Climb Kilimanjaro Treks

Name: Kilimanjaro
Brand: Exodus
Rating: 4.7 (235 reviews)

Top 5 Highlights of Climbing Kilimanjaro

Majestic Views

One of the most compelling reasons to embark on a Kilimanjaro trek is the breathtaking scenery that awaits you at every turn. As you ascend through the mountain’s diverse ecosystems, from lush rainforest to alpine desert, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the surrounding plains and distant peaks of Tanzania. The sight of the sunrise from the summit is nothing short of awe-inspiring, with the vast expanse of the African landscapes unfolding before your eyes.

Cultural Experience

Kilimanjaro is not just a mountain, it’s a symbol of Tanzania’s rich cultural heritage. During your climb, you’ll have the opportunity to interact with the local guides and porters who accompany you on your journey. Learning about their customs, traditions and way of life adds a deeper dimension to your experience and you’ll form a sense of camaraderie and mutual respect that transcends any language barriers. You’ll also have the opportunity to visit an authentic village, meet the Maasai tribes and sample the traditional food of Tanzania.

Sense of Accomplishment

Reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro is a monumental achievement that fills you with a profound sense of pride and accomplishment. Standing on top of the highest peak in Africa, surrounded by sweeping vistas and endless skies, you’ll feel a rush of adrenaline and a surge of emotion unlike any other. The sense of triumph and fulfilment knowing what you’ve overcome during the Kilimanjaro trek is an experience that will stay with you for the rest of your life.

Personal Growth

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not just a physical feat, it’s also a journey of self-discovery and personal growth. The mental and emotional challenges you face along the way, from battling altitude sickness to overcoming self-doubt, push you to confront your fears and limitations head-on. By conquering these obstacles, you’ll emerge from the experience stronger, more confident and better equipped to tackle whatever challenges life throws your way. The friendships you make along the way and the sheer joy that you experience with your fellow climbers create bonds that endure long after your journey is over.

Wildlife Encounters

As well as imposing peaks and phenomenal views, Kilimanjaro National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including elephants, giraffes, zebras, lions and hyenas. While climbing this iconic mountain that dominates Tanzania’s landscape, you may catch a glimpse of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat, adding a further element of excitement to your adventure. The chance to witness such magnificent wildlife up close is a privilege that few other climbing destinations can offer.

Mount Kilimanjaro Treks & Tours

The only place on land where you can clearly see the curvature of the Earth, Mount Kilimanjaro in Tanzania is the world’s tallest freestanding mountain.

As you ascend through farmland, into lush rainforest that gives way to alpine meadows, and finally traverse across a lunar landscape; you will you reach the climax of your Mount Kilimanjaro trek. Immerging through the clouds, the snow-capped mountain of Kilimanjaro provides the stunning backdrop to the national park. Watch herds of elephants grazing alongside giraffes and zebras as they keep a watchful lookout for lions and hyenas.

Climbing Kilimanjaro will not only fill you with an immense sense of achievement, but also a sense of wonder as you gaze down at the natural beauty of Africa, admiring the endless scenery before it disappears over the horizon.

There are seven incredible routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. The Rongai and Lemosho routes are much less crowded and take you on a breath taking journey through farmland, forests and alpine scenery. When taking the Lemosho Route, you’ll trek along the caldera of Shira Volcano and below Kibo’s icefields. As you take in some of the world’s most spellbinding views on this Kilimanjaro trek, you’ll experience an immense feeling of achievement like no other.

There is full porterage throughout your climb and each of our tours is accompanied by an expert guide who’ll not only provide you with the encouragement and motivation to continue when the going gets tough, but they’ll also share their knowledge about Kilimanjaro and the culture of Tanzania.

