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Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Kilimanjaro towers at 5,895 m/19,340 ft above sea level. It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world and the "Roof of Africa".
Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the most popular travel attractions on the continent. Over 40,000 people visit it every year. It's an incredibly beautiful trek where climbers don't require technical climbing skills. To reach the summit, one needs only a healthy average fitness level.
We wrote this guide to help travelers prepare for their once-in-a-lifetime Kilimanjaro adventure. All the recommendations below are the results of our 10+ years of Kilimanjaro experience. Over this time we at Altezza Travel have organized climbing Kilimanjaro tours for over 20,000 people.
Calculate your success rate for reaching the
summit of Kilimanjaro
Based on data from 20,000 hikers who climbed with Altezza Travel
Our Climb Schedule for 2024-2025
We offer Kilimanjaro Group Tours almost every day. If you have specific vacation dates and can't find a suitable group for your climb, please contact our managers. We may consider starting a new open group beginning on the dates you suggest. To sign up for a trip, we require a $100 deposit only.
Routes and Maps
Kilimanjaro Itinerary
Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike
Overview of the Climb by Altezza Travel
What to expect on Kilimanjaro?
A typical day on Kilimanjaro begins early, around 6:30 to 7:00 AM. Our porters will greet you with a fresh cup of tea or coffee, delivered right to your tent. Afterward, you’ll have time for your morning routine, with warm water prepared by our team for washing up and cleaning your teeth at the campsite.
Around 7:30 to 8:00 AM, you'll be invited to breakfast by our staff. Once fueled up, the day’s trek to the next camp begins. This journey usually takes between 4 to 6 hours. Our support team will arrive at the camp ahead of you, ensuring lunch is ready upon your arrival.
After lunch and a bit of rest, your guides will suggest a short acclimatization hike—a brief, hour-long walk designed to help your body adjust to the altitude. We highly recommend you join, as these exercises are key to preparing for the ultimate challenge: reaching the summit.
Upon returning from the acclimatization hike, you’ll have some downtime before dinner, which will be served around 7:00. The evening is yours to relax, chat with fellow climbers, and take in the breathtaking surroundings. Before bedtime, there will be a mandatory health check to ensure everyone is adapting well. Lights out is usually between 9:00 and 10:00 PM.
This routine is followed almost every day, except for the night of the summit attempt.
The video above gives you a glimpse into what an expedition with Altezza Travel looks like. We hope it inspires you to embark on this adventure with us!
How long does it take to climb the mountain?
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. Climbing Kilimanjaro takes about one week only.
Additionally, for those who only have a couple of days and want to get a taste of Kilimanjaro, it's possible to go on a Kilimanjaro Day Hike.
When is the best time to climb it?
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. Altezza offers discounted climbs during the wet season.
You may read more about the seasons of Kilimanjaro.
How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is moderately challenging but achievable for the average person. With a reputable climbing operator and sufficient time for acclimatization, reaching the summit is possible for most climbers.
Can a beginner climb it?
Yes, Kilimanjaro is accessible to beginners with little or no trekking experience. With some prior training and a good climbing tour, your chances of conquering Kilimanjaro will be very high.
Expert Opinion
Kilimanjaro is one of the most accessible summits for beginners. This expedition is moderately challenging, doesn't require special skills, and is suitable even for first-time climbers.
Yet, do not underestimate Kilimanjaro: 5,895 meters (19,340 ft) is a serious height. Poor acclimatization can cause high-altitude sickness. Sadly, tragedies happen each year. The primary cause is choosing low-cost operators. They use substandard equipment, while their unqualified guides lack first aid and emergency management skills.
Popular questions about Kilimanjaro
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
As of 2024, a comfortable and safe 7-day group climb costs about $2600-2800. A shorter 5-6-day adventure or a season-discounted trip comes at $2100-2400. 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 guidance and bad equipment. Such climbing Kilimanjaro tours 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. Read more about how much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro in our detailed blog post.
