Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Information

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

You can climb Kilimanjaro any time of the year, but the best conditions to climb Africa’s highest peak, are during the months June till mid-March (except November). February is the best month since the temperature is high and the changes or rainfall low. The rainy season starts from mid-March till June and the month November. However there are people who choose to climb Kilimanjaro in April or November since it is quite and less crowded on the trails.

Who can climb Kilimanjaro?

Do you have the dream of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro but wonder if you can make it? Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is certainly a challenge, but you don’t need to be an experienced climber to reach its summit. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. We have an experienced and professional team that can bring you to the top safely.

That is why 95% of our guests reach the top of Africa’s highest mountain. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek. One of the things is buying good gear and practice hikes in your home country a few months before your departure. Since altitude sickness is the main reason people fail to reach the top, it’s important to take your time. Give your body time to acclimatize. Check out below which climbing route fits you best.

Which is the best route for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Once you have decided to climb Kilimanjaro, the main question now is which route you should choose. There are seven different routes to the summit. They all vary in length, difficulty, scenery, traffic, accommodation and other aspects. Based on our experience we advise you to choose one of the first 3 routes.

Lemosho Route: This is a slightly more relaxed route, allowing 8 days for acclimatization and with a good balance in the height of the camp sites. The scenery is really beautiful, passing through forests and traverses. The success rate is 88% to Uhuru Peak and 94% to Stella Point.

Marangu Route: Often called the "Coca-Cola route," is the oldest path up Mount Kilimanjaro and one of the most popular ones. Opting for the Marangu route, you will repeat the very first successful Kilimanjaro summit by Hans Meyer that took place in 1889. The trail lies inside Kilimanjaro National Park, traversing all climatic zones of the mountain from tropical forest to alpine desert. Uniquely, it is the only route that offers dormitory-style huts for overnight stays.

Machame Route: This is the most popular route, and as such it can get pretty busy. It has overtaken the Marangu Route in terms of popularity, and although it does boast spectacular views to the west of the mountain, we feel like it’s popularity has somewhat stunted its quality.

Rongai Route: This is our favourite 6 day route. It begins the ascent up the northern side of the mountain, and is unparalleled in terms of scenery and summit success. There is some flexibility here too, as you can add a day giving you extra time for acclimatization and increasing the chances of summiting. The success rate for the 7-day route is 74% to Uhuru and 88% to Gilman's Point.

Shira Route: This is an 8 day itinerary which takes you through the unspoilt wilderness of Shira Plateau and around the hilly and beautiful Moir Hut and the Lent Hills, before traversing underneath the Kibo icefields to summit via the Barafu Camp.

The Shira Route approaches the summit from the western side and is for those who want uninterrupted scenery and away from the crowds. The summit success is 86% to Uhuru Peak, and 93% to Stella Point.

The Umbwe route - is a short, steep and direct route. It is considered to be very difficult and is the most challenging way up Mount Kilimanjaro. Due to the quick ascent, Umbwe does not provide the necessary stages for altitude acclimatization. Although the traffic on this route is very low, the chances of success are also low. The route is offered at a minimum of six days, though seven days is recommended when attempting this route. The Umbwe route should only be attempted by very strong hikers who are also confident in their ability to acclimatize.

Northern Circuit: Being a 9-day climb, virtually everyone reaches the summit on the Northern Circuit climb. You can do it in 8, but 9 is a bit more relaxed! It is for mountain lovers and also for those who seek solitude on the mountain – it is a hard thing to come by on Kilimanjaro and so this is a welcome bonus to the Northern Circuit route.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Information

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