KILIMANJARO TREKKING

Kilimanjaro Trekking: Your Path to the Roof of Africa

We tailor Kilimanjaro trekking, Zanzibar retreats, and guided safari experiences to ensure that each adventure is not only thrilling but also deeply enriching and culturally immersive.

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OUR KILIMANJARO CLIMBING PERKS

To reach Kilimanjaro’s summit, you can choose from five distinct routes: Marangu—the easiest route, Umbwe, Rongai, Lemosho, and the popular Machame. Kilimanjaro’s unique location near the equator means it experiences mild variations, with the weather marked by dry and wet seasons rather than harsh winters and summers.

To make your ascent more enjoyable, consider planning your climb during the warmest, driest months of the year (see table below). Remember, the route you select will also determine the number of days needed to reach the summit.

For a glimpse of the mountain’s diverse ecological zones, enjoy the breathtaking short film by Laurence Hills to the left.Kilimanjaro with ease, target the warmest and driest months of the year(see table below) and also keep a note that the number of days for the summit will also depend on the route you take.

This short film(left) by Laurence Hills presents the beauty of Kilimanjaro’s ecological zones breathtakingly.

Safety & Insurance Coverage

Magical Heart of Africa partners with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue (SAR), ensuring top-tier emergency support on Kilimanjaro. With Airbus AS 350 B3 helicopters on standby at Moshi Airport, rescue operations are initiated within five minutes of receiving a distress call. Skilled pilots, expert mountain doctors, and certified emergency flight technicians are ready 24/7, and trained to respond swiftly to any emergency on the mountain.

The Kilimanjaro SAR team also manages a specialized clinic dedicated to high-altitude health, staffed around the clock by physicians and medical staff experienced in altitude-related conditions, mountain medicine, and trauma. Their work is guided by an esteemed Clinical Advisory Team specializing in high-altitude care, ensuring the best possible treatment.

Important: High-altitude travel insurance (up to 6,000 meters) is required for Kilimanjaro SAR rescue eligibility. We’ll verify insurance details with you in preparation for your trek.

When Is the Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro?

What is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro? The ideal months for a Kilimanjaro trek are the warmest and driest of the year (see table DOWN), thanks to Kilimanjaro’s equatorial location, which means it experiences only dry and wet seasons.

Why This Matters: Weather conditions play a huge role in the success and safety of your climb. Rain, mud, snow, and cold temperatures can make the trek more challenging and even risky for some travelers.
Better weather not only enhances safety but also significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit comfortably. Please note that during these peak times, routes are busier with fellow adventurers.

Seasonal Table

Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Crowds
January	Warm	Medium	Low	High
February	Warm	Medium	Low	High
March	Moderate	High	Medium	Low
April	Moderate	High	High	Low
May	Moderate	High	High	Low
June	Cold	Medium	Medium	Medium
July	Cold	Medium	Low	High
August	Cold	Low	Low	High
September	Moderate	Low	Low	High
October	Moderate	Low	Medium	Medium
November	Moderate	High	Medium	Low
December	Moderate	Medium	Medium	Medium

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Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes. Our personal favorites

MARANGU ROUTE

NO. OF DAYS: 6
PRICE FROM: $2567/PERSON/ DAY

The Marangu Route is the most popular path for trekkers aiming to summit Kilimanjaro. This route offers a gradual ascent through beautiful forests and moorlands, leading to the high-altitude desert known as the Saddle, before reaching Uhuru Point at the summit.
Not only is Marangu typically more affordable, but it also allows for a quicker ascent-summit in as little as five days, though many opt for an additional day to acclimatize comfortably. A unique feature of the Marangu Route is its hut accommodations, providing a cozy resting place that other routes lack. Keep in mind that these huts require early reservations, so plan ahead to secure your spot on this classic trek!

LEMOSHO ROUTE

NO. OF DAYS: 8

PRICE FROM: $2880/PERSON/ DAY

The Lemosho Route is Kilimanjaro’s most secluded and picturesque trail. This remote route winds through lush forests and moorlands, crossing the Shira Plateau to join with the Machame Route. Following the South Circuit, you’ll witness stunning views of the Southern Icefields, pass by Barranco Hut, and continue to Barafu before reaching the summit.

What sets the Lemosho Route apart is the unique vantage it provides of all three Kilimanjaro peaks: Shira, Mawenzi, and the summit point, Kibo. Choose the 8-day trek for a relaxed pace and ample time to acclimatize, maximizing both comfort and enjoyment along the way

UMBWE ROUTE

NO. OF DAYS: 6

PRICE FROM: $2405/PERSON/ DAY

Umbwe route is one of the most challenging routes to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route can be done in five, six, or seven days. We recommend it be done in six or seven days so as clients can stay at Baranco for acclimatization and then they can go to

lava tower the next day which is 4600m. This route follows a forested ridge to the moorlands, and then traverse below the southern ice field to reach

the Barafu Route which is followed to the summit.

RONGAI ROUTE

NO. OF DAYS: 7

PRICE FROM: $2405/PERSON/ DAY

This route is considered by many as the easiest route to reach the Summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. The route ascends from the north-eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya and offers a different perspective due to its unspoiled wilderness and natural beauty. The trekking can be done in six or seven days.

MACHAME

NO. OF DAYS: 6

PRICE FROM: $2170/PERSON/DAY

The route begins from the south, then heads east, traversing underneath Kilimanjaro’s southern ice field

before summiting. Widely known as the “Whiskey” route, the Machame route is now the most popular route compared to the famous Marangu route, but unlike Marangu hiking days on Machame are longer

and walks are steeper. These geographical characters make Machame route a difficult climb route, a playground considered for more adventurous folks and those with some history on similar experiences like hiking or backpacking. Marangu has now become an inevitable romantic challenge for the world to take. No wonder it took over the easy-going Marangu route.

KILIMANJARO IS An Inevitable Adventure!

No doubt, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a top choice for adventurous souls. In 2019, Anne Lorimor made headlines as the oldest woman to summit Kilimanjaro at the age of 89. Standing at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, reaching Uhuru Peak does not require advanced climbing skills, but it does demand a fit and healthy condition.

Notably, the youngest climber to reach the summit is Jordan Romero from the USA, who accomplished this feat at just 10 years old in 2010.

With strong willpower and a little bit of luck, our expert trekking team, supported by a standby emergency medical helicopter evacuation service from our insurance provider, will ensure your adventure is safe and unforgettable.

Kilimanjaro can be climbed via five routes: the Marangu, Umbwe, Rongai, Lemosho, and Machame routes. Among these, Marangu is often considered the easiest, while the other routes vary in difficulty and scenery. The choice of route influences how many days you will need to complete your ascent, with each offering a unique experience on this iconic mountain.