The Kilimanjaro trek is challenging and you MUST train for several months prior to departure to make your trip as enjoyable as possible. Training should include regular walking on hills, in combination with swimming, light running or biking and gym work to develop strength. We recommend training plans from Uphill Athlete.
The highest point in Africa, Kilimanjaro, is perhaps one of the best-known mountains in the world. It is the easiest of the Seven Summits and definitely the most romantic!
Kilimanjaro is like an island, standing tall and sentinel surrounded by the hot, dry plains of Tanzania. An expedition to climb the world's highest free-standing mountain is a veritable smorgasbord of African culture and scenery, providing a fabulous excuse to visit this wild continent.
Climbers have long been attracted to the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak on Kilimanjaro, which is also the highest freestanding mountain in the world. It is a peak which can be reached by several easy to moderate routes and Adventure Consultants offer a variety of exciting ways to climb Kilimanjaro to satisfy your preferred approach.
Kilimanjaro amazes all with its widely contrasting vegetation; from tropical rainforest to high arid moorlands, watched over by towering cliffs and glaciers. We ascend through the tree line into a wild volcanic moorland landscape with the high summit dome overhead. Each night is spent in tents that are set up by our local staff, enjoying wholesome meals served in our dining tent.
Any visit to Africa must include a safari and our 4 day/3 night add on Safari Tour takes in some of the world’s most unique game reserves such as the Serengeti National Park and Ngorongoro Conservation Area.
- Travel, climb and enjoy a safari, all in only two weeks!
- Africa’s highest peak and one of the Seven Summits
- Also one of the Volcanic Seven Summits, comprised of the highest volcanoes on each of the seven continents
- Top-notch accommodation and services, we pride ourselves on it!
Trek Level
Trek Level
Advanced
Elevation
Elevation
5,895m/19,340ft
Duration
Duration
9 or 13 days
Location
Location
Tanzania
KILIMANJARO ITINERARY
DAY 1
| Arrive in Tanzania and transfer to Arusha, hotel/lodge night |
DAY 2
Relax, sort gear and explore Arusha, hotel/lodge night
DAY 3
Drive to Morum Barrier Gate (3,400m/11,150ft, trek to Shira 1 Camp 3,610m/11,800ft
DAY 4
Trek across the Shira Plateau to visit the ancient Shira Cone. Overnight at Shira 2 Camp 3,840m/12,600ft
DAY 5
Trek to Barranco Camp 3,900m/12,800ft
DAY 6
Trek to Karanga Camp 3,995m/13,100ft via the Barranco Wall
DAY 7
Trek to Kosovo Camp 4,870m/15,978ft
DAY 8
SUMMIT DAY! Climb to Uhuru Peak 5,895m/19,340ft begins at midnight, descend and stay at Mweka Camp 3,067m/10,065ft
DAY 9
Trek to Mweka Gate, transport to the airport to fly home
Departures and Pricing
Note: Dates are subject to change due to many factors out of our control
| Start/End | Departing from | Quantity | Pricing | Notes | Book |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 14 Jun - 26 Jun 2026 | Arusha, Tanzania | Available | $5,700 USD $ | ||
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| 16 Aug - 28 Aug 2026 | Arusha, Tanzania | Available | $5,700 USD $ | ||
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| Jan - Dec 2026 | Arusha, Tanzania | Private Departure | POA | ||
| Book Now | |||||
| 31 Jan - 12 Feb 2027 | Arusha, Tanzania | Available | $6,150 USD $ | ||
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| 13 Jun - 25 Jun 2027 | Arusha, Tanzania | Available | $6,150 USD $ | ||
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| 15 Aug - 27 Aug 2027 | Arusha, Tanzania | Available | $6,150 USD $ | ||
| Book Now | |||||
| Jan - Dec 2027 | Arusha, Tanzania | Private Departure | POA | ||
| Book Now | |||||
Looking for a specific date? Book a private trek or upgrade to a luxury trek!
PREPARE
Fitness
Trekking Experience
No technical climbing experience required. The climb itself is more of a challenging trek or scramble, it is not necessary to use ropes or mountaineering equipment at all!
Altitude Experience
No prior altitude experience required.
Why Adventure Consultants?
Adventure Consultants is renowned for the quality of its service and strategy applied to high-altitude expedition climbing and trekking. Our reputation is attributed to meticulous planning and experienced logistics coordination. We have a philosophy of investing in every expedition to offer our climbers and trekkers the best possible chance of success.
Kilimanjaro has always been a favourite of ours and as it is often the first foray into the mountains for many, you can be rest-assured of full support from your dedicated client liaison as you prepare for the trek including informative reference notes and reading material to enable you to be as best prepared for your adventure as you can be. Through our local Tanzania based agency, we employ strong trek leaders and support staff, who are certified guides as well as being medically trained, so are some of the most pre-eminent leaders on the mountain. Many of our local Tanzanian guides have at least 100 summits to their name!
