Machame Route
A scenic and popular route with good acclimatisation, camping and varied landscapes. Often walked over 7 days.
Climbing & Trekking
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa's highest mountain, climbed step by step through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and a summit above the clouds.
Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world and a trek that needs no technical climbing skills, only preparation, time and good guides.
Kilimanjaro National Park · Tanzania
Discover Kilimanjaro
The Roof of Africa
Mount Kilimanjaro rises above the plains of northern Tanzania to 5,895 metres at Uhuru Peak. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular trekking goals in Africa.
The climb passes through several climate zones, from farmland and rainforest to heather, moorland, alpine desert and finally the glaciated summit area. Each day looks and feels different.
Most climbers need no ropes or technical gear. What matters most is choosing the right route, allowing time to acclimatise, and walking slowly with a strong support team.
5,895 mUhuru Peak
UNESCOWorld Heritage Site
5 zonesClimate and vegetation
6 to 9 daysTypical climb length
Highlights
What Makes Kilimanjaro Special
Several routes lead to the summit, each with its own character.
Lemosho and Northern Circuit
Quieter approaches with more days on the mountain, which improves the chance of reaching the summit.
Marangu Route
The route with huts for sleeping instead of tents, usually over 5 or 6 days. A longer schedule is easier on the body.
On the Mountain
Landscapes From Forest to Summit
The lower forest is home to colobus and blue monkeys and many birds. Higher up, the landscape opens into moorland with giant groundsels and lobelias, then the stark alpine desert.
Mountain weather changes quickly. Sunrise from the crater rim, and the view across the clouds, are what many climbers remember most.
Rainforest
Moorland
Alpine Desert
Glacier Views
Giant Groundsels
Colobus Monkeys
Sunrise Summit
Cloud Views
Things to Do
Experience Kilimanjaro
Plan the climb around your route, your fitness and the time you can give the mountain.
Guided Climb
Experienced mountain guides, cooks and porters walk with you from gate to summit.
Acclimatisation Days
Longer routes give the body more time to adjust to altitude.
Training Advice
Practical guidance on preparation, kit and what to pack.
Pre and Post Climb Stay
Rest in Arusha or Moshi before and after your trek.
Safari Combination
Follow the climb with Tarangire, Ngorongoro or Serengeti.
Zanzibar Recovery
Finish with a few days on the beach after the summit.
When to Visit
The Best Time to Visit Kilimanjaro
Your ideal travel period depends on the experiences and landscapes you want to enjoy.
The Main Climbing Seasons
Generally drier with better visibility. June to October is the most popular period and the trails can be busier.
The Rainy Months
Wetter and cloudier on the lower slopes, but quieter trails. Good waterproof kit is essential.
Plan Your Visit
Getting to Kilimanjaro
Most climbs start from Moshi or Arusha, with a transfer to the park gate. Kilimanjaro International Airport is the closest airport.
Altitude affects everyone differently, so we recommend choosing a longer route and speaking to your doctor before travel.
- Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport.
- Choose a route with enough days to acclimatise.
- Park fees and rules are set by the national park authority.
- Check current fees, health advice and availability before travel.
Journeys with Avalia
Journeys That Include Kilimanjaro
Climbs and combinations from our itinerary collection, from Machame and Marangu to Kilimanjaro with safari and Zanzibar.
8 days
8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb — Machame Route
An eight-day Kilimanjaro climbing concept using the Machame Route, known for its varied mountain landscapes.
View journey → 7 daysKilimanjaro Machame Route Adventure
A Machame Route climbing concept for travellers seeking a mountain-focused Tanzania adventure.
View journey → 7 days7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Climb — Marangu Route
The classic Marangu Route, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, with mountain hut accommodation.
View journey → 6 daysKilimanjaro Marangu Route Adventure
A Marangu Route mountain journey using the designated mountain huts.
View journey → 18 days18-Day The Adventureseeker Matrix — Kilimanjaro, Safari & Zanzibar
A Kilimanjaro Lemosho climb followed by northern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar.
View journey → 19 days19-Day Kilimanjaro Extreme Challenge & Comfort Safari to Zanzibar
An eight-day Lemosho climb followed by northern Tanzania safari and Zanzibar.
View journey →Climbing & Trekking
Let Us Plan Your Kilimanjaro Journey
Tell us your dates, group size and what you hope to experience, and we will shape a journey around it.
Plan Your Kilimanjaro Journey