Mount Kilimanjaro
ABOUT MOUNT KILIMANJARO
The Roof of Africa
Rising above the plains of northern Tanzania, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and one of the continent’s most iconic natural landmarks. Its summit, Uhuru Peak, reaches 5,895 metres above sea level, drawing trekkers from around the world.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a journey through dramatically changing environments, from lush rainforest and open heathland to alpine desert and the stark high-altitude landscape near the summit. No technical climbing is required on the standard trekking routes, but preparation, acclimatization and determination are essential.
Quick Facts
HEIGHT
5,895 metres
FAMOUS FOR
Africa’s highest peak
BEST TIME TO CLIMB
Jan–Mar & Jun–Oct
HIGHLIGHTS
Uhuru Peak & changing landscapes
POPULAR ROUTES
Lemosho & Machame
LANDSCAPE & THE CLIMB
From Rainforest. To the Roof of Africa.
Few mountain journeys offer such dramatic changes in scenery over a relatively short distance. A Kilimanjaro trek begins among cultivated foothills and dense montane forest before climbing into heath, moorland and increasingly stark alpine terrain.
Higher on the mountain, vegetation gives way to volcanic rock and high-altitude desert. The final climb leads toward the crater rim and ultimately Uhuru Peak, where successful trekkers stand at the highest point on the African continent.
5,895 METRES
MULTIPLE ROUTES
DIVERSE LANDSCAPES
UHURU PEAK
UHURU PEAK
The Highest Point in Africa
At 5,895 metres, Uhuru Peak is the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the culmination of the climbing journey.
Most summit attempts begin around midnight, allowing trekkers to climb through the coldest and most demanding section of the route before reaching the crater rim around sunrise.
The final approach to Uhuru Peak rewards climbers with an extraordinary high-altitude landscape and, weather permitting, expansive views from the rooftop of Africa.
EXPLORE KILIMANJARO
One mountain.
Different ways to the top.
Lemosho Route
Scenic and gradual.
Approaching from the western side of Kilimanjaro, Lemosho crosses the Shira Plateau before joining the mountain’s southern circuit. Its longer itinerary allows additional time for acclimatization.
Machame Route
Dramatic and rewarding.
Machame travels through varied landscapes and includes some of Kilimanjaro’s best-known landmarks, including Lava Tower, Barranco Wall and Barafu Camp.
Shira Plateau
High above the plains.
The expansive Shira Plateau reveals the remains of one of Kilimanjaro’s ancient volcanic formations and offers some of the mountain’s most distinctive highland scenery.
Barranco Wall
An unforgettable section of the climb.
Rising above Barranco Camp, the Barranco Wall is one of Kilimanjaro’s most recognizable trail sections and a memorable part of several southern routes.
Kilimanjaro Through the Seasons
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed throughout much of the year, but weather and trail conditions change considerably between seasons.
JAN – MAR
Warm & Quieter
Generally favourable climbing conditions with fewer trekkers on some routes. Temperatures remain cold at higher elevations despite warmer conditions lower on the mountain.
APR – MAY
Long Rains
The main rainy period brings wetter trails, cloud and reduced visibility. The mountain is generally quieter during these months.
JUN – OCT
Dry Season
This is one of the most popular periods for climbing Kilimanjaro, with generally drier conditions and clearer skies, particularly from July through October.
NOV – DEC
Short Rains
November typically brings short seasonal rains before conditions begin improving toward December. Weather can remain changeable across the mountain.
Experience Kilimanjaro
Mountain Camping
Spend your nights at designated mountain camps supported by guides, porters and a dedicated trekking crew.
Summit Uhuru Peak
Climb through the night toward the crater rim and continue to 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa.
Private Kilimanjaro Trek
Climb with your own trekking team and an itinerary organized around your group and selected route.