Towering over the flat African plains, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m) has long been Tanzania’s most famous and iconic landmark. Well known as “The Roof of Africa”, its popularity stems from its rankings as the highest mountain in Africa, the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the 4th highest peak of the Seven Summits.
This magnificient mountain has many distinctive aspects. Lying just 3° south of the equator, Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the few mountains on earth that supports five ecosystems: farmlands, montane rainforest, heath/moorland, alpine desert and arctic summit. A giant stratovocano formed a million years ago, it composes of three volcanic cones: Kibo (5895m), Mawenzi (5149m) and Shira (3962m). The top of the mountain is also covered by glaciers that are constantly evolving. They melt and shrink in dry season but regenerate in the wet. However, the glaciers are diminishing and have lost more than 80% of their mass since 1912.
To protect the iconic mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro National Park was established in 1973 and the park was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1987.
Mt Kilimanjaro is an excellent first foray for those attempting a 5000m peak. Mountaineering gear and experience is not needed to reach the summit. It is probably the most popular and climbed mountain of the famed Seven Summits; with tens of thousands of climbers ascending the mountain each year.
The summit of Mt Kilimanjaro is Uhuru Peak (5895m) on Kibo’s crater rim. Uhuru is the Swahili word for “freedom”.
There are 6 main approach routes leading up the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro to Uhuru Peak. They are named after the places from where they begin:
The 7th route, Mweka, is used for descending only.
Whichever route is chosen, the climb can all be divided into 3 parts:
The standard routes via Shira, Lemosho, Machame and Umbwe reach the rim at Stella Point (5685m) from the last campsite at Barafu Camp (4680m), whilst Marangu, Rongai and the traverse approach via the Northern Circuit reach the rim at Gilman’s Point (5681m) from the last campsite at Kibo Camp (4730m) or School Hut (4750m).
The least popular routes are Marangu, Shira and Umbwe. The Marangu route is the only route with sleeping huts but the least scenic. The huts are poorly maintained but have solar lighting. It is also one of the shortest routes and does not cater for adequate acclimatisation. All the rest are camping routes with designated campsites. Shira is rarely used by trekkers because of the dirt motorway used by rescue vehicles. Umbwe route has a reputation for being the most challenging and having a low summit success rate. It is the shortest and steepest and has a poor acclimatisation profile.
The more popular and scenic routes are Lemosho and Machame. Because of overcrowding, particularly during the peak season, some trekkers now choose to approach the summit from Rongai or traverse the Northern Circuit via Lemosho to avoid the crowd.
There are 6, 7 and 8 days climbing itineraries for Mt Kilimanjaro. Unless you are well acclimatised to high altitude ahead of the climb, or have extensive experience climbing mountains above 5000m, our recommendation is the 8-day itinerary.
Due to its proximity to the equator, Mt Kilimanjaro does not experience wide temperature changes from season to season. Instead, the temperatures on Mt Kilimanjaro are determined by the altitude, time of day and the dry and wet seasons. While it is possible to climb Mt Kilimanjaro at any time of the year, it is best to avoid the rainy season from March to June and November.
The popular trekking seasons are:
This trek is graded 2C. It is a multi-day peak climbing trek with full camping support.
Good to have above 3500m high altitude trekking experience. While Mt Kilimanjaro is one of the least difficult to climb of the Seven Summits and a superb first 5000m peak for those who have not trekked beyond 5000m, the success of ascending to the summit is not a given and requires great effort. For the most part, it takes just putting one foot in front of the other. Although this sounds simple, it demands excellent physical fitness and the ability to endure the extreme cold and rough conditions of the mountains. The biggest challenge and danger of climbing Mt Kilimanjaro is the high altitude.
You will be trekking at above 3000m in undulating mountain terrain with a personal backpack load of 5-6kg for 8 to 10 hours each day for up to 8 days. For the summit day, be prepared to trek for 12 – 15 hours starting at midnight and in extreme cold temperatures of -10°C to -15°C.
You will need thermal base layers, a fleece jacket and an outer shell jacket. When at the campsites, after sundown and for the summit, a down jacket will help keep you warm. A down sleeping bag is also needed and provided.
A packing list will be provided to all our participants. Please refer to our Resource Centre page for information on the layering system and how to choose the right gear/equipment for your trek.
