Trekking Kilimanjaro: All of the Facts and Tips You Need for 2025

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Are you finally ready to take on Mount Kilimanjaro?!

Mount Kilimanjaro, towering over Tanzania at an altitude of 5,895, is the highest mountain in Africa. It’s also a bucket-list destination for adventurers around the world. Trekking Kilimanjaro is a challenging hike, but it’s oh-so worth the effort.

I’ve travelled to Tanzania several times, and each time I look at Kili and think – this is the time for me to climb it! But I haven’t made it happen yet. So I’m sharing my extensive research with you.

Everything you need to know about the routes and what to expect when during your trek are found here. As well, how to acclimatize to the altitude, what it’s like camping on the mountain – it’s all here.

By all accounts, trekking to the top of Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable experience. You’re rewarded at the top with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Not to mention a sense of accomplishment that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a journey that requires strength, endurance, and faith. The rewards are panoramic views, the satisfaction of reaching the summit, and the realization of just how far you can push yourself.”

– Unknown

This article will all of your questions, and give you the info you need to undertake this epic adventure! There are even links to some incredibly epic trekking tours – click here to jump right to them.

Trekking Kilimanjaro

Hikers who decide to climb Mount Kilimanjaro will experience some of the most breathtaking views in the world. Along the way, you will see a variety of landscapes, including lush rainforests, alpine meadows, and barren volcanic slopes.

You’ll also have the opportunity to see unique flora and fauna that are found only in this region, such as giant heather, lobelia, and the Kilimanjaro tree hyrax.

As you climb, you’ll be rewarded with stunning panoramic views of the surrounding African plains and different parts of the majestic Mount Kilimanjaro itself.

The diverse and awe-inspiring scenery helps make the climb up Mount Kilimanjaro a truly unforgettable experience.

As well, reaching Kilimanjaro’s summit and standing at the mountain’s peak, miles above where you started, offers a sense of accomplishment and pride that few things can.

In addition, Kilimanjaro is accessible to trekkers of various skill levels, making it a popular choice for adventurers looking for a new challenge. Plus, no technical mountain climbing skills are needed.

With multiple routes and varying degrees of difficulty, trekkers can choose the path that best suits their abilities and interests.

Overall, trekking on Kilimanjaro offers an uncommon combination of adventure, natural beauty, and personal achievement. That combo appeals to a wide range of people, making it a highly sought-after experience.

Now that you have the basic facts, here are the details on the routes, necessary preparation, and everything else you need to think about to make this trek.

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Different Paths Up Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro has seven different routes to the summit, each with its unique features and challenges. The most popular routes are the Machame, Lemosho, and Marangu.

The numbers quoted below are not carved in stone. Success rates are averages, and for the longest number of days spent climbing.

That number of days can depend on what your tour company allows. The more days you give yourself to ascend, the better you will be able to acclimate to the higher altitude, and the higher your success rate.

➤ Machame route:

Also known as the “Whiskey route,” this is the most popular and has a high success rate. It offers a moderate challenge and some beautiful sights, as well as a variety of terrain.

The nickname, according to one theory, was given to the trail by agents who booked treks on the Marangu route, aka. the “Coca-Cola route”.

This was meant to give it a more hardcore reputation, thereby making Marangu sound nice and easy in comparison.

Many trekkers like Machame because the custom is to climb a little extra each day and then descend a bit to sleep. The slope of this route makes the practice easy.

It’s referred to as “climbing high, sleeping low”. The body is exposed to higher altitudes while climbing, then you’ll descend a short distance to sleep, allowing the body to recover overnight.

This helps with acclimatization – an important issue on Kilimanjaro. The better the trekkers on a route are able to acclimatize, the more likely it is that they’ll make it to the top!

➤ Lemosho route:

Lemosho is often considered the most beautiful route. After leading you through a lush rainforest where you could see different monkeys and birds, it crosses the entire Shira Plateau.

The plateau is a caldera, the crater of a long-collapsed volcano. But if you think this means you’ll see wildlife there, like Ngorongoro, you’ll be disappointed. The odd monkey is all you’re likely to see here.

It’s also a relatively uncrowded route. Because of this, there is a bit more of a chance that you’ll run into an animal or two. Nothing man-eating, though, so no worries. It’s also the most expensive route.

➤ Marangu route:

Also known as the “Coca-Cola route,” is the oldest, easiest and most affordable, but it’s also the most popular = crowded. That’s because it’s the only route that provides dorm-style huts for Kilimanjaro trekkers.

The nickname comes from the fact that rangers used to sell the soft drink to hikers along the route.

The shorter ascent time may seem like a plus, but it actually contributes to the lower success rate of the trail. Hikers have less time to adjust to the lower oxygen.

An easy solution is to choose a tour that allows an extra day at the Horombo huts.

