Mount Kilimanjaro, 5,895 m
The highest free standing mountain in the world, climbed from rainforest to glaciated summit in a single trek. Six route packages, KPAP registered crews, and slow acclimatisation profiles built for the summit, not the schedule.
Mount Kilimanjaro is not just Africa's tallest peak, it is a symbol of perseverance, nature's power, and the profound beauty of Tanzania. Standing at about 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world, composed of three volcanic cones, Kibo (the summit cone), Mawenzi, and Shira. Trekking Kilimanjaro isn't merely a hike, it is a transformative journey through shifting climates, ecosystems, local communities, inner strength, and unforgettable vistas.
Here's what makes Kilimanjaro trekking such a sought after experience, what you can expect, and how to prepare, especially when trekking with Western Bridge Africa.
There are many reasons trekkers from around the world choose to climb Kilimanjaro. Some of the most common motivations include the following.
Summiting Africa's highest free standing mountain is a bucket list item for many, a milestone that stays with you for life.
From tropical rainforest at the gates to heath and moorland, alpine desert, and the glaciated ice cap of the summit, all in a single week.
Kilimanjaro does not require technical climbing skills on the standard routes, no ropes, no ice axe, though endurance, acclimatisation and fitness all matter.
Meet guides, porters and local Chagga and Maasai communities, stay in mountain huts and camps, taste local food, hear stories around the mess tent.
Sunrise from Uhuru Peak, looking out over the clouds, glaciers and the vast savannah of the Rift Valley far below.
Kilimanjaro has five established climbing routes, each with a different character, gradient and level of traffic. Choosing the right one is the single biggest decision you will make about your climb.
The Coca Cola Route
The oldest and most established path up Kilimanjaro, and the only route with permanent sleeping huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo. Ideal for climbers who prefer a bunk and a mattress to a tent. We run Marangu as a six day itinerary with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo.
The most scenic route
Starts on the quiet western side of the mountain at Lemosho Gate, crosses the vast Shira Plateau, and joins the southern circuit at Barranco. Available as a seven day or eight day itinerary. The eight day version is our overall recommendation for scenery, acclimatisation and success rate.
The Whisky Route
Kilimanjaro's most popular climb, up the south western slopes, over the Barranco Wall and along the southern glacier traverse. We run Machame as a seven day itinerary for proper acclimatisation, we do not sell the six day version.
The northern approach
The only route that ascends Kilimanjaro from the north, from Rongai Gate near the Kenyan border. Drier than the southern routes, quieter, with a very different feel. Seven days with an acclimatisation walk to Mawenzi Tarn.
The highest success rate
The longest and quietest route on Kilimanjaro, nine days circling the mountain before a fresh summit approach from the north via School Hut. Three consecutive nights above 4,000 m before the summit push produce the highest success rate of any route.
You walk from tropical rainforest at the gates, through heath and moorland, into alpine desert, and finally into the arctic summit zone of glaciers and ice, all in the space of a few days. Very few mountains in the world compress so much variety into so short a walk.
The Swahili word you will hear more than any other on the mountain is pole pole, slowly slowly. Guides deliberately walk at a slow pace to give your body time to adjust to the thinning air. Fitness helps, but pace and patience are what get climbers to the summit.
The summit push starts at midnight from your final camp, in the cold and the dark, and finishes at the crater rim around sunrise. It is the longest, coldest and hardest few hours of the climb. Everything that comes before is preparation for that single night.
You will not carry anything more than a day pack. The rest, tents, kitchen, mess tent, table and chairs, food, water, is carried, pitched and cooked by a crew of guides, an assistant guide, a chef and porters. On Marangu the huts replace the tents, but the rest of the crew remains.
Every itinerary opens to a full tabbed page with Information, day by day Itinerary, and Gallery, plus a sticky booking card.
Kilimanjaro Climb$2,540The classic Coca Cola route, the only path on Kilimanjaro with permanent mountain huts, climbed in six days from Marangu Gate to Uhuru Peak and back.
Kilimanjaro Climb$2,650The most scenic western approach to Kilimanjaro, seven days from Lemosho Gate across the Shira Plateau and up the southern circuit to Uhuru Peak.
Kilimanjaro Climb$2,890The most complete Lemosho itinerary, eight days from the western Lemosho Gate with an extra Karanga acclimatisation day before the summit push.
Kilimanjaro Climb$2,600Kilimanjaro's most scenic route, through five climate zones to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), climbed in seven days for proper acclimatisation.
Kilimanjaro Climb$2,650Kilimanjaro's only northern approach, drier, quieter, and remote. Summit via Gilman's Point with a long descent down the Marangu route.
Kilimanjaro Climb$3,205The longest, quietest and most successful route on Kilimanjaro, nine days circling the mountain before a fresh summit approach from the north.
Price per person (USD)
Our scheduled group climbs are listed below with prices and departure dates. You do not have to stick to these dates, many clients choose their own custom schedule at an additional cost, and we can open a private trek for others to join. Group sizes are capped at 10 to 15 climbers so nobody is lost in the crowd.
Arrival and Transfers
Hotel Accommodation
Mountain Transfers and Fees
Safety and Medical Support
Mountain Crew
Meals and Water
Camping and Equipment
Porter Services
Certification and Membership
Travel and Entry Requirements
Personal and Optional Expenses
Tipping and Gratuities
Insurance and Tracking
Additional Services
Altitude, not fitness, is the reason most climbers turn back on Kilimanjaro. Our itineraries are deliberately longer than the industry minimums, and every climb carries the equipment and protocols to handle altitude illness quickly if it occurs.
You will not be pushed. If your guide decides you should descend, you descend. That call has saved lives on this mountain, and we back our guides without exception.
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a year-round experience. At Western Bridge Africa, we provide expert advice on the best time for you to plan your Kilimanjaro trip based on your individual requirements.
The two main climbing seasons are the dry months from December to March and from June to October. The warmest months are from December to March. During these months the skies are clearer and there is less chance of snow on the trail. February is the best month since the temperature is high and the chances of rainfall are low. From June to October, the temperatures on the mountain are noticeably colder and the trails are busier.
During the rainy season, it can be wet, slippery and the visibility may be limited. Most climbers avoid these seasons, although some experienced climbers and adventurous travellers prefer to climb at this time. There are certainly some pros: a lack of crowds being a big draw.
Even though there is a route for every level on Mount Kilimanjaro, it is important to be able to cope with around 6 to 7 hours of walking every single day. This can be gruelling, so preparation is always a fantastic idea. During an average climbing day, you will walk 6 to 7 hours per day. In the months leading up to your trip, head out on long hikes every few weeks, gradually building up your stamina to endure a full weekend hike.
Other exercises that can help with preparing for your trek include yoga and breathing classes. Stretching out your body and mind makes your muscles stronger and less likely to let you down when you need them most.
Everything climbers ask us before they book, from route choice and difficulty to gear, altitude and porter welfare. If your question is not answered here, get in touch and one of our Kilimanjaro specialists will reply personally.
Every itinerary is built one conversation at a time. Share your dates, your travellers, and the wildlife or summit you'd most like to meet - a specialist replies within 24 hours.
Western Bridge Africa
Tanzania · Est. Arusha