Ngumu – The Porters of Kilimanjaro

‘Ngumu’ shines a spotlight on the incredible female porters of Mt. Kilimanjaro. This powerful new film follows Olympic Gold Medalist Crista Cullen as she embarks on a journey with the pioneering women changing the face of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Recommended Trips

Kilimanjaro Climb – Lemosho Route

Kilimanjaro Climb Rongai Route

Exodus and Kilimanjaro

Exodus Travels has been leading Kilimanjaro treks for many years, providing expert guides for exceptional trips. We make every effort to work closely with the national park and local partners in Arusha, always ensuring the best standards of practice. We believe it’s of great importance to take good care of our porters and by sponsoring the Kilimanjaro porter project, we’re able to provide training, education and fair wages. As well as forming a rainy season school for porters and guides with The African Walking Company, Exodus is also a member of the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP), helping to improve working conditions.

FAQs on Kilimanjaro

How hard is Kilimanjaro Trekking and how fit do you have to be?

Trekking Kilimanjaro is challenging; however, it requires no special expertise or mountaineering equipment. On our tours we allow plenty of time for acclimatisation, as well as soaking up the scenery. We suggest you have a good level of fitness for climbing Kilimanjaro – we want you to make the most out this awe-inspiring experience. However, should you encounter any trouble with your fitness you’re in safe hands, all our groups are led by experienced Chagga guides and porters, who are on hand to help and offer you encouragement. And, because our group sizes are small, you’ll have all the care and attention you need to help your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Are there guides when I’m climbing Kilimanjaro?

You can rest assured that when climbing Kilimanjaro, you will receive expert instruction from our first-class Chagga guides, who will be there to help and encourage you throughout your trek.

All our guides have comprehensive first aid training, and they carry portable oxygen to treat altitude sickness. We provide one guide for every two guests on our climbs – your safety is of paramount importance to us.

How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro and what is the best month to do it?

Our Kilimanjaro trips have been designed to provide you with enough time to acclimatise for your Kilimanjaro trek and reach the 5895m summit. Our incredible trips start from eight days and involve six days of walking. With the option of extending your trip for a few days so you can explore the beautiful coast of Zanzibar.

The best months to climb Kilimanjaro are the driest months of year, especially January, February, August and September. But any time between January and mid-March or between June and October offers reasonable chances of good weather.

What are the routes to climb Kilimanjaro?

There are seven main routes that take you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro: Lemosho, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Machame (Whiskey Route), Shira, Marangu and Umbwe. Each route has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it’s important to choose the right one for you. We would recommend taking either the Lemosho or Rongai route as they are much less crowded than the others. While Rongai is considered one of the easier routes owing to its more gradual ascent, Lemosho is often favoured for its more dramatic scenery.

How do you prevent altitude sickness when climbing Kilimanjaro?

Standing at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is the highest peak in Africa so it’s no surprise that trekking to the summit comes with its challenges. One challenge that is particularly dangerous is altitude sickness, with most climbers experiencing some symptoms nearer to the summit where there is almost 50% less oxygen than at sea level. These symptoms can include headache, nausea, loss of appetite and fatigue. To help avoid altitude sickness you should stay hydrated, take your time and walk slowly to conserve your energy, and opt for a longer route that allows you more time to acclimatise.

Are there toilets on Kilimanjaro?

You may be surprised to learn that this is a very common question to ask and even more surprised that the answer is yes, there are toilets on Kilimanjaro. Obviously, you shouldn’t expect the kind of toilets we have at home but on our Kilimanjaro tours, we do provide private tent toilets at each camp.

What facilities do the camps have on a Kilimanjaro trek?

On each of our treks, you’ll have full-service camping in a three-person tent, with a private toilet tent provided. Sleeping bags and mats are not provided so you need to bring your own. For an additional fee, you can reserve a single tent. There is a communal tent for breakfast and dinner, equipped with chairs, tables and a light. In the morning and afternoon, you’re given a bowl of hot water for washing, apart from at the highest camp where no water is available.

How do I book my Mount Kilimanjaro trek?

Whether you’re looking to challenge yourself by climbing Kilimanjaro in six days or would prefer to take your time and explore the wilderness, we have a tour for you or can create something bespoke. Please get in touch with one of our team.