Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895m and the tallest free-standing mountain on earth — and reaching its summit is one of the world’s great non-technical climbs.
We arrange private, fully supported treks on the most scenic and successful routes, with expert guides, quality equipment and the right number of days to acclimatize.
Highlights of Kilimanjaro Trekking
Lemosho — 8 days
The most scenic route and our default recommendation — gentle profile, superb acclimatization and the highest success rates.
Machame — 7 days
The popular “Whisky” route — beautiful and varied, a little steeper; best for fit climbers.
Rongai — 7 days
The quieter northern route — drier and more gradual, a strong choice in the shoulder months.
Northern Circuit — 9 days
The longest, highest-success route, circling the mountain — ideal for older climbers and anyone prioritizing acclimatization.
Where to climb, and what to add
Kilimanjaro rises in northern Tanzania, a short drive from the Serengeti and a short flight from the coast. Here is how we build the trip around it.
Tanzania
The mountain itself, plus the Serengeti and Ngorongoro on the same side of the country. Summit first, then safari to recover.
Explore Tanzania →Eastern AfricaKenya
Fly in via Nairobi and add the Maasai Mara, or acclimatize on Mount Kenya before you take on Kilimanjaro.
Explore Kenya →Beaches & IslandsZanzibar
The perfect reward, swapping boots for barefoot on Zanzibar's white sand once you are safely back down.
Explore Zanzibar →Know before you go
The practical details we handle for you — flights, entry, health and money — summarized here so nothing surprises you. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.
Getting there from the USA
Fly to Kilimanjaro International (JRO) via Amsterdam, Doha or Istanbul — about 17–20 hours total. The mountain is under an hour's drive from Arusha.
Visas & entry
Tanzania requires US citizens to apply for a $100 multiple-entry e-visa online before travel. Passport valid six months.
Apply for the Tanzania eVisa ↗Health
Altitude is the main consideration — our longer routes build in acclimatization days, and guides carry oxygen and pulse oximeters. Consult your doctor about altitude medication and standard vaccinations.
Money & tipping
Trek crews are tipped at the end of the climb — a guideline is $250–350 total per climber, shared across guides, cooks and porters. At your discretion.
Best time to visit
Warmer, quieter and often clear — excellent climbing.
The long dry season — the most popular trekking window.
Planning & cost
Private, fully supported Kilimanjaro treks from $4,500 per person.
Every journey is private, all-inclusive and tailor-made — your own guide and vehicle, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout.
Continue exploring
Kilimanjaro Trekking FAQs
Most successful climbs take six to eight days. More days mean better acclimatization and a significantly higher chance of reaching the summit.
January–March and June–October are the driest, clearest windows. We avoid the long rains of April–May and short rains of November.
No technical climbing is required — Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trek — but good fitness and proper acclimatization are essential, which is why route and pace matter.
Very fit and short on time: Machame in 7 days. Most climbers: Lemosho in 8 — the best balance of scenery and success. Over 55, unsure of your fitness, or simply wanting the best odds: the 9-day Northern Circuit, whose long, gradual profile gives your body the most time to adapt. Age itself is no barrier — acclimatization days matter far more than birthdays.
Layers are everything: moisture-wicking base layers, a fleece, an insulated jacket and a waterproof shell — summit night can feel like −15°F with wind chill. Add broken-in waterproof boots, a warm hat and sun hat, glove liners plus insulated gloves, a headlamp, 3 liters of water capacity, high-SPF sunscreen and a cold-rated sleeping bag. We provide quality bags and all group equipment; porters carry your main duffel, you carry only a light daypack.
Let’s design your Kilimanjaro Trekking journey.
Tell us how you like to travel and our experts will craft your private, tailor-made itinerary — no obligation.
Enquire now