Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing peak. You need no technical climbing skills, but you do need the right route, enough days and good guides. This guide compares every route and helps you plan the best climb for 2026 & 2027.
Best chance of reaching the summit: Lemosho (8 days) or the Northern Circuit (9 to 10 days).
Popular, varied scenery: Machame (7 days).
Prefer huts to tents: Marangu (6 days).
Quieter and drier side: Rongai (7 days).
Experienced and very fit climbers only: Umbwe.
Plan your climb
Best time
Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct
The two dry windows. See our month-by-month guide.
Preparation
Fitness and kit
Train for several weeks and pack for freezing summit night. See the packing list and training plan.
Acclimatisation
Go slowly
Longer itineraries and a steady pace give better summit odds. See our success guide.
Add a safari or Zanzibar
Many guests climb first and then relax on a short safari or a Zanzibar beach extension. Ask us for a combined itinerary and we will arrange transfers and accommodation.
Kilimanjaro climbs and combinations
Private departures with Maasai guides. Prices shown are current starting prices and each itinerary can be tailored.
