Mount Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic massif in northeastern Tanzania and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest summit, Uhuru Peak, reaches 5,895 metres above sea level.

The mountain comprises three volcanic cones - Kibo, Mawenzi and Shira - with Kibo hosting the summit. Trekking routes cross a sequence of ecological zones from cultivated foothills through montane forest, moorland and alpine desert to an arctic summit, and climbs typically require several days for acclimatisation. Visitors commonly begin treks from towns at the mountain’s base such as Moshi and use established trails and national park gates.

Kilimanjaro has long held cultural significance for local Chagga and other communities and became a focus for European exploration in the 19th century. It was designated part of a national park in the 20th century and is managed as Kilimanjaro National Park for conservation and tourism.

The massif rises from the surrounding plains in the Kilimanjaro Region of northern Tanzania, near the town of Moshi and Kilimanjaro International Airport, and sits roughly 300 kilometres south of the Kenyan border.

• Summit height and name: The highest point, Uhuru Peak on Kibo cone, reaches 5,895 metres above sea level and is the highest free-standing mountain in the world.
• Climbing routes and duration: Most ascent routes take between five and ten days; common approaches include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho and Rongai routes, each with different difficulty and acclimatisation profiles.

Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or to Arusha or Moshi; most climbers base themselves in Moshi (or Arusha) and are driven to the chosen trailhead (Marangu, Machame, Rongai, etc.). Trailhead transfers from Moshi typically take about 1-3 hours by road depending on which route is used - operators and lodges arrange transport and park permits.

Because Mount Kilimanjaro climbs begin from specific park gates, arrange your transport and guide/porter services in advance through a licensed operator in Moshi/Arusha.

• Plan climbs for the two main dry seasons (January-March and June-October) and choose a longer route (e.g., Lemosho or Machame over a short Marangu itinerary) to improve acclimatization and summit success.
• Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a registered guide and park permits - book through an experienced, licensed operator who provides proper guides, porters and the necessary Kilimanjaro National Park paperwork.
• Allow extra days in your schedule for altitude acclimatization and post-climb recovery; many operators recommend adding a rest day in Moshi or a pre-climb acclimatization trek to raise your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak.