking distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Hiking time: 6–8 hours
Day 4: TREKKING FROM BARRANCO CAMP TO KARANGA CAMP
Early wakeup, breakfast and the start of summiting Barranco Wall towards Karanga Camp, which features numerous ascents and descents during the route. Lunch is provided on your arrival at camp. After a couple of hours rest you will have to complete yet another acclimatization hike in the direction of Barafu Camp with a 656 ft (200 m) gain in altitude.
Trekking from Barranco Camp to Karanga Camp:
Change in Elevation: Barranco Camp 12,992 ft (3,960 m) — Karanga Camp 13,238 ft (4,035 m)
Hiking distance: 3.1 miles (5 km)
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Acclimatization hike:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp 13,238 ft (4,035 m) — Destination point en route to Barafu Camp 14,009 ft (4,270 m)
Hiking distance: 1.6 miles (2.5 km)
Hiking time: 1–2 hours
Day 5: TREKKING FROM KARANGA CAMP TO BARAFU CAMP
After breakfast you begin your way to Barafu Summit Camp 15,223 ft (4,640 m), the starting point for a night summit of Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft (5,895 m). After lunch you’ll have the remainder of the day to rest and sleep before an early wake up call for summit.
Trekking from Karanga Camp to Barafu Camp:
Change in Elevation: Karanga Camp 13,238 ft (4,035 m) — Barafu Camp 15,223 ft (4,640 m)
Hiking distance: 3.7 miles (6 km)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Day 6: ASCENT TO UHURU PEAK AND DESCENT TO MILLENNIUM CAMP
Early Breakfast and departure from Barafu Camp 15,223 ft (4,640 m) around midnight and the start of summiting Kilimanjaro: Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft (5,895 m). After reaching Uhuru Peak, you will make your way back to Barafu Camp. You will have a 2 hour rest period before you continue your descent to Millennium Camp 12,533 ft (3,820 m).
Trekking from Barafu Camp to Millennium Camp:
Change in Elevation: Barafu Camp 15,223 ft (4,640 m) — Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft (5,895 m) — Millennium Camp 12,533 ft (3,820 m)
Hiking distance: 9.3 miles (15 km)
Hiking time: 8-12 hours
Day 7: DESCENT FROM MILLENNIUM CAMP TO MWEKA GATE
After breakfast, you will head for the park’s exit: Mweka Gate 5,380 ft (1,640 m). You will be presented with your commemorative certificates at AlTezza office, distribute tips and finally transfer back to your hotel.
Trekking from Millennium Camp to Mweka Gate:
Change in Elevation: Millennium Camp 12,533 ft (3,820 m) — Mweka Gate 5,380 ft (1,640 m)
Hiking distance: 7.5 miles (12 km)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Packing List for Mount Kilimanjaro
So AlTezza did an amzing job of sending us a list of everythign we needed for a comfortable and safe climb.
When we arrived at the AlTezza office, Yuliia an Altezza member, went through every single piece of equipment needed for the climb and made sure we had it!
I’m sure most companies will do the same so don’t panic they will not send you on the climb if it’s not safe. If you don’t have some items and don’t feel like purchasing it, most companies like AlTezza have most items on the list below for rent.
Items To Bring For Your Kilimanjaro Climb:
Items with an *asterisk are items that we rented at AlTezza.
Need help with some recommendations for purchasing clothing items check out our post Backpacking Essentials That You Actually Need and scroll to the bottom half of the post.
- Small 20L-40L day bag with waterproof covering
- Large Waterproof 80L-120L duffle bag *Rented
- Sleeping Bag *Rented
- Waterproof Poncho
- Waterproof Hiking Boots
- Camp Shoes
- Hiking Pants x2
- Waterproof Pants
- Warm Pants like Ski Pants
- T-Shirts x3 and Long Sleeve x2
- Lightweight Jacket or Fleece
- Windproof Jacket
- Insulated Jacket
- Thermal Underwear x2
- Light Weight Trekking Gloves
- Ski Gloves Click HERE for Women’s | Click HERE for Men’s
- Hiking Socks x4
- Gaiters Click HERE for Women’s | Click HERE for Men’s
- Hat
- Beanie
- Balaclava
- Alpine Sunglasses
- Headlamp with extra batteries
- Trekking Poles
- 2-3L Water Bladder
- Reusable Water Bottle for Camp
- Sunscreen
- Chapstick
- Small Towel
- Bar of Soap or Wipes
- Toothpaste
- Toothbrush
- Personal Medications
- Power Bank
Hope that helps prepare your epic journey to the Roof of Africa, that was everything you need to know about Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.
BUT WAIT THERE’S MORE:
- Everything You Need To Know About Hiking Acatenango
- Everything You Need to Know About Torres del Paine O Circuit
- Havasupai Falls Backpacking Guide: Everything You Need to Know
Travel Resources
Here you can find all the travel site links that we personally use and recommend.
CAMPSITES/CAMPGROUNDS We like to use a couple apps for last minute campsite bookings. Our favorites are HipCamp, The Dyrt and Campendium.
ACCOMMODATION: We find the best deals with BOOKING.COM. The more you book the better the perks like free breakfast with your stay, room upgrades and even higher discounted room rates.
CAR RENTALS: We have always used RentalCars.com and find them to have the best deals, customer service and selection of locations.
FLIGHTS: Our go to for looking up flights is SKYSCANNER, but we try to always book directly with the airline.
TOURS/EXCURSIONS: GET YOUR GUIDE and VIATOR are two very reputable sites with easy and hassle free bookings.
TRAVEL INSURANCE: It’s so important to travel with insurance and for this we use SafetyWing. We are currently using them for our 1 year trip.
TRANSPORTATION: For all our bus, ferry and train transfer needs in Asia we use 12go.asia.
Leave a Reply