Best Kilimanjaro hiking tours

Climbing Kilimanjaro costs during Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tours

From $200 to $5,000 per climber is the best and most affordable climbing Kilimanjaro cost makes hikers summit at 5,895 meters on the highest African snow-capped peak, Mount Kilimanjaro. The cost to climb Kilimanjaro varies from cheap, budget operators to large Western travel agents selling outsourced climbs at an inflated price. These Kilimanjaro hike costs, prices, and fees are paid in US dollars, Tanzanian shillings, British pounds, and euros in 2024 and 2025.

The best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro

The best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro is during the dry season, which is June, July, August, September, and October, as well as January, February, and March, for the best weather conditions and activities. During the dry season, the weather is usually clear and dry, with little to no rainfall, and offers clearer views of the mountain and the surrounding landscapes. In these best months in Tanzania, it is easier to climb Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest African peak at 5895 meters.

The rainy season, in the months of April, May, November, and December, is not the best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro. The weather is often cloudy and wet, which can make it more difficult to climb the mountain. However, if you don't mind the rain and prefer a more lush and green landscape, you may still hike Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route since this is the only route that provides accommodations in huts.

The best Kilimanjaro routes in 2024 and 2025

The best routes to climb Mount Kilimanjaro are the Machame, Marangu, Lemosho, Umbwe, Rongai, Shira, and Northern Circuit routes. All seven established Kilimanjaro routes will lead to the summit at 19,341 feet of Mount Kilimanjaro in 2024 and 2025. If you want the highest chance of summiting, the best route to climb Kilimanjaro is the Lemosho route and Machame route over 7 or 8 days.

Climbing Kilimanjaro's Machame route

The Machame route, also known as the "Whiskey Route," is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro for six- or seven-day camping trips to the summit at 5895 meters. This trail offers stunning views, plenty of time to acclimate, and a reasonable challenge, making it a good choice for those who have a bit of extra time in their schedule.

Kilimanjaro Lemosho route

This Kilimanjaro Lemosho route is often considered the most beautiful of all the trekking trails up Mount Kilimanjaro, with a 95% summit success rate. The Lemosho Route begins at Londorossi Gate, which is located on the western side of Mount Kilimanjaro from Arusha or Moshi. The Lemosho Route is a camping trip for 6, 7, 8, and 9 days using top-quality mountain tents, comfortable mattresses, and qualified guides.

Marangu route on Mount Kilimanjaro hiking tours

This Marangu route also known as the "Coca-Cola route" is the most well-established hiking route on Mount Kilimanjaro and the oldest, and it remains extremely popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has hut accommodation for trekkers.

Rongai route on Mount Kilimanjaro trekking trips

This Rongai Route is the only trail that starts from the north, near the Kenyan border of Mount Kilimanjaro. The Rongai route passes through remote wilderness areas and has low crowds. It is probably the only route where seeing wildlife in the first days is possible. After passing through rainforest on this path, you ascend through moorlands and then hike into the high alpine zones before reaching the glacial zone.