Plan your safari
Trekker on the trail toward Kibo, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Kilimanjaro Trekking

A Kilimanjaro trek takes you to the roof of Africa, 5,895m above the Tanzanian plains.

Plan your safari Highlights

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895m and the tallest free-standing mountain on earth. Still, 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, with a gentle profile, superb acclimatization and excellent success rates.

Machame: 7 days

The popular “Whisky” route is beautiful and varied but 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. As a result, it suits older climbers and anyone prioritizing acclimatization.

Know before you go

Flights, entry rules, health and money: the practical details we handle for you, all in one place. Requirements can change, so we confirm everything when you book.

Getting there from the USA

First, fly to Kilimanjaro International (JRO) via Amsterdam, Doha or Istanbul, about 18–24 hours door to door. 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. For this reason, our longer routes build in acclimatization days, and guides carry oxygen and pulse oximeters. Also, consult your doctor about altitude medication and standard vaccinations.

Money & tipping

Finally, you tip the trek crews 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 for a Kilimanjaro trek

Jan–Mar

Warmer, quieter and often clear: excellent climbing.

Jun–Oct

The long dry season and the most popular trekking window.

Planning & cost

Safari cost

Priced to your budget, and built around your camps, the season and how you like to travel. In other words, there are no fixed packages.

How we travel

Instead, we design every journey privately, with private guides and vehicles arranged where specified, the finest lodges, and a specialist on call throughout. At fly-in camps, game drives may be shared unless a private vehicle is reserved.

Practical details,
in one place

Money, health, connectivity and packing work the same way on every safari we plan, so they live in one place rather than on every page.

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. So we avoid the long rains of April–May and short rains of November.

No technical climbing is required, since 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. In fact, 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. After all, summit night can feel like −15°F with wind chill. Then 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. In addition, we provide quality bags and all group equipment; porters carry your main duffel, you carry only a light daypack.

Getting to Tanzania: flights, visas and health

Correct when we wrote it. Before you travel, we check every requirement for your exact route and tell you what to apply for and when.

AirportsKilimanjaro International (JRO) for the northern circuit, Julius Nyerere, Dar es Salaam (DAR) for the south, and Zanzibar (ZNZ) for the islands. Bush flights to the camps leave from Arusha Airport (ARK) and the park airstrips.
Getting thereNo nonstop from the US: connect once through Amsterdam (KLM), Doha (Qatar), Istanbul (Turkish) or Addis Ababa (Ethiopian). Plan on 18–24 hours door to door.
Visa: US citizensUS citizens need the multiple-entry e-visa (about $100), applied for online before travel. Allow two to four weeks. Apply only at the official portal: visa.immigration.go.tz.
HealthYellow fever certificate required only if you arrive from a country where the disease is present. A layover over twelve hours in one can count. Malaria prophylaxis is advised for all safari areas. Country guidance: CDC Travelers’ Health.
PassportSix months’ validity beyond your return date, with at least two blank pages. Travel insurance including medical evacuation is required on every journey we plan. Tanzania also requires one applicable mandatory inbound insurance policy (USD 44), determined by your first point of entry; see our inbound insurance guide.
Full flight guidePlan your safari

Plan your Kilimanjaro climb.

Kilimanjaro trekking is as much about acclimatization and route choice as it is about fitness.

Tell us how you like to travel and start with a complimentary consultation.

Plan your safari

For official park rules, fees and opening hours, see Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA).