climbing kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Itineraries
KILIMANJARO CLIMBLING ROUTES: OVERVIEW
- Best for beginners – Marangu or Machame Routes
- Spectacular scenery – Lemosho or Machame Routes
- Beginners with a budget – Marangu Route
- For moderate hikers – Machame or Lemosho Routes
- Expert hikers – Umbwe Route
- Most popular Mount Kilimanjaro route – Machame Route
- Longest Mt Kilimanjaro route – Northern circuit
- During rainy season – Rongai Route
- Highest success rate? – 8 days Lemosho Route or 9 days Northern Circuit
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is possible year-round, but some seasons are better than others. At Tanzania Specialist, we recommend planning your Kilimanjaro trip based on your needs.
The two main climbing seasons are the dry months: December to March and June to October. December to March is warmer with clearer skies and less snow. February is considered the best time because it’s warm with little rain. From June to October, temperatures are colder, and the trails can get busy.
During the rainy season, it’s wet, slippery, and visibility is limited, which is why most avoid it. However, some adventurous travelers prefer this time due to fewer crowds.
How to Prepare for Climbing Kilimanjaro
Though there are routes for every fitness level, you’ll need to handle 6-7 hours of walking each day on Kilimanjaro. To prepare, start going on long hikes a few months before your trip to build stamina. Aim for weekend hikes to get used to walking for longer periods.
Yoga and breathing exercises are also helpful. Stretching your body and improving your breathing can make your muscles stronger and help you feel more relaxed and ready for the challenge!
