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19,341 ft · Kilimanjaro, Tanzania
Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is a 19,341 ft peak in Tanzania. The standard route is the Machame Route: 43 mi, 13,000 ft of gain, Class 1.
Kilimanjaro at a glance
- Elevation19,341 ft5,895 m
- RouteMachame RouteClass 1
- Distance43 mi13,000 ft gain
- Time5 – 9 daysVery Hard effort
- SeasonJan – Feb, Jun – Sep
- RangeKilimanjaroTanzania
Climbing the Machame Route
Fly to Kilimanjaro Airport in Tanzania. Multiple trekking routes exist: Machame (6-7 days) and Lemosho (7-8 days) routes have better acclimatization profiles and higher success rates than shorter routes. A KINAPA park permit is mandatory and guides are required by law. While non-technical, the high altitude (19,341 feet) causes many trekkers to turn back due to altitude sickness. Temperature swings are dramatic, from hot jungle at the base to well below freezing at the summit. Longer itineraries significantly improve summit success rates. The summit push typically starts around midnight for sunrise at Uhuru Peak.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (40–90 L)
Hiking Boots
Base Layer
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Sun Hat
Warm Hat
Buff
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
Sleeping Bag (0°F to 20°F)
Sleeping Pad
Water
First-Aid Kit
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
What to watch for
- High altitude
- Altitude sickness
- Cold summit conditions
- Storms
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Slippery terrain
- Extreme cold
Kilimanjaro on Yak
Climbers have shared 13 climbs of Kilimanjaro on Yak. Read their trip reports and recent conditions in the app
Quests with Kilimanjaro
Seven Summits
Volcanoes of the WorldFrequently asked questions
How tall is Kilimanjaro?
Kilimanjaro is 19,341 feet (5,895 m) tall. It is in Tanzania.
How does Kilimanjaro rank among the Seven Summits?
At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is the 4th highest of the Seven Summits. The highest is Mount Everest.
How hard is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
The Machame Route is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort very hard: 43 miles with 13,000 feet of elevation gain.
How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Most climbers plan 5 – 9 days for the Machame Route, with days set aside to acclimatize.
Do you need a guide to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes. Kilimanjaro National Park requires every climber to go with a licensed guide, usually booked through a registered tour operator that also provides porters and park fees. Confirm current park rules with your operator.
Can a beginner climb Kilimanjaro?
Not as a first peak. The Machame Route needs no technical climbing, but the altitude and 5 – 9 days on the mountain make it a serious undertaking. Most climbers build experience at altitude first, and many go with a guide.
Do you need to acclimatize to climb Kilimanjaro?
Yes. At 19,341 feet, Kilimanjaro is high enough for serious altitude illness. Climbers acclimatize over days or weeks, climbing high and sleeping low, and descend at the first signs of trouble.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
The usual climbing window is January to February, June to September. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Kilimanjaro with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list