Situated on the equator, close to Tanzania's northern border with Kenya, Mount Kilimanjaro is a solitary, snow-capped giant. Rising to 5895 metres, this highest peak in Africa (and tallest freestanding mountain on Earth) presents an almost irresistible challenge to trekkers from around the world.

Kilimanjaro is actually a huge volcano that has 3 vents - the eroded Shira caldera to the west, the jagged Mawenzi to the east and the Kibo cone in the centre, the highest point of which is the summit at Uhuru Peak. Kilimanjaro sits on a fault line near the Great Rift Valley and was formed as a result of shifting tectonic plates. Other volcanoes sit on the same fault line including Mount Meru. Whilst the Shira and Mawenzi calderas are extinct, Kibo is merely dormant!

Requiring no technical expertise, climbing Kilimanjaro is a relatively straightforward trek and climb and can be attempted by anyone of reasonable fitness and by way of a number of different routes. Whichever route you choose to take, your kilimanjaro trek will start at around 2000 metres elevation and be faced with an ascent of approximately 4000 metres to Kibo's summit, at Uhuru Peak (Uhuru meaning ‘Freedom' in Swahili).

Mount Kilimanjaro is the most accessible of the world's "Seven Summits", the highest peaks on each of the world's 7 continents.  We know from our own experiences of climbing Kilimanjaro, and from what our clients tell us, that the highlights include the dawn views from the roof of Africa, the sense of achievement to be gained from reaching the top of one of the world's most iconic mountains but that they also enjoy the interaction with our friendly local Tanzanian guides and trek crews. 

Why choose KE to climb Kilimanjaro

• Park fees AND all meals included in the trip price - WORTH UP TO £800!!!
• 25 years experience taking our clients to the summit of Kilimanjaro
• MINIMUM 95% summit success rate
• High crew to client ratios with 1 guide to every 2 clients on summit day
• Superb client feedback - read what our clients have to say
• Extra days for acclimatisation in all itineraries - no less than 6 nights on the mountain!
• Portable oxygen chamber and PAC bag on all Kili trips
• Top class guides and crews who have been working with KE groups for years
• KE's Kili operator is a member of the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project
• Best range of routes on offer - including combinations with Mt Meru and Mt Kenya
• KE departure dates not suitable? Go Private and choose your own dates for your group!
• Trek Kilimanjaro with a walking holiday specialist

We know this mountain!

KE has over 25 years experience organising climbing trips to Kilimanjaro and has used the same excellent local agent throughout that time. A cylinder of oxygen will be taken along with all KE group trips on Kilimanjaro. The team will be led by highly experienced mountain guides who know every inch of the mountain and are extremely skilled in assessing the weather conditions and looking after your health and well being.

Kilimanjaro is a KE staff favourite and we know the mountain intimately. Half of our office staff have been to the summit! Tim Nicholl, our Operations Manager, has climbed the mountain no less than 8 times!

Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project

We also make every effort to look after our local crews, who are, of course, fundamental to the success of our Kilimanjaro holidays. KE works with the Kilimanjaro Porter Assistance Project and, in recognition of the quality of care we provide for our local staff, we are listed as a partner on the International Mountain Explorers Connection website.

When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

Because of its size and isolation as a free-standing peak, Kilimanjaro creates its own weather systems. Although it is in Africa and very close to the equator, Kilimanjaro is no warmer than any other mountain in the northern hemisphere and you can experience summer temperatures during the day and winter temperatures at night.

The general weather pattern is for cloud-free mornings, and in the afternoon as the cloud gathers there can be the chance of rain, hail or snow in the moorland and alpine zones. At night, the clouds clear and temperatures drop. There is no light pollution, so the views of the night sky are spectacular.

The best times to go are during the long dry season - from June to October - and the short dry season, when temperatures are slightly higher, from November to March. April and early May are the times when rain is most likely to fall, and KE do not offer any Kilimanjaro departures during this time.

Go Now!

Changing climatic conditions mean that the famous "Snows of Kilimanjaro" are melting. Part of what makes Kili look majestic, is the snow-capped summit dome. The glaciers on Kilimanjaro have been there for thousands of years, but global warming means glacial retreat is accelerating. Scientists currently estimate that Kilimanjaro's ice cap will be completely gone by 2050.

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