Climbing Kilimanjaro planning

Climbing Kilimanjaro planning, where do you start? So, you’ve made the decision to hike Kilimanjaro – an exciting, challenging, and unforgettable adventure! With so much information out there, the planning can be overwhelming and confusing. That is where we come in. This guide will break down everything you need to know. From deciding when to go, to choosing the right route. We will help you plan a successful and safe journey to the top of the mountain! Let’s get started!

The following factors need to be considered:

Why climb Kilimanjaro
When are you able to go and what must you consider?
Which route option must you choose?
The duration of the hike?
How will you get there?
Are you going to choose a private hike or join a group hike?

Why choose Kilimanjaro?

Hiking up Kilimanjaro is very popular, with thousands of hikers reaching its summit each year. Here are the main reasons why so many people choose Kilimanjaro:

Kilimanjaro is one of the famous “Seven Summits,” representing the highest peak in Africa. It is the only option that doesn’t involve technical climbing, you hike from the start to the finish.
Reaching the summit of Africa at 5,895m is an incredible accomplishment and a personal achievement for many hikers.
Hiking Kilimanjaro is like traveling from the Equator to the Arctic in a few days. The makes it an awe-inspiring experience unlike most other hikes.
For many, hiking Kilimanjaro is a deeply spiritual experience, providing time for reflection, personal growth, and a connection with nature.
Many hikers climb Kilimanjaro to raise awareness and funds for charity.

When to go and what to consider

The best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the long dry season. This normally runs from mid-June to early October. During this period, weather conditions are generally the best, with lowest chance of rain.

Another option is to hike between December and March, though weather can be less predictable. We strongly recommend avoiding the rainy seasons. This include a long rainy season from April to May and the shorter rainy season in November. While it’s possible to hike during these months, rain and snow are more likely.

Keep in mind that Kilimanjaro’s high altitude makes its weather unpredictable. Sunshine, rain, and snow can occur at any time of year, even during the ideal season. When planning your trip, this is a key factor to remember.

Climbing Kilimanjaro planning – which route option?

When you do your climbing Kilimanjaro planning, choosing the right route is a big decision. There are many routes up mountain, but some are more successful than others. The two main routes we recommend is the Machame and Lemosho routes. The benefits of these routes are as follows:

Both routes offer manageable daily hiking distances.
They offer you the opportunity to climb high and sleep low, which reduces the possibility to get altitude sickness.
The summit path from Barafu camp to the summit is shorter and has less loose scree.
The routes offer beautiful scenery and you get to see Lava tower, the Baranco wall.

The only time we don’t recommend these routes are when:

You can only hike during the rainy seasons
If any of the group members has a severe fear of heights
If you prefer to hike a quieter route up the mountain.

If you can only visit during the rainy season do we recommend you choose the Marangu route. The Marangu route is the only option with A-frame huts. The A-frame huts are more comfortable than tents when it rains. Both the Marangu and Rongai routes are on the eastern side of the mountain that receive less rainfall.

Duration of the hike?

The biggest cause of altitude sickness is going too high too fast. Altitude sickness affects every hiker differently. Nobody can predict in advance who will get altitude sickness and who not. We strongly recommend adding an extra day and night to your hike to allow more time for acclimatization.

We do not recommend the 5 day Marangu route hike. It is the cheapest option, but it is the route with the lowest summit success rate.

Climbing Kilimanjaro planning – How to get there?

Climbing Kilimanjaro planning, how do you reach Kilimanjaro? It will be best to fly to Kilimanjaro airport in Tanzania. Many airlines have direct or connecting flights to Kilimanjaro airport. The airport is located about a 70 minute drive from Moshi town the base for your hike. For more details, visit on our dedicated travel to Kilimanjaro airport page.

Will you join a group or choose a private hike?

Choosing between a group of private is an important factor for your climbing Kilimanjaro planning.

Group hike option

To make the trip more affordable, consider joining one of our group hikes. Group hikes allow you to share costs, making the journey more budget-friendly without compromising on quality. You’ll also have the chance to meet like-minded hikers from around the world, adding a social and memorable element to your Kilimanjaro experience.

Private hike option

For those want a more personalized experience, we offer private hikes as per your preferred dates. A dedicated team of guides, porters, and a chef will be assigned to your group. This ensure focused attention on your comfort, safety, and success. Private hikes provide greater flexibility. This allow you to set your own pace, take breaks as needed, and adjust the daily schedule to suit your requirements.