Rainforest
Lush forest on the lower slopes with colobus monkeys and birdlife.
The Roof of Africa
Kilimanjaro
The highest free-standing mountain in the world. A trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro is a journey through five distinct ecosystems and a test of true spirit.
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Northern Tanzania
- Best months
- Jan–Feb, Jul–Oct
- Known for
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, Africa’s highest mountain
Overview
About Kilimanjaro
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a bucket-list achievement. It is a non-technical climb that allows passionate hikers to reach 5,895 meters and stand on the spectacular, glacier-capped roof of the continent.
Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising to 5,895 m at Uhuru Peak on the rim of its Kibo crater. It is a dormant volcano made up of three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira.
Climbing it needs no technical skills, which makes it one of the world’s great achievable summits. On the way up you pass through five climate zones in a few days: farmland, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and, finally, the icy summit.
Most climbs take 6–8 days; longer routes give your body more time to adjust to the altitude and have a higher success rate. Kilimanjaro combines naturally with a safari in the northern parks before or after the climb.
Known for
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Africa’s highest mountain
- Glaciers and alpine desert
- Seven climbing routes
At a glance
- Type
- National Park
- Region
- Northern Tanzania
- Size
- About 1,688 km²
- Established
- 1973
- UNESCO
- World Heritage Site since 1987
- Best months
- Jan–Feb, Jul–Oct
- By road
- About 1.5 hours from Arusha to the Moshi area and the park gates.
- By air
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) sits between Arusha and Moshi.
Inside the park
Areas of Kilimanjaro
Where you stay and explore shapes what you see. These are the main areas we plan around.
Heath & moorland
Open landscape with giant groundsels and lobelias, and the first big views.
Alpine desert
A stark, high-altitude landscape of rock and scree, cold at night.
Arctic summit
Glaciers, crater rim and the final push to Uhuru Peak, usually started around midnight.
Wildlife
What you can see in Kilimanjaro
The mountain is about the climb, not the wildlife, but the forest belt is rich in birds and monkeys.
Lower slopes
- Black-and-white colobus
- Blue monkey
- Bushbuck
- Turacos
- Silvery-cheeked hornbill
Higher up
- White-necked raven
- Four-striped grass mouse
- Giant groundsels
- Giant lobelias
When to go
The best time to visit Kilimanjaro
January to mid-March and June to October. These months offer the clearest skies and most stable weather for high-altitude trekking.
- JanPeak
- FebPeak
- MarGood
- AprQuieter / wet
- MayQuieter / wet
- JunGood
- JulPeak
- AugPeak
- SepPeak
- OctPeak
- NovGood
- DecGood
Main dry season
The most popular climbing window: dry and clear, with cold nights.
Short dry season
Warmer days and quieter trails; a good time to climb.
Rainy months
Wet and muddy; possible on some routes, but with fewer views.
Getting there
Travel and access
About 1.5 hours from Arusha to the Moshi area and the park gates.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) sits between Arusha and Moshi.
Things to do
Activities
- Multi-day summit climbs
- Day hikes into the rainforest
- Coffee farm and village visits around Moshi
- Waterfall walks
Where to stay
Camps and lodges
We match each stay to your budget and the season, from classic tented camps to luxury lodges.
Mountain camps & huts
Tented camps on most routes; huts on the Marangu route.
Moshi & Arusha lodges
Comfortable lodges before and after the climb.
A day here
It is a physical and spiritual pilgrimage. You'll hike from dense rainforests through alpine deserts, guided by a dedicated support crew. Summit night is an arduous, freezing ascent rewarded by a sunrise over the African plains.
Our travel tips
- Choose a longer route (seven or eight days) to give yourself the best chance of reaching the summit.
- "Pole pole", slowly slowly, is the golden rule for altitude.
- Travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking is essential.
- Plan a safari after the climb to rest your legs in the comfort of a vehicle.
The Photographic Journal
The Spirit of Kilimanjaro.
Questions
Kilimanjaro: frequently asked questions
Kilimanjaro questions
Combine with
Pairs well with Kilimanjaro
Plan your Kilimanjaro safari
Tell us your dates and interests. A safari designer replies within 24 hours with ideas and prices.