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Kilimanjaro · Our home mountain

5,895 metres. Africa's roof.
From the town at its foot.

We guide climbers up Kilimanjaro from Moshi — its hometown. Five routes, careful pacing, real success rates, and a summit night you’ve actually trained for.

See climbing routes Talk to a Kili specialist

5,895m

Summit elevation

3

Volcanic cones
Kibo · Mawenzi · Shira

5

Ecological zones
rainforest to arctic

65–93%

Our summit success by route

  • - About the mountain

The highest free-standing mountain on earth.

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Kilimanjaro isn’t part of a range. It rises in isolation from the East African plains, a dormant stratovolcano whose three cones — Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira — together make the highest peak in Africa and the tallest free-standing mountain anywhere on earth.

Climbing it doesn’t require technical skills. You don’t need crampons, ropes, or prior mountaineering experience. What you do need is patience, fitness, and a guide team that understands altitude. The summit isn’t dangerous if you climb it slowly. It’s dangerous if you climb it fast.

Most failed Kili summits come down to one of two things: bad acclimatisation, or rushed pace from operators trying to cut a day off the itinerary. We don’t cut days. We’ve been doing this from Moshi long enough to know which corners aren’t worth cutting.

  • - Five routes up the mountain

Pick the right route,
climb a different mountain.

Kili has five established climbing routes, each with its own character — scenery, difficulty, length, success rate, and price. Here's what to know about each, and which one to pick.

  • Most popular

Machame

The "Whisky Route" · 7 days

Kili's most famous trail and the one we run more often than any other. Strong acclimatisation, the classic Lava Tower and Barranco Wall sections, stunning scenery throughout. Best for first-timers wanting the iconic Kili experience.

See full Machame itinerary →

  • Highest success rate

Lemosho

8-day western approach

Our recommended route if you can spare an extra day. Approaches Kili from the west across the Shira Plateau, with one extra acclimatisation day. Quieter trails for the first three days, highest summit success of any route we run.

See full Lemosho itinerary →

  • Hut-based · No camping

Marangu

The "Coca-Cola Route" · 6 days

The only Kili route with sleeping huts instead of tents. Six days, more direct ascent. We're honest: the lower success rate is real — faster acclimatisation means more altitude failures. But if camping isn't an option, this is the right pick.

See full Marangu itinerary →

  • Drier · Quieter

Rongai

7-day northern approach

Approaches Kili from the north — the drier, more remote side. Fewer climbers, more wildlife on the lower slopes. Best for the November–March wet season when other routes are muddier. A wilder, quieter feel throughout.

See full Rongai itinerary →

  • Longest · Best acclimatisation

Northern Circuit

9-day full circumnavigation

The newest and longest route. Nine days circling Kili's north side — the most thorough acclimatisation profile and the highest success rate of any Kili route. Best for those worried about altitude, coming from sea level, or wanting the patient way up.

See full Northern itinerary →

Talk it through with us.

A 30-min planning call · WhatsApp

Tell us your dates, fitness, and what you want from the climb. We'll recommend the right route, send a sample itinerary, and answer everything — no pressure, no commitment.

Start a planning chat →

Which route should you actually pick?

Honest answer: it depends. Here's the short decision tree we use when planning.

  • First-time climber, average fitness: Machame (7 days) or Lemosho (8 days). Lemosho if you can spare the extra day.
  • Worried about altitude or coming from sea level: Northern Circuit (9 days). Highest success rate, most acclimatisation.
  • Need huts, not tents (children, mobility, preference): Marangu (6 days). Lower success rate, but the right pick if camping is off the table.
  • Climbing in wet season (Nov–March): Rongai (7 days). Drier northern slopes, less mud.
  • Tight schedule, want short and steep: We'd usually steer you to Marangu before suggesting very short routes — the success rate drop isn't worth the saved day.

Success rate calculator

Your summit chance, honestly estimated

Estimated summit chance

—

Estimated from our own climb records. Route and days matter more than fitness, which is why we push the longer itineraries.

Get a plan for these odds

Group departures

Join a group climb

Pick a date and you climb with an existing group, led by the same guides who run our private expeditions. Prices are per person, sharing.