We also provide nutritious and ample quantities of food, comfortable camping facilities, reliable communications systems and any necessary back-up and support required to ensure the best experience and thus heightened opportunities for summit success.
We are also an approved partner of the International Mountain Explorers Connection (IMEC) Partner for Responsible Travel Program.
Inclusions
The price of your trip includes the following:
- Adventure Consultants Tanzanian qualified mountain guide and local staff
- All expedition organisational requirements
- Comprehensive pre-trip support
- Hotel in Arusha within expedition dates, based on shared rooms (single room supplement available for extra fee) including dinner and breakfast (day 1, 2 on climb and day 9 if on safari).
- All lodging and food while on the trek/climb (also on optional safari)
- Group climbing equipment, all meals and snacks, tents and fuel in Kilimanjaro region
- Transport to and from the National Park
- Porters, drivers, park fees and climbing permits.
Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Program
Adventure Consultants are pleased to support the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Program (KPAP), who have been instrumental in changing and maintaining practices to ensure fair porter treatment. This includes fair wages and ethical treatment as well as suitable clothing and equipment. Our expeditions voluntarily participate with KPAP’s monitoring activities and allow KPAP to evaluate the treatment of our porters on all of our climbs. By climbing with us you can be assured that your porters are well taken care of.
KPAP also helps to improve the working conditions of porters by:
- Lending donated clothing at no charge to the mountain crew for use while climbing
- Educating the public on porter working conditions and climbing responsibly
- Providing industry guidelines for proper porter treatment
- Offering educational classes to porters
Our Team
Frequently Asked Questions
What route does Adventure Consultants use on Kilimanjaro?
We climb via the Shira-Barafu route, which traverses the western side of the mountain across several distinct micro-environments: from montane forest and moorland through alpine desert to the glaciated summit zone. The approach via the Shira Plateau provides a longer, more gradual ascent profile, which aids acclimatisation. We then descend via a more direct line to get you back to Arusha quickly.
Why do you use the Shira-Barafu route instead of Machame?
Machame has become one of the busiest routes on the mountain. We switched to Shira-Barafu because it's less crowded and gives a more varied and scenic experience. The longer approach also provides better acclimatisation time compared to shorter, faster routes. See the itinerary section for a detailed route map.
Can I climb via a different route?
Yes. We can arrange expeditions on the Machame or other routes for groups who prefer it. We also offer the Northern Circuit, a longer, quieter route that circles most of the mountain before the summit push. It's a good option for private groups who want more solitude. Contact us to discuss which route suits your goals.
How fit do I need to be to climb Kilimanjaro?
You don't need technical climbing experience. Kilimanjaro is a high-altitude trekking peak. What matters is the ability to walk 6–8 hours per day on uneven terrain and a willingness to move slowly and steadily at altitude. If you can comfortably hike for a full day in the mountains, you're in the right ballpark.
Do I need prior high-altitude experience for Kilimanjaro?
No prior high-altitude experience is required. Kilimanjaro is often the first significant altitude objective for our climbers and trekkers. That said, if you've experienced altitude sickness before, let us know during the booking process so we can advise properly.
What altitude does Kilimanjaro reach?
Uhuru Peak, the summit, sits at 5,895m (19,341ft). Most people begin to feel the effects of altitude above 3,500m, which is why route choice and pacing matter
What is the best time of year to climb Kilimanjaro?
The two primary climbing seasons are January to March and June to October. Both offer good conditions. January to March and June tends to be quieter on the mountain. We avoid the main rainy seasons in April–May and November.
Is Kilimanjaro dangerous?
The main risk is acute mountain sickness (AMS). Properly managed, the risk is low. We monitor every client daily using standard altitude-illness assessments and will descend anyone who shows serious symptoms without hesitation. Altitude is the challenge. The terrain is walkable throughout.
Can I climb Kilimanjaro as part of a Seven Summits programme?
Yes. Kilimanjaro is Africa's highest peak and one of the Seven Summits. Many of our climbers combine it with other peaks in a multi-year programme. If that's your goal, mention it at enquiry stage so we can help map out your pathway.
KILIMANJARO DISPATCHES
Kilimanjaro #1 2026
February 01 2026
Ready for adventure! Our first Kilimanjaro team is all set for their Feb 1-13 expedition. Join us on their climb followed by an epic safari... Read More
Kilimanjaro #2 2025
June 10 2025
Follow the AC Kilimanjaro Trek #2 as they climb from the temperate Tanzanian plateau to the glaciated summit of this much coveted 7 Summit peak. Read More
Kilimanjaro #1 2025
February 02 2025
Follow the Adventure Consultants Kilimanjaro Trek #1 Team as they climb Africa's highest peak Mount Kilimanjaro in February 2025... Read More