Route
Marangu Route
The "Coca-Cola Route" — the only route with hut accommodation rather than camping, and often considered the most straightforward. Typically climbed in 5–6 days.
Tanzania • Trekking Destination
MountKilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest freestanding mountain — rising, unattached to any mountain range, from the plains of northern Tanzania to a summit of 5,895 meters (19,341 ft).
3.0674° S, 37.3556° E
THE ROOF OF AFRICA
01 — Overview
Known as the “Roof of Africa” — a journey from equatorial rainforest to arctic ice in a single trek.
Kilimanjaro is a dormant stratovolcano made up of three volcanic cones — Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira — with Kibo's crater rim, Uhuru Peak, marking the true summit.
Unlike most mountains of its height, Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing skills or specialized mountaineering equipment, making it accessible to determined trekkers of ordinary fitness — though its extreme altitude still demands proper acclimatization and preparation. The climb passes through five distinct climate zones in a matter of days. Roughly 30,000 people attempt the summit each year, and Kilimanjaro National Park, established in 1973, was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
- Summit Elevation
- 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
- Rank
- Highest in Africa; tallest freestanding mountain
- Typical Duration
- 5–9 days, by route
- Number of Routes
- 7 official routes
- UNESCO Status
- World Heritage Site since 1987
02 — Climbing Routes
Seven routes,one summit
Kilimanjaro has seven established routes to the summit, each offering a different experience, scenery, and level of difficulty.
03 — Wildlife & Birds
Life on thelower slopes
Wildlife is most visible in the lower rainforest zone, where blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and diverse birdlife can be spotted. As the route climbs into heath, moorland, and eventually alpine desert, wildlife becomes increasingly scarce and the focus shifts to landscape, geology, and the physical challenge of the climb itself.
The surrounding forest corridors, protected as part of Kilimanjaro National Park, support a wider range of species, including elephants and leopards, though these are rarely encountered directly on the standard trekking routes.
04 — Weather
Kilimanjaroweather
Kilimanjaro has two main dry climbing seasons: January to March and June to October, the latter being the busiest period. There are two rainy seasons — April to May, and November — when trails are wetter and less crowded. December to March tends to be colder in the evenings and at the summit, with a higher chance of snow at altitude. Regardless of season, temperatures at the summit can drop well below freezing, especially during the final overnight ascent.
Dry Seasons
January to March & June to October
Rainy Seasons
April to May & November
05 — Location
Mount KilimanjaroMap
Explore where Mount Kilimanjaro sits in northern Tanzania and plan the wider circuit around it.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Open in Google MapsClimate Zones
From the equatorto the poles
Climbers pass through five distinct ecological zones on the way to the summit, effectively traveling from the equator to the poles in a matter of days.
Up to ~1,800 m
Cultivation Zone
Farmland on the lower slopes, where local communities grow coffee and other crops.
Up to ~2,800 m
Rainforest Zone
Dense, high-rainfall tropical forest home to blue monkeys and rich birdlife.
Up to ~4,000 m
Heath & Moorland
Unusual high-altitude plants such as giant lobelia and Kilimanjaro groundsel dominate this transitional zone.
Up to ~5,000 m
Alpine Desert
A stark landscape of rock, moss, and lichen, with dramatic temperature swings between day and night.
Above ~5,000 m
Arctic Summit Zone
A stony, icy landscape near the summit, with glaciers that are thousands of years old — though rapidly receding due to climate change.
More Facts
More aboutKilimanjaro
Firsts, glaciers and a mountain that stands alone.
- 01
World's Tallest Freestanding Mountain
Kilimanjaro isn't part of a mountain range — it rises alone from the surrounding plains, making its full height especially dramatic.
- 02
Seven Routes, One Summit
Climbers can choose from seven official routes, each offering a different balance of scenery, difficulty, and acclimatization time.
- 03
Five Climate Zones in Days
The climb compresses a journey from tropical rainforest to arctic ice cap into less than two weeks — even less than one week on some routes.
- 04
First Ascent
German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountaineer Ludwig Purtscheller made the first recorded ascent in 1889.
- 05
Vanishing Glaciers
Kilimanjaro's summit glaciers are thousands of years old but retreating quickly — a visible marker of climate change at the equator.
06 — FAQ
Mount KilimanjaroFAQs
Practical answers about location, wildlife, seasons, activities, getting there and where to stay.
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
5,895 meters (19,341 ft) at Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kibo's crater rim — Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest freestanding mountain.
Do I need climbing experience to summit Kilimanjaro?
No technical climbing skills or specialized equipment are required on the standard routes, but good physical fitness and proper acclimatization are essential.
How long does the climb take?
Between 5 and 9 days depending on the route chosen — longer routes generally offer better acclimatization and higher success rates.
Which route is best for beginners?
The Marangu Route is often recommended for first-time trekkers, as it's the only route with hut accommodation and a gentler overall profile.
Which route has the highest success rate?
Longer routes with better acclimatization profiles — such as Lemosho and the Northern Circuit — tend to have the highest summit success rates, generally above 80% for treks over 7 days.
What are Kilimanjaro's three peaks?
Kibo (the highest, containing Uhuru Peak), Mawenzi (the second-highest and more technically challenging), and Shira (a partially collapsed volcanic cone on the western side).
When is the best time to climb?
The dry seasons — January to March and June to October — offer the clearest conditions; June to October is the busiest period.
What is Uhuru Peak?
The true summit of Kilimanjaro, located on the rim of the Kibo crater — "Uhuru" means "freedom" in Swahili.
Is Kilimanjaro volcanically active?
Kibo is technically still active, though its last major eruption was around 360,000 years ago; Mawenzi and Shira are extinct.
What should I pack for the climb?
Layered clothing for five climate zones, a warm sleeping bag, waterproof gear, sturdy hiking boots, and cold-weather gear for the summit push, where temperatures can be well below freezing.
What is altitude sickness and how serious is it?
A condition caused by ascending too quickly at high altitude; it can range from mild discomfort to life-threatening if not managed properly — proper acclimatization and a gradual ascent profile are the best prevention.
Are there glaciers on Kilimanjaro?
Yes — ancient glaciers near the summit, believed to be close to 12,000 years old, though they have been receding rapidly and may disappear within decades.
Can Kilimanjaro be combined with a safari?
Yes — it's commonly combined with a Northern Circuit safari (Ngorongoro, Serengeti, Tarangire, Lake Manyara) before or after the climb.
Is Kilimanjaro suitable for beginners?
Yes, with proper preparation — it's considered one of the more accessible of the world's Seven Summits, though the altitude should never be underestimated.
What is Kilimanjaro National Park?
The protected area surrounding the mountain, established in 1973 and designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987, encompassing six forest corridors and diverse wildlife.
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Kilimanjaro Climbing Deals
Our Kilimanjaro climbs on every route, all-inclusive, with local guides from Moshi.
Explore Trekking Adventure
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Explore Trekking Adventure (ETA) offers expertly guided treks, authentic cultural experiences, and responsible travel. With local knowledge, quality gear, and personalized service, ETA ensures safe, unforgettable journeys across East Africa.
Selected accommodation
Where to stay in Moshi before your climb
Handpicked lodges and camps we recommend around this destination.
