Uhuru Peak
The highest point in Africa, reached at sunrise after a night climb from high camp.
Mount Kilimanjaro
Stand on the roof of Africa
- Best time
- January – early March and June – October
- Recommended stay
- 7 – 8 days on the mountain for a good summit chance
- Nearest airport
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Main attraction
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
About Mount Kilimanjaro
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. Its summit, Uhuru Peak on the Kibo cone, stands at 5,895 metres. No technical climbing is needed, so fit walkers with good preparation can reach the top.
The climb passes through five climate zones, from farmland and rainforest through heath and moorland to alpine desert and the glaciers of the summit. Success depends mostly on acclimatisation, which is why longer routes have higher summit rates.
All SASU Tours climbs use licensed mountain guides, fairly paid porters, quality camping gear and daily health checks.
- Summit
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- National park
- Kilimanjaro NP (KINAPA)
- Status
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Trek length
- 5 – 9 days
What makes it special
Barranco Wall
A steep but non-technical scramble with huge views, on the Machame and Lemosho routes.
Summit glaciers
The shrinking ice fields near the crater rim, glowing at sunrise.
Shira Plateau
A high volcanic plateau with wide views of Kibo, crossed on western routes.
Things to do
Summit treks
Six routes from 5 to 9 days.
Day hikes
Day walks to Mandara Hut or the Maundi Crater.
Acclimatisation hikes
Mount Meru or Arusha National Park before the climb.
Kilimanjaro routes
Six main routes lead to Uhuru Peak. Compare them below, then open a route for stages, inclusions and equipment. Prices are per person for 2 climbers and include park fees, guides, porters, meals and camping equipment. Success rates are typical industry figures and depend on fitness, weather and acclimatisation.
| Route | Days | Difficulty | Summit success | Sleeping | Crowds | From (pp) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Marangu Route | 5–6 days | Moderate | ≈ 65% | Huts | Busy | TSh 4,550,000lowest price |
| Machame Route | 6–7 days | Challenging | ≈ 85% | Camping | Busy | TSh 5,330,000 |
| Lemosho Route | 7–8 days | Challenging | ≈ 90% | Camping | Moderate | TSh 6,370,000 |
| Rongai Route | 6–7 days | Moderate | ≈ 80% | Camping | Quiet | TSh 5,590,000 |
| Northern CircuitHighest success | 8–9 days | Challenging | ≈ 95% | Camping | Quiet | TSh 7,410,000 |
| Umbwe Route | 6–7 days | Demanding | ≈ 70% | Camping | Quiet | TSh 5,460,000 |
What to pack
Most items can be hired in Moshi. We send a full packing list after booking.
- Sleeping bag rated to −10 °C
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Down jacket
- Thermal base layers
- Broken-in hiking boots
- Warm hat, gloves and buff
- Head torch with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Sunglasses and SPF 50 sunscreen
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (3 L)
- Day pack (30–35 L)
- Personal first-aid kit
When to go
January – early March and June – October
- January: Best
- February: Best
- March: Good
- April: Rainy / low season
- May: Rainy / low season
- June: Good
- July: Best
- August: Best
- September: Best
- October: Good
- November: Rainy / low season
- December: Good
- Best
- Good
- Rainy / low season
April – May are the wettest months. January – February are warmer; July – September are colder but clearer.
Recommended stay: 7 – 8 days on the mountain for a good summit chance
Getting there
Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), about 1 hour from Moshi and the park gates. We transfer you to your hotel for a gear check and briefing the evening before the climb.
Nearest airports & airstrips
- Kilimanjaro International AirportJRO
Where to stay
Mountain tents on all routes except Marangu, which uses dormitory huts. Before and after the climb we book hotels in Moshi or Arusha.
Entry and conservation fees
| Fee | Amount (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Conservation fee — adult non-resident | $70 per person / day | +18% VAT |
| Camping fee | $50 per person / night | Camping routes |
| Hut fee | $60 per person / night | Marangu route |
| Rescue fee | $20 per person / climb |
All park fees are included in SASU Tours climb prices.
Park and conservation fees are set by TANAPA, NCAA and the Zanzibar authorities and can change. Figures shown are indicative; your quotation always uses the current official rates.
Requirements & safety
- Climbing with a licensed guide is required by Kilimanjaro National Park
- Minimum age 10 years for the summit
- Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and evacuation
- A medical check is recommended, especially for heart or lung conditions
Safety
Altitude sickness is the main risk. We follow a slow pace (pole pole), build in acclimatisation days, check oxygen levels twice a day and carry emergency oxygen and a first-aid kit.
Any climber showing serious symptoms is taken down immediately. Guides have the final say on continuing to the summit.
Mount Kilimanjaro in pictures
Tours & safaris
Packages that visit Mount Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro Trekking
Kilimanjaro via Machame Route
Machame Gate · Shira · Barranco · Uhuru Peak
- Guided trek
- Summit night
- Park fees
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