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Photo: Kyle Taylor, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Tanzania · East Africa · Mountains

Mount Kilimanjaro

Africa’s highest mountain, a non-technical climb through five climate zones.

Best timeJan to Feb, Jun to Oct
Ideal stay6 to 9 days
GatewayKilimanjaro (JRO)
Month by month
  1. JAnuary (good)
  2. FEbruary (good)
  3. MArch
  4. APril
  5. MAy
  6. JUne (good)
  7. JUly (good)
  8. AUgust (good)
  9. SEptember (good)
  10. OCtober (good)
  11. NOvember
  12. DEcember

Travel advice: some regions are off-limits. Check your government’s advice for the exact areas before you book.

You do not need climbing experience to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, but you do need fitness, time and a good operator. Longer routes give your body time to adjust, which is the biggest factor in reaching the top.

Highlights

  • Sunrise at Uhuru Peak
  • Rainforest to glacier in a week
  • The Lemosho and Machame routes
  • Barranco Wall scramble

Where to stay

Mountain huts on the Marangu route, tents on all others. Spend a night in Moshi or Arusha before and after.

Getting there

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, about an hour from Moshi.

Tips

  • Pick a route of at least 7 days to improve your chances of acclimatising.
  • Choose an operator that treats porters fairly; look for KPAP partners.
  • Altitude sickness can be serious: descend if symptoms get worse.

Best time to visit

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct. See where to go in Africa in January and our guide to the best time to visit Africa.

Travel advice: Parts of the country are off-limits under most government travel advice. Check your government’s advice before booking.

Plan your stay

Hotels on Booking.com Tours on GetYourGuide Tours on Viator

These searches open on the booking sites. We may earn a commission if you book, at no extra cost to you. Always check reviews and the operator’s licence.

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to visit Mount Kilimanjaro?

Jan to Feb, Jun to Oct. Pick a route of at least 7 days to improve your chances of acclimatising.

How long should I spend at Mount Kilimanjaro?

6 to 9 days.

How do I get to Mount Kilimanjaro?

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport, about an hour from Moshi.

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