Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a trek spanning 5 to 9 days with cumulative elevation gain exceeding 3,900 m. From the mountain's base, through savannas and cultivated lands, to the glaciated summit at 5,895 m, Africa's roof offers you an exceptional journey. Along the way, you'll traverse a tropical forest teeming with monkeys and birds, heather moorlands dotted with giant groundsels, an alpine desert with lunar landscapes, before reaching the glaciated zone—a realm of snow and glaciers.

Routes to the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro

There are 7 official routes leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m). Each has its own particularities in terms of duration, scenery, difficulty, and success rate. We offer you the following routes:

1. The Marangu Route

This is the classic itinerary (6 days), the only one equipped with mountain huts. Direct but heavily frequented, it leaves little margin for proper acclimatization.

2. The Machame Route

The Machame route (6 days), more original and more "challenging," seduces with its spectacular and varied landscapes. Its course favors better adaptation to altitude.

3. The Rongai Route

The Rongai route (5 days) approaches Kilimanjaro from the north, on the Kenyan side. Quieter and drier, it stands out for its gradual elevation gain and wild panoramas.

Three Essential Ingredients for a Successful Trek

• Being well guided.
• Being well accommodated.
• Being well fed.

Strict adherence to these essential rules ensures us a success rate exceeding 90%.

Medical training for guides organized in collaboration with partner agencies: watch the video

We organize a special ascent twice a year with an overnight bivouac inside the crater.

PREPARING FOR YOUR MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB

Travel Formalities

• Your passport must be valid for 6 months after your return date.
• Visas must be obtained online before departure: www.immigration.go.tz.
• Bring 50 USD or 40€ in cash (banknotes issued after 2004 only). These can also be obtained in your home country before departure.

Important Information

Health

Yellow fever vaccination is mandatory. Antimalarial treatment is strongly recommended.

Your Physical Condition

To fully enjoy your journey, maintain your fitness several times a week by hiking (more than 12 miles) on a route with elevation gain (1,300 ft/hour) or by practicing intensive sports that build endurance. Daily stages are 5 to 7 hours of hiking, and exceptionally 10 to 12 hours on summit day. Altitude is the biggest challenge.

No technical difficulties, regardless of the route. However, you must be a strong hiker and in good physical condition as the climb is demanding. A hyperbaric chamber and oxygen bottles are available on each ascent.

Climate

Temperate equatorial/tropical climate on the highlands. In the mountains, the most favorable periods for these ascents are July/August/September and January/February. Note that snow may be present at the end of the rainy season. Be aware that it can be extremely cold during the final ascent (–10°C/20°C at sunrise).

Baggage

Porters handle luggage and equipment. All your baggage should be distributed into 2 bags: plan on a soft, sturdy travel bag of 15 kg maximum, preferably with a side zipper (easier access than a duffel bag). During the journey, it will contain items you don't use during the day. These will be packed in PVC bags, completely waterproof and dust-proof.

Rigid bags and suitcases are very difficult to handle—prioritize durability over aesthetics. Keep weight to a minimum. You have the option of leaving at your arrival hotel items you won't need during the climb. Bring large plastic bags and a small backpack (wide straps preferred) of about 40 L for your daily essentials.

Accommodation

Good-quality hotels in Arusha and Moshi, offering excellent value for money.

On the mountain, nights in mountain huts or under tents. We provide tents (Vaude and Ferrino brands, specially designed for mountaineering, capacity 3 places for 2 people), mattresses (extra thick or self-inflating), and all dining equipment. Mess tent for 2 to 12 people. The local team handles camp setup. However, each participant's help with tent assembly and disassembly is always appreciated.

Food

Hearty breakfast, warm or cold packed lunch at midday, hot dinner in the evening. All meals are prepared by our cooks using fresh, local products. Food is selected and adapted to mountain requirements—based on slow-burning carbohydrates, abundant and varied.

Water

We recommend bringing Micropur or Hydrochlonazole tablets. The local team also provides boiled water for filling your water bottles and hydration bladders. Local beverages and bottled mineral water are generally easy to obtain. Warm water for washing is available each morning.

Electricity

You'll need to bring a universal power adapter before departure, as electrical outlets in East Africa differ from those at home.

