Kilimanjaro Climb

Join Mountain Professionals for a fully guided Kilimanjaro climb led by seasoned Western guides and supported by our expert local team. With over 20 years of experience leading summit expeditions on Africa’s highest peak, we offer a premium approach focused on safety, comfort, and successful acclimatization. Our itinerary is designed for a slower ascent and better summit success.

Expedition Overview

Dates
Professional Western Guide
PWG
Duration
Difficulty
Level 1
Location
Tanzania
Price
$6,400 USD

When you climb Kilimanjaro with Mountain Professionals, you're benefiting from the planning, leadership, and standards of an experienced international expedition company, combined with an exceptional Tanzanian guiding team.

Together, we have created a professionally led ascent of Africa's highest peak built on trusted local partnerships, thoughtful preparation, and a commitment to providing every climber with the highest level of support from arrival through summit day.

Kilimanjaro's non-technical routes make it one of the world's premier high-altitude trekking expeditions and an ideal introduction to expedition climbing.

For many, it is their first major mountain objective, while for others it serves as the next step toward future expeditions on peaks such as Elbrus, Aconcagua, or Everest.

Our carefully paced itinerary is designed to promote acclimatization, maximize summit success, and allow you to enjoy every stage of the journey with confidence.

  • Professionally led expedition with experienced Mountain Professionals leadership.
  • Exceptional Tanzanian guide team with long-standing local partnerships.
  • A thoughtfully paced itinerary designed to maximize acclimatization and summit success.
  • Small team environment with personalized support throughout the expedition.
  • Professional medical planning and Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified guide staff.
  • Comprehensive mountain communications and expedition logistics.
  • A seamless Kilimanjaro and safari experience from arrival through departure.
  • See the full list of inclusions below.


What to Expect on the Kilimanjaro Climb

Our carefully crafted Kilimanjaro itinerary is designed to give you the best chance at a safe and successful summit. With a slower-paced ascent, expert guide leadership, and full camp support, you’ll experience the mountain at its best. From your arrival in Tanzania to summit day on Uhuru Peak, every detail has been refined over 20 years of leading successful guided Kilimanjaro climbs.

Itinerary

Day 01 - Arrival in Moshi, Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where our team will greet you for the transfer to our comfortable lodge in Moshi — about one hour from the park entrance. All services are arranged, including airport pickup, dinner, and lodging.

Day 02 - Gear Check & Expedition Briefing

Take the day to recover from international travel and settle in. We’ll conduct a detailed gear check, discuss the climb ahead, and hold a full team orientation. This is a key part of our thoughtful acclimatization plan.

Day 03 - Begin Trek – Machame Gate to Forest Camp (3,000m)

After breakfast, we drive to the Machame Gate on Kilimanjaro’s southwest side. Our trek begins through rich rainforest terrain before arriving at our first camp nestled among moss-draped trees. (5–6 hours trekking)

Day 04 - Forest Camp to Shira Plateau (3,840m)

Leaving the forest behind, we ascend into moorland and volcanic ridges with sweeping views of the Shira Plateau. Camp is near Shira Cave, a dramatic and open landscape. (4–5 hours trekking)

Day 05 - Shira Plateau to Barranco Camp (3,950m)

We continue upward toward the Lava Tower before descending into the stunning Barranco Valley. This is a key acclimatization day, with optional hikes above camp to aid in adjustment. (5–6 hours trekking)

Day 06 - Barranco Camp to Karanga Valley

We ascend the Great Barranco Wall and trek beneath Kilimanjaro’s icy southern glaciers. Views of the peak sharpen as we approach Karanga Valley — one of the most scenic sections of the route. (4–5 hours trekking)

Day 07 - Karanga to High Camp (4,750m)

A shorter day brings us to our high camp at Barafu. We arrive early to rest, hydrate, and prepare for our summit push. The atmosphere builds as we review the final stage of the climb. (3 hours trekking).

Day 08 - Summit Day – Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

We begin our ascent in the early hours, reaching Stella Point by sunrise and continuing to Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. After summit photos and celebration, we descend to camp at approximately 3,400m. A big day. (10–14 hours total)

Day 09 - Descend to Gate and Transfer to Arusha

A relaxed final hike through lower forests brings us to the park gate (4 hours trekking). From here, we transfer to Arusha for a well-earned celebration dinner with the team at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

Day 10 - Safari – Tarangire National Park

Begin your Tanzanian safari with a full-day game drive in Tarangire, home to vast elephant herds and iconic baobab trees. Overnight at the exceptional Ngorongoro Farm House Lodge.

Day 11 - Safari – Ngorongoro Crater and Return

Descend into the UNESCO-listed Ngorongoro Crater, where lions, rhinos, and wildebeest roam the caldera floor. In the afternoon, we return to Arusha for a final evening at the Four Points by Sheraton Hotel.

Day 12 - Departure

Group expedition officially concludes. Transfers are provided to Kilimanjaro International Airport for departing flights or onward travel.