17Nov2026

Lemosho Route, 8 days

17–26 November 2026 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
19Nov2026

Machame Route, 7 days

19–26 November 2026 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
30Nov2026

Machame Route, 7 days

30 Nov–7 Dec 2026 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
17Dec2026

Lemosho Route, 8 days

17–26 December 2026 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
19Dec2026

Machame Route, 7 days

19–26 December 2026 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
15Jan2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

15–24 January 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
17Jan2027

Machame Route, 7 days

17–24 January 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
30Jan2027

Machame Route, 7 days

30 Jan–6 Feb 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
13Feb2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

13–22 February 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
15Feb2027

Machame Route, 7 days

15–22 February 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
28Feb2027

Machame Route, 7 days

28 Feb–7 Mar 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
15Mar2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

15–24 March 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
17Mar2027

Machame Route, 7 days

17–24 March 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
30Mar2027

Machame Route, 7 days

30 Mar–6 Apr 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
12Jun2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

12–21 June 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
14Jun2027

Machame Route, 7 days

14–21 June 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
27Jun2027

Machame Route, 7 days

27 Jun–4 Jul 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
11Jul2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

11–20 July 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
13Jul2027

Machame Route, 7 days

13–20 July 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
26Jul2027

Machame Route, 7 days

26 Jul–2 Aug 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
10Aug2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

10–19 August 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
12Aug2027

Machame Route, 7 days

12–19 August 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
25Aug2027

Machame Route, 7 days

25 Aug–1 Sep 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
08Sep2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

8–17 September 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
10Sep2027

Machame Route, 7 days

10–17 September 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
23Sep2027

Machame Route, 7 days

23–30 September 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
08Oct2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

8–17 October 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
10Oct2027

Machame Route, 7 days

10–17 October 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
23Oct2027

Machame Route, 7 days

23–30 October 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
07Nov2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

7–16 November 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
09Nov2027

Machame Route, 7 days

9–16 November 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
22Nov2027

Machame Route, 7 days

22–29 November 2027 · 8 days

Dark-sky summit night, quieter trail

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
06Dec2027

Lemosho Route, 8 days

6–15 December 2027 · 10 days

Full-moon summit night

2,750 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD
08Dec2027

Machame Route, 7 days

8–15 December 2027 · 8 days

Summit the night after full moon

2,350 USDper person
Places available12 places left of 12
  • Airport transfers, arrival and departure
  • Two hotel nights, one before and one after the climb
  • Professional English-speaking mountain guides
Join groupDeposit 200 USD

A departure is confirmed as soon as two climbers have joined it. We never merge groups or move a date without asking you first.

  • - How we climb

The way we do this matters
more than the route.

  • No. 01

Pacing — pole pole, always

Pole pole means "slowly" in Swahili, and it's not just a saying — it's the strategy. We walk slow on purpose. Acclimatisation depends on giving your body time at altitude. We don't shave days off itineraries to cut prices.

  • No. 02

Porter welfare

We follows guidelines for fair wages, weight limits, proper gear, and three meals a day. Most operators say they do this. Ask them for receipts. We can provide ours.

  • No. 03

Guides — multi-summit, certified

Every climb is led by a Tanzania-certified guide with at least 30 prior summits and current Wilderness First Responder certification. Your guide speaks fluent English, Swahili, and usually one other language.

  • No. 04

Equipment — four-season tents, proper mess

North Face VE-25 tents (or equivalent). A dining tent with chairs and a table, not a tarpaulin on the ground. Pulse oximeters every morning and evening. Oxygen and a Gamow bag carried on every climb.

  • No. 05

Group size — small, by default

Our climbs are private by default — your group, no strangers. We can run small joiners (max 6 climbers) if you'd prefer to share costs, but most clients climb privately. Smaller groups acclimatise better.

  • No. 06

Safety — we call climbs off when we should

The hardest decision on Kili is whether to send someone down. We do it when we should. No guide bonus for summit rates, no pressure to push someone who isn't well. The mountain isn't going anywhere.

What's INCLUDED in every Kili price

  • All Kilimanjaro National Park fees and gate taxes
  • Porter wages
  • Tanzania-certified lead guide + assistant guides as needed
  • All meals on the mountain, prepared by our mountain chef
  • Tents, sleeping mats, group equipment
  • Pre-climb briefing and equipment check in Moshi
  • Round-trip transfers between Moshi and the route gate
  • Bottled water and purification on the mountain
  • Oxygen, pulse oximeter, and Gamow bag — carried on every climb
  • First night accommodation in Moshi (before climb)

What's NOT included (transparent)

  • Tanzania visa ($50–$100, paid on arrival)
  • International flights to/from Kilimanjaro Airport
  • Personal gear rental — sleeping bag, hiking poles (~$150 total, we arrange)
  • Tips for guides and porters (industry standard: $200–$350 per climber)
  • Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation (mandatory — we verify)
  • Alcoholic drinks
  • - Best time to climb

Two dry seasons.
Two wet seasons. Pick yours.

Kili has clear best and worst months. Here's the honest breakdown — not just the marketing version.

January – mid-March

One of the two best windows. Cooler nights at altitude (good for summit night — less likely to overheat), drier trails, smaller crowds outside Christmas/New Year. February is our personal favourite month. Limited rain, excellent visibility, fewer climbers.

