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Home > Destinations > Kilimanjaro National Park

Kilimanjaro National Park Safari

The ultimate guide to your next Kilimanjaro National Park Safari

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Kilimanjaro changed the way people thought of Africa. The first European missionary to see a snow-capped mountain this close to the equator in Africa was regarded as crazy and sent home in 1848.

Kilimanjaro is a dormant volcanic mountain in Kilimanjaro National Park, Tanzania. It’s the highest peak in Africa and the highest free-standing mountain in the world.

People have been climbing it for more than a century, the first successful attempt by German geologist Hans Meyer in 1889. Today there are seven trekking routes on Kilimanjaro – six up to the summit and one called Mweka, which everyone uses for the descent.

Why Kilimanjaro?

Visit the highest point in Africa
It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site
Enjoy unforgettable scenic views and wildlife sightings
Protects the largest free standing volcanic mass

Kilimanjaro National Park Gallery

Where to Go

The Fauna and Flora of Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro is most popular for climbing the great mountain and is not primarily a wildlife destination. [caption id="attachment_616" align="alignnone" width="840"] Elephants with Mount Kilimanjaro in the background.[/caption] However, the national...

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When to Go

Peak Season

Low Season

Shoulder Season

Climbing Kilimanjaro in January

Extreme weather conditions are a likelihood at all times of the year, especially at higher altitudes, where subzero nocturnal temperatures are often exacerbated by wind. But January is usually a good month to climb Kilimanjaro in climatic terms. [caption id="attachment_119213" align="alignnone" width="840"] Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] It’s pretty dry and relatively cool, which reduces the impact of humidity on the lower slope and improves the likelihood of extensive snow on the peaks. There is a slight risk of late rains extending into the first week or two of January. This fortnight is also an extension of the secondary peak season associated...

Climbing Kilimanjaro in January

Climbing Kilimanjaro in February

February is an optimum month for climbing Kilimanjaro. Tourist volumes are lower than during the main hiking season of August to September, and the weather is quite dry and relatively cool, which improves the likelihood of extensive snow on the peaks. [caption id="attachment_26809" align="alignnone" width="840"] Glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] It gets freezing at higher altitudes throughout the year, and hikers should be prepared for subzero temperatures and high winds.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in February

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March

Early March, like February, is a great time to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is quite dry and relatively cool. [caption id="attachment_155349" align="alignnone" width="840"] Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] Nocturnal temperatures drop below freezing at higher altitudes, as is the case all year, and the risk of rain increases as the month progresses.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in March

Climbing Kilimanjaro in April

April is the wettest month on Kilimanjaro and should be avoided at all costs. If that isn’t possible, use the Rongai Route on the drier northern slopes. [caption id="attachment_119628" align="alignnone" width="840"] Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on the Rongai route.[/caption] Whichever route you use, extreme weather – temperatures way below freezing and high winds – is likely at higher altitudes.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in April

Climbing Kilimanjaro in May

May is very wet, and although rainfall is lower than in April, the ground may be soggy, and forest trails will still be very slippery. Climbing Kilimanjaro is best avoided in May, though it does have the advantage of being uncrowded. [caption id="attachment_155518" align="alignnone" width="840"] Mount Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.[/caption] If you hike this time of year, it’s best to choose the Rongai Route, which ascends the drier northern slopes. Arctic temperatures exacerbated by wind are normal at night on the upper slopes.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in May

Climbing Kilimanjaro in June

Early June is the tail end of the wet season, and even though rainfall is unlikely to be too high, post-rain conditions on Kilimanjaro may be slippery and soggy underfoot. [caption id="attachment_155578" align="alignnone" width="840"] Snow on Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] It gets dryer towards the end of the month, which is usually a pretty good time to climb Kilimanjaro before the main high-season tourist influx. As is the case throughout the year, be prepared for extreme cold and possibly high winds at night in the alpine and arctic zones.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in June

Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

Although extreme weather conditions – subzero nocturnal temperatures and chill winds – are a likelihood at higher altitudes, July is a relatively dry and warm month and a perfect time to climb Kilimanjaro. [caption id="attachment_119627" align="alignnone" width="840"] Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] It also marks the start of summer holidays in the northern hemisphere and the busiest tourist season. Avoid the crowds by using the less popular Shira, Rongai, or Mweka Route.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in July

Climbing Kilimanjaro in August

As is the case at all times of the year, it will be freezing cold at night in the alpine and arctic zones. Still, assuming climatic conditions are your main consideration, August is probably the driest and warmest month and ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro. [caption id="attachment_21113" align="alignnone" width="840"] Shira Plateau on Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] However, as summer holidays in the northern hemisphere are in full flow, it is also usually one of the two busiest months. The Shira, Rongai, or Mweka Routes will be less crowded than Marangu or Machame.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in August

Climbing Kilimanjaro in September

Dry and relatively warm weather can be expected, making September ideal for climbing Kilimanjaro in climatic terms. However, extreme cold and possibly high winds are normal in the alpine and arctic zones. [caption id="attachment_119591" align="alignnone" width="840"] Dawn on the Mweka route, Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] September coincides with the summer holidays in Europe and North America, so the mountain tends to be very busy. Avoid the Marangu or Machame Routes in preference for the quieter Shira, Rongai, or Mweka Routes.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in September

Climbing Kilimanjaro in October

Subzero nighttime temperatures are normal throughout the year at higher altitudes, often exacerbated by wind. Nevertheless, October is an excellent month to climb Kilimanjaro, with relatively dry and warm weather, and it is generally less busy than August or September. [caption id="attachment_155891" align="alignnone" width="840"] Mt Kilimanjaro.[/caption] The short rains may kick in towards the end of the month, but after four months of dry weather, this shouldn’t be a major concern.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in October

Climbing Kilimanjaro in November

November is a wet month, even by Kilimanjaro’s soggy standards, so it isn’t an optimum time for climbing Kilimanjaro. [caption id="attachment_155922" align="alignnone" width="840"] Aerial view of Mount Kilimanjaro.[/caption] As is the case throughout the year, ground temperatures drop below freezing at night at higher altitudes, but November is colder and windier than average. Avoid if possible.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in November

Climbing Kilimanjaro – December

December tends to be wet and very cold. Expect slippery trails at lower altitudes and, as you approach the summit, subzero temperatures and howling winds at night. [caption id="attachment_156008" align="alignnone" width="840"] Mt Kilimanjaro, Tanzania.[/caption] Towards the end of the month, Kilimanjaro experiences a secondary high season associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays. Best avoided.

Climbing Kilimanjaro – December

Climbing Kilimanjaro in December

Credit: Nuvo Magazine December tends to be wet and very cold. Expect slippery trails at lower altitudes and, as you approach the summit, subzero temperatures and howling winds at night. Towards the end of the month, the mountain experiences a secondary high season associated with the Christmas and New Year holidays. Best avoided.

Climbing Kilimanjaro in December