Where is Mount Kilimanjaro located?
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.
How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Fly directly to Kilimanjaro
The most convenient option is to fly directly into Kilimanjaro International Airport. From there, it's just a few hours by car to the base of Africa's highest peak. Flights to this airport are offered by major airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, Air France, and Swiss International Air Lines. We highly recommend this direct-flight option as it gives you more time to recover from your journey and rest before the climb.
Through Dar es Salaam and local flight to Kilimanjaro
Another option is to fly into Dar es Salaam on an international flight and then take a local flight to Kilimanjaro. While this might initially seem cheaper, it's important to consider the additional cost of the flight to Kilimanjaro and the baggage limitations on local airlines, which often come with extra fees for overweight luggage.
Through Nairobi and overland ride to Kilimanjaro
Finally, you can fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and then take a bus to Tanzania. This option might offer the lowest airfare, but keep in mind the added costs of a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and the transfer to Moshi ($45). If there are no delays at the border, the bus journey takes about six hours.
How tall is Mount 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!
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. On this journey, you will learn about Kilimanjaro's plants, animals, history, and traditions. The guides will also share vibrant stories of the communities living in the shadow of the mountain.
Anyone planning to climb Kilimanjaro should keep the park entrance fees in mind. As of today, they come at $154 per day per hiker. This amount includes several types of fees:
- 'Conservation fees' are for staying in the National Park and enjoying its nature.
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'Camping fees', or 'hut fees' on the Marangu route. - The fees for pitching the tents or sleeping in the Marangu wooden cabins during the climb.
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'Crew fees' - there is a small charge for each crew member entering the National Park to support you on the trek.
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'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 overall price of climbing Kilimanjaro and we will pay them to the park authorities on your behalf. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with Altezza you can be sure that we will take care of every detail.
BASED IN TANZANIA
Preparing and training
How should I train for the climb?
Maintaining a reasonable level of fitness is crucial to climb Kilimanjaro. However, summiting Kilimanjaro doesn't require athletic prowess. A healthy average would be adequate. As a guideline, we suggest assessing whether you can comfortably hike 8-10 km (5-6.2 mi). If you can do it, then you are fit enough to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.
A great exercise for hiking Kilimanjaro is running. Keep training until you can confidently jog 4-5 km (2.5 - 3.1 miles). Good training programs are available at the Nike Running Club app.
Swimming is an excellent complement. Swimming strengthens your entire body and improves your heart and lung endurance. This makes it a great addition to running. The first primarily focuses on leg endurance. Swimming takes it further by engaging the arms, core, and legs at the same time. Water buoyancy is also good for people who want to protect their joints while exercising.
Finally, it is great if you have any rural areas nearby with rough hiking trails. Aim for longer ones, ideally in the 10-15 km (6-10 mi) range. Remember, most of the Kilimanjaro hike will be uphill. So, training over longer distances in the countryside will prepare you for the climb to the Roof of Africa.
For more details, check out our Kilimanjaro Training Plan to help build your stamina and fitness. Also, take a look at our Kilimanjaro Packing List to make sure you have the right gear for the climb.
When are the rainy and the dry seasons in Tanzania?
Tanzania has two rainy seasons and two dry seasons. The short rainy season begins in early November and lasts until late December. It is followed by the dry season, which lasts until mid-March. Then the season of long rains begins, ending in mid-June.
You should consider the northern slopes to climb Kilimanjaro during the rainy season. According to the data we received from the Tanzania Meteorological Authority, this part of the mountain receives five times less rainfall. Good Kilimanjaro routes to choose from are Rongai, Northern Circuit, and Marangu.
One should also remember that the period from June to October in East Africa is marked by cold nights. At the high altitudes of Kilimanjaro, the nights will be pretty chilly. Make sure you have everything from our packing list.
On a Kilimanjaro trek with Altezza Travel, every climber receives a balanced diet designed specifically for the mountain environment. Our specialized menu is rich in calories and carbs to provide you with ample energy necessary for successfully climbing Kilimanjaro.
