9 days
Photo: Ray in Manila, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia CommonsMount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro and Arusha · UNESCO World Heritage
Kilimanjaro rises 5,895 metres above the plains of northern Tanzania, the highest point in Africa and the tallest free standing mountain in the world. Its three volcanic cones, Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira, are part of a national park listed by UNESCO in 1987.
You don't need to be a mountaineer to reach the top, but you do need time to acclimatise. Even if you're not climbing, the mountain shapes every trip to Moshi and Arusha.
Climbing Kilimanjaro
| Route | Days | Why choose it |
|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | 7 to 8 | Best all round: scenery and acclimatisation |
| Machame | 6 to 7 | Most popular and scenic, busier |
| Marangu | 5 to 6 | The only route with huts |
| Rongai | 6 to 7 | Drier north side, quiet |
| Northern Circuit | 8 to 9 | Quietest, best success rates |
Not climbing? Other ways to see it
- Day hike: Walk through the rainforest from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut and back, paying a day's park fee.
- Views: Clear mornings from Moshi, and from Amboseli just across the border in Kenya.
- Scenic flights: Offered from Kilimanjaro and Arusha airports in good weather.
Practical information
| Typical cost | About US$2,500 to 4,500 for a 7 or 8 day climb |
| Tips | About US$250 to 400 per climber |
| Nearest airport | Kilimanjaro International (JRO), about 1 hour from Moshi |
| Insurance | Must cover trekking to 6,000 m and evacuation |
Tip: Choose seven or eight days: the extra day costs a few hundred dollars and improves your chance of reaching the summit. See climbing Kilimanjaro.
When to go
The best climbing months are January to early March, which are warmer and quieter, and June to October, which are dry and busiest. The long rains from mid March to May and the short rains in November make trails wet and cloudy; the northern Rongai route is the driest choice then. Clear views of the summit from Moshi are most likely early in the morning in the dry seasons.
Who it suits
Fit, determined walkers with no need for climbing experience. The altitude affects everyone differently, and young, fit climbers who go too fast are often the ones who turn back. If you have a heart or lung condition, talk to your doctor first. Read about routes, costs and safety in our climbing Kilimanjaro guide.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Mount Kilimanjaro
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Mount Kilimanjaro: questions
What is the best month to climb Kilimanjaro?
January to early March and June to October are best. July to September is the busiest period.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
About US$2,500 to 4,500 for a 7 or 8 day climb with a reputable operator, including park fees.
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Six to nine days depending on the route; seven or eight is best for most people.
Can you see Kilimanjaro without climbing it?
Yes: from Moshi on clear mornings, on a day hike to Mandara Hut, or from Kenya's Amboseli National Park.
How high is Kilimanjaro?
5,895 metres at Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.