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Simba Pride Safaris

Mount Kilimanjaro

Mountains · Mount Kilimanjaro

the roofof Africa

The highest free-standing mountain on earth, and the only one of the world's great peaks a fit walker can reach without ropes. Five climate zones in a week, from banana farms to glaciers at 5,895 metres.

  • 5,895 mUhuru Peak
  • 6 to 9days on the mountain
  • Jan to Mar, Jun to Octbest windows
  • 1 hfrom Kilimanjaro airport
01

Overview

The highest free-standing mountain on earth, and the only one of the world's great peaks a fit walker can reach without ropes. Five climate zones in a week, from banana farms to glaciers at 5,895 metres.

Wildlife highlights

  • Colobus
  • Blue monkey
  • Sunbird
  • Chameleon
  • Eland
  • Giant groundsel
  • Lobelia
Uhuru Peak

Sunrise at the summit

Leave camp at midnight and watch dawn break over the crater rim with the glaciers turning pink.

Five zones

A world in a week

Rainforest, heather, moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit, walked in order.

Success

Our crews and pacing

Certified guides, oxygen on every climb, twice-daily health checks and routes with real acclimatisation.

02

Season calendar

What happens when. Use it to pick your month, then ask us to confirm conditions before you book.

Clearest, driest weatherJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Quietest trailsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Rain on the lower slopesJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
Full-moon summit nightsJanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec
03

Areas & highlights

Lemosho & Shira

The western approach across the Shira plateau. Scenic, quiet, best acclimatisation.

8 days
Machame

The whiskey route from the south. Varied, popular, strong summit odds.

7 days
Marangu

The only route with huts instead of tents. Gentle, but short on acclimatisation.

6 days
Rongai

From the dry north side near Kenya. Gentle gradients and few people.

7 days
Northern Circuit

The long way round the mountain. Nine days and the highest success rate.

9 days
04

Things to do

  • Summit climbsMachame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai and the Northern Circuit, 6 to 9 days.
  • Day hikesMarangu gate to Mandara hut, or Shira plateau from the western gate.
  • Materuni waterfall & coffeeA village walk on the lower slopes with a coffee-roasting lunch.
  • Chagga cultureUnderground caves, banana beer and village life around Marangu.
  • Crater CampAn extra night beside the glaciers on selected climbs.
05

Where to stay

BudgetHostels and guesthouses in Moshi. From US$20 p.p.
Mid-rangeGarden hotels in Moshi or on the Marangu slopes. US$80 to 150 p.p.
LuxuryCoffee-farm lodges with mountain views for the night before and after. US$300 and up.

By area

  • On the mountain: tents and a mess tent carried by our crew, or huts on Marangu.
  • Moshi: hotels and guesthouses for the nights before and after.
  • Coffee farms: lodges on the slopes for a softer landing after the summit.

Indicative per-person high-season rates. We hold provisional space at a shortlist of lodges in each tier and book the one that fits your route.

06

Getting there & around

By air

Kilimanjaro International Airport is 45 minutes from Moshi and 50 from Arusha.

By road

Gates are 1 to 2 hours from Moshi depending on the route.

Tip

Arrive two nights before your climb to rest and check gear.

07

Trips that include Kilimanjaro

7 days · 7 daysKilimanjaro, Machame RouteFrom $2,150 p.p. 8 days · 8 daysKilimanjaro, Lemosho RouteFrom $2,480 p.p. 6 days · 6 daysKilimanjaro, Marangu RouteFrom $1,950 p.p. 7 days · 7 daysKilimanjaro, Rongai RouteFrom $2,200 p.p.
08

Best time to visit

Best months

JFMAMJJASOND
Jan to MarWarm days, clear skies, occasional snow near the top. Quieter than the autumn peak.
Jun to OctThe busiest and driest window. Cold summit nights, superb views.
Apr to MayLong rains. Muddy forest, cloud on the upper mountain. We advise against it.
Nov to DecShort rains in November, clearing by mid-December for the Christmas climbs.
09

Practical notes

  • Fitness: train with long hill walks carrying a daypack. Slow is fast on this mountain.
  • Gear: a full list is in our travel guide. Sleeping bags and down jackets can be hired.
  • Altitude: expect headaches and poor sleep above 4,000 m. Tell your guide everything.
  • Insurance: must cover trekking to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation.
  • Tipping: budget US$250 to 300 per climber for the crew, given at the gate.
  • Porters: we follow KPAP welfare standards on weight limits, pay and equipment.
10

Kilimanjaro questions

Do I need climbing experience?

No. It is a walk, but a long, high one. Fitness and slow pacing matter more than technique.

Which route is best?

Lemosho for scenery and success rate, Machame for value, Rongai for the quiet north side.

What about altitude sickness?

Common above 4,000 m. Longer routes, hydration and our twice-daily checks reduce the risk.

Which route should I choose?

Lemosho if you have eight days, Machame for seven, Rongai if you want quiet, Northern Circuit for the best odds.

What is summit night like?

Cold, slow and long: six to eight hours up in the dark, then the sun, then a long descent. The hardest and best day of your life.

Can I climb with no experience?

Yes. Most of our climbers have never been above 3,000 m before. Preparation and pacing matter far more than experience.

plan yourKilimanjaro trip

Tell us your month and how many nights you have. We will say honestly what to expect, where to stay and how to link it with the rest of Tanzania.

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