Best time to climb Kilimanjaro

The Machame route is one of the most scenic and popular routes, with excellent acclimatisation thanks to its climb high, sleep low profile. It is best climbed in the dry seasons, from late June to October and late December to early March. In the rainy season, its forest and lower sections can become very muddy.

The Lemosho route is a beautiful, quieter route that approaches from the west, offering superb scenery and excellent acclimatisation over seven or eight days. It is best in the dry seasons and is an ideal choice in busy months such as July and August, when it feels much quieter than Machame and Marangu at the start.

The Marangu route is the only route with sleeping huts instead of tents, which makes it more comfortable in wet weather. It is a sensible choice during the rainy seasons, though its quick ascent profile gives less time to acclimatise. Adding an extra acclimatisation day greatly improves comfort and your chances of reaching the summit.

The Rongai route approaches from the north, close to the Kenyan border, where the mountain receives less rainfall. This makes it a good choice during the rainy seasons and in November. It is a quieter, gentler route with good wildlife chances in the early stages, and it descends on the southern side via the Marangu route.

The Northern Circuit is the longest route on Kilimanjaro, circling the quiet northern slopes over eight or nine days. It offers outstanding acclimatisation, very few other climbers and some of the best summit success chances. It is best in the dry seasons and is an excellent choice for climbers who want space, scenery and time.

The Umbwe route is the steepest and most direct route on Kilimanjaro, suited only to fit, experienced hikers who already acclimatise well. It should be climbed in the dry seasons, as its steep, narrow forest trail becomes slippery and difficult in rain. Most first-time climbers will enjoy a longer, more gradual route far more, with better acclimatisation.

Summiting under a full moon is a magical experience, as the moonlight illuminates the glaciers and the trail during the night climb, often without needing a headlamp. Full moon dates are very popular, especially in the dry seasons, so book well in advance and plan your route so that summit night falls on or near the full moon.

Climbing Kilimanjaro over Christmas or New Year is an unforgettable way to celebrate, with festive spirit at camp and warm dry season weather. It is one of the busiest times of the year on the mountain, so book many months ahead, choose a quieter route such as Lemosho or Rongai and secure international flights early.

To avoid the busiest trails, consider climbing in late June, October, January or February, or choose quieter routes such as Lemosho, Rongai or the Northern Circuit. Starting your climb mid-week and avoiding major holidays also helps. Quieter campsites make the experience more peaceful, with more space to enjoy the mountain's spectacular scenery, sunrise views and starry night skies.

Many climbers combine Kilimanjaro with a safari. January and February pair perfectly with the migration calving season in the southern Serengeti, while July to October combines with the dry season and Mara River crossings. Rest for a night in Moshi or Arusha after your climb, then enjoy three to five memorable days on a private safari.

The lower slopes of Kilimanjaro, from around 800 to 2,800 metres, are covered in farmland and lush montane rainforest. Temperatures are warm and humid, and this zone receives the most rainfall, especially from late March to May. Expect muddy trails in the rainy seasons and look out for black-and-white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and colourful forest birds.

Between around 2,800 and 4,000 metres, the forest gives way to heath and moorland, with giant heathers, lobelias and groundsels. Days are often sunny and pleasant, but nights become cold and frost is common. Cloud can roll in during the afternoon, so keep a warm layer and waterproof jacket in your daypack at all times.

From around 4,000 to 5,000 metres lies the alpine desert, a dry, rocky landscape with very little vegetation. Days can be hot in direct sun, while nights are often below freezing. Strong sun, wind and low humidity make sunscreen, sunglasses, lip balm and plenty of water essential as you approach high camp and prepare for the summit.

Above 5,000 metres, the summit zone has glaciers, scree and very thin air. Summit night temperatures can drop to around minus ten to minus twenty degrees Celsius with wind chill, especially from June to August. A warm down jacket, insulated gloves, a warm hat and layered clothing are essential for the final push to Uhuru Peak.