A Kilimanjaro-only outfitter with a 98.8% summit success rate — WFR-certified guides, oxygen on every climb, and tailor-made treks built to get you safely to the roof of Africa.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is a non-technical, high-altitude trek to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 19,341 feet (5,895 metres).
Mount Kilimanjaro, located in Tanzania, East Africa, is the highest mountain in Africa. It is the largest free-standing mountain in the world and is one of the seven summits.
Its snow-capped peak towers above the surrounding savannahs and is part of the Kilimanjaro National Park, home to a variety of unique flora and fauna. While it is a dormant volcano, it still serves as an important source of inspiration for climbers and outdoor enthusiasts from around the world.
Mount Kilimanjaro is composed of three distinct volcanic cones: Kibo 19,340 ft (5,895 m); Mawenzi 16,896 ft (5,149 m); and Shira 13,000 ft (3,962 m). Uhuru Peak is the highest summit on Kibo’s crater rim.
Kilimanjaro is a giant stratovolcano that began forming a million years ago, when lava spilled from the Rift Valley zone. Two of its three peaks, Mawenzi and Shira, are extinct, while Kibo — the highest peak — is dormant and could erupt again.
The last major eruption has been dated to 360,000 years ago, while the most recent activity was recorded just 200 years ago. Kilimanjaro has 2.2 square kilometres (0.85 sq mi) of glacial ice and is losing it quickly due to climate change: the glaciers have shrunk 82% since 1912 and declined 33% since 1989, and may be ice-free within 20 years.
Anyone from children over the age of 10 to older generations in their 60s and 70s! All you need is determination and the will to reach the summit. The real challenge with climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is the altitude and the rate of ascent — and don’t worry, we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Founded in 2009, Climbing Kilimanjaro is a 100% Tanzanian-owned company specialising in Mount Kilimanjaro trekking, guided climbs and Tanzania safaris. With more than 16 years of experience guiding climbers to Africa’s highest peak, we are ranked the #1 Kilimanjaro Tour Operator on TripAdvisor, recognised by leading travel guides, and a TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice 2026 Award recipient. Backed by an Excellent rating from more than 882+ verified reviews and an outstanding 98.8% summit success rate, we’ve earned a reputation for safe, successful and unforgettable adventures.
Our Certified Wilderness First Responder guides are among the most experienced and professional on Mount Kilimanjaro — a key factor behind our exceptional summit success rate. From expert pre-climb preparation and state-of-the-art safety protocols to personalised service on every route, we make sure each climber reaches the summit safely and confidently. Whether you choose the Lemosho, Machame, Marangu or Northern Circuit route, we deliver an authentic, safe and unforgettable adventure on Africa’s highest peak.
Join the thousands of climbers who have stood on the Kilimanjaro summit, guided by our expert trek team. Climb Kili with the best Kilimanjaro tour operator.
Watch: what it’s really like to climb Kilimanjaro with our team.
Mount Kilimanjaro, Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania.
Climb Kilimanjaro with a Tanzania-based team that specialises exclusively in this mountain. From your first conversation with us to your summit attempt and return transfer, your climb is planned and operated directly by our own experienced Kilimanjaro team — never outsourced to a third party.
There are thousands of Kilimanjaro operators. Here’s where the good ones differ from the rest — and where we stand.
There are seven main Mount Kilimanjaro routes that lead to the summit, Uhuru Peak — one starting on the northern side of the mountain and the rest on the southern side: Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Shira, Rongai, Northern Circuit and Umbwe. Hiking Mount Kilimanjaro takes between five and nine days. The more days you spend on the mountain, the more likely you are to summit, because you become better acclimatised to the altitude. Browse our Kilimanjaro tours by route below.
As a premier Kilimanjaro trekking operator, we manage every aspect of your climb directly — never outsourcing or acting as a booking agent. If you book with us, you climb with us. Our team is by your side from your first briefing in Arusha to your airport transfer.
Live updates from our Kilimanjaro guided climbs, shared by climbers and guides directly from the mountain.
Mountain weather can be unpredictable, and the best time for a Kilimanjaro hike is during the dry seasons: December to early March and June to October. We don’t climb during the height of the rainy season, for safety reasons.
