Mount Kilimanjaro
Conquer the Roof of Africa. Stand at 5,895 meters on the highest single free-standing mountain in the world and one of the legendary Seven Summits.
5,895m
Elevation (Uhuru Peak)
6 – 9 Days
Duration Options
Non-Technical
High-Altitude Trekking
Tents & Huts
Accommodation
Every Mountaineer’s Dream
Mount Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcano in Tanzania and the highest peak on the African continent. Unlike the highly technical glaciated peaks of the Rwenzori, Kilimanjaro is famously known as a “walk-up” mountain.
However, do not underestimate it. While you don’t need ropes or ice axes, the extreme altitude demands serious stamina, mental resilience, and proper acclimatization. As you ascend, you will hike through five incredibly distinct ecological zones: from lush, humid rainforests at the base, through heather and moorlands, into stark alpine deserts, and finally into the freezing arctic zone at the summit.
Summiting Uhuru Peak as the sun rises over the African plains below is an emotional, monumental achievement. 6Summits applies our trademark expedition logistics, expert guiding, and strict safety protocols to ensure you reach the roof of Africa safely.
The Best Kilimanjaro Routes
There are multiple paths to the summit. Your choice of route dramatically impacts your scenery, the crowds, and—most importantly—your success rate due to acclimatization.
The Lemosho Route
8 DaysOur #1 Recommendation. Approaching from the west, Lemosho is widely considered the most beautiful route on the mountain. Because it is longer (8 days), it offers an excellent “climb high, sleep low” acclimatization profile, leading to the highest success rates.
The Machame Route
7 DaysKnown as the “Whiskey Route,” Machame is the most popular route on Kilimanjaro. It is steeper and more challenging than others, but it offers spectacular scenery and a very strong acclimatization profile. Best done over 7 days.
The Northern Circuit
9 DaysThe newest and longest route on the mountain. It shares the beautiful western start with Lemosho but then circles around the quiet, remote northern slopes. With 9 days on the mountain, this route boasts a near-perfect summit success rate.
The Marangu Route
6 DaysDubbed the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only route that uses wooden sleeping huts instead of tents. It is the shortest and cheapest route, but because it ascends quickly, it suffers from a significantly lower summit success rate.
Need to Know Before You Go
Best Time to Climb
Kilimanjaro is best climbed during the dry seasons: January to mid-March (warmest, clearest skies) and June to October (cooler, but very reliable weather). We avoid the heavy rains of April and November.
Extreme Temperatures
You will start in a hot rainforest (25°C / 77°F) and end in the arctic summit zone where night temperatures frequently drop to -15°C (5°F). Layering is critical. A high-quality down jacket and a -15°C sleeping bag are mandatory.
Altitude & Safety
Altitude sickness is the #1 reason climbers fail. Our guides conduct twice-daily health checks using pulse oximeters. We strictly enforce a “Pole Pole” (slowly, slowly) trekking pace to ensure your body adjusts safely.
Plan Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Let our expedition experts help you choose the right route and secure your dates.