Kilimanjaro is the “Roof of Africa” at 19,341ft (5,895m) and the highest free-standing mountain in the world. There are seven established routes to Uhuru Peak and although Kilimanjaro isn’t a technical challenge, the height of Kilimanjaro poses a risk of altitude sickness. First summited in 1889 by German climber Hans Heinrich Josef Meyer.
Climbing Season
The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are during its dry seasons, December-March and June-October. (Note: Weather changes can be dramatic, regardless of the season.) April and November are considered rainy seasons, making the trails difficult. For best conditions of dry trails and possible snow over 14,000ft for amazing photography, January and February are wonderful months.
Duration/Difficulty
5-10 Days of beginner to intermediate level climbing. Kilimanjaro’s altitude is usually the barrier to summiting.
Routes of Kilimanjaro
Northern Circuit Route: This is the newest and longest Kilimanjaro route utilizing 8-10 days of climbing. The start of the trek passes through a rainforest to Shira Ridge, crosses the Shira Plateau, then heads north and circles Moir Hut to Buffalo Camp to School Hut before summiting. After summiting, climbers descend Kilimanjaro’s southeastern slope via the Mweka route. Approximately 90kms is accomplished with a 360 degree, or Grand Traverse, of Kilimanjaro.
Lemosho Route: Often voted the most beautiful, the Lemosho Route has the highest summit success rate of all the routes. The 7-8 day trek begins on the western slope, skirts around the south of Kibo Peak, and descends Kilimanjaro’s southeastern side on the Mweka route. Approximately 70kms is covered through rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert.
Machame Route: The “Whiskey” Route is the most popular Kilimanjaro route with a short 6-7 day duration but considered difficult with steep trails and bigger elevation gains. The Machame Route leads hikers through rainforest to Shira Plateau, turns east and traverses underneath Kilimanjaro’s Southern Ice Field (path known as the Southern Circuit) before summiting. Once summited the Machame Route descends the Mweka Route completing 60kms of Kilimanjaro.
Marangu Route: The “Coca-Cola” Route is the least difficult trek on Kilimanjaro offering wooden hut accommodations; huts reduce camping equipment and porter loads. The Marangu Route ascends the eastern side of Kilimanjaro and descends the same route covering 75kms over 5-6 days. Although less scenic, as limited terrain is covered, the Marangu Route is a great option for budget travelers without camping supplies.
Rongai Route: Known as the least visited route, the Rongai Route involves the northern slope to summit and descends via the Marangu route (approximately 80km in length). The Rongai route is “more remote” than others, 6-8 days in duration, holds a gentle gradient slope to summit, and experiences lower precipitation than the other Kilimanjaro routes which is beneficial during the rainy seasons.
Shira Route: Referred to as the “Lemosho Route with a high altitude drop off.,” this route begins on the western slope, skirts around the south of Kibo Peak, and descends Kilimanjaro’s southeastern slope via the Mweka Route. Duration is 7-8 days, covering 55km, and difficult due to a 11,500ft (3,500,m) starting point.
Umbwe Route: This is the shortest, steepest, and most challenging route of Kilimanjaro. With a 55km length over 5-7 days, the Umbwe Route climbs the southern slope to summit then descends the southeastern slope via the Mweka Route. Success of summiting on this route is low due to acclimatization issues.
Kilimanjaro Permit
Official permits are required to climb Kilimanjaro. Cost per person varies depending on the length of the climb, ranging from $800 to $1,200. (Permit fees maintain the park’s conservation efforts and ranger salaries.)
Solo/Guided Programs of Kilimanjaro
Since 1991 guides have been mandatory to climb Kilimanjaro (registered and licensed guides are necessary). Solo climbers are advised to book a private climb. As for group guided tours, there’s an overwhelming amount. When booking online it’s recommended to find external reviews and online discussion groups before choosing a guiding company.
Training for Kilimanjaro
Body Weight Training: Hike relatively flat trails increasing pack weight until you feel comfortable carrying 20lbs (9kg) for 6 hours. (Large packs are carried by porters and limited to 33lbs (15kg) by a porter association.)
Pack Weight Training: Hiking with elevation and pack weight. (Large packs are carried by porters and limited to 33lbs (15kg) by a porter association.)
VO2 MAX: Aerobic training multiple times a week; trail running, incline treadmill, stair-climber, jogging, and/or HIIT classes.
Flexibility: Stretching and/or Yoga two times per week focusing on the lower back, calves, hamstrings, hips, and quadriceps.
(Note: Although Kilimanjaro is a beginner to intermediate climb, climbers should be familiar with multiple nights outdoors on a multi-day hike. Multi-day hikes improve gear knowledge, bag packing ability, and experiences under light stress.)
Itinerary Example – Marangu Route
Day 1: Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (2,900ft), Hotel (6,000ft), Gear Check, Team Dinner
Day 2: Kilimanjaro Marangu Gate Registration, Hike to Mandara Hut (8,800ft)
Day 3: Hike to Horombo Hut – Shira Camp (12,200ft)
Day 4: Rest and Acclimatization Day – Horombo Hut – Shira Camp (12,200ft)
Day 5: Hike to Kibo Hut (15,400ft)
Day 6: Summit Uhuru Peak (19,341ft) and Descent to Horombo Hut (12,200ft)
Day 7: Descend to Marangu Gate (6,100ft)
Day 8: Contingency day and/or Departure
Guide Tips for Kilimanjaro
Desert Environment: Occasional winds can be very strong. Be mindful handling lightweight gear.
Health: Acclimatization is the main summit issue on Kilimanjaro. Drink plenty of water and “listen” to your body. Also a steady climbing pace is highly recommended over speed.
Fitness/Team Work: Start your mountaineering fitness early (4 months in advance) and find hikes with altitude. Improving your fitness improves your comfort on Kilimanjaro.
FAQs
How to Acclimatize before Kilimanjaro? If able to arrive a few days early there are many day hikes to enjoy and acclimatize with.