Kilimanjaro – Zazu Adventure – Tanzania Safari & Tour Experts

Kilimanjaro Mountain Trekking

Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak at 5,895 meters, offers an unforgettable trekking experience. With diverse routes ranging from lush rainforests to alpine deserts, this iconic mountain promises adventure, stunning landscapes, and the challenge of summiting the "Roof of Africa." Whether you're a seasoned hiker or a beginner, Kilimanjaro is the ultimate trekking destination.

About Kilimanjaro Mountain

Mount Kilimanjaro is the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. People from all over the globe come to Tanzania to climb Kilimanjaro, hoping to stand proudly at Uhuru Point – 19,341 feet high. Crowned in ice, Mount Kilimanjaro is a spectacular sight to behold. But this view will not last long. The glaciers are melting at an alarming rate due to global warming and will be completely gone in 50 years.

In 2013, an estimated 50,000 tourists climbed Mount Kilimanjaro. The number has been steadily growing every year. What makes Kilimanjaro such a magnetic draw for adventurous folks is that climbing Kilimanjaro does not require technical skills or mountaineering equipment such as ice axes, crampons, harnesses, and ropes. Kilimanjaro is entirely a walk-up mountain. As long as you can put one foot in front of the other and are in decent fitness, you can climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

Mount Kilimanjaro is regulated by the Tanzania National Park Authority. The authority maintains the major routes on Mount Kilimanjaro to ensure safety, cleanliness, and flow. Also, park rangers monitor the activity on the mountain to check that every climber is accompanied by a licensed guide on a Kilimanjaro tour. You are not allowed to climb Kilimanjaro on your own.

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable adventure, and choosing the right route can shape your experience. Each route offers unique challenges, landscapes, and viewpoints. Explore the seven distinct routes to reach Africa’s highest peak, and find the perfect path for your journey.

Within each route, there are variations that are different durations, use different campsites, and summit approaches, so there are actually more than 20 options when it comes to choosing Kilimanjaro routes.

How Long Does it Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?

The shortest Kilimanjaro routes are 5-day itineraries and the longest Kilimanjaro routes are 9-10 day itineraries.

The best, practical advice is to take as long as you can in order to acclimatize to the elevation. By ascending slowly, the body can gradually adjust to the lower oxygen levels. Climbing too high too fast is the main cause of failed acclimatization, which leads to altitude-related illnesses.

Statistics show that adding “rest days” to your climb increases the summit success rate. The success rate for routes that are 8 or more days is over 90%. Comparatively, the success rate for a 5-day climb is around 30%.

When is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

Tanzania does not have four seasons like most people are accustomed to. Instead, Tanzania experiences wet and dry seasons. During the wet season, rain can fall steadily every day, making your time on the mountain pretty difficult. Therefore, the best time to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season. Those months include: January, February, July, August, September, October. The rainy season months are: March, April, May, June, November, and December.

Mount Kilimanjaro creates its own weather, and it can be very unpredictable. It is possible to encounter a blizzard, torrential rains, or brutal winds during any season. Anyone who climbs Kilimanjaro should be outfitted properly. That means being ready for all potential conditions on your trip.

Lastly, you don’t conquer a mountain. She allows your passage if she is feeling nice. People who are not adequately prepared pay the price very quickly.