Mount Kilimanjaro – Destination Guide

Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest peak and one of the most iconic trekking adventures on Earth. Towering 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above Tanzania, this free-standing volcano offers climbers a once-in-a-lifetime journey through five unique climate zones – from rainforest to arctic summit. Whether you’re a seasoned hiker or an adventurous first-timer, summiting Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable achievement.

🥾 What It’s Like to Climb Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a non-technical trek – no ropes or climbing gear required – but it’s still a serious challenge. The trek usually takes 5 to 9 days, depending on the route, with most days involving 4–7 hours of walking. You’ll pass through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and glacial landscapes. Nights are spent in tents (or huts on the Marangu route), and temperatures can drop below freezing at high altitudes.

The final summit push begins around midnight, aiming to reach Uhuru Peak at sunrise. It’s the toughest part of the trek – cold, steep, and slow due to the thin air – but also the most rewarding moment when the sun rises over the plains of Africa.

🧘 Fitness & Health Requirements

You don’t need to be an athlete, but you do need good cardiovascular fitness, endurance, and mental grit. Altitude affects everyone differently, regardless of age or fitness level. The key to success is acclimatization, a steady pace, hydration, and choosing a longer route.

Recommended preparation includes:

• Regular hiking with elevation gain

• Cardio workouts like running, cycling, or swimming

• Strength training, especially for legs and core

• Altitude simulation training (optional but helpful)

Talk to your doctor before traveling, and ensure your travel insurance covers high-altitude trekking.

🏔️ Regions to Explore

🌿 Kilimanjaro National Park
A UNESCO World Heritage Site surrounding the mountain.

• Begin treks from popular trailheads like Machame or Marangu Gate

• Spot blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and endemic flora

• Enjoy scenic viewpoints and acclimatization hikes

🧗 Kilimanjaro Routes
Choose your path to the summit – each with its own scenery and style.

• Marangu Route – Easiest and only one with hut accommodation

• Machame Route – Most popular and scenic with varied terrain

• Lemosho Route – Great for acclimatization and fewer crowds

• Rongai Route – Quietest route, approaching from the north

• Umbwe Route – Steepest and most direct, for experienced hikers

🌄 Moshi & Arusha
Gateway towns to Kilimanjaro, offering rest and culture before or after your trek.

• Stay in coffee lodges and boutique hotels

• Explore local markets and meet Chagga and Maasai communities

• Visit nearby waterfalls or hot springs for recovery

🌤️ Best Time to Visit

January – March and June – October

• Clear skies and great views

• Lower rainfall and better trail conditions

• Avoid the long rains of April – May and the short rains of November

✈️ Major Airports

• Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Closest to Moshi and Arusha

• Julius Nyerere International Airport (DAR) – For extended travel in Tanzania

• Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (NBO), Kenya – Some treks include Nairobi arrivals

🚙 Getting Around

• Airport transfers usually arranged by tour operators

• Private vehicles or shuttles between Moshi, Arusha, and trailheads

• Taxis and boda-bodas (motorbike taxis) available in towns

📱 SIM Cards & eSIMs

• Providers: Vodacom, Airtel, Tigo

• SIMs available at the airport or in Moshi/Arusha

• Using an eSIM is our recommended choice while travelling anywhere in the world, and our recommended provider is Holafly. For more information on eSIMs, check out this blog.

🛂 Visas

• Most nationalities require a tourist visa for Tanzania

• Apply online or get a visa on arrival at JRO

• Check the official site: https://visa.immigration.go.tz

💬 Language

• Swahili is the national language

• English widely spoken in the tourism sector and by guides

💰 Currency

• Tanzanian Shilling (TZS)

• US Dollars accepted for most tours and tips

• Bring cash – ATMs are limited in rural areas

🙏 Etiquette

• Tipping is expected for porters, guides, and cooks – usually pooled at the end. Tips suggested in USD$: guides $15-20 per guide per day; porters $8-10 per porter per day; cook $12-15 per day

• Respect local customs and ask before taking photos

• Greet locals with “Jambo” (hello) or “Asante” (thank you)

🧷 Safety

• Altitude sickness is the main concern – choose longer routes for acclimatization

• Trek with licensed operators and certified guides

• Pack proper gear and travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking

🧳 Practical Info

• Electricity – Plug types D and G (UK-style); voltage: 230V / 50Hz

• Internet – Mobile data works well in Moshi/Arusha, limited or no service on the mountain

• Water – Not safe to drink from the tap; bring a filter bottle or use purification tablets

• Vaccinations – Yellow fever certificate required if arriving from a risk country

• Travel insurance – Must cover altitude up to 6,000m, evacuation, and trip delays

• Packing tip – Temperatures vary from tropical to freezing – bring layers and good gear. Click here for our guide on packing a hiking pack.

📍 Why Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is more than just a hike – it’s a journey through diverse ecosystems, a mental and physical challenge, and a chance to stand on the rooftop of Africa. With no technical climbing required, it’s one of the most accessible high-altitude treks in the world. The feeling of reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise is something you’ll never forget.