tanzania

Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania

Quick Facts

Best Time to Visit: January–March and June–October (driest, clearest climbing windows)
Country: tanzania

Highlights

Africa's highest peak at 5,895 m (19,341 ft)
The world's tallest free-standing mountain
Trek through five climate zones to the summit
No technical climbing required on the main routes
Routes include Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, and the Northern Circuit

Wildlife

Blue monkey and colobus in the rainforest zoneElephant and buffalo on the lower slopesEndemic birds and alpine flora

Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain in the world, rising 5,895 metres above the plains of northern Tanzania. Reaching the summit, Uhuru Peak, is one of the continent’s great bucket-list achievements.

A walk through five climate zones

A Kilimanjaro climb passes through five distinct zones, from cultivated farmland and dense rainforest to heath, alpine desert, and finally the glaciated summit. No technical climbing or ropes are needed, but the altitude makes it a serious physical challenge.

Choosing a route

Several routes lead to the top, each with a different character and success rate. The Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, and Northern Circuit routes vary in length from five to nine days; longer routes allow better acclimatisation and higher summit success.