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Climbing Kilimanjaro: Everything a Beginner Needs to Know
Kilimanjaro Climbing Guide
Kilimanjaro towers at 5,895 m/19,341 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 11 years of Kilimanjaro experience. Over this time, we have organized climbing Kilimanjaro tours for over 20,000 people.
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Based on data from 20,000 hikers who climbed with Altezza TravelPopular questions about Kilimanjaro
How long does it take to climb the mountain?
Climbing Kilimanjaro takes at least 5 days, but most expeditions last between 6 and 8 days, as a longer itinerary significantly improves acclimatization and increases the chances of reaching the summit. Extended routes, including options with an overnight stay in the crater, can last 10 days or more.
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 people even without prior experience in the mountains.
Facts to know before your Kilimanjaro hike
Download our free expert-curated packing list to get fully prepared.
Can a beginner climb it?
Yes, Kilimanjaro is accessible to beginners with no trekking experience. The key factor isn’t hiking skills but proper acclimatization, which is best achieved on a 7–8-day route. To improve your chances of reaching the summit, choose a reliable outfitter and follow your guides’ safety instructions.
For insights on what to expect on your Kilimanjaro climb, read “What I wish I knew before climbing Kilimanjaro” by Georgia Fowkes, one of our past climbers.
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. You may read more about the seasons of Kilimanjaro.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
As of 2025, a comfortable and safe 7-day group climb costs about $2900. A shorter 5-6-day adventure or a season-discounted trip comes at $2300-2500. This amount includes the park entrance fees, which make up about 35% of the total trip cost. Any trekking companies offering below this amount should warrant caution.
Low prices always correlate with the mistreatment of porters. 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.
Key moments on Kilimanjaro in 7 minutes
How should I train for the climb?
A moderate fitness level is key to a comfortable and successful Kilimanjaro climb. This means you should be able to run 5 km (3 mi) without difficulty and hike 10 km (6+ mi) in a day. The best ways to train include swimming, cycling, running, and hiking.
See our Kilimanjaro training plan for a detailed guide.
What are the dangers of climbing Kilimanjaro?
The biggest risk on Kilimanjaro is acute mountain sickness caused by poor acclimatization. In severe cases, it can lead to cerebral or pulmonary edema, both life-threatening conditions that cause about ten deaths per year on the mountain.
Explore more facts about mortality on the mountain in our Mt. Kilimanjaro death statistics article.
Fortunately, AMS is easy to prevent. Choose a seven-day or longer itinerary, stay hydrated, and walk slowly to allow proper altitude adaptation. Guide expertise is crucial — choose an operator whose Kilimanjaro guides are certified Wilderness First Responders, trained to handle emergencies and evacuations. For more details, check our acclimatization on Kilimanjaro article.
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 (19,341 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.
Kilimanjaro Itinerary
Kilimanjaro groups to join in 2025-2027
Read our review of group Kilimanjaro climbs to learn how they're different from private treks.
Routes and Maps
What does Kilimanjaro mean?
The name "Kilimanjaro" has uncertain origins, but it is believed to come from the Swahili and Chaga languages, possibly meaning "mountain of greatness" or "shining mountain." Various theories exist, reflecting the region’s rich cultural history.
For more details, check out our article that explores the meaning of the name “Kilimanjaro”.
When will Kilimanjaro glaciers disappear?
Scientists predict Kilimanjaro’s glaciers could disappear by 2040–2060 due to climate change and reduced snowfall. Furtwängler Glacier, the most well-known remnant, is shrinking rapidly, highlighting the impact of environmental change on Africa’s highest peak.
Read more about the Furtwängler and other glaciers on Kilimanjaro in our article.
Who was the first person to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian climber Ludwig Purtscheller were the first to reach Kilimanjaro’s summit in 1889. Their expedition overcame extreme conditions, paving the way for future climbers.
Explore more facts about the first person on Kilimanjaro in our article.
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?
The easiest way to reach Mt Kilimanjaro is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) in Tanzania. From there, it's a 50-minute drive to Moshi where most climbs begin. Major airlines such as Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, KLM, Ethiopian Airlines, and Air France offer flights to JRO.
Alternatively, you can fly into Dar es Salaam and take a local flight to Kilimanjaro, though this may come with extra costs for domestic flights and baggage fees. Another budget-friendly option is to fly into Nairobi, Kenya, and take a bus to Moshi, but keep in mind the additional costs of a Kenyan transit visa ($21) and the bus transfer ($45), with a total journey time of about seven hours.
How tall is Mount Kilimanjaro?
Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, stands tall at 5,895 meters (19,341 ft). Yet, this doesn't mean you'll be starting your climb from the very base. Most hotels near Kilimanjaro are at an altitude of 1,000 meters (3,300 ft) above sea level. The trailheads begin at elevations of 1,600 meters (5,250 ft) and above. Due to its altitude, Mt Kilimanjaro is among the few places in East Africa to see snow.
Why the summit of Kilimanjaro is called Uhuru Peak?
The highest peak of Kilimanjaro was named Uhuru Peak to celebrate Tanzania's independence from Britain in 1961. "Uhuru," means "freedom" in Swahili.
BASED IN TANZANIA
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.
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. 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.
Other questions about Mt. Kilimanjaro
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.
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!
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.
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.
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Indeed, April and May are the rainy months, so if you’re not comfortable with rainy and cloudy weather, we’d recommend considering a different timeframe. June is a lovely month for climbing, as the rains become less frequent in late May, giving way to more sunny days throughout June. In fact, June is one of our favorite months due to lower visitor numbers (as the popular July season hasn’t started yet) and warm, pleasant weather. Early June may still see some rainy days, which is typical for altitudes between 3,500-4,000 meters (11,500 - 13,150 ft) on Kilimanjaro, but these are usually light drizzles. By late June, the weather might get primarily dry and sunny. Keep in mind that frequent weather fluctuations are typical of mountainous regions — short rains can be followed by sunny or dry spells, which may then be succeeded by another rainy period.
Cardiovascular fitness, leg strength and general stamina can be considered the key indicators to check your readiness for the trek! If you can comfortably hike 5-8 hours a day at a moderate pace without excessive fatigue, it's a good sign (Kilimanjaro is all about slow and consistent pace!) Some treks involve a lot of uphill and downhill walking, so having strong legs is key. Recovery rate is also important! If you feel ready for the next day’s hike after a full day of exertion, your endurance is likely sufficient for the trek. All of this is best assessed through consistent aerobic exercises like running, cycling, or hiking uphill with a pack. In general, fitness and sports activities help you acclimate better and increase your successful summit chances!