A drawback to this route is that you will be following the same path going down as you did going up. The other 6 routes show you different scenery for at least part of the descent.

➤ Rongai Route:

The Rongai route is a less crowded route that approaches Kilimanjaro from the north. This makes it more expensive, as it’s a longer drive to the start of this trail.

The drive goes through a local Chagga Village and past their market. This is a fascinating advantage to taking this route!

There are some stunning views of the mountain’s northern slopes on this path. There’s also a chance of spotting some wildlife – eland, buffalo, possibly elephant – along the way, as well as great views.

* There tends to be more altitude sickness in hikers who use this route due to the flatness of the terrain it covers. It makes it difficult to “climb high and sleep low”. Adding an extra day to your climb helps.

➤ Northern Circuit:

The Northern Circuit is the newest route and the longest one. It will take you from the west side of the mountain around to the north side.

This gradual ascent is great for acclimatizing – one reason this route has the highest success rate of any of the routes.

Plus, the way the path leads around the mountain means great views in all directions, and it’s the best way to get to know the mountain.

➤ Shira Route:

The Shira route approaches Kilimanjaro from the west and merges with the Lemosho route on the second day. Shira actually came first, Lemosho was established later on.

Shira offers stunning views of the Shira Plateau and the western side of the mountain. But these days Shira route is used more often as a track for emergency vehicles than for foot traffic.

If you do choose this path for your climb, be aware that it starts after the beautiful western-side forest.

➤ Umbwe Route:

The Umbwe route is the shortest and steepest route up Kilimanjaro. This makes it the most physically challenging one to take.

For this reason, Umbwe is the least climbed route. You’ll be able to enjoy nature’s quiet, and some of the most astounding views of any of the routes.

This is a good route for you if you’re very fit and love a challenge. You will still not need any technical climbing skills for this route.

It’s possible to summit Kili using this path in as little as four days. But even though the route is shorter, the elevation is the same. It’s important not to rush it, and to give yourself time to acclimate.

Umbwe Route, unsurprisingly, has the lowest success rate of any of the 7 routes. About 70% of those who attempt to summit using this route reach the top.

This, of course, is because of the short amount of time the body is given to acclimate to the altitude. This route is suggested more for people who live at a high altitude, and for those who are experienced at hiking high altitude trails.

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How Long Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?

The time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro varies depending on the route you choose. You’ll notice that the number of days given above are for the ascent only. The descent generally adds only a day to your trip.

The timing of each route is also given a range of days. It’s always recommended that you opt for the longer climb.

Due to the need to acclimatize your body to the “thinner” air as you climb, the longer you can take to reach the top, the better.

When you arrange your climb, I suggest that you go for the maximum number of days that your tour company offers for your chosen route. Saving a day may mean that you don’t reach the summit!

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Acclimatizing to the Altitude

One of the most important issues that you’ll deal with when Kilimanjaro trekking is the altitude.

At and above 2,500 metres (8,200 ft) above sea level, air pressure decreases. So does the amount of oxygen in the air. If your body is not used to being at higher altitudes, risk developing altitude sickness.

Susceptibility to altitude sickness has little to do with your level of physical fitness. You may be a marathon runner and strong as an ox. Neither will help you.

Neither will your age or your gender. Also, even though you may not have suffered from it on a previous climb, you may this time. Altitude sickness is entirely impartial and unpredictable.

That being said, if you are in poor physical condition, you may have a greater chance of suffering symptoms.

The best way to avoid altitude sickness is to take your time making your ascent up the mountain. This is especially important once you pass 2,500 metres.

“Pole pole” you’ll hear often – slow slow. Listen.

While it may be tempting to choose the fastest route and attempt to reach the summit in the shortest time, don’t. Ascending too fast may kill your chances of reaching the top at all.

Take your time. Take the extra day. Enjoy being in Tanzania, on the highest mountain in all of Africa. Chances are, it will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience – soak it in.

Also, be sure to stay well-hydrated, eat well, avoid cigarettes and alcohol, and try not to over-exert yourself.

And listen to your guide. They know what they’re talking about, and it’s part of their job to keep you healthy.

It is also helpful to begin to acclimate to higher altitudes prior to your Kilimanjaro adventure. If possible, spend some time at higher altitudes beforehand.

If you hike some smaller adventure peaks Kilimanjaro’s altitude won’t come as such a surprise to your body. This is also a great way to get in shape for the trek.

Find a mountain town nearby and spend some weekends.

You might also want to discuss altitude medication with your doctor. Ask her if she thinks it might help, and if it’s suitable for you.

Symptoms of altitude sickness

Here are some of the most common symptoms to watch out for:

• shortness of breath
• dizziness
• headache
• fatigue
• nausea and vomiting
• loss of appetite

These symptoms are usually mild and don’t appear until you’ve been at a high altitude for a few hours. They will feel worse at night.