The 10D Northern Circuit itinerary is the most scenic and highly recommended by us. This route isn’t incorporated as a standard section like the rest of the routes. It has lower traffic avoiding the main stream of trekkers. The circuit begins in the remote west, following the Lemosho route up to the Shira Plateau before turning into the north eastern direction around the back of the mountain and onto the circuit itself, providing an almost 360° view of Kibo. The remoteness of the circuit allows trekkers to see the more “un-touched” part of Mt Kilimanjaro. The gradual route and additional day (8D trek) provides for better acclimatisation to help the body cope better in the mountain. The additional day can make a significant difference in lowering the risk of altitude sickness, in particular, for those who have no experience in multi-day high altitude trek above 5000m.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION (10D Northern Circuit) | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
D/-/- |
| 2-7 |
Transfer to Londorossi Gate (2250m) then to Lemosho Gate (2100m). Trek to School Hut. Overnight: Tents at Big Tree Camp (2780m), Shira 1 Camp (3500m), Moir Hut (4175m), Buffalo Camp (4030m), Third Cave (3900m) and School Hut (4750m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 8 |
Summit trek to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend via Barafu Camp (4680m) to Millennium Camp. Overnight: Millennium camp tent (3790m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 9 |
Descend to Mweka Gate (1630m). Transfer to Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
B/L/D |
| 10 | Depart Moshi. | B/-/- |
The 10D Lemosho itinerary, like the 10D Northern Circuit itinerary, is also a scenic route that is gradual with an additional day (8D trek) for better acclimatisation to help the body cope better in the mountain. This route is part of the standard route, merging with the Machame route after Shira Camp to head to Barafu Camp. This itinerary is recommended for those who want the additional day of acclimatisation but a lower cost option than the Northern Circuit. The additional day can make a significant difference in lowering the risk of altitude sickness, particularly for those who have no experience in multi-day high altitude trek above 5000m.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION (10D Lemosho) | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
-/-/D |
| 2-7 |
Transfer to Londorossi Gate (2250m) then to Lemosho Gate (2100m). Trek to Barafu Camp. Overnight: Tents at Big Tree Camp (2780m), Shira 1 Camp (3500m), Shira 2 Camp (3900m), Barranco Camp (3960m), Karanga Camp (3963m) and Barafu Camp (4640m). |
B/Packed L/D |
| 8 |
Summit trek to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend via Barafu Camp (4680m) to Millennium Camp. Overnight: Millennium camp tent (3790m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 9 |
Descend to Mweka Gate (1630m). Transfer to Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
B/L/D |
| 10 | Depart Moshi. | B/-/- |
The 9D Machame itinerary is also a scenic route that is the most well-known, hence, popular and crowded. The start of the route is a steeper ascend, as compared to the Lemosho route. The first campsite, Machame Camp, is at 3010m. The ascent skips 1 camp and gains altitude a lot faster than the 8D trek itinerary. Because of the faster ascend and greater physical demand, this itinerary is recommended only to trekkers who have good fitness and endurance levels and experiences in multi-day high altitude trek to above 5000m.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION (9D Machame) | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
-/-/D |
| 2-6 |
Transfer to Machame Gate (1790m). Trek to Barafu Camp. Overnight: Tents at Machame Camp (3010m), Shira Camp (3845m), Barranco Camp (3960m), Karanga Camp (3963m) and Barafu Camp (4640m). |
B/Packed L/D |
| 7 |
Summit trek to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend via Barafu Camp (4680m) to Millennium Camp. Overnight: Millennium camp tent (3790m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 8 |
Descend to Mweka Gate (1630m). Transfer to Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
B/L/D |
| 9 | Depart Moshi | B/-/- |
The 9D Rongai itinerary uses the only route that ascends from the north. This route is relatively new as compared to the rest of the route. It is known to be tougher but less crowded. The last campsite before the summit is Kibo Hut, not Barafu Camp. The descend route is via Marangu. The ascend gains altitude a lot faster than the 8D trek itinerary. Because of the faster ascend and greater physical demand, this itinerary is recommended only to trekkers who have good fitness and endurance levels and experiences in multi-day high altitude trek to above 5000m. It is a good alternative to the 9D Machame route for those who want to avoid the crowd, prefer a traverse route and do not mind a tougher trek.
| DAY | DESCRIPTION (9D Rongai) | MEALS |
| 1 |
Arrive Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
-/-/D |
| 2-6 |
Transfer to Nalemoru Gate (1990m). Trek to Kibo Hut. Overnight: Tents at Simba Camp(2625m), 2nd Cave Camp (3480m), Kikelewa Camp (3630m), Mawenzi Tarn Hut (4310m) and Kibo Hut (4700m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 7 |
Summit trek to Uhuru Peak (5895m). Descend via Kibo Hut (4700m) to Horombo Hut. Overnight: Horombo Hut tent (3700m) |
B/Packed L/D |
| 8 |
Descend to Marangu Gate (1860m). Transfer to Moshi. Overnight: Moshi hotel (950m) |
B/L/D |
| 9 | Depart Moshi. | B/-/- |
| 11 – 20 Sep 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 2 – 11 Oct 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 11 – 20 Oct 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 23 Nov – 2 Dec 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 1 – 10 Dec 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 8 – 17 Dec 2024 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 25 Dec 2024 – 3 Jan 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 12 – 20 Sep 2024 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 11 – 19 Oct 2024 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 19 – 27 Dec 2024 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
The dates listed are for the open international groups with 2 -10 people
| 15 – 24 Feb 2025 with a Trek Leader | $4,380 (SGD) / person |
| 19 – 28 Mar 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 7 – 16 Apr 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 4 – 13 May 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 16 – 25 Jun 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 5 – 14 Jul 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 30 Jul – 8 Aug 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 9 – 18 Aug 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 6 – 15 Sep 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 12 – 21 Sep 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 3 – 12 Oct 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 13 – 22 Oct 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 24 Nov – 3 Dec 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
| 9 – 18 Dec 2025 | $3,600 (SGD) / person |
** This is a trip with a Singapore Trek Leader
Group size: Minimum 6 people
| 20 – 28 Mar 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 11 – 19 Apr 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 10 – 18 May 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 5 – 13 Jun 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 20 – 28 Jul 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 10 – 18 Aug 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 13 – 21 Sep 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 4 – 12 Oct 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
| 21 – 29 Dec 2025 | $3,300 (SGD) / person |
You can also form a private group. For enquiry, send an email to us at [email protected]
1. Trip briefing and information kit
2. Gear list (Pack list)
3. Complimentary group training sessions
We carefully select and establish a strong working relationship with our local trek operator to ensure a high standard of service and safe participation by everyone.
