Still one of the world’s
toughest trekking ascents
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing mountain at 5895m (19,340 feet).
It requires no technical climbing skills and therefore remains a genuine trekking challenge for anyone to reach its lofty summit.
Which Route and When to go
Quick links: Lemosho | Rongai | Machame | Northern Circuit
We offer a 2-pax guaranteed departure, at no extra cost.
Read the pro’s and Cons of going private or with a group in our article.
When To Go?
In general terms:
| Very Good | Jan, Feb, Sep (recommended months) |
| Good | Jun, Jul, Aug, Oct |
| Short rainy season | Nov to early Dec |
| Long rainy season* | End of Mar - early Jun |
No one can control the weather! Given climate change, Kilimanjaro’s weather is less predictable now than ever before. Regardless of when you go, there will always be a compromise with something. For example, in late Jul and Aug the routes are likely to be busier due to school groups (usually large).
Frequently Asked QuestionsPricing
The cost of any trip inside Kilimanjaro’s National Park is directly related to the number of days spent inside the Park. The numerous daily fees mount up, so they are high. It explains why so many people use the shorter routes (5 nights or less) because they are cheaper. But with the shorter trips come the dangers of a shorter acclimatisation period.
The risks of using the cheaper, shorter routes are huge. The altitude of Kilimanjaro is enough to kill. The Tanzanian Govt does not release figures for the deaths on the mountain. Virtually all of them are due to altitude-related issues caused by a lack of sufficient acclimatisation. The simple message is to use the longer routes.
Toilets – the long drop toilets (contained within buildings) provided by the National park we consider sub-standard, and therefore provide a private portable toilet on every trip as standard.
All of our Kilimanjaro treks are available as a Charity Challenge
Tailor Made – Choose Your Own Departure Dates
Flexible as it can be …
- Choose your own departure date, and who you go with!
- Advertised prices are for a minimum group size of 2 people.
- You can go as a couple, a pre-formed group, or even solo (with our full support, please ask for a price).
Our Kilimanjaro Routes
Lemosho Trek
| Group Dates | Land Only |
|---|---|
| 17 - 26 Jun 2026 | £2595 |
| 2 - 11 Sep 2026 | £2595 |
| 30 Sep - 10 Oct 2026 | £2595 |
| 14 - 23 Jan 2027 | £2695 |
| 22 - 31 Jan 2027 | £2695 |
| 4 - 13 Feb 2027 | £2695 |
| 2 - 11 Jun 2027 | £2695 |
Prices based on a min group size of 2 people.
Different dates? – Choose your own departure dates if those you see are not suitable.
Rongai Trek
| Group Dates | Land Only |
|---|---|
| 3 - 11 Sep 2026 | £2295 |
| 15 - 23 Jan 2027 | £2395 |
| 5 - 13 Feb 2027 | £2395 |
| 26 Feb - 6 Mar 2027 | £2395 |
| 5 - 13 Mar 2027 | £2395 |
| 2 - 10 Apr 2027 | £2395 |
| 30 Apr - 8 May 2027 | £2395 |
| 4 - 12 Jun 2027 | £2395 |
| 1 - 9 Jul 2027 | £2395 |
Prices based on a min group size of 2 people.
Different dates? – Choose your own departure dates if those you see are not suitable.
Machame Trek
| Group Dates | Land Only |
|---|---|
| 5 - 13 Sep 2026 | £2295 |
| 17 - 23 Jan 2027 | £2395 |
| 5 - 13 Feb 2027 | £2395 |
| 3 - 11 Jun 2027 | £2395 |
Prices based on a min group size of 2 people.
Different dates? – Choose your own departure dates if those you see are not suitable.
Northern Circuit Trek
| Group Dates | Land Only |
|---|---|
| 1 - 11 Sep 2026 | £2695 |
| 6 - 16 Jan 2027 | £2795 |
| 20 Jan - 30 Jan 2027 | £2795 |
| 1 - 11 Jun 2027 | £2795 |
Prices based on a min group size of 2 people.
Different dates? – Choose your own departure dates if those you see are not suitable.
Kilimanjaro – Why is the final climb
conducted through the night?
With a 6-7 hr ascent to Kilimanjaro’s summit (Uhuru) from the final night camp, anyone would have thought that was tough enough. So why do it overnight? It’s dark and cold!
The simple answers are underfoot conditions, time (mixed with safety), and the magnificent sunrise from Kilimanjaro’s summit.
