The summit of Kilimanjaro, the rooftop of Africa and the ultimate African adventure awaits those who dare! Kilimanjaro is the tallest free standing mountain in the world and stands at 5,895m. Kibo the snow capped peak is one of the most recognisable sights in the world of adventure and it is the challenge and goal for those who are prepared to tackle the landscape and the altitude to reach the summit.
The Kilimanjaro Summit trek follows the southwest Machame route to the top and over 6 days you will acclimatise to the altitude, trek through five varied eco systems, become firm friends with your fellow trekkers and learn a good deal of Swahili and songs about Kilimanjaro as you go!
Best Kilimanjaro Tour Operators
10 Facts About Mount Kilimanjaro
Here are 10 quick facts about Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania’s natural wonder and the major attraction to many a traveller in Africa.
- Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa – Height: 5895 meters or 19,340 feet
- It’s the highest free-standing mountain in the world – rising 16 000 feet (4900 meters) above the plains at its base
- Location: 3 degrees south of the equator latitude and 37° East in longitude; near the Kenyan border, Kilimanjaro lies completely within Tanzania
- Area: 60 miles (100 kilometres) long & 40 miles (65 kilometres) wide, including all three separate volcanoes
- Age: The volcanoes began erupting about 2 million years ago
- Original names : Original Swahili name – Kilima Njaro & original Masai name – Oldoinyo Oibor
- The peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are joined by a broad saddle 7 miles (11 kilometers) long
- Kilimanjaro is one of the largest volcanoes ever to break through the earth’s crust
- Best time to climb & seasons: All year round, but most avoid the rainy season: The long rainy season is from April to May, the short rainy season is mostly in November/beginning of December
- Within its greater ecosystem lies almost every kind of environment found on earth (over 5 kinds)– from tropical rain forest, Alpine vegetation, moorland, desert uplands, to snow and ice
Climb Mt Kilimanjaro
Test your fitness against the highest peak in Africa. These are some of the best routes and trips to choose.
Machame Route
Trek the Machame Route, generally accepted as being the most challenging and scenic route to the summit. Set off through the rainforest of the lower slopes and then to Barafu, circumnavigating Kibo’s southern face and offering gorgeous views of the mountain and surroundings. Some travel companies work with local operators who works towards better conditions for the porters and guides, as well as conservation of the area.
Rongai Route
Climb Africa’s highest mountain via the stunningly beautiful Rongai Route, the least demanding and less crowded alternative. The trek follows the gentlest, more remote northern slopes and allows the most gradual acclimatisation, coupled with the chance to see wildlife on the lower slopes. The ascent to the summit is still arduous, but rewarded with the dawn view over glaciers and across the East Africa plains. Most international travel companies work with local operators who works towards better conditions for the porters and guides, as well as conservation of the area.
Sample Itinerary
Day 1 Nairobi – Moshi
Day 2 Kilimanjaro National Park – Climb Through Rainforest – Machame Camp (3000m)
Day 3 Machame Camp – Shira Camp (3800m)
Day 4 Shira Camp – Baranco Camp (3950m)
Day 5 Baranco Camp – Barafu Camp (4600m)
Day 6 Barafo Camp – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Mweka Camp (3000m)
Day 7 Mweka Camp – Moshi
Day 8 Moshi – Nairobi
Kilimanjaro Trekking FAQ
What’s Included
-All Activities, Sightseeing + Entrance Fees as Per Itinerary
-Services of Porters, Local Guides and Cooks
-7 Breakfasts, 6 Lunches and 5 Dinners
-Return Shuttle Bus Nairobi to Moshi and Moshi to Nairobi
Accommodation
-Hotel
-Camping
Transport
-Private Bus
-On Foot