Have you always wanted to visit Africa? Or climb Kilimanjaro? Well, you can do both. You may be telling yourself that climbing Kilimanjaro is too difficult. However, it is not as daunting as it may seem. By following the steps below you’ll be on your way to the Roof of Africa’s and an adventure of a lifetime.
Step 1 – Choose a time of year to go
Step 2 – Choose a route
Step 3 – Choose the number of days on the mountain
Step 4 – Book a climb
Step 5 – Book a flight
Step 6 – Prepare
Step 7 – Travel to Tanzania
Step 8 – Climb 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
Rainy Season. Only go if you are an experienced backpacker that doesn’t mind the rain.
STEP 2: Choose a Route
Private or Group Climb Routes
10-Day Lemosho Private or Group
9-Day Machame Private or Group
11-Day Northern Circuit Private or Group
8-Day Rongai Private or Group
Private Only Climb Routes
9-Day Lemosho Private
8-Day Machame Private
8-Day Marangu Private
12-Day Northern Crater Private
9-Day Rongai Private
STEP 3: Choose the Number of 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 at $2,495 See here: https://peakplanet.com/dates-prices/#group
- Airfare from the United States ranges from $1,500-$3,000 depending on the time of year, location, and airlines
- Remember to tip. Tipping is approximately $300 per person See more here: https://peakplanet.com/tipping-on-kilimanjaro/
- Tanzanian Visa is $100 for US Citizens and can be purchased at the airport. We do recommend you do it in advance. Read more here: https://peakplanet.com/faq-items/do-i-need-a-passport-andor-visa-to-get-into-tanzania/
STEP 5: Book a Flight
Once you receive a trip confirmation email, you can book your flights.
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)
- See more options here: https://peakplanet.com/where-do-you-fly-to-climb-kilimanjaro/
STEP 6: Prepare
- 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
- Read more here: https://peakplanet.com/climb-preparation/#training
- Gather Gear: https://peakplanet.com/climb-preparation/#gear
STEP 7: Travel to Tanzania
- Arrive a day early to accommodate flight delays and lost or delayed luggage
- Recover from the long flight
- Attend trip briefing
- Participate in pre-climb health check
- Get some rest
STEP 8: Trek to the Summit of Kilimanjaro
Summit night begins at midnight. After a long 7-hour hike at near freezing temperatures, you will reach this sign