Underfoot Conditions – In short, the colder night temperatures mean firmer, more stable underfoot conditions, making it easier to walk on. You use less energy, and it’s safer (less chance of slips). The upper slopes of Kilimanjaro are volcanic ash rock, sand, and scree. It is subsequently quite soft so it is favourable for it to be as firm as possible on the ascent. Once you reach Stella or Gilman’s Point, the underfoot conditions on the crater rim may well be snow and ice, so the firmer that is, the better.
The principle of using the cold night temperatures for firm conditions is common mountaineering practice for most summit attempts, including Mt Everest.
The good news … for those that like scree running, dig the heels in on the descent for the softer day conditions allow a good degree of slippage (the use of trekking poles will aid balance when descending on this type of soft terrain). Great fun!
Time (and Safety) – Kilimanjaro’s summit day is long. From departure from the final night camp to the summit, and back down again, and then further to the next night stop is between 12-14 hrs. If the departure time was at dawn, time would be an issue to make the next night stop by nightfall. If progress was slow for any reason, darkness would fall, and with the inevitable tiredness, injuries are more likely to happen. Rescues and injuries are more difficult to deal with under darkness. Even if the next camp was reached by nightfall, the recovery time is shortened.
Why not stop at the same night camp again instead of descending further? – All of the final night camps are at an altitude of around 4600m – 4700m. That’s high enough for the altitude to still cause issues with sleep, appetite, fatigue, and recovery, so it is much better to descend to a lower, safer altitude. The body will appreciate it. The final night camps (especially Barafu) are also busy places, space is tight. The local policy is to stay just one night and move on. Running water is also an issue. It has to be carried in by porters from a long way out.
The Magnificant Sunrise – There can be fewer better places in the world than to witness the sun rising over the earth’s curvature than on top of Kilimanjaro. The fluffy cloud base is inevitably below you, a truly magnificent sight to witness.
Timings should get you to the summit to witness
the sunrise, above the fluffy cloud base.
Kilimanjaro has to be one of the greatest
places to witness the sun rising.
Why Climb Kilimanjaro With Us?
- We have been climbing Kilimanjaro since 2005, on various routes.
- A UK-based reputable adventure travel company. No risk, or costs, in sending money overseas.
- Financial protection, should we become insolvent.
- The key to Kilimanjaro is acclimatisation. We won’t use any route that we consider has insufficient acclimatisation to give you a good chance of reaching the summit.
- Personal experience summiting Kilimanjaro, and higher in the Himalaya.
- Min group size 2 at the advertised price. We can operate treks for 1 person.
- Flexible dates. Depart on dates of your choosing.
- Excellent record of successful summits.
- Use of high-quality mountain tents capable of withstanding Kilimanjaro’s weather, we use high-quality guides, utilise daily medical checks, and of course, there is plenty of good quality nutritious food needed for a climb of this nature.
- Private portable toilets on trek, with every group.
Kilimanjaro – Frequently Asked Questions
Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes, beginners can climb Kilimanjaro provide they fit enough and well prepared. Our article ‘how hard Kilimanjaro can be’ explains what to expect, and what clothing and equipment you need.
What is the summit success rate for Kilimanjaro?
The average success rate across all routes is roughly 65% – 70%. But this depends on the route.
We do not operate the short routes (5-days) – success rate = under 50%.
Our longer 7-to-8-day routes boast success rates above 85% to 90% because they allow better altitude acclimatisation.
Which is harder: Kilimanjaro or EBC?
We compare these two iconic treks and deliver why we think Kilimanjaro is the more challenging.
Why is climbing Kilimanjaro so expensive?
It is the numerous daily fees charged by the Tanzanian Government for being inside the Kilimanjaro National Park that make climbing Kilimanjaro so expensive. The fees can change without notice.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
No, this is not allowed. Entry into the National Park is formally and strictly controlled. Campsites are also controlled by Wardens. Even if were allowed, individuals would struggle with the logistics. All equipment such as tents, cooking equipment plus food would need to be carried for the entire duration of the trek.
Which Kilimanjaro route is the best?
The best route in our opinion is the Lemosho route (8 days/7 nights). It has the scenic beauty, excellent acclimatisation profile, high summit success rate.
Can you climb Kilimanjaro in trainers?
