Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on all routes, any day, all year long with Mount Kilimanjaro Routes. We specialize in private party climbs to the top of the world’s highest freestanding mountain as well as customized private Tanzanian Safaris. We also have dozens of open group climbs throughout the year design to help clients who are travelling alone or in small groups and wish to lower their overall cost.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro requires no technical or otherwise special skills. To be precise, it is more of a trek than a climb really. Due to its seeming ease, over 50,000 visitors are drawn to Kilimanjaro each year to make their attempt at standing on the “Roof of Africa”. People come from all over with all sorts of varying motivations; whether a personal challenge or a philanthropic urge.
Whatever your motivation for climbing Kili, it is a challenging feat that should not be taken likely. Unfortunately, 30-35% of climbers leave Tanzania without that coveted picture standing in front of the world-famous congratulatory sign perched atop Uhuru Peak. The most important factor in summit success is using an experienced outfitter who uses experienced and competent guides and assistant guides. Mount Kilimanjaro Routes puts your safety first and everything else comes later. We have put together loads of information to help you prepare for your climb, such as what to pack, how should I train, or should I do a safari before or after my climb. We also have a comprehensive FAQ section and we are constantly updating as new questions pop up. All content you find on the site and in our FAQ was produced by a team member of Mount Kilimanjaro Routes who has been on the mountain themselves and can describe to you firsthand exactly what to expect in regards to food, their gear, or the dreaded bathroom situation on Kilimanjaro (Don’t worry, we include a private toilet for all of our climbs!).
Have a look around the site and please let us know if you have any questions. We know choosing the right company to climb with can be exhausting. So, please take your time, shop around and pick the operator you feel most comfortable with. We have a unique passion for Kilimanjaro and we want everyone to experience reaching the summit. It doesn’t matter that you are not a professional athlete, a billionaire, or drive a fancy Italian sports car. Everyone deserves the chance to be Tranquil and that is exactly how you will feel standing on Uhuru Peak with your arms spread wide! Even if you don’t book through Mount Kilimanjaro Routes, we are more than happy to answer any questions you may have.
What are my route options to climb Kilimanjaro?
There are various routes you can take when climbing Kilimanjaro. The six main routes offered regularly on Mount Kilimanjaro are:
- Lemosho Route – the most recommended route
- Machame Route – the most popular route
- Marangu Route – the only route that offers huts as accommodation instead of tents
- Rongai Route – the only route that begins from the north near the Kenyan border
- Shira Route – the only route that starts at a relatively high altitude
- Umbwe Route – the shortest and steepest, hence most difficult route
In addition to the main routes, the following variations are also possible:
- Northern Circuit – the longest route offering almost 360° panoramic views
- Grand Traverse – an easier, quieter and even longer alternative to the Northern Circuit
- Crater Camp – can be added to any route, best with Lemosho or Northern
- Western Breach – shortcut on the southern circuit, but a risk of rockfall
