"The world’s tallest free-standing mountain, snow-capped Kilimanjaro towers an incredible 5km (3 miles) above the dusty plains below. It is one of East Africa’s most iconic and breathtaking sights, and for those not content merely to admire it from below, the five- to seven-day round hike to the craggy glacial peak - no specialist equipment required - is regarded by many to be a highlight of their time in Tanzania. ”
- Philip Briggs
Mount Kilimanjaro
Africa’s loftiest mountain, 5,895-metre high Kilimanjaro is an extinct volcano whose distinctively-shaped caldera supports a cover of permanent equatorial snow and glaciers. The snow-capped peak is visible from many lodge gardens in the vicinity of Arusha and Moshi towns, and is usually seen to best effect at dusk or dawn, when the clouds lift to reveal its magnificent glistening peak.
For hikers, Kilimanjaro is renowned as the highest mountain, anywhere in the world, that can be climbed without specialised equipment by any reasonably fit person. Several routes are possible, and it’s a tough hike, whichever one you use, especially at higher altitudes, thanks to the thin montane air and likelihood of subzero temperatures at night. But the hike is also magnificently scenic, passing first through lush montane forest, then across alpine moorlands studded with giant lobelias and groundsels en route to the snowy Roof of Africa.
The main routes up Kilimanjaro are as follows:
- Marangu (at least five days, four nights) is the most popular ascent, and the only where you can stay in overnight huts rather than camp, but it gets very busy in season.
- Machame (six days, five nights) is more scenic and quieter than Marangu, and the most popular alternative to it, offering a gentler overall ascent with a few tough stretches.
- Shira and Lemosho (at least six days, five nights) are relatively gradual and scenic routes that cross the wildly beautiful Shira Plateau on the remote western flank.
- Rongai (at least six days, five nights), an uncrowded route that sticks to the relatively dry northern slopes, is particularly recommended in the rainy seasons (Apr-May and Nov-Dec).
- Northern Circuit (at least nine days) is the most gradual and circuitous route, allowing for good acclimatisation and the option of overnighting inside Kibo Crater.
When to go
Find out when is best to visit
- Excellent
- Good
- Poor
DRY SEASON
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Warm temperatures, medium precipitation levels, and generally clear skies make this an ideal period to trek Kilimanjaro. The downside of this is that the trail will be busy with many others attempting to summit.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY TO WET SEASON TRANSITION
Generally, March marks the beginning of the wettest time of the year. Skies are mainly overcast at this time. So although the temperatures are generally warm, this is not a time of year we would recommend, especially towards the end of the month when the rains come into full flow.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
This period is the wettest time of the year. Skies are mainly overcast at this time. So although the temperatures are generally warm, this is not a time of year we would recommend.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
WET SEASON - 'LONG RAINS'
This period is the wettest time of the year. Skies are mainly overcast at this time. So although the temperatures are generally warm, this is not a time of year we would recommend.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions at this time of the year are more predictable – usually with clear skies and low precipitation levels – making this an ideal time for climbing. Travellers should however bear in mind that temperatures towards the summit will be very cold.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions at this time of the year are more predictable – usually with clear skies and low precipitation levels – making this an ideal time for climbing. Travellers should however bear in mind that temperatures towards the summit will be very cold.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Weather conditions at this time of the year are more predictable – usually with clear skies and low precipitation levels – making this an ideal time for climbing. Travellers should however bear in mind that temperatures towards the summit will be very cold.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Temperatures rise steadily as November approaches, making this an ideal time to climb. Keep in mind that visitor numbers to the mountain will be rather high at this time.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
DRY SEASON
Temperatures rise steadily as November approaches, making this an ideal time to climb. Keep in mind that visitor numbers to the mountain will be rather high at this time.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Given the unpredictable weather conditions and potential of heavy precipitation, this is not a season in which we could recommend for visiting Kilimanjaro. The temperatures and low crowd numbers are, however, in your favour should you wish to attempt a summit.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
WET SEASON - 'SHORT RAINS'
Early December is not a period we would generally recommend due to the adverse weather conditions, however these usually stabilise towards the end of the month. At the same time, crowd numbers are in your favour should you wish a summit attempt, making this is a mixed month.
Its proximity to the equator means that Kilimanjaro has very consistent temperatures throughout the year, but with distinct wet and dry seasons. There are two wet seasons in Tanzania: the first, known as the ‘long rains’, takes place between March and May, while the second – the milder ‘short rains’ – takes place between November and December.
The best time to attempt a Kilimanjaro assent is during the warmer and drier months of the year. Our priority is your safety, and it is important to time your trek with the best weather.
What People Say
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The personalised service provided was far beyond my expectations. A three week trip visiting four countries in Africa, multiple game reserves, wineries and much, much more was flawless. While a close encounter with a leopard and her cubs…
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We got in touch after hearing about Hide & Seek from a friend. Have to say hats off to Jamie, he was so patient throughout, even through our indecisiveness! Ultimately we ended up with the most incredible holiday of our lives. Thank you again, we will be back!!
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Thank you for arranging our Safari holiday in Kenya and Tanzania for us. It was to celebrate our 40th. Wedding anniversary which was on July 1st. 2018, and through your arrangements, we have had a holiday that we will never forget...
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Thanks so much for a truly unforgettable once in a life time holiday. Hopefully we will be in touch again soon!
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Spot on in terms of itinerary . We not disappointed by any of the suggestions and had the best holiday ever! Thank you!
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Jamie was very helpful throughout the booking process and recommended the perfect holiday. There was nothing we would change having now been out to Tanzania. I would highly recommend Hide & Seek to friends and relatives.
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Jamie was excellent. Once I described what we wanted I knew he would come up with the business. ..and he did!!! 5 stars
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We spoke to numerous travel agents over the period we looked at booking our honeymoon and only hide and seek gave me the confidence I was looking for. Really pleased with our decision.
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Hide and seek dealt with our last minute travel plans extremely well. Obviously, our accommodations shifted as availability diminished but ultimately they came up with a vacation that we will never forget.
