Lonely PlanetJul 17, 2026
Guide to climbing Mt Kilimanjaro
This guide covers what you need to know before you go: when to climb, which route to choose, what it costs and where to base yourself.
22 things in this story
- Uhuru PeakSighthighest point of Mt Kilimanjaro
- Mt KilimanjaroSightAfrica's highest peak, world's tallest volcano, free-standing mountain
- MawenziSightIt rises to an elevation of 5,149 metres (16,893 ft) and has a prominence of 849 metres (2,785 ft), making it the…
- Marangu RouteTrailroute to summit, self-limiting due to hut capacities
- Machame RouteTrailpopular route with gradual ascent, contours southern slopes
- Mweka RouteTrailapproaches summit via Machame Route
- Umbwe RouteTrailsteep, direct route, potentially dangerous ice/snow section
- Western BreachSightsteep section of Umbwe Route, often icy or snowy
- Rongai RouteTrailpopular route starting near Kenyan border, northern side
- Shira Plateau RouteTrailscenic, good for avoiding crowds, challenging acclimatization
- Shira HutSightacclimatization stop on Shira Plateau Route
- Lemosho RouteTrailbest for scenery and acclimatization, western side
- Londorosi GateSightstart of Lemosho Route, two days in forest
- Northern Circuit RouteTraillongest route, goes around northern side before summit
- African Scenic SafarisPlacewell-organized Kilimanjaro treks
- Ice & Dust ToursPlacewell-regarded Kili climbs for budget travelers
- Just KilimanjaroPlacesmall, efficient operator with expertly guided treks
- Summit Expeditions & Nomadic ExperiencePlaceexcellent Kili climbs organized by Chagga–American couple
- KiboSight
- Barranco WallTrail
- Shira PlateauSight
- Elsewhere
- Coffee Tree CampsiteHotelMarangu, Tanzaniaexpansive grounds, tents for hire, chalets
