Kilimanjaro Climbing Routes
Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira and more, compared by scenery, days and success rate.
Read guideClimbing Kilimanjaro is one of the world’s great adventures, and with the right planning it is achievable for most reasonably fit travellers. Standing 5,895 metres (19,341 ft) in northern Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing peak on Earth. Good preparation decides not just whether you reach Uhuru Peak, but how much you enjoy the journey. Here is how to plan it, step by step.
The best conditions come in the driest months, January to mid-March and June to October. See our detailed guide to weather on Kilimanjaro for a month-by-month breakdown, and our best time to visit Tanzania guide if you are combining a climb with a safari.
Every route differs in scenery, difficulty and success rate. Five days is the absolute minimum, but adding a day for acclimatisation dramatically improves your summit chances. On the popular Machame route, seven days is recommended over six. Compare all the options in our Kilimanjaro routes guide.
An extra day on the mountain buys acclimatisation, and acclimatisation is what gets people to the summit. If budget and schedule allow, take the longer itinerary.
Kilimanjaro is protected as a national park, and you can only climb with a registered operator who provides guides, a cook, porters, food, water and camping equipment. Quality varies enormously, so choose an operator that treats its crew fairly and puts safety ahead of the lowest price. As a licensed local team, Back 2 Nature Expeditions handles every detail so you only carry your daypack.
General guidance is on the WHO travel advice pages.
Quality equipment is essential: broken-in hiking boots, thermal base layers, an insulated jacket, gloves, a warm hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and a good sleeping bag, with rentals available. See the full Kilimanjaro packing list.
You do not need to be an athlete, but a solid base of fitness makes the climb far more enjoyable. In the months before, build endurance with regular hill walking, long hikes and cardio; stamina matters more than speed.
The biggest challenge is altitude, not technical difficulty — no ropes or climbing skills are required. Walking pole pole (slowly), staying hydrated and choosing a longer route all help your body acclimatise and reduce the risk of altitude sickness. If you have any medical concerns, speak to your doctor before booking.
Kilimanjaro rewards preparation with one of the most unforgettable mornings of your life. When you are ready, our team will help you choose the right route, duration and dates.
We are a local, Arusha-based team, and we tailor every safari and Kilimanjaro climb to your dates, budget and pace. Request a free, no-obligation quote and we will usually reply within 24 hours.
Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira and more, compared by scenery, days and success rate.
Read guideHow altitude and time of day drive the mountain weather, month by month.
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Smart layering and gear for five climate zones and a freezing summit night.
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