Your Ultimate Guide to Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro: Routes, Costs, and How to Prepare

If you’ve ever dreamed of standing atop the highest peak in Africa, Mount Kilimanjaro should be on your bucket list. 

With a height of 5,895 meters (19,341 feet) above sea level, this huge mountain is one of the most challenging adventures, but it’s also one of the few high-altitude climbs that don’t require any technical skills. 

When I started my journey to the "Roof of Africa," I had no expectation or any idea of how much this experience would change me. It's more than just a climb, it's a once-in-a-lifetime experience that tests your limits through different climate zones.

Without further ado, here’s everything you need to know to climb Mount Kilimanjaro - from the transportation, and best way to get there to which routes to take and how to make your experience as smooth as possible.

Where is Mount Kilimanjaro?

Mount Kilimanjaro is located near the Kenyan border in northern Tanzania. Moshi, which is the nearest town, is a bustling little center known for its coffee farms and surreal views of Kilimanjaro.

The mountain is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is a part of Kilimanjaro National Park. What makes Kilimanjaro special and unique is that it is a single mountain and is not surrounded by any other mountains. The scenery changes drastically as you begin climbing, moving from verdant rainforests to alpine deserts and, at last, snow-capped summits.

How to Get There

The best way to get to Kilimanjaro is by flying into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), which is approximately an hour from Arusha and 45 minutes by car from Moshi. 

If you're flying internationally, you can often connect through major African hubs like Nairobi or Addis Ababa. I remember being excited, and a little intimidated, if I'm being honest - when I first saw the mountain outside the plane window after landing at JRO.

Once you arrive, Altezza Travel arranges transfers from the airport to your accommodation. My arrival was very relaxed because everything was planned, allowing me to focus on the climb that lay ahead.

Kilimanjaro Routes: Which One is Right for You?

Your Kilimanjaro experience depends on your route choice. The routes are different in terms of views, acclimatization opportunities, and difficulty. These are 3 of the most well-liked routes to think about, at least in my experience:

1. Marangu Route (The "Coca-Cola" Route)

The Marangu Route is often considered the easiest route because it’s the only one that offers hut accommodations along the way. You’ll sleep in simple dormitory-style huts, which means you don’t have to camp! This is one of the most popular options for first-time trekkers. 

The ascent and descent are done on the same path, which can feel repetitive, but it's a straightforward route.

• Duration: 5-6 days

• Difficulty: Moderate

• Best for Those who prefer hut accommodations over camping.

2. Machame Route (The "Whiskey" Route)

If you're looking for a more scenic and challenging climb, the Machame Route is for you. It takes a bit longer, giving you more time to acclimatize, which is critical for avoiding altitude sickness. 

You’ll camp in tents throughout the journey, and the route offers a variety of breathtaking landscapes. I chose the Machame Route, and I’m so glad I did. Each day brought something new - rainforests, moorlands, and eventually the stark, snow-dusted slopes near the summit.

• Duration: 6-7 days

• Difficulty: Challenging

• Best for: Adventure seekers who want diverse scenery and better acclimatization.

3. Lemosho Route (The Most Scenic)

The Lemosho Route is known for being the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. It starts on the western side of the mountain and eventually joins the Machame Route. This route is longer, but the extra days allow for better acclimatization and a higher success rate of reaching the summit. 

The trail takes you through remote wilderness, where you might even spot some wildlife. The longer route also means fewer crowds, which was a huge plus for me.

• Duration: 7-8 days

• Difficulty: Moderate to difficult

• Best for: Trekkers who want a more gradual ascent and fewer crowds.

How Much Does it Cost?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not cheap, but it’s worth every penny. Expect to spend anywhere from USD 2,000 to USD 2,300 per person for a reputable tour operator. This cost covers park admission, porters, guides, lodging, and mountainside meals. 

The fact that Altezza Travel offers all-inclusive packages, which eliminate any additional expenses, is among the finest aspects of making a reservation with them. You can also easily pick a departure date that works for you because they provide group tours every 2 to 3 days.

Which Travel Operator Did I Choose

I can say with confidence that Altezza Travel is the best so far. Throughout my adventure, their concern for safety and attention to detail made all the difference. They have a thorough understanding of Kilimanjaro because their operations are situated directly on the mountain's slopes in the Machame region. 

The guides are also highly trained and professional, nothing like I’ve seen before. They offer daily health checks and pacing the climb to maximize acclimatization.

Altezza uses high-quality equipment as well. Everything is made to make your trip more stress-free and comfortable, from premium tents to wholesome meals cooked by the team's skilled chefs.

And if you're planning to extend your adventure, Altezza offers an African safari through the stunning national parks of Tanzania or a relaxing beach getaway on Zanzibar. After spending a week on the mountain, it's the ideal way to relax.

Tips for Climbing Kilimanjaro

• Train in advance: The climb is physically demanding, so it’s essential to be in good shape. I trained with hikes and cardio for about three months before my trip.

• Pack smart: Bring layers. You’ll go through five different climate zones, so having proper gear for both cold and warm conditions is key. Don’t forget essentials like a headlamp, walking poles, and high-quality hiking boots.

• Acclimatise: The slower you go, the better. One of the most common reasons people don’t make it to the summit is altitude sickness. On the Machame Route, I found the “pole pole” (slowly, slowly) approach really helped.

• Stay hydrated: Drink lots of water—at least 3-4 liters per day—to help your body adjust to the altitude.

This was a once-in-a-lifetime event for me, climbing Mount Kilimanjaro will surely test your limits and give you a great sense of achievement.

Whether the challenge of the climb or the surreal scenery you will encounter along the way entices you. To anyone preparing for the journey, I suggest doing it with Altezza Travel. They made my journey to Kilimanjaro memorable, stress-free, and safe.

Why wait, then? Put on your hiking boots, and let’s get climbing!

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