Kilimanjaro Hiking

Kilimanjaro Hiking with Untamed East Africa Safaris is a life-changing adventure through Tanzania’s stunning landscapes. From lush rainforests to alpine deserts, hikers experience diverse ecosystems on their journey to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest summit. With expert guides and a focus on safety and sustainability, every aspect of Kilimanjaro Hiking is thoughtfully planned for an unforgettable experience. Reaching the summit is more than an accomplishment; it’s a profound connection with nature and a memory that lasts a lifetime.

Kilimanjaro Hiking Routes

Lemosho
Route

  • Duration: 7–8 days

  • Scenery: Spectacular and less crowded

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

  • Success Rate: Very high (great for acclimatization)

  • Popular For: Those wanting a quieter and scenic route

Machame
Route

  • Duration: 6–7 days

  • Scenery: Very scenic with varied landscapes

  • Difficulty: Moderate to challenging

  • Success Rate: High (good for acclimatization)

  • Popular For: Adventurous trekkers seeking beautiful views

Marangu
Route

  • Duration: 5–6 days

  • Scenery: Gentle and steady with hut accommodations

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Success Rate: Lower (due to short acclimatization time)

  • Popular For: Budget travelers & those preferring huts over tents

Umbwe
Route

  • Duration: 6 days (can extend to 7 for better acclimatization)

  • Scenery: Dramatic, rugged, and remote—dense rainforest, narrow ridges, and stunning views of the Southern Glaciers.

  • Difficulty: Very challenging – steepest and most physically demanding route on the mountain.

Rongai
Route

  • Duration: 6–7 days

  • Scenery: Drier and more remote; enters from the north

  • Difficulty: Moderate

  • Success Rate: Moderate to high

  • Popular For: Climbers looking for a less crowded route with a gradual ascent

Northern Circuit Route

  • Duration: 9 days

  • Scenery: Stunning panoramic views; remote

  • Difficulty: Long but gradual

  • Success Rate: Highest (best acclimatization)

  • Popular For: Those with time and wanting to maximize success

Shira Route

  • Duration: 7–8 days

  • Scenery: Similar to Lemosho, but starts higher

  • Difficulty: Challenging (due to fast altitude gain early)

  • Success Rate: Medium

  • Popular For: Experienced trekkers with prior altitude exposure

What kind of equipment should I bring?

Here’s a checklist of essential gear for your Kilimanjaro trek. Most of these items are available for rent through us. We recommend avoiding cotton clothing, as it tends to retain moisture and doesn’t dry well in the mountain conditions. Instead, opt for garments made from polypropylene, merino wool, silk, or fleece for better comfort and performance.

  • Waterproof jacket (not water-repellent)
  • Waterproof pants
  • Warm jacket (ski jacket or down jacket)
  • Easy pants (for over the thermal pants, but under the waterproof pants)
  • Warm pants (for evenings & the night when the summit is reached)
  • Thick hiking socks (at least 6-8 pairs)
  • Mountain boots (waterproof with ankle protection)
  • Gaiters (to wear over your shoes to keep them dry)
  • Poncho (optional)
  • Gloves (thin and thick water & windproof gloves)
  • Thermal clothing
  • Water bottle
  • Camelback
  • Sunglasses
  • Balaclava (kind of balaclava)
  • Canes
  • Backpack (this is worn by the porters – soft backpack)
  • Daypack
  • Waterproof cover for your backpack and other bags
  • Sleeping mat
  • Sleeping bag (resistant to cold)
  • Headlamp + extra batteries
  • Good sturdy clothes (long and short sleeve shirts, fleece, hiking pants and shorts)
  • Sunburn
  • Cap or hat and warm hat
  • Bandana or buff (type of scarf)
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Energy bars or gel (count on at least 2 per day)
  • Biscuits and snacks
  • Simple first-aid kit with blister plasters
  • Toiletry bag with toilet roll, soap, toothbrush, towels and antibacterial gel
  • Plastic bags/sacks (for keeping clothes and sleeping bag dry)
  • Small towel
  • Camera + extra batteries (you can’t charge your camera on the mountain)
  • Small pillow (optional)

Medication:

  • Pills for altitude sickness
  • Paracetamol/Ibuprofen
  • Diarrhoea tablets
  • Personal medicines

FAQ

Climbing Kilimanjaro: Frequently Asked Questions

Most routes take between 6 to 9 days, depending on the route and acclimatization schedule. More days increase your chances of summit success.

The best months are January–March and June–October, when the weather is relatively dry and visibility is clear.

No technical skills are needed. Kilimanjaro is a trekking peak, but good physical fitness and mental endurance are important.

The Marangu Route is considered the easiest in terms of terrain but has a lower success rate due to its short duration. Lemosho and Machame are better for acclimatization.

Basic toilet facilities are available at camps. Portable toilets can be arranged. Showers are not available during the trek.

Success rates vary by route and number of days. Longer itineraries (7+ days) have a summit success rate of 85–95%.

Yes. Kilimanjaro’s high elevation can cause altitude sickness. Choose a longer route and ascend slowly to reduce risk.

Essential gear includes layered clothing, a sleeping bag rated for cold temperatures, hiking boots, headlamp, trekking poles, and a daypack.

Yes. By Tanzanian law, all climbers must be accompanied by a registered guide and support team.

With proper preparation, a reputable tour operator, and slow ascent, it’s relatively safe. However, you should consult your doctor and have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking.

Preparation for climbing Kilimanjaro

Climbing Kilimanjaro requires a good level of fitness. The high altitude, basic camping conditions, and tough terrain can be physically demanding. Your body will be challenged by shifting temperatures, varying elevations, and several days of continuous effort in these conditions.

If you maintain an active lifestyle and are generally healthy, you’re likely capable of reaching the summit. However, the better prepared you are, the easier and more enjoyable the trek will be. We suggest beginning light training a few weeks in advance—such as going on hikes while carrying a backpack filled with books—to help your body adapt to the physical demands of the climb.

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