In theory Yes, but in practical terms, No. It is certainly NOT recommended. Trainers (training shoes) are simply not designed or built for climbing Kilimanjaro. The ‘under the ankle’ design and fabric of trainers will not withstand the uneven, sometimes rocky, muddy, soft, and occasionally snow/ice conditions encountered on Kilimanjaro. One slip, or twist of the ankle will end your trek almost instantly.
You need waterproof boots with a decent sole designed to cope with the terrain and conditions that you will meet on Kilimanjaro. Read our similar article on can you trek to Everest Base Camp in trainers.
What is included in a Kilimanjaro trek package?
Our price includes:
- Return airport transfers from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO)
- Hotel/Lodge accommodation, 2 nights (1 pre-trek, 1 post trek (B&B basis)
- Good 3-season tented accommodation on trek
- All meals on trek
- Head guide, experienced, licenced, local
- Full support team: Assistant guide(s), chef(s), and porter assistance that covers many duties
- Portable private toilets
- All necessary National Park access, and camping fees
- Transport to/from entry/exit gates
Tanzania Notes
Essential information on clothing and equipment, such as waterproofs, boots, sleeping bags, daysacks and more, can be found in our dedicated Essential Information section. It also includes generic information on travel health, travel insurance and high altitude trekking.
Generic information such as group numbers, tailor-made trips can be found on our General Information section.
Tanzania is a beautiful, welcoming country blessed with numerous options for trekking and cycling adventures, safaris, relaxation on white sandy beaches, or a mix of all of them.
Everyone will associate Tanzania with Kilimanjaro but it is a lot more than that. The Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, and the Serengeti are all Safari parks, home to a wonderful array of wildlife and all accessible within just a few days. And we must not forget the beautiful island of Zanzibar just off the coast. This island has miles of white sand beaches, and warm shallow turquoise waters to base a relaxing holiday around.
Download the Kit list for Kilimanjaro
Passport – Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months from the date you arrive in Tanzania. Please check the latest Entry Requirements for Tanzania using the FCDO Travel Advice Tanzania. webpage.
Visa – A tourist visa is required for Tanzania. You can either apply and obtain it prior to travel (e-visa) or obtain it on arrival at the airport.
We recommend the e-visa – apply for a Tanzanian e-visa through the official website here. It will save a lot of time on arrival at the airport.
Warning – Plastic Bags. On 1 June 2019, Tanzania banned all single-use plastic bags for environmental reasons. Thin or thick, if they are deemed as single-use, they will be confiscated by officials on entry into the country. Zip lock bags or similar, that are clearly multi-use are allowed.
Whether you are trekking or touring (safari), bear in mind your luggage is going to get covered in dust.
If trekking, you will need a daysack and a trek holdall (suitcases are not suitable for trekking!). See our article on holdalls and luggage.
Daysack – Our recommended capacity is 35 litres. The daysack stays with you all of the time and is likely to contain:
- waterproofs, fleece, duvet jacket, hat/gloves
- water, snacks
- sunhat, sunscreen, sunglasses
- personal hygiene (toilet tissue, hand sanitiser)
- camera
- personal first aid kit
Trek Holdall – A holdall is a soft-skinned bag that will carry the remainder of your clothing/equipment, wash kit and sleeping bag. The Porters do not walk alongside you during the day therefore when planning your packing, bear in mind that once your bag leaves you in the morning, you may not see it again until you reach camp at the end of the day. Your holdall will be packed into another outer ‘sleeve’, which is then carried by the porter thereby protecting your holdall from dusty or wet conditions. That said, make sure you protect your gear (especially your sleeping bag), you can’t afford to get it wet.
Travelling there – Some travellers prefer to use a hard-backed suitcase for transporting their luggage on international flights. They are more robust, and secure and protect your more valuable items during the airline transit process. If you use this method, you will need to pack any holdall within the suitcase or use it as a second bag in the aircraft hold assuming the airline allows 2 bags (they vary).
Storing Luggage in Tanzania – free and safe storage facilities are available in hotels so you can leave clothing behind whilst you trek.
If touring on Safari, or cycling, it doesn’t matter what your main bag is as your luggage will be transported by a vehicle each day.
Return airport transfers are included on the scheduled itinerary dates. Additional fees are payable if additional transfers are required. The itinerary must also be consecutive.
Examples:
A group of 6 arrives on Day 1, and departs on Day 9. Those transfers are included. If 2 of that group decide to extend for a few days, the return transfer for those 2 people will be an addition.
