National Park · Northern Tanzania
Kilimanjaro National Park
Protects Africa's highest peak and the world's tallest free-standing mountain, at 5,895m — a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
How to get there
By road from Moshi or Arusha, the main climbing gateway towns.
What to find
Multi-day summit treks along several official routes, and an ecosystem that shifts from rainforest to alpine desert to arctic summit.
Overview
Mount Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest mountain, with Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m, and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. The national park protects the upper mountain and its forest belt, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1987.
Climbers pass through five climate zones in a few days: farmland, rainforest, heath and moorland, alpine desert and the arctic summit. You don't need technical climbing skills, but good fitness, a good crew and enough time to acclimatise make all the difference.
Highlights
- Sunrise at Uhuru Peak, the 'Roof of Africa'
- Remaining glaciers and the Kibo crater
- Routes through rainforest, moorland and alpine desert
- Views over the plains and, on clear days, Mount Meru
Things to do
Summit climbs
Routes include Machame, Lemosho, Marangu (with huts), Rongai and the Northern Circuit. Allow 6 to 9 days.
Day hikes
Walks in the forest zone, with no summit attempt.
Coffee and culture
Chagga villages on the lower slopes, near Moshi.
Best time to visit
The driest months are January to early March and June to October. April and May are the wettest.
Getting there
Kilimanjaro International Airport lies between Moshi and Arusha, both less than an hour away. Trailheads are a short drive from Moshi.
Where to stay
Hotels in Moshi and Arusha before and after the climb, and tented camps or huts on the mountain.
See accommodation options in Tanzania →
Good to know
- Longer routes (7 or more days) give much better summit success rates.
- The minimum age for the summit is 10.
- Bring proper cold-weather gear. Summit night is below freezing.
Permit prices, park rules and access can change. We always confirm the latest details when we plan your trip.