Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking
Fully supported climbs to the Roof of Africa with licensed local guides, from the Arusha side of the mountain.
At 5,895 m, Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa’s highest mountain and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, and it can be climbed without technical mountaineering skills. Based in Arusha, under two hours from the trailheads, we run fully supported climbs with experienced, licensed mountain guides, quality equipment and honest advice about route choice and acclimatisation.
A day on the mountain
Each day follows a similar rhythm: an early breakfast, a morning walk of four to seven hours through changing scenery and climate zones, lunch on the trail or at camp, and free time in the afternoon to rest and acclimatise before dinner and an early night.
The rule that gets people to the summit is simple and repeated by every guide on the mountain: walk slowly, drink water, and let your body adjust. Longer routes build in more time for exactly that.
Routes and prices
Five ways up the mountain, each suited to a different pace, budget and level of challenge.
Marangu Route
5 to 6 days. The only route with hut accommodation; the shortest and most affordable option.
From $1,750
Machame Route
6 to 7 days. The popular Whiskey Route: scenic, varied and with good acclimatisation.
From $1,950
Rongai Route
6 to 7 days. Approaches from the quieter north side; drier and less crowded.
From $2,050
Lemosho Route
7 to 8 days. Beautiful western approach with excellent acclimatisation and high summit success.
From $2,200
Northern Circuit
9 days. The longest, quietest route with the highest success rates.
From $2,600
What’s included
- Park and camping or hut fees
- Licensed mountain guides, porters and cook
- Meals and drinking water on the mountain
- Camping equipment (tents, mess tent)
- Transfers from Arusha or Moshi
Not included
- Tips for the mountain crew ($250–350 typical)
- Personal hiking gear
- Flights, visa and travel insurance
- Sleeping bag rental (available locally)
- Hotel nights before or after the climb
Choosing a route
Longer routes cost more but significantly improve your chance of reaching the summit; we will always recommend the safest option for your experience level.
First-time trekkers
Machame (7 days) or Lemosho balance cost, scenery and summit success well.
Best summit odds
Lemosho or the 9-day Northern Circuit give the most time to acclimatise.
Tightest budget or time
Marangu is the shortest and only route with hut accommodation.
Best time to climb
The main climbing seasons are January to March and June to October, when conditions are driest and clearest. Full-moon summit nights are popular, so book early for those dates.