Trekking Kilimanjaro:
While attempting to summit you will climb and trek the misty mountains of snow-topped Mount Kilimanjaro, the world’s highest free-standing mountain and the roof of Africa. This page offers a complete guide for Mount Kilimanjaro climbing in Tanzania. Here, you can choose to climb the mountain via several routes including Marangu, Machame-Mweka, and Lemosho in order to reach Uhuru Peak.
Mt. Kilimanjaro being the tallest mountain in Africa is the most recognized mountain offering a terrific challenge to hikers who attempt climbing Mount Kilimanjaro each year. It takes the would-be climbers through 5 different ecosystems ranging from rain-forest zone to alpine desert, to arctic snow-cap, and climbing to reach the 19,340 feet top. It is the most empowering hiking adventure you can experience without serious training. “Kili” climb, as it is commonly referred to, the hike will take you anywhere from 5-9 days depending on the route you choose and how much time you take to acclimate to the altitude.
The hiking journey to the snow peaks of this iconic mountain is partly hiking, part slog, and part high altitude trek. Kilimanjaro is world’s tallest free-standing volcano which lures several thousands of trekkers every year, all intending to conquer Uhuru peak. Kilimanjaro climb goes up through thick and drenched rain-forest on to alpine fields and crosses a desert-like lunar landscape to get to the twin summits of Kibo and Mawenzi.
The final push of the ascent up a steep, and often slippery scree slope, typically starts around mid-night, crowning with African sunrise views from the summit over the great plains far below. Kilimanjaro’s altitude (5896m) and snow cover make trekking here an arduous but rewarding undertaking.
When is the best time for Climbing Kilimanjaro?
You can climb Kilimanjaro year round. However, the best time to Climb Kilimanjaro are from December through early March, and from July to early October, as these two periods are dry. During the rainy periods, falling in April – May and November, you can also climb Kilimanjaro, but there may be a risk of higher rainfall. Note that good weather on Mt Kilimanjaro is not a guarantee and the weather is highly unpredictable on the mountain all year long, so keep your equipment in order and always be prepared for rain and cold without any prior warning.
5 DAY 4 NIGHT MARANGU ROUTE
Kilimanjaro’s “Coca-Cola” Route
Given the moniker the “Coca-Cola” route partly because of its popularity, partly for its reputation for being an “easier” climb, and the fact that you can stay in sleeping huts and purchase the aforementioned beverage along the way – this route gets you to the top the quickest!
6 Days 5 Nights Machame-Mweka Route
Kilimanjaro’s “whiskey” Route
Dubbed the “whiskey” route because it is more difficult than the “Coca-Cola” route – this challenging trek provides a greater chance to acclimatize while affording more varied terrain and the unique scenery of the Lava Tower, Barranco Wall, and Shira Plateau!
7 Days 6 Nights Lemosho Route
One of the Least Traveled but most Rewarding
A very uncrowded trail until it connects with the latter half of the Machame route – this trek spends more time in the delightful rainforest and allows for and additional acclimatization excursion to the ancient collapsed Shira volcanic cone while providing every experience Kilimanjaro can offer!