Mount Kilimanjaro Holidays

There are seven routes to consider when trekking up Mount Kilimanjaro: The Northern Circuit Route, Lemosho Route, Shira Route, Machame Route, Rongai Route, Marangu Route and finally, the Umbwe Route. If you’re looking for a route with a high success rate, then your best bet is the Lemosho Route. It takes around seven to eight days to complete and is renowned for its easier summit and excellent acclimatisation. Reaching the top is often the overall goal for visitors to Mount Kilimanjaro, so understandably, this is a popular choice.

Prefer a more tranquil journey? Then opt for the quietest trek - the Rongai Route, which is much less crowded and leaves you at one with your impeccable natural surroundings. Although it’s incredibly peaceful, it’s important to mention the success rate with this route is much lower. 

How about the most challenging route of all? For an unforgettable adventure and a unique wilderness experience, the Umbwe Route is the one for you. It’s short, steep and the hardest. It’s not ideal for most trekkers and should only be attempted by those with climbing experience. 

Surrounded by a wreath of clouds, Mount Kilimanjaro is located in Kilimanjaro National Park. This world-famous wildlife haven covers an impressive 1,688 square kilometres! So, although trekking up this mountain would be considered the key activity during your stay here, there’s a wealth of animals, birdlife, flora and fauna to uncover, too.

In and amongst the flora and fauna, an array of animals call this park their home. These include bush babies, tree hyrax, cape buffalos, forest elephants, and many more! Because this park is filled with natural beauty, the activities often incorporate the stunning natural surroundings. Many choose to go bird watching, enjoy a nature walk, take beautiful photographs or even enjoy a day or night-time game drive through the wilderness.

Looking for somewhere to stay? Plenty of highly rated hotels provide luxury, comfortable and contemporary designed suites. However, there are also rustic, private camping options. Where you’ll choose to stay may depend on which route of Kilimanjaro you decide to climb, as staying nearer to your course will help to save time and prepare for your journey. If you’re a nature lover, there are accommodation options surrounded by luscious trees, fruits and flowers. 

Perhaps you’ve dreamed of a treehouse-like escape? There are cosy rooms amid the trees, offering views of the river. No matter where you choose, you’ll be relatively close to the world-famous mountain and next to heaps of natural beauty. 

The best time of year to visit Mount Kilimanjaro depends on the weather and popularity. The warmest times of the year are between December and March or June until the end of October. These months are ideal because the weather is dry and perfect for mountain climbing. However, it’s important to remember that this is also the busiest time of year.  

To break it down month by month - January and February are recommended as they offer clear skies and plenty of sunshine - especially in the mornings. Due to the high rain, mud and possibility of snow, April and May are less popular. June offers dryer conditions than the last three months; however, the temperatures are slightly cooler, and the clouds often obscure the views. July, August, September and October are usually dry, with minimal rain, clear sunshine, and fantastic views. And the rest of the year usually consists of afternoon rains, which often means slippery ground, not ideal for trekking up a mountain.