Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is something atop the list of many travelers’ bucket lists. Each year, the iconic mountain attracts thousands who spend days attempting to reach her snowy summit.

However, with a little planning and preparation, you can greatly increase your chances of reaching “the Roof of Africa.” Here’s everything you need to know Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide to make the most of your trip:

Kilimanjaro Key Facts

Before we dive head first into tips and tricks for Climbing Kilimanjaro, let’s start with some key facts about the mountain.

Where Is Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located in North-eastern Tanzania near the border with Kenya. It is the highest mountain in Africa and is situated within Kilimanjaro National Park. Kilimanjaro lies just 205 miles away from the equator – which is why so many people are surprised to find glaciers at the top.

How High Is Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro is an eye-watering 5,895 meters (19,340 feet) above sea level. That’s 3.7 miles high! It is the highest free-standing mountain in the world, as it’s not part of a mountain range. The towering mountain is one of the Seven Summits, being the fourth highest – after Everest, Aconcagua, and Denali.

How Many People Climb Kilimanjaro Every Year?

Around 30,000-40,000 people attempt to Climb Kilimanjaro every year. Nowadays Kilimanjaro Success Rate is believed to be around 75%. The longer your route, the higher your success rate.

Why Climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are lots of compelling reasons to climb the highest mountain in Africa. These include:

It’s an accessible adventure. You don’t need extensive training and it’s suitable for first-time hikers, as well as more experienced mountaineers.
Porters do all the heavy-lifting.Great appeal lies in the fact that porters carry your big rucksack (you carry your daysack), tents, equipment, and food.
Easy to reach. Despite its remote location, Kilimanjaro is relatively straightforward to access, with a good surrounding infrastructure.
Supports the local economy. From guides, Kilimanjaro Porters, and cooks who join you on the mountain, to hospitality, tour agencies, and many other companies within the area.
Great personal achievement.Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is undoubtedly an extraordinary personal achievement. It’s a chance to challenge yourself, and get away from the world for a few days.
Breath-taking natural beauty. The mountain is a truly spectacular sight and the view from the top is the best you’ll ever see. Watching the sun rise over the Roof of Africa will forever be one of my fondest memories.

How To Get To Mount Kilimanjaro?

There are a few different options for Getting To Kilimanjaro. The nearest airport to Kilimanjaro is the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), and it is located between Arusha and Moshi. Most people stay in Moshi before climbing Kilimanjaro, as it is the closest municipality being a 45 minute drive from Kilimanjaro Airport.

Unfortunately, you cannot fly directly from the UK or US to Kilimanjaro Airport. But you can fly from any of the main airports in the area – Dar es Salaam, Zanzibar, or Nairobi in Kenya. Bear in mind that you will need an extra visa if you go via Kenya.

How Much Does It Cost To Climb Kilimanjaro?

Kilimanjaro Climb Cost vary quite considerably depending on season, route, and the tour company you book with. You can also choose between group climbs or private climbs according to your budget.

Generally the Kilimanjaro Climb Cost ranges between $3,000 to $5,500.

When Is The Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro?

You can climb Kilimanjaro year-round but it’s best to avoid the wet and cold months. January, February, August, and September are the Best Time To Climb Kilimanjaro, as these are the driest months of the year.

Summiting Kilimanjaro – What Happens On Summit Day?

It is very common to attempt the summit during the night, as you can reach the top in time for the sunrise. You will be woken up at approximately 11pm for ‘breakfast’. After putting on every piece of clothing you have with you, it’s time to start the ascent. With nothing but your head torch to light the way, you’ll walk ‘pole pole’ – very slowly. Due to the high altitude, oxygen is limited and it’s important to stay at a slow and steady pace.

Read through the above? Still want to climb Africa’s Highest Mountain? Don’t know where to go from here? Then read on...

If you’re looking to organise your own African Adventure, then the next thing to read is our Countdown; this is Kilele Climb’s step-by-step Climbing Kilimanjaro Guide to planning for your trip. This tells you exactly what to do when planning your own expedition – and when.

After that, you may want to go through our site in greater detail. You’ll find that it’s divided into four main sections, which together provide you with all the basics you need to know to plan and prepare properly for your Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing.