Mount Kilimanjaro, in Tanzania, is the highest peak in Africa at 5,895 meters
(19,341 feet). This dormant volcano features three cones: Kibo, Mawenzi,
and Shira. It’s a major attraction for climbers, offering routes like Marangu,
Machame, and Lemosho. No technical skills are required, but climbers need
good fitness and acclimatization.
The best months to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are during the dry seasons,
which are from January to mid-March and June to October. These periods
offer the best weather conditions, with less rain and clearer skies, making the
climb safer and more enjoyable.
This is the longest route, taking about 9 days, and offers the
highest summit success rate of over 95%. It traverses the northern slopes and provides excellent acclimatization opportunities.
This route has a success rate of around 90% for the 8-day
itinerary and 85% for the 7-day itinerary. It approaches the mountain from the southwest and offers great acclimatization.
The 7-day Machame route has a summit success rate of
over 90%, while the 6-day option has a 75% success rate. It’s one of the most popular routes due to its beautiful scenery and good acclimatization profile.
The 7-day itinerary has an 85% success rate, while the 6-day route has a 70% success rate. It starts from the northern side and offers a clear view of the mountain.
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, this 5–6 day route has a
lower success rate (around 50% to 60%) due to its shorter acclimatization period. However, it’s popular for its hut accommodations.
Here are approximate prices for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on different routes for
a group of 1-7+ people:
| Kilimanjaro Route | 1 pax | 2 pax | 3 pax | 4 pax | 5 pax | 6 pax | 7+pax |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
06 Days – Marangu. |
$2,345 |
$2,107 |
$1,931 |
$1,826 |
$1,760 |
$1,744 |
$1,645 |
|
06 Days – Rongai. |
$2,844 |
$2,307 |
$2,079 |
$1,941 |
$1,831 |
$1,795 |
$1,742 |
|
07 Days – Machame. |
$3,057 |
$2,514 |
$2,304 |
$2,169 |
$2,059 |
$2,000 |
$1,978 |
|
08 Days – Lemosho. |
$3,572 |
$2,941 |
$2,671 |
$2,500 |
$2,366 |
$2,312 |
$2,247 |
|
09 Days – Northern
Circuit. |
$3,936 |
$3,257 |
$2,967 |
$2,784 |
$2,634 |
$2,312 |
$2,290 |
A typical Kilimanjaro climbing package includes a variety of essential services and
amenities to ensure a safe and enjoyable trek. Here’s a rundown of what you can
expect:
Certified and experienced guides to lead the way, and porters to carry gear and equipment.
Comfortable lodgings in mountain huts or high-quality tents during the climb, and often a stay in a hotel before and after the trek.
Nutritious meals prepared by cooks to keep you energized throughout the climb.
Includes all necessary permits and park entry fees.
Transfers to and from the trailheads.
Quality tents, sleeping mats, and sometimes sleeping bags.
Oxygen tanks, first aid kits, and sometimes even portable hyperbaric chambers for altitude emergencies.
Pre-climb briefings to prepare you for the journey.
A team to set up camp, prepare meals, and assist climbers along the way.
Discover a variety of expertly crafted itineraries designed to suit every climber’s experience level and preferences.