For breakfast, we serve porridge, pancakes, fruit, eggs, sausages, and toast with jam. Lunch or dinner options include delicious soups like butternut, tomato, leek, vegetable, and beef, potato dishes, spaghetti, chicken, stews, fresh vegetable salads, and avocado. All meal courses are served with delicious sauces and dressing. For dessert, we have mangoes, bananas, pineapple, and oranges. They give you important vitamins and minerals. Coffee and tea are always available in the camp.
We also have extended meal plans for vegetarians, vegans, and gluten-free climbers. We will do our best to accommodate other diets also.
Throughout the climb, your group will frequently pause for tea with biscuits. Nonetheless, climbing Kilimanjaro demands considerable energy. Hence, we recommend you bring snacks such as energy bars, dried fruits, and high-calorie treats. It's preferable to purchase these at home. There might be a much broader variety of such products available in your country compared to Tanzania.
At Altezza Travel, we've conducted an in-depth analysis and examined the data from January 1, 2023, to September 30, 2023. We looked at the records of over 40,000 climbers.
Our findings revealed that starting your climb on a Wednesday or Thursday reduces the crowds you will encounter. There are almost twice fewer climbers starting on these days compared to the rest of the week.
Additionally, we discovered that the Rongai route has eight times fewer climbers than the popular Machame route. Thus, by climbing Kilimanjaro on Thursday and opting for the Rongai route, you'll encounter nearly 16 times fewer people on your climb to Uhuru Peak.
Our Guides
50+ expert Kilimanjaro guides work for Altezza Travel
Our lead guides have a lot of experience across all Kilimanjaro routes. All are certified as Wilderness First Responders. They are a great company to climb Kilimanjaro with.
10+ years of Experience 
Wilderness First Responder 
7+ years of Experience
Wilderness First Responder 
8+ years of Experience
Wilderness First Responder Professional Guiding Crew
Hiking Routes
This trail is one of our favorite Kilimanjaro routes. It starts on the beautiful western side of the mountain. On Lemosho, one may see amazing views of the Shira plateau.
This route is a good option for exploring the northern side of Kilimanjaro. It starts on the northern slopes of the mountain and avoids the crowded paths. This route also offers amazing views of the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit. We recommend it for the rainy seasons.
The Machame route is the second most popular of the Kilimanjaro climbing routes. It offers good acclimatization and great views on the way to Uhuru Peak.
Questions about safety
Altezza Travel recommends Global Rescue, known for reliable reimbursements. Your coverage should include three important things. These are high-altitude hiking up to 6000 meters, helicopter evacuation, and medical services.
In order to acclimate and summit successfully, we recommend following these simple rules:
Hike slowly. Your body needs time to adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Keeping a moderate pace when climbing Kilimanjaro will help to produce more red cells. Those are used to transport more oxygen to the vitals and to increase the breathing rate. Our mountain team will be monitoring your pace and will help you to adjust it if needed.
Drink 3-4 liters of water a day. Staying properly hydrated is essential. Water will be provided by our crew along the trek.
Join our acclimatization hikes. Each day, our guiding crew will lead short hikes from the camp to higher ground and then back again. These hikes usually last no more than 2 hours. They help a lot with getting used to the altitude. We suggest everyone takes part.
If you have time, consider climbing Mount Meru before your Kilimanjaro trip. Those close to South America will have many options for similar hikes. For example, on the Inca Trail. Hiking other lower mountains around the world can also be fantastic preparation for this climb. It will help you get used to higher altitudes, preparing you for the Kilimanjaro journey.
Lastly, if you choose routes that are seven days or longer, your body will have more time to adjust. This will improve your chances of reaching the summit.
Among the best routes for acclimatization profile are Lemosho, Machame, and Rongai. Consider them, or other itineraries with seven days and more.
On the seven-day Machame route climb, you won't need any extra acclimatization days. Equally good options are Rongai and Lemosho. These are the main routes we use for most of our trips. However, if you think you're not very physically fit, you may add one or two days for extra rest.