A group of 4 arrives on Day 1, and they all decide to extend for a few days after Day 9. As there is only 1 return transfer, that would be included (no additional fees).
Moshi based Hotels/Lodges – the accommodation we use are based just outside Moshi and tend to be Lodges rather than hotels. They have a classic Tanzanian welcome, friendly and are all well equipped for your needs. These are used for anything Kilimanjaro based such as the Kilimanjaro climbs and the start/finish for cycle rides.
Camping (trekking) – good quality mountain tents (inner and outer), able to withstand the harshest of weather on the mountain. Sleeping mats are provided and sleeping bags too if requested.
Lodges (including tented lodges) – used for the cycle rides and safari accommodation. Lodges can come in various forms. All have a central building where the restaurant is based. Accommodation can either be solidly built (ie, brick) or tented form (on a solid base), spread around the large grounds. Either way, they are spacious, in keeping with traditional Tanzanian culture and well equipped with showers or bath, beds, etc.
This is a typical tented lodge.
Single room option costs are stated under the Dates & Prices tab above.
Trekking
- B’fast is supplied in hotels, full board on trek (including filtered drinking water).
- Breakfasts are a choice of cereals, porridge, toast, eggs, spreads, etc.. plus hot drinks.
- Lunches are packed meals, made up at b’fast.
- Tea/coffee/biscuits are served on arrival at camp.
- The evening meal is at least two courses; rice, pasta, lentils, vegetables, etc.. + dessert (usually tinned fruit). Hot drink.
Safari & Other Touring
- B’fast is supplied in hotels/lodges.
- Packed lunches (including water) are supplied for safari game drives, if applicable. This will be confirmed prior to booking.
- Other meals may or may not be included depending on the itinerary. The itinerary will confirm.
Use bottled mineral water in hotels and when out and about. Do not drink tap water.
Catering for vegetarians presents no issues.
Most dietary requirements can be catered for if we are aware in advance.
Tanzania’s currency is the Tanzanian Shilling (Tzs) which is not available on the currency markets.
The US$ is king here and given the amount of time, and where, you can spend money, it is suggested you stick to this currency for ease and convenience. The biggest advantage is that you can have the currency (US$) in your hands prior to arrival in Tanzania.
Personal spending. If you are not travelling beyond the extent of a standard itinerary, then a few meals and drinks and the odd souvenir is going to be about the extent of your spending in Tanzania. This does not include staff tips (see below). £150 – £200 should therefore be enough but this does depend on your personal spending habits.
We recommend either carrying additional spare cash OR a debit/credit card as a backup. The latter (credit card) should always be carried for emergencies.
Be aware that if you do use a card (debit or credit) at the Lodge to pay for incidentals (such as alcohol), they will levy a % charge, typically 4 – 5% of the value of the purchase.
ATM’s are available in Moshi but that will involve a trip into town (taxi required) as well as the time to travel there and back.
Staff Tips. The tipping level expectations for Kilimanjaro climbs is high when compared to other global (and comparable) trekking destinations. We will provide you with advice.
Credit Cards are accepted in larger establishments, such as hotels. Travel credit cards.
Fitness is very subjective and in simple terms, train for what you are going to do.
Trekking (Kilimanjaro and The Highlands)
Kilimanjaro – When climbing Kilimanjaro, you will be walking between 4 – 7 hours per day. The exception is summit day (over 12 hrs). Distances in mountainous terrain are measured in hours, not distance. Why is climbing kilimanjaro so tough?
The preamble trek around parts of the mountain’s southern or northern circuit is not massively physical. That element is all about acclimatisation. Climbing Kilimanjaro to the summit is a different kettle of fish; it’s a beast. It’s 1400m, through the night (cold and dark) and the underfoot conditions can be extremely soft, especially near the top. When combined with the descent, you’ll be on your feet for over 12 hrs; it’s a very long day.
Temperatures during the day (sun up) will vary between 15°C and 25°C. As soon as the sun drops, the temperatures will fall and the night temperatures will drop to below zero most of the time. You need a sleeping bag that will take you comfortably down to -10°C.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is all about that final climb. Adrenaline and sheer determination will get you there provided the altitude is kind to you. When training, work on those legs for they will carry you up, up and up to the highest place Africa can offer.
In the UK, if you can walk for 5 – 6 hrs per day, on consecutive days, over undulating terrain (with normal rest stops), carrying a daysack weighing approx 6kg, then you have a good foundation for completing this trek.
