Route
The Right Route for You
We compare every route against your fitness, dates and budget, and recommend the one that gives you the best chance of the summit.
03°04′S 37°21′E Uhuru Peak · 5,895 m
Africa's Highest Mountain
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro with confidence.
Every major route 5–9 Days on the mountain
Plan My Climb5-Star Rated · 20+ Years on Kilimanjaro · Private Climbs
How do you climb Mount Kilimanjaro?
Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 m) is Africa's highest mountain and the world's tallest free-standing mountain. It is a non-technical trek, so no climbing skills are needed, but the altitude makes it hard. Climbs take 5 to 9 days on one of the main routes: Machame, Lemosho, Marangu, Rongai, Northern Circuit, Umbwe or Shira. With Yera's experienced guides and well-paced routes, you give yourself the best chance of standing on Uhuru Peak.
Why climb with Yera
The Right Route Decides Whether You Enjoy It or Just Survive It
Kilimanjaro is a long walk at altitude. What makes the difference is the route, the number of days and the team around you. Our founder and team have led climbs on every major route for more than 20 years.
We match you to the route that fits your fitness, time and budget, add days where your body needs them, and keep the group private, so you climb at your own pace and enjoy the views on the way up.
Kilimanjaro
Pole pole. Slowly, slowly, to the Roof of Africa.
What you get
Six Benefits of Climbing Kilimanjaro With Yera
Acclimatisation
Time for Your Body to Adjust
We favour longer itineraries and "climb high, sleep low" days, so your body adapts to the altitude and the summit feels possible.
Safety
Daily Health Checks
Experienced guides check how you are every day and know when to slow down, rest or turn back. Your safety comes before the summit.
Private
Your Own Private Climb
Your group only, at your own pace. No waiting for strangers and no pressure to keep up.
Crew
A Crew That Looks After You
Guides, cooks and porters who set up camp, cook hot meals and carry the load, treated fairly and properly equipped.
Add-ons
Safari and Beach After
Rest your legs on a private safari in Tarangire, Ngorongoro or the Serengeti, then relax in Zanzibar.
Kilimanjaro routes compared
Best Route to Climb Kilimanjaro
Every route reaches Uhuru Peak. They differ in days, scenery, crowds and how well they help you acclimatise.
| Route | Days | Stay | Difficulty | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lemosho | 7–8 | Camping | Moderate | Best all-round: quiet start, great views, good acclimatisation |
| Machame | 6–7 | Camping | Challenging | Scenic and popular, with the Barranco Wall |
| Northern Circuit | 8–9 | Camping | Moderate | Longest and quietest, best acclimatisation |
| Rongai | 6–7 | Camping | Moderate | Drier northern side, quieter, good in the rainy months |
| Marangu | 5–6 | Huts | Moderate | Sleeping in huts; best done in 6 days |
| Shira | 7–8 | Camping | Moderate | Starts high on the Shira Plateau, similar to Lemosho |
| Umbwe | 6–7 | Camping | Very hard | Steep and direct, for experienced hikers |
Most guests descend by the Mweka route. Not sure which to choose? We recommend one based on your fitness and dates.
Climb with peace of mind
What You Get on a Kilimanjaro Climb
Team & safety
- Licensed, experienced mountain guides
- Daily health checks
- First aid kit on every climb
- Emergency plan on every route
- Guide-to-climber ratio matched to your group
On the mountain
- Sleeping tents or huts, by route
- Mess tent for meals
- Hot, fresh meals cooked by your crew
- Treated drinking water
- Porters to carry the main load
Before & after
- Airport pick-up from Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
- Hotel nights before and after the climb
- Gear check with your guide
- Transfers to and from the gate
- Summit certificate from the park
Gear & extras
- Gear rental on request
- Packing list sent before you travel
- Mount Meru warm-up climb
- Safari after the climb
- Zanzibar beach extension
Inclusions vary by route and package. We confirm every inclusion in writing before you book.
When to climb
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro
January to early March
Dry, clear and a little warmer. Quieter trails and great summit views.
June to October
The main dry season and the most popular time. Cooler nights and stable weather.
April, May & November
Rainy months. Fewer climbers; the northern Rongai route is drier. We plan around the weather.
How many days
How Many Days to Climb Kilimanjaro
5 to 6 days
The shortest climbs, mainly Marangu. Less time to acclimatise, so they suit fit hikers with altitude experience.
7 to 8 days
Our recommended length. Lemosho, Machame or Shira with extra days to adjust and a better chance of the summit.
8 to 9 days
The Northern Circuit. The most time to acclimatise, the fewest people and the widest views of the mountain.
At a glance
Mount Kilimanjaro Facts
| Summit | Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m (19,341 ft) |
|---|---|
| Type of climb | Non-technical trek at high altitude |
| Routes | Lemosho, Machame, Northern Circuit, Rongai, Marangu, Shira, Umbwe |
| Days on the mountain | 5 to 9 |
| Nearest airport | Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) |
| Minimum age | 10 years for the summit |
| Best time | January to early March; June to October |
| Your guides | Experienced Yera mountain guides who pace the climb to get you to the top safely |
Kilimanjaro climbs
Popular Kilimanjaro Climbs
More mountains in Tanzania
Other Treks and Climbs
Mount Meru
Tanzania's second-highest peak (4,566 m). A great warm-up for Kilimanjaro, with wildlife on the lower slopes.
Ol Doinyo Lengai
An active volcano above Lake Natron, climbed through the night for sunrise at the top.
Usambara Mountains
Gentle village and forest hikes around Lushoto, with cool air and wide views.
Udzungwa Waterfalls
Rainforest trails, waterfalls and rare monkeys in southern Tanzania.
Our promise
Plan With Confidence
No cost to start
Your climb plan and quote are free, with no obligation.
Revise until it's right
Change the route, days and add-ons before you confirm.
Clear price in writing
Every inclusion and exclusion stated before you pay.
Questions climbers ask
Kilimanjaro Climbing FAQs
How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
It is a non-technical trek, so you do not need climbing skills, but the altitude makes it hard. Good fitness, a longer route and a slow pace give you the best chance of reaching the top.
What is the best route to climb Kilimanjaro?
For most people, Lemosho is the best all-round route, with great scenery and good acclimatisation. Machame is popular and scenic, the Northern Circuit is the quietest, and Rongai is good in the rainy months.
How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Between 5 and 9 days on the mountain. We recommend 7 to 8 days, because extra time to acclimatise gives a better chance of reaching the summit.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
January to early March and June to October, the dry seasons. April, May and November are the rainiest months.
What is the minimum age to climb Kilimanjaro?
Climbers must be at least 10 years old to go to the summit.
How can I increase my chance of reaching the summit?
Choose a longer route of 7 to 8 days, walk slowly and follow your guide. Yera guides have years of experience on every route, check on you every day and pace the climb to give you the best chance of reaching Uhuru Peak.
How do you deal with altitude sickness?
By climbing slowly, choosing a longer route, drinking plenty of water and listening to your guide, who checks on you every day. Speak to your doctor before the climb about altitude and any medication.
How much does it cost to climb Kilimanjaro?
The price depends on the route, number of days, group size and park fees. Send us your dates and we will reply with a clear quote within 24 hours.
Begin your climb
Let's Plan Your Kilimanjaro Climb
Tell us your dates, fitness and the route you are thinking about. A climb plan reaches you within 24 hours.