Your guide will do periodic health checks to make sure you’re doing ok. Commercial treks may carry oxygen as part of their supplies in case it’s necessary.

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How Hard is Climbing Kilimanjaro? Do I Need Experience?

While it is true that trekking Mount Kilimanjaro is not just for mountain climbers, you will need to be reasonably fit to reach the summit. If your question is Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro, I’d say yes, but again, you should be in decent shape.

Technical mountain climbing skills are entirely unnecessary. You won’t need ropes, carabiners, axes, or any other similar gear.

You don’t need climbing or even hiking experience. If you haven’t moved from your couch in 6 months, though, are extremely overweight, or are recovering from surgery, you may have a difficult time.

Simply put, the fitter you are, the easier you will find the trek. But you don’t need to be a professional athlete. Still, before you embark on your trip, step up your exercise routine – or start one.

Keep in mind that if you plan the trek as a family activity, your children must be at least 10 years old.

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Do You Need a Guide to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Yes. It is actually illegal to attempt to climb the mountain without a guide. The reasons for this lean mostly toward safety.

There are dangers that could befall even experienced trekkers who are aware of what the dangers are. And there are many members of the public who have no idea.

Dangers include altitude sickness, falls, dehydration, and hypothermia, to name a few. If any of these were to happen without someone nearby who was trained to deal with them, you could be in trouble.

There are also rules to follow – for example, no wood fires are permitted on the mountain – for the well-being of the environment as well as the trekkers. A guide helps to enforce these.

A guide will also help to ensure your safety and give hikers regular health checks. They will provide you with important information about the mountain and its history, too.

The guides are knowledgeable and experienced, and many speak multiple languages. They’re also full of fascinating stories from past treks.

You will also have, generally, a minimum of 2 porters per person. They will help to carry equipment and provide support along the way.

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What to Expect on the Climb

It’s true that you don’t have to be a “mountain climber” to reach the peak of Kilimanjaro. But don’t make the mistake that it’s a walk in the park.

Your trek up the famous mountain will involve very early mornings, very long days, and very variable temperatures.

Here are a few more things to expect once you embark on your adventure:

• 5 major climate zones, eg. the Forest Zone and the Arctic Summit Zone
• heat and humidity, frozen rain, icy winds
• trekking in the dark and the cold
• outhouse toilets – holes dug in the ground and surrounded by tiny wooden huts
• porters who will carry most, or all, of the food and supplies for the trekkers
• “Summit night” is when Uhuru Peak is reached. You’ll be woken up at midnight for it.
• spectacular sights, and an equally spectacular feeling of accomplishment every day

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Camping on a Kilimanjaro Trek

Marangu route is the only one that is equipped with wooden huts for hikers. All others will involve camping in portable tents.

The tents will be carried by your porters, and will be set up by them as well. Tents will be provided by your tour operator.

Typically you won’t be expected to do any chores while in camp. Meals and snacks will be prepared for you, and clean-up is taken care of.

You will have no means to charge electronics. Be prepared if this is a consideration for you.

You will have some free time in camp each day, and it’s important that you rest and keep warm. Acclimating to the altitude is your priority.

This is more difficult when your body is perpetually exhausted and is expending energy on trying to warm itself. So relax, get to know your fellow trekkers, take pics, read… and enjoy the mountain.

The summit is what drives us, but the climb itself is what matters.

– Conrad Anker

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Best Time of Year to Climb Kilimanjaro

The recommended time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry seasons. These run from December to February and from July through September.

During the dry season it’s warmer and the skies are clearer. Rainy days are not only less pleasant for trekking, they also make it harder to see the amazing views around the mountain.

Naturally, this is when the trails are the most crowded. You may want to plan for the shoulder season. March and October give you the best of both worlds.

The chance of rain is slim, and crowding is minimal, you may even pay a bit less than these times of the year.

The weather is generally warm during the day but cold at night, so bring appropriate clothing for both conditions. Again, think layers!

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Should I Train for the Climb?

Again, while it’s true that you don’t have to be a fitness guru to take on Kilimanjaro, some training is a good idea. Your goal should be to increase leg strength and endurance.

Ideally, start at least 3 or 4 months before your trek. Hiking is perfect, and hiking hills is even better. Increase time, intensity, and elevation gain over time.

Do be careful to increase your training sessions gradually. Any injury will set you back.

It’s also a good idea to spend time at higher altitudes. If you live in a higher altitude location, that’s great! If not, try to find a place in the mountains to spend the weekends. The more time you can spend at higher altitudes, the better.

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Planning Your Trip to Kilimanjaro

Here is what should be on your list when you’re planning your trip.

✤ A general rule when travelling to Tanzania, you will need an ongoing or return plane ticket. Also be sure that your passport is valid for 6 months past your return date.

