Prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, where to begin?
So, you’ve decided to hike Kilimanjaro, an exciting, challenging, and truly unforgettable adventure! But with so much information online, planning your trek can quickly become overwhelming. That’s where we step in.
This guide will walk you through everything you need to know to plan a safe, successful, and enjoyable hike. From choosing the best time to go, to selecting the right route. Deciding whether to hike privately or join a group, we’ll help you prepare with confidence.
Why climb Kilimanjaro? Understand what makes this mountain a bucket-list adventure.
When to go? Learn about the best seasons, weather conditions, and what to expect.
Which route to choose? Explore the most popular routes and find the one that suits your goals.
Duration of your trek? How many days should you spend on the mountain for the best chance of success?
How to get there? Travel logistics to the mountain.
Private vs. group climbs? Decide if you want a tailor-made private trek or the shared experience (and cost savings) of a group hike.
Hiking Kilimanjaro starts with the right preparation. With expert guidance, your journey to the “Roof of Africa” can be safe, rewarding, and life-changing.
Hiking up Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular trekking adventures in the world, attracting thousands of hikers every year. But what makes this mountain so special? Here are the main reasons why so many people choose to climb Kilimanjaro:
One of the Seven Summits – It is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895m, and the only of the Seven Summits that can be reached without technical climbing skills. From start to finish, it is a hike rather than a climb.
A True Personal Achievement – Standing on the “Roof of Africa” is a life-changing accomplishment. For many hikers, reaching the summit is the highlight of their adventure.
Journey Through Climate Zones – Hiking up the mountain is like traveling from the Equator to the Arctic in just a few days. You’ll experience lush rainforests, alpine deserts, and icy glaciers in one trek.
A Spiritual and Reflective Experience – Many hikers describe their time on the mountain as deeply moving, offering space for personal growth, reflection, and connection with nature.
Climb for a Cause – Kilimanjaro treks are often chosen by hikers looking to raise awareness and funds for charity. This combine the challenge of the hike with a meaningful purpose.
This trek is more than just a hike – it’s an unforgettable journey that blends adventure, achievement, and inspiration.
Choosing the right season is one of the most important decisions when you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro. Weather conditions on the mountain can greatly affect both your comfort and your chances of reaching the summit.
June to October – Long Dry Season (Best Time to Climb)
The best time to hike is from mid-June to early October. This period offers the most stable weather, clear skies, and the lowest chance of rain. It’s also peak trekking season, which means busier trails but the best overall conditions.
December to March – Alternative Dry Season
Another good time to hike is between December and March. These months can provide good hiking conditions. However the weather is slightly less predictable than during the long dry season. Trails are usually less crowded, which some hikers prefer.
Rainy Seasons (Not Recommended)
The long rainy season are from April to May and the short rainy season is in November. This usually bring heavy rain, muddy trails, and a higher chance of snow on the summit. While it’s possible to climb during these months, conditions are more difficult and less enjoyable.
When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the biggest decisions you’ll make is choosing the right route. While there are several ways up the mountain, some routes are more successful and enjoyable than others.
Our Recommended Routes: Machame & Lemosho
We highly recommend the Machame Route and the Lemosho Route. These are two of the most popular Kilimanjaro routes because they combine high success rates with stunning scenery.
Benefits of Machame & Lemosho Routes:
When These Routes May Not Be Ideal
While Machame and Lemosho are excellent options for most hikers, we don’t recommend them if:
Alternative Routes
Marangu Route – The best choice during the rainy seasons. It’s the only Kilimanjaro route with A-frame huts, offering more comfort than tents when it rains.
Rongai Route – Located on the drier, eastern side of the mountain. This route receives less rainfall and tends to be quieter, making it a good alternative for hikers seeking solitude.
Choosing the right route will have a big impact on your hiking experience. It is worth taking time to pick the one that best matches your preferences, travel dates, and hiking style.
One of the biggest challenges when hiking up the mountain is the risk of altitude sickness. The primary cause is ascending too high, too quickly. Altitude affects every hiker differently, and there is no way to predict in advance who will experience symptoms.
For that reason do we recommend you choose a longer 7 day or longer hike option. This will allow your body more time to adjust to higher altitudes and reduce the possibility to get altitude sickness.
While the 5-day Marangu Route is the cheapest option on the mountain, it also has the lowest summit success rate. The short itinerary does not allow enough time for proper acclimatization, making hikers more vulnerable to altitude sickness.
If you’re serious about a safe and successful climb, we recommend choosing a longer route or extending your trek by at least one day.
Prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, how do you get there? 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.
When you prepare to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the key decisions is whether to join a group hike or book a private hike. Each option offers different advantages depending on your budget, preferences, and hiking style.
Group Hike Option
If you’re looking for a more affordable way to climb Kilimanjaro, consider joining one of our scheduled group hikes.
Private Hike Option
For a more personalized hiking experience, a private hike is the ideal choice.
Whether you choose a group or private climb, our team ensures your hike is safe, well-organized, and unforgettable.
Our guides combine experience, professionalism, and a personal touch to make your hike safe and memorable. Every lead guide:
We go the extra mile to make your experience safe, comfortable, and enjoyable. Every trek includes:
Your well-being is our top priority. Our guides are fully trained to handle emergencies, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey. Every hike includes:
