Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing, Trekking and Hiking Tours
Mount Kilimanjaro, also called the Roof of Africa or the Crown of Tanzania, is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. It is 5,875 meters above sea level and is located only 330 kilometers from the equator.
The mountain has three volcanic peaks: Shira (3,962 meters), Mawenzi (5,149 meters), and Kibo (5,895 meters). Shira is an extinct volcano, while Mawenzi and Kibo are dormant, which means they could still erupt in the future.
You can climb Mount Kilimanjaro any time of the year, but the best weather is from November to March and June to October. During these months, the weather is warmer and clearer.
There are different ways to reach the top of Kilimanjaro, but only the Marangu route has huts to stay in. These huts need to be booked early because there aren’t many spots available.
On the other routes, there are no huts, so climbers will sleep in tents on the mountainside.
With the help of experienced guides and porters from Shadows of Africa, most people in good physical shape can climb Kilimanjaro. It is one of the easier mountains of its size to climb. If you’re fit and take time to get used to the altitude, climbing Kilimanjaro can be one of the most exciting experiences you’ll ever have.
Highlights
- Africa’s Highest Peak
- Three Volcanic Cones
- Year-Round Climbing
- Scenic Routes
- Accessible for Fit Climbers
- Stunning Summit Views
- Cultural Experience
Experiences to Explore in Mount Kilimanjaro
Activities In Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Day Hike - Marangu Route
Materuni Water Fall Experience
Kilimanjaro Day Hike - Machame Route
Materuni Water Fall And Hot Spring
Luxury Safaris & Tours
Our Most Popular & Best Mount Kilimanjaro Packages
8 Days climbing Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
7 Days Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route
Kilimanjaro Lemosho Route 6 Days
Frequently Asked Questions about the Mt Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro National Park is in northern Tanzania, East Africa. It is just three degrees south of the equator. While some of the most iconic panoramic shots of Mt. Kilimanjaro have been captured from the Kenyan side, all trailheads lie in Tanzania. Therefore, tourists can only climb Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania. The closest airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport.
Many Kilimanjaro expeditions begin in Moshi, the capital of the same region
Late December to early March and mid-June to late October are the best times for a Kilimanjaro climb. This is when the Kilimanjaro weather is nearly ideal.
Although other months have rain, it doesn’t mean there are constant heavy showers. Typically, rains begin in the latter half of the day. This allows trekkers a significant window of clear weather every day during the rainy season. There are also days without any rain. Seko Tours offers discounted climbs during the wet season.
You may read more about the seasons of Kilimanjaro.
Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, stands tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet). Yet, this doesn’t mean you’ll be starting your climb from the very base. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are at an altitude of 700-1,000 meters above sea level. The trailheads begin at elevations of 1,600 meters and above.
Due to its altitude, Mt Kilimanjaro is among the few places in East Africa to see snow. The snow-capped peak of Kilimanjaro is truly a sight to behold!
We believe that after seeing it, Ernest Hemingway decided to name his famous story “The Snows of Kilimanjaro.” The title refers to the distant peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. It represents the unattainable, and the purity of idealist motives. In the story’s conclusion, the protagonist dreams of being taken to the summit of Kilimanjaro, symbolizing redemption.
The time it takes to climb Kilimanjaro depends on the route chosen. Most expeditions last 6 to 8 days. An experienced hiker with prior acclimatization usually climbs Kilimanjaro through an accelerated 5-day program. If you stay overnight in the crater, Kilimanjaro climbs can take 9 days or longer.
Among the Seven Summits, the Kilimanjaro trek is one of the shortest. For example, climbing Mount Everest takes 6-9 weeks, Denali and Aconcagua- 2-3 weeks. Kilimanjaro takes about one week only.
As of 2023, a comfortable and safe 7-day group climb costs about $2500-2700. A shorter 5-6-day adventure or a season-discounted trip comes at $2000-2300. This amount includes the park entrance fees, which make up about 40% of the total trip cost.
Any trekking companies offering below this amount should warrant caution. You may get low-quality guides and bad equipment. Such trips often lack medical kits and oxygen tanks, putting your safety at risk.
Also, low prices always correlate with the mistreatment of porters. None of those operators is a member of the KPAP. The crews of budget operators are often underpaid and poorly fed, putting their and hikers’ safety at risk.
Climbing Kilimanjaro is subject to the regulations of the Kilimanjaro National Park. The official rules dictate that a local guide must accompany all hikers. Rangers at the park will not permit entry to anyone without a professional Kilimanjaro guide.
Also, venturing up to the Roof of Africa solo involves certain risks. During the summit night in the peak zone, one may succumb to altitude sickness or get injured. If needed, the guides will assist with evacuations and other emergencies.
Finally, climbing Kilimanjaro is more than merely a physical challenge. You’ll go on a rich cultural journey with your guides. You will learn about Kilimanjaro’s plants, animals, and history. The guides will also share vibrant stories of the communities living in its shadow.
Anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro should keep the park entrance fees in mind. As of today, they come at $140 per day per hiker. This amount includes several types of fees:
- ‘Conservation fees’ are for staying in the National Park and enjoying its nature.
‘Camping fees’, or ‘hut fees’ on the Marangu route. – The fees for pitching the tents or sleeping in the Marangu wooden cabins in the park.
‘Crew fees’ – there is a small charge for each crew member entering the National Park to support you on the trek.
‘Rescue fee’ – this is a sort of mandatory ‘insurance’ payment. The hikers pay it to use the Kilimanjaro rescue cars. Please keep in mind that this is not a substitute for a real insurance package.
Don’t worry about the park fees when planning your trip. Tour operators include them in the tour price and we will pay them to the park authorities on your behalf. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Seko Tours you can be sure that we will take care of every detail.
Yes, you’ll need warm clothing, good hiking boots, and a sleeping bag. You’ll also need a hat, gloves, sunglasses, and sunscreen because it’s cold at the top and sunny during the day.
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