People from the majority of countries will also require an “ordinary” visa. This can be obtained at the airport when you arrive. The line for this can be long and chaotic, though.

I prefer to take care of this from home. Find all the info you need here on Tanzania’s immigration website. At the time of writing it costs US $50 for the visa.

✤ Visit a travel clinic or your personal doctor to discuss what inoculations you might need. Be sure to mention the possibility of malaria tablets, and ask about altitude medication.

✤ Getting travel insurance is a no-brainer. It’s also required when you trek Kilimanjaro. Be sure that your insurance of choice covers high altitudes up to 6000 metres. Not all do.

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What to Bring on a Kilimanjaro Trek

Unless you’re already an experienced hiker and already have your own gear, shop around to find a company that provides what you need. It’ll make your trip a lot easier, and cheaper.

Things like cold-weather clothing, tents, and sleeping bag take up a lot of luggage space. And they are things that you won’t need once you’re done the trek.

Keep in mind that some of the gear provided will not be included in the price. Down coats, for example, and sleeping bags may need to be rented for an additional fee. Be sure to ask.

Be sure to check with your company for their list. But in general, you will need to bring:

• quality hiking boots that are completely broken in. You can find the best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro here.

• sunglasses, sunscreen, mosquito repellent

• layers – thermal underwear, fleece to layer under coat

• a large, sturdy duffel bag, about 90L, waterproof or water-resistant (carried by porter)

• a lightweight daypack, about 30L (with what you will need along your trek, carried by you)

• underwear, thermal socks and regular socks

• a pair of sandals of flip-flops to wear in camp to give your feet a break from boots

• a pair of thicker cotton trousers and a lighter nylon pair. Jeans are heavy and slow to dry.

• something comfortable to sleep in

• a T-shirt and a pair of shorts, sun hat or cap

• a warm knit or fleece hat or balaclava and gloves

• the bare minimum of toiletries – toothbrush, lip balm, wet wipes, etc

• a headlamp and extra batteries

• a power bank for anything you need to charge. The best power bank for Kilimanjaro might be a solar-powered one, or 2 high capacity banks.

• camera and extra batteries

• 2 water bottles or a bladder system

• a water purifier like a Grayl water purifier bottle or purifying tablets; you will be provided with safe, boiled drinking water, but it’s always a good idea to have a backup plan for your water supply

* snacks – food is provided, but having your own snacks will be good for your morale and your energy level

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TANAPA

Browse the Tanzania National Parks website (TANAPA) for any additional information you might need.

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Trekking Tours

There are a lot of options when it comes to picking a company to guide your trek. Here are a few of the best ones to help narrow down your choices.

🏔️ 7-Day Machame Route Trek – ⭐️ 5/5 star rating, over 200 reviews
The trip includes:

• guides, porters, cooks
• tents
• park fees
• food and water
• airport transfers and hotel one night before and one night after trek
• gear is available for rent

I hiked Mt. Kilimanjaro with Altezza Travel. I absolutely would not have been able to do it without the incredible crew of porters and guides helping our team along the way! The crew went above and beyond to make sure we were comfortable, safe, and happy the entire way through!

– a Tripadvisor review, June 2024 (read more reviews)

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🏔️ 7-Day Lemosho Lemosho Route Trek – ⭐️ 5/5 star rating, over 500 reviews
The trip includes:

• guides, porters, cooks
• tents
• park fees
• food and water
• airport transfers and hotel one night before and one night after trek
• gear is available for rent

My wife and I were absolutely blown away by Altezza, from their responsiveness in the lead-up to our trek to our fantastic guides to the talented chefs to the super-human porters. Climbing Kilimanjaro was really challenging, and we can’t image successfully summitting with any other travel company. We recommend Altezza enthusiastically and are confident they are the best company on the mountain by far…

– a Tripadvisor review, August 2024 (read more reviews)

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🏔️ 8-Day Marangu Route Trek – ⭐️ 4.55/5 star rating, 19 reviews
Includes:

• guides, porters, cooks
• tents
• park fees
• food and water
• airport transfers and hotel one night before and one night after trek

Great value for money, and good communication from skyview adventures. Our driver and chef were both excellent! Overall a wonderful experience.

– Review by Shannon, 2022 (read more reviews)

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Map of Kilimanjaro NP and Surroundings

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro FAQs

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Summing It Up – Trekking Kilimanjaro

Once you’ve completed this epic adventure, don’t just fly home! Take at least a short safari in one of the spectacular parks, or spend a few days on Zanzibar to soak up some sun.

Happy travels!

More for you to do in Tanzania:

 ✔️ 17+ Awe-Inspiring Reasons to Visit Tanzania
✔️ Dream Destinations: Spectacular Tanzania Beaches
✔️ The Truth About Drone Use on Safari in Tanzania
✔️ Dream Destinations in Africa

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