The Highlands – The Highlands is nowhere near as physical as Kilimanjaro, but all things are relative! It is a beautiful, gently undulating area in the heart of the Masaii people. Daily treks are between 4 – 7 hrs, with rest stops.
The start of the trek is up on the Great Rift Escarpment with great views of the Plains below. The route follows the Escarpment and heads north towards Lake Natron.
There is an optional (but recommended) trek into the Embakaai Crater. Within it is the Embakaai Lake, where thousands of pink Flamingoes live.
For any advice – call 01529 488159 or 07725 943108.
Treks to both Kilimanjaro and Mt Meru both involve trekking to high altitudes. The Highlands trek does not involve high altitude.
Kilimanjaro in particular ascends to a serious altitude. You are strongly advised to read about what Acute Mountain Sickness (AMS, aka altitude sickness) is, be aware of the effects, the symptoms, and what to do if you succumb. You are strongly advised to read the section on High Altitude Trekking above.
If you would rather speak to us for advice, call us on 01529 488159.
Our trips in Tanzania are geared around what is deemed to be the best weather conditions for that activity. But given today’s climate change environment, predictions are made more difficult.
All of our trips take place in northern Tanzania and they are therefore just a few hundred kilometres south of the equator. You can therefore expect a warm/hot environment at ground level.
The exception is climbing Kilimanjaro. Due to the altitude (the summit is 5895m), the climb ascends through 5 climatic zones. It ranges from rainforest, through bushland, heathland, alpine desert and arctic conditions. On the summit, it will be below zero and possibly snowing.
If it rains, it can rain hard and with many of our trips, you may well be exposed to it with no respite. You are therefore advised to be well equipped to protect yourself from the weather.
Medical – Vaccinations
Advice for vaccines is constantly developing. Visit your GP and the UK’s travel health website for the most up-to-date advice and information on where you will be travelling to (including Malaria). Don’t forget to include ALL travel if it includes a wider itinerary.
Trekking (all treks) – your Guide will meet you at the hotel/lodge on your arrival day. You’ll have a briefing and then he will meet you the following day when you depart for the trek. He will be with you until the trek is complete. You will also have chef and porter support on trek.
Safari and Touring – You will have a Driver/Guide depending on the nature of the tour.
Mobile Phones
Looking for an eSIM?
Install an eSIM before you go, the website checks compatibility for your phone before you buy.
Activate on arrival.
10% eSIM discount automatically when using this link.
Mobile phone coverage is quite good but not everywhere (don’t rely on it). It is improving. Most hotels and Lodges have free wifi.
Tanzania’s electricity supply is 230v, 50Hz. They use the British-style 3-pin square plugs, although many are now also wired for the European continental 2-pin sockets. It is advisable to take an adaptor to make use of all available sockets. World power and plugs – see what works?
Extensions In Tanzania
The options for extensions in Tanzania, and beyond, are endless.
Tick the box on the Booking Form and we will contact you to discuss your requirement.
2 Day Safari – Tarangire and Ngorongoro Crater
This 2-day safari option is the best way to experience some of Tanzania’s amazing wildlife with a visit to Tarangire National Park and the Ngorongoro Crater. The concentration of wildlife in these two parks maximises your chances of viewing a variety of wildlife within a short period of time. You are highly likely to see Elephant, Giraffe, Zebra, Wildebeest, Hippos, Antelope, Buffalo, Hyena, and Lion amongst others.
4 Nights in Zanzibar – Perfect Relaxation
If you want to relax in an uncrowded location with pure white sand by the turquoise waters of the Indian Ocean, look no further.
- Kick your shoes off on arrival and leave them off!
- 3 full days to truly relax.
- Beautiful shallow sea that stretches out a long way.
- Fly back from Zanzibar, no need to fly back to Kilimanjaro.
Tented Lodges
Tented lodges are an awful lot more comfortable than the name perhaps implies. The ‘Lodge’ often refers to the central building where the reception and restaurant is. The accommodation is generally well spread out (walking distance) so it is effectively a detached room.
The accommodation is set on hard standing, the canvas ‘walls’ are in keeping with the surroundings and environment. Inside the beds are normal beds with shower/bath facilities. Lodges have their own styles so you’ll experience something different where ever you stay.
All of our holidays can be tailor-made for YOU and we make it simple. It’s so easy to do.
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