Exped Destination Tanzania, Kilimanjaro

Mount Kilimanjaro rises alone above the plains of East Africa, the highest mountain on the continent and one of the world’s most famous trekking peaks. Its lower slopes are covered in rainforest and rich wildlife, while higher up the landscape becomes open, cold and glaciated. From the summit, endless views stretch across the African savanna, creating a powerful sense of space and solitude.

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a journey through changing worlds. The trail passes through jungle, heath, alpine desert and finally snow and ice near the summit. Each day brings new scenery and new challenges, until reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.

The best time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro is around January and August. The mountain can be climbed year-round, but some months bring heavier rainfall and more difficult conditions.

Average Summer Temperature:
23°C
Max Altitude:
5895m
Total Distance:
62km

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What's Included

Mountain Professionals Mountain guides

Your Kilimanjaro expedition is led by seasoned high-altitude professionals, including veteran Western guides with decades of mountaineering experience. Our teams are hand-picked for their leadership, safety record, and deep knowledge of the mountain. Founder Ryan Waters, has built Mountain Professionals into one of the most trusted names in guided expeditions over the past 20 years. This legacy of expertise ensures your climb is managed with professionalism, care, and an unmatched level of attention to detail.

Transfers

We provide private airport transfers upon arrival and departure, ensuring a smooth, stress-free start and finish to your expedition. Our team will greet you at the airport and handle all transport to your hotel and return travel logistics.

Accommodation

Enjoy comfortable lodging in quality hotels before and after the climb, plus an overnight safari stay at the stunning Ngorongoro Farm House — a charming coffee plantation retreat where exceptional farm-to-table cuisine, beautiful gardens, and the atmosphere of Tanzania's wilderness create an unforgettable experience.

All programmed transportation

All ground transportation to and from the Kilimanjaro Park Gate is included. Our private vehicles ensure a timely, comfortable ride as you begin and complete the mountain portion of your expedition.

Assistant Guides, Porters and Cooks

Our trusted Tanzanian mountain crew includes licensed guides, skilled assistant guides, strong porters, and experienced cooks who support every aspect of the climb — with fairness, professionalism, and local pride.

All permits and fees

All required entrance and access fees for Kilimanjaro National Park are fully covered. We handle the permitting and registration process so you can focus entirely on the journey ahead.

All meals and Dining on the Mountain

Nutritious, well-prepared meals are served throughout the climb, with attention to dietary needs and energy requirements. All cooking equipment and eating utensils are included for a clean and efficient camp experience.

Group & Camping equipment

We provide high-quality mountain tents, insulated sleeping pads, and a spacious dome dining tent complete with table and chairs — offering comfort and organization at every campsite.

Communication, Safety and First Aid

Our guides carry VHF radios, a satellite phone, and a comprehensive first aid kit equipped with high-altitude medications and emergency oxygen. Every expedition is led by a certified Wilderness First Responder (or higher), ensuring expert-level care and preparedness in any situation on the mountain.

What's Not Included

International flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport

The cost of your international flights to and from (JRO) Airport, is not included in the expedition price. This means you are responsible for researching, booking, and covering the expenses of your flights from your home country (or starting location) to Tanzania and your return journey after the expedition concludes.

Alcoholic drinks and personal snacks

Outside of the team meals provided while in towns, you are responsible for drinks or any personal snacks for the climb.

Personal Tanzania Entry Visa

Cost of Tourist Visa upon arrival to Tanzania at JRO Airport.

Personal travel insurance

We strongly recommend team members on the Kilimanjaro expedition to have rescue/evacuation insurance. Upon signing up, we provide a list of recommended insurance providers that specialize in covering climbing trips, ensuring you're fully protected for the journey.

Personal clothing & gear

Team members are responsible for arriving with the required personal clothing and equipment for the expedition. Upon signing up, we provide a detailed gear list and are always available to offer advice or answer any questions about what to bring, ensuring you're fully prepared for the journey.

Personal expenses

Personal expenses include any small purchases in Punta Arenas, such as extra food, supplies, or taxis, as well as any items you may wish to buy at the Union Glacier Camp gift shop in Antarctica.

Staff Gratuities

In your information PDF we will give recommendations for bringing money for tipping the trip staff, for a worry free planning.

What Our Clients Say

  • I have climbed and adventured all over the world, for many years with Mountain Professionals! As well as having highly experienced guides, they have awesome logistics with epic base camp set ups. I highly recommend using them if you are looking for a well organised and top adventure anywhere in the world!

    Katrina Follows, Switzerland
  • I've gone on guided expedition with other operators, and have had the whole range of experiences; Mountain Professionals are truly the best out there. I climbed Mt. Everest with them this season, and have climbed in previous seasons with them on other trips (Vinson, Ecuador, Baker, etc), and I was blown away.

    Anoush Pal, USA
  • Amazing experience climbing Vinson 2025 with Mountain Professionals. Ryan was always there for us, and JP guided us with true mastery. Unforgettable team — simply the BEST!

    Benjamin Bocanegra, Mexico
  • I've travelled with Mountain Professionals 5 times now, around the world and at a variety of types of mountaineering training and execution. I highly recommend Ryan Waters and his team! Mountain Professionals has consistently put safety first and adventure second in all the best ways possible.

    Carmen Zannier, Canada

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