Uhuru Peak
The highest point in Africa, reached on summit night.
Tanzania · North-eastern Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
Walking to the Roof of Africa.
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, with its summit at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). No technical climbing is needed on the main routes, but the altitude makes it a serious undertaking.
- Country
- Tanzania
- Summit
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Gateways
- Moshi and Arusha
- Typical climb
- 5–7 days
The place
Kilimanjaro, at a glance.
Climbing Kilimanjaro takes you through a series of climate zones, from rainforest at the gates to moorland, alpine desert and finally the icy summit area.
Absolute offers climbs on the Marangu route, which uses huts, and the Machame route, which uses tents and is known for its scenery. Longer itineraries give more time to acclimatise.
Planning notes
- Official name
- Kilimanjaro National Park
- Region
- North-eastern Tanzania
- Summit
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Gateways
- Moshi and Arusha
- Typical climb
- 5–7 days
- Combines well with
- Mount Kenya, Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater
The appeal
Why visit Kilimanjaro?
Five climate zones
From rainforest to glaciers in a single climb.
Marangu or Machame
Huts on Marangu; camping and more varied scenery on Machame.
Wild encounters
Wildlife of Kilimanjaro.
The lower forests are home to colobus monkeys and many birds. Higher up, the interest is in the plants, including giant lobelias and groundsels, and the landscapes.
A misty trail through Kilimanjaro's montane rainforest 
Barranco Wall and Kibo above Kilimanjaro's Afro-alpine moorland 
The rocky alpine-desert route above Barafu before dawn 
Snow-dusted peak rising above a sea of clouds at sunrise
Summit night
The long climb to Uhuru Peak.
Summit attempts begin around midnight. After several hours climbing scree in the cold and dark, you reach the crater rim at Stella Point or Gilman's Point, then continue along the rim to Uhuru Peak.
Reaching the summit depends on weather, health and acclimatisation. Your guide's judgement on the mountain always comes first.
Travel through the year
When to visit Kilimanjaro.
January to early March and June to October are usually the driest months for climbing.
Jan – early Mar
Generally dry and clear; a popular climbing season.
Mar – May
Long rains; trails are wet and fewer climbers go.
Jun – Oct
The main dry season and the busiest climbing period.
Nov – Dec
Short rains; climbs run with some wet days.
Your way of travelling
Ways to experience Kilimanjaro.
Optional activities are arranged separately and may cost extra.
01
Rainforest
The first day climbs through rainforest where colobus monkeys and forest birds live.
02
Moorland and the Shira Plateau
Open heath and moorland with giant groundsels and lobelias, and wide views across the plateau.
03
Acclimatisation
Longer itineraries include a 'walk high, sleep low' day, such as a climb to the Lava Tower before descending to camp.
04
Summit and certificate
Climbers who reach Stella Point, Gilman's Point or Uhuru Peak receive a certificate from the park on the way out.
The way there
Getting to Kilimanjaro.
By air
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) lies between Moshi and Arusha.
From Kenya
Arusha is reachable from Nairobi by shuttle or road via the Namanga border.
Finding your pace
How long to stay.
5 days
The shortest Marangu itinerary.
6–7 days
Extra acclimatisation, which gives most climbers a better chance on summit night.
Where to stay
Accommodation in Kilimanjaro.
Lodges and camps for this destination are agreed with you after you enquire, based on your dates, budget and preferences.
Trip ideas
Shortest trip
5 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Marangu RouteArusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut → Arusha
4 safaris
Safaris that include Kilimanjaro.
- Mountain trek
5 days · Tanzania · Guided climb
5 Days Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing – Marangu Route
The hut route to Uhuru Peak
Mountain trek · Huts & camps
The fastest Kilimanjaro itinerary, on the Marangu route with nights in huts: Mandara, Horombo and Kibo, then the summit and descent.
Price on request
- Mountain trek
6 days · Tanzania · Guided climb
6 Days Mt Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route
The hut route, with an acclimatisation day
Mountain trek · Huts & camps
The Marangu route with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut, giving your body more time to adjust before the summit.
Price on request
Mountain trek6 days · Tanzania · Guided climb
6 Days Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
The scenic camping route
Mountain trek · Huts & camps
The Machame route in six days, camping across the Shira Plateau, past the Lava Tower and up the Barranco Wall to Barafu and the summit.
Price on request
- Mountain trek
7 days · Tanzania · Guided climb
7 Days Mt Kilimanjaro – Machame Route
Machame with an extra night at Karanga
Mountain trek · Huts & camps
The seven-day Machame climb, adding a night at Karanga Camp after the Barranco Wall for better acclimatisation before Barafu and the summit.
Price on request
Beyond Kilimanjaro
Where to next?
Ways to travel
Before you go
Practical notes.
Altitude
Altitude sickness can affect anyone. Walk slowly, drink well, and descend if symptoms become serious.
Health
Speak to a doctor before booking, especially if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure conditions.
Gear
A warm down jacket, waterproofs, a four-season sleeping bag and broken-in boots are essential.
Common questions
Kilimanjaro, explained.
Do I need climbing experience for Kilimanjaro?
No technical experience is needed on the Marangu and Machame routes, but you should be fit and prepared for several days of walking at altitude.
Which route should I choose?
Marangu uses huts and has a steady gradient. Machame is more scenic and uses tents. Longer itineraries on either route help acclimatisation.
What is the success rate?
We do not publish summit success rates. Your chances depend mostly on acclimatisation, so choosing a longer itinerary is the best thing you can do.
How cold is the summit?
Well below freezing before dawn, and wind can make it feel colder still. A down jacket, warm gloves and layers are essential.
Can I hire climbing gear?
Some items, such as sleeping bags and poles, can usually be hired locally. Ask us when you book, and bring your own broken-in boots.
A little more clarity
Plan with confidence.
Your Kilimanjaro journey
Ready to see Kilimanjaro for yourself?
Explore safaris that include Kilimanjaro, or tell us how you would like to travel.