Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is not as daunting a task as it may seem. Follow these easy steps and you’ll be on your way to the top of Africa’s tallest mountain.
Step 1 – Choose a time of year to go
Step 2 – Choose a route
Step 3 – Choose the number of days you want to be on the mountain
Step 4 – Book a climb
Step 5 – Book a flight
Step 6 – Start Training
Step 7 – Summit at the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro
STEP 1: Choose the Time to Go
BEST
- September
- October
Cheaper Flights
Best Weather
BETTER
- January
- February
- December
Decent Weather
Lodges may cost a little more
Airfare is reasonable
GOOD
- June
- July
- August
Expensive Flights
Coldest Season
Less Crowded
BAD
- March
- April
- May
- November
Don’t Go
Rainy Season
STEP 2: Choose a Route
Lemosho 10-Day
Northern Circuit 11-Day
Machame 9-Day
Machame 8-Day
Rongai 9-Day
Rongai 8-Day
Shira 10-Day
STEP 3: Choose the Number of Days for Your Climb
6 Days
7 Days
8 Days
9 Days
SUMMIT SUCCESS RATE
- A successful summit greatly depends on your ability to acclimate to the high altitude
- Spending more days on the mountain gives your body more time to get used to the low oxygen environment
STEP 4: Book a Climb
HOW MUCH DOES IT COST?
- Group Climbs Start around $2,500
- Airfare from the United States ranges from $1,500-$3,000 depending on the time of year
- Remember to tip. Tipping is approximately $300 per person
- Tanzanian Visa is $100 for US Citizens and can be purchased at the airport
STEP 5: Book a Flight
Fly from the USA
- Fly KLM/Delta to Amsterdam to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
- Fly Ethiopian Air from Washington D.C. to Addis Abada to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
STEP 6: Start Training
- Climbing Kilimanjaro is Tough Mentally and Physically
- Hike for 2-4 Hours, 2-3 Times a Week
- No Trails Nearby? Walk on a Treadmill at an Incline
- Wear a 15 Lb Backpack While Training
- Walk Up and Down Hills
STEP 7: Summit Mount Kilimanjaro
Summit night begins at midnight. After a long 7-hour hike at near freezing temperatures, you will reach this sign
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