Mount Kilimanjaro travel guide

Kilimanjaro National Park covers an area of 760 sq km (293 sq miles). It was gazetted in 1977 to protect the mountain above the 2,700-metre (8,858ft) contour and includes the two main peaks: Kibo (5,895 metres/19,340ft) and Mawenzi (5,149 metres/16,893ft). Below this is a buffer zone of Forest Reserve to the 1,800-metre (5,905ft) contour.

The summit of Kilimanjaro was first climbed in 1889 by Dr Hans Meyer and Ludwig Purtscheller. Today, more than 25,000 people a year make a bid for Africa’s highest mountain. Increasing numbers have made a considerable environmental impact on the park’s trails. Efforts are being made to counteract the erosion, and the Marangu and Mweka routes have been upgraded.

Climbing Kili: operators and when to go 

Climbing Kilimanjaro can be arranged through tour operators in Moshi and Arusha and at the park headquarters at Marangu. The best months to climb the mountain are January, February and September. July and August are also good, but colder. Prices vary, but it pays to go with a reputable tour operator, as scrimping on price usually equates to poor equipment. If you book a tour from the UK or the US, the tour operator will put together an itinerary tailored to your needs.

The cost of your climb

Climbing the mountain is not cheap. National park fees, used to conserve the environment, include a daily entrance fee of US$60 per person, a hut/camping fee of US$50 per night, and a rescue fee of US$20 per climb. Allow for costs relating to porters, guides, food and transport, and you must expect a budget climb for two to four people to cost at least US$1,100 per person.

Climbing costs differ widely, according to the route taken, the number of days spent on the mountain and the number of people in the party. Camping is more expensive than staying in huts as more equipment needs to be carried. In addition to the amount paid for the climb itself, it is important to budget for tipping the guides and porters. Approximate figures per day are US$20 for the guide, $15 for the cook and $10 for each porter, but be sure to ascertain the going rate from tour operators before departing.

Preparing for altitude

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is marketed as an easy trek to the roof of Africa, attracting many people who have little experience of hill-walking, let alone climbing – and who arrive ill-prepared. Kilimanjaro should not be underestimated: it claims several lives a year. Although walking on the easy routes – Marangu and Rongai – may not be taxing, few take into account the effects of altitude (headaches and nausea), which can be pronounced and debilitating. Being super-fit does not guarantee scaling the summit. You can double your chances of reaching the top by spending several days acclimatising and preferably walking at altitude, before the climb.

Many routes give a number of options for the days taken. It pays to spend an extra day on the mountain if time allows.

Read more about Kili's climbers through history – from Ethiopian emperors to US presidents