Photography & Video

Advice for digital camera users: be self-sufficient with batteries and memory cards—you'll find little adapted equipment on site. You cannot recharge once the climb begins. Therefore, conserve your device carefully and avoid energy-intensive operations.

Local Time

When it's noon in Paris, it's 1 p.m. in summer and 2 p.m. in winter in Tanzania.

Budget

• Budget between 10 and 15 USD per meal on your own.
• Tipping is a genuine institution in East Africa. Plan for 120 to 200 USD per participant for the local Kilimanjaro team, depending on group size.
• Entry fees to Kilimanjaro National Park are 630 USD for a 6-day climb. This amount must be paid on site by VISA credit card only. No Mastercard or American Express. This amount may be revised without notice by authorities.

Equipment Needed for Climbing the Mountain

Personal Gear and Equipment

• Thermal underwear such as Carline type (quick-drying).
• Microfleece layers.
• A warm fleece jacket such as Polartec or Windstopper type (excellent weight-to-insulation ratio).
• A waterproof and breathable jacket such as Goretex type.
• A rain cape.
• Thermal leggings such as Carline type.
• Mountain trousers.
• High-quality thermal socks.
• A pair of gaiters.
• A beanie or balaclava such as Windstopper type.
• A sun hat, scarf, or cap.
• Very good ski glasses with side protection or glacier glasses.
• A pair of warm, waterproof gloves such as Goretex type.
• A pair of backup gloves.
• A water bottle (or hydration bladder with tube and bite valve).

Footwear and Technical Gear

• Lightweight, breathable hiking boots with good grip on various terrains.
• Waterproof boots with semi-rigid soles and good thermal insulation.
• A headlamp.
• Telescopic trekking poles.
• A survival blanket.

Sleeping Gear

• An excellent sleeping bag (comfort temperature –10°C/–20°C).
• A self-inflating mattress such as Thermarest to optimize comfort over the foam mattress provided.

Luggage

• A backpack with wide, anatomically designed adjustable straps, 30 to 40 L capacity, for your daily essentials.
• A soft travel bag, 80 to 100 L, transported by vehicle.

Miscellaneous

• Change of clothes.
• Spare shoelaces.
• Toiletries and bath towel.
• Toilet paper.
• A pocket knife (in checked luggage!).
• Plastic bags to protect your belongings.
• Marseille soap + a few clothespins and 4-meter lengths of 3mm cord.
• Alcohol-free wipes for washing in difficult conditions + hand sanitizer.
• A color photocopy of your passport facilitates administrative procedures in case of loss or theft (never keep the photocopy with your passport!!!)
• Needle and thread.
• Waterproof garbage bags in case of bad weather.
• An anti-theft pouch, always kept on you, with your identity papers, money, insurance and assistance certificates.

Much of the climbing equipment can be rented on site: consult us.

First Aid Kit

We carry a basic emergency medical kit. No prescription medications can be provided. We recommend you have your own first aid kit containing:

• Pain relievers.
• Anti-inflammatories (tablets and gel).
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics.
• Antispasmodic, antidiarrheal, intestinal antiseptic, antiemetic medications.
• Bandages and blister pads, gauze, adhesive tape, Steri-strips, sterile gauze.
• Antiseptic.
• Sunscreen and Biafine cream.
• Water purification tablets.

Additional items: eye drops, mosquito repellent, tweezers, light sleeping aid and/or earplugs, venotonic agents, your personal medications.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

Depending on the route chosen, the climb takes between 5 and 9 days, with stages of 5 to 7 hours of hiking, and up to 12 hours on summit day.

Is climbing Mount Kilimanjaro difficult?

There are no technical difficulties, but the altitude (5,895 m) represents the main challenge. The risk of acute mountain sickness is real and requires good physical preparation and appropriate acclimatization time.

What is the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

The ideal seasons are January–February and July to September, the driest and most stable periods.

Which route should I choose for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The choice depends on your priorities. Thanks to its spectacular scenery, abundant wildlife, and good acclimatization pace, Machame is among the most sought-after routes.

What is the elevation gain for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The cumulative elevation gain is between 3,900 to 4,300 m depending on the route.

What is the minimum age to climb Mount Kilimanjaro?

According to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park regulations, the official minimum age for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is 10 years old.