At the summit of Kilimanjaro, the level of oxygen in the air is roughly half of what it is at sea level. Most climbers can reach Uhuru Peak without using extra oxygen.
Yet, to be on the safe side, we take precautions. On our expeditions, we always have plenty of oxygen tanks. The cost of this service is included in the price of the climb.
We have 300+ oxygen tanks ready for our expeditions, more than all other operators combined. In the unlikely scenario that your group needs additional oxygen, we will send it from our base. The neighboring Altezza groups on the mountain are also ready to share theirs. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro with us is always safe.
During climbing Kilimanjaro expeditions, Altezza Travel teams carry comprehensive medical kits. On the hikes, we use smaller tactical kits. They contain everything needed to treat injuries, scratches or twisted limbs. Our camp's larger medical kits have medicines for common problems on a Kilimanjaro climb. Such as for nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues. Those include medications for nausea, headaches, vomiting, and stomach issues, etc. Also, we have lots of oxygen ready to help you prevent altitude sickness when first symptoms arise. Also, we have lots of oxygen ready to help you prevent altitude sickness when first symptoms arise.
The situation is different if you take any prescription medication. It's best to take it with you on your Tanzania trip.
Compared to most other high-altitude mountains, Kilimanjaro has a relatively low death rate across its seven routes. Out of the approximately 50,000 hikers who attempt to summit Mount Kilimanjaro each year, only 3 to 5 fatalities occur. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization. The main causes of these deaths are brain and lung problems due to high altitude and heart attacks. Park authorities say this happens because hikers ignore acclimatization.
The mortality rate for Kilimanjaro porters is notably higher. Each year, 20-25 porters die while being a part of a Kilimanjaro crew. The most common reason is pneumonia, caused by a lack of proper gear or shoddy tents. Responsibility for this largely lies with super-budget trek operators.
To end the mistreatment of porters, always choose a KPAP-registered company when climbing Kilimanjaro. This organization makes sure that operators treat their crew fairly by paying good wages and providing everything they need for safe working conditions on Kilimanjaro. You may learn more in our video about our involvement in the KPAP work.
In the 10 years that Altezza Travel has been operating, we've guided over 20,000 climbers to the summit. We haven't had a single fatality. In addition, we are a proud member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) and regularly donate funds to them.
The highest peak of Kilimanjaro was named Uhuru Peak to celebrate Tanzania's independence from Britain in 1961. "Uhuru," means "freedom" in Swahili.
Tanzania offers renowned destinations for all kinds of African adventures. The most popular spots include Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Crater. Planning a safari before or after your climb is undoubtedly a great idea. We have a fleet of new safari vehicles and a crew of highly professional driver-guides who will make your safari truly unforgettable!
Why Choose Altezza Travel?
Altezza Travel is a Tanzania-registered tour operator. We live, work, and pay taxes in this country only. Our commitment to Tanzania extends to impactful social responsibility initiatives. We regularly plant trees on Kilimanjaro, fight bushfires, protect wildlife on the mountain, and invest in the local communities. Read more about our company's social and environmental mission on this page.
We are also the largest tourism employer in Kilimanjaro. There are over 300 people in our office and hotel teams. Our Kilimanjaro crew is 1700+ people strong and keeps increasing every year. We are proud to attract the best talent in the region by offering the best working conditions and pay.
Feel free to contact our team for comprehensive advice about Kilimanjaro. We are here for you.
See you in Tanzania!
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Hi! If you look at the reliable climbing operators in Tanzania, there is not a big difference in price—around $200-300 USD only. Cheap companies that sell at very low prices often exploit local people, pay very low salaries, economize on food, neglect safety, and avoid paying taxes, so it is best to avoid them. Companies located in the US or UK sell at a high margin to cover the operational costs of their offices abroad. In contrast, the prices of Altezza Travel are fair and provide great value.