Best time to climbYou’ll need layers of clothing for varying temperatures, sturdy hiking boots, a good-quality sleeping bag, and essentials like a headlamp, gloves and trekking poles. We provide a comprehensive packing list so you’re fully prepared.
Read our full packing listA guided Kilimanjaro hike to Uhuru Peak and back takes five to nine days, depending on your route. Longer itineraries allow more time for acclimatisation — and generally give you a higher chance of reaching the summit successfully.
How long it takesKilimanjaro is a trek, not a technical climb — no ropes, harnesses or mountaineering experience are needed. It is challenging mainly because of the altitude, so a good level of general fitness helps. Anyone from children over 10 to trekkers in their 60s and 70s summits with us every season. The key is choosing a longer itinerary for proper acclimatisation and walking at a steady, slow pace with our guides. How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro? »
There are hundreds of companies operating on the mountain, but only a handful can be considered genuinely reputable. Look for an established operator with experienced, competent guides who practise high safety standards, and one with proven expertise built up over many years of successfully guiding a wide range of climbers. Founded in 2009, Climbing Kilimanjaro is a 100% Tanzanian-owned specialist ranked the #1 Kilimanjaro tour operator on TripAdvisor, with WFR-certified guides, bottled oxygen on every climb and a 98.8% summit success rate backed by 882+ verified 5-star reviews, and featured in Forbes, The Telegraph, Business Insider, Men’s Health and Women’s Health. We are Kilimanjaro specialists — it is all we do, and we are still going strong. Read more »
To book one of our guided Kilimanjaro tours, start by telling us your preferred dates, group size, fitness level and route interests. We recommend the itinerary that best fits your goals, then confirm availability, pricing and inclusions before you book. Our team arranges the climb, airport transfers, hotels, guides, porters, meals and mountain logistics from your arrival in Arusha until your return to the airport.
Longer routes with better acclimatisation profiles have the highest success rates. The Lemosho and Northern Circuit routes are our top recommendations for most climbers, while Machame is the most popular. We will happily match you to the route that best fits your fitness, timeframe and budget. Which is the best route? »
Most days on a Kilimanjaro hike involve around 4–7 hours of walking, with plenty of breaks and a deliberately slow pace for acclimatisation. Summit day is the exception and can involve 12–15+ hours of hiking as you climb to Uhuru Peak and descend to a lower camp. See a typical Kilimanjaro daily schedule »
Summit night is the hardest part of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. You normally leave high camp around midnight and climb for approximately 6–8 hours to Uhuru Peak, followed by a long descent. Expect freezing temperatures, darkness, high altitude and a very slow “pole pole” pace. Your guides stay close throughout the ascent and monitor how you are coping with the altitude. What to expect on summit night »
Our guided Kilimanjaro climbs are managed directly by our own team. We do not outsource or act as a booking agent. Your own guides, porters and support team stay with you from the first briefing in Arusha through the climb, summit attempt and airport transfer home. We focus on slow pacing, acclimatisation, twice-daily health checks and careful support on summit night.
On most Kilimanjaro routes you sleep in mountain tents at designated campsites, while the Marangu Route uses shared mountain huts. Campsites have basic public toilets, but we provide a private portable toilet for our climbers. There are no showers on the camping routes, so our crew provides warm washing water at camp. Where do you sleep on Kilimanjaro? »
Most international climbers fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). From there, we arrange your transfer to Moshi or Arusha, where you meet your team, complete your briefing and prepare for the climb. How to get to Kilimanjaro »
Our guides assess your symptoms, oxygen saturation and overall condition throughout the climb. Mild symptoms are monitored closely and may require a slower pace or additional rest, while severe or worsening altitude sickness requires immediate descent. Our teams carry emergency oxygen and a full medical kit, and established evacuation procedures are in place on every climb. Altitude sickness on Kilimanjaro »
Our mountain cooks prepare substantial meals to support high-altitude trekking, with hot drinks, breakfast, lunch and dinner provided throughout the climb. We can accommodate vegetarian, vegan and most dietary requirements with advance notice, and your guide will help you stay hydrated on the trail. Learn about food on Kilimanjaro »
Tell us your dates and what you’re dreaming of — we’ll build a tailor-made climb around you and answer every question.