Late March – mid-May

The long rainy season. Trails are muddy, summit views often clouded, summit night colder and wetter. We don't recommend climbing during this window unless you have no other option — and we'll tell you that honestly upfront.

June – October

The most popular window. Dry, stable, predictable. July, August, and September are peak months — book 6–9 months ahead. Trails are busier (especially Machame), but conditions are excellent. The window everyone tells you to climb in, and they're right.

November – early December

The shorter rainy season. Some afternoons see rain on the lower routes; summit conditions can still be clear. Rongai (the drier northern side) climbs well during this period. We can run climbs in November, but we'll discuss the trade-offs first.

Mid-December – early January

Strong demand around Christmas and New Year. Often clear conditions, but expect crowded routes and premium pricing. Book 9+ months ahead if you want this window.

  • - Frequently asked

Questions we actually get asked.

Reasonably fit. If you can walk for 6 hours a day with a small daypack on consecutive days, you have the fitness for Kili. We recommend at least three months of training: hiking with a pack, stairs, cardio. The summit night is 12–14 hours of slow walking at altitude — it's about endurance, not raw strength.
Altitude affects everyone — some more than others. Most people experience mild symptoms (headache, breathlessness, poor sleep). Serious symptoms (severe headache, vomiting, confusion) mean descent. Our pacing minimises risk, and we monitor every climber with a pulse oximeter daily. Diamox is commonly used (check with your doctor).
Across all our climbs, last year: 78%. By route: Marangu around 55%, Machame 75%, Lemosho 85%, Rongai 70%, Northern Circuit 90%. We track and publish these numbers honestly — many operators inflate them.
Yes, but with caveats. Tanzania National Parks require climbers to be at least 10 years old (we recommend 12+). The Marangu Route with extra days is the family-friendly option. We've taken several families up successfully — happy to discuss what's realistic for your child's age and fitness.
It happens. If you turn around for safety or simply can't continue, you'll descend with an assistant guide while the rest of the group continues. There's no "refund" for an attempted-but-not-completed climb — that's how Kili works for every operator — but you'll have climbed Kilimanjaro, which is its own thing.
We send a full kit list once you book. Most can be rented in Moshi if you don't want to fly with it (sleeping bag, poles, gaiters, down jacket). Essential items you should bring: broken-in hiking boots, base layers, warm clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a daypack, and a good water bottle.
Statistically: less dangerous than people fear. The biggest risk is altitude sickness, which is preventable with good pacing and quickly resolved by descent. Our team carries oxygen and a Gamow bag (portable pressure chamber) on every climb. Travel insurance with high-altitude evacuation is mandatory.
If you're doing both: climb first, safari second. Reason: you're freshest at the start, and altitude is taxing. Coming off a relaxing safari into a 6-day climb is harder. We can plan the whole trip — see our Combo Trips.
  • - Already in Tanzania?

Most climbers don't just climb.

Two-thirds of our Kili climbers extend their trip — usually with a private safari before or after the climb, often with a few recovery days on Zanzibar. Coming all the way to Tanzania for just six days on Kili is leaving 90% of the country unseen.

Because we plan the whole trip ourselves, there's no extra coordination cost. One team, one quote, one team meeting you at the airport. Our Combo Trips start at $9,500 per guest.

See combo trips →
  • - Climber reviews

What summit night actually felt like.

 
 
 
 
 
 
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Salha M profile picture 
 
 
 Salha M 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Memorable honeymoon
Had a great time in Zanzibar with my newly wed husband...spent our time in the luxurious resorts in zanzibar..while visiting amazing places beaches , beautiful dining and private transportation all made possible by África Amaze...we had a very good experience from our arrival to our depature..the team is very friendly charming and fun to be around with... a great memory we created ..Thanks To África Amaze
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 Hans P profile picture 
 
 
 Hans P 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
I went on safari with Africa Amaze, and honestly, it’s an experience I’ll never forget. From Serengeti plains to the incredible views of Ngorongoro, every moment felt special. The team really went out of their way to make sure everything was smooth, and you can tell they genuinely care.
  
 
  
 
 
 
 Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor 
 
 mohammed m profile picture 
 
 
 mohammed m 
 
 
 
 Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified 
Amazing Family Safari!
We had such a great time in Tanzania with Africa Amaze. Everything went smoothly, and our kids loved every moment. We saw so many animals and stayed in beautiful places. The team took care of every detail. Highly recommended!
  
 
  
 
 
 
 
    
 
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Ask the office

Questions answered by the people who run the climb

Real questions from travellers, answered by our guides and the Moshi office. Ask your own and we answer it here.

No newsletter, no sales sequence. One answer.

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