Our local climbing guides have extensive experience in guiding treks in Kilimanjaro and possess intimate knowledge of the local surroundings, conditions, and culture. They are well-trained in mountain first aid and rescue and carry a walkie-talkie with them during the trek.
Citizens from the following countries can enter Tanzania without a visa. These countries are: Anguilla, Antigua & Barbuda, Ashmore & Certie Island, Bahamas, Barbados, Bermuda, Belize, Botswana, Brunei, British Indian Ocean Territory, British Virgin Island, Brunei, Cayman Island, Channel Island, Christmas Island, Cocoas Island, Cook Island, Cyprus, Dominica, Eswatini (Swaziland), Falkland Island, Gambia, Ghana, Gibraltar, Grenada, Guernsey, Guyana, Heard Island, Isle of man, Jamaica, Jersey, Kenya, Kiribati, Lesotho, Madagascar, Malawi, Malaysia, Malta, Mauritius, Montserrat, Mozambique, Namibia, Naue Island, Nauru, Norfolk Island, Papua New Guinea, Romania, Ross Dependency, Rwanda, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Helena, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent, Samoa, Seychelles, Singapore, Solomon Island, South African Republic, South Sudan, Tonga, Trinidad and Tobago, Turks and Caicos, Tuvalu, Tokelan, Uganda, Vanuatu, Zambia and Zimbabwe.
People from a country not listed above are required to have a tourist visa to visit Tanzania and it is best to obtain one prior to arrival using this official link https://eservices.immigration.go.tz/visa.
A passport valid for at least 6 months on arrival date in Tanzania is required. Otherwise, you may not even be allowed on the airplane.
Visas are also available on arrival at Tanzanian airports and border posts. It is a straightforward procedure. After arrival, fill in a visa form and wait in line at immigration windows with your passport and cash in USD. Allow extra time for this process.
Price for Tanzanian visa depends on nationality. It costs USD100 cash for a U.S. citizen, or USD50 cash for all other nationals. Maximum stay in Tanzania on a tourist visa is 90 days.
For latest updates and details of visa application, please visit https://www.immigration.go.tz/index.php/en/services/visa-information.
Currency exchange services can be found in banks and authorized moneychangers (Forex Offices or Forex Bureaux De Change), and they accept major currencies like US Dollar, Euro, Japanese Yen and Singapore Dollar. The Forex Offices or Forex Bureaux De Change typically has a better exchange rate than the banks, and have longer operating hours.
Credit cards are mainly only accepted in higher-end hotels, restaurants and shops catered to tourists. The service fee is typically charged back to the cardholder. So, paying in cash is still the best. Nonetheless, credit cards can be used to withdraw cash from ATMs that are linked to international systems such as Visa/MasterCard/Cirrus/Maestro/Plus networks.
Tanzania’s electricity is 230V and 50HZ. There are two types of plugs used in Tanzania. The more commonly used is the three flat pins (Type G), also known as the UK plug, and the three-pronged round pins (Type D).
Swahili is the official language in Tanzania, with many local dialects. English is the second official language and most people are quite fluent in English. It will be very useful to learn some basics such as greetings, saying goodbye, etc.
Tap water is not drinkable in Tanzania. It is advisable to use bottled water for drinking and teeth cleaning to avoid any health issues. Bottled water is available everywhere from supermarkets to lodges. Ensure to have enough bottled water with you while on safari to avoid dehydration. When buying water from street vendors, make sure the bottle has a plastic seal around the cap.
Tipping in Tanzania is common practice and expected in most situations. You are expected to tip tour guides, mountain guides, porters, safari crew and services in mid to high-end lodges. In restaurants and cafes for tourists, if a service charge is included on top of the 18% VAT, tipping is not necessary. In general, the tip is around 10-15% of the total bill and can be placed in the tip box. In hotel & lodges, USD2 per bag for the baggage boy is good enough.
With evolving world situations that may occur unexpectedly due to natural disasters, pandemics/epidemics, conflicts and unrests, it is best to read up and keep tabs on news and developments at your destination country and region before the trip. Check on the country’s official website and/or your own foreign ministry website for any travel advisory or safety precautions to be taken while abroad.
As with traveling in anywhere in the world, regardless of the local crime rate, stay vigilant and take care of personal safety. Good to read up on any possible exposure in the country prior to departure.
It is a good practice to register with your respective foreign ministry if there is such a service provided to citizens, to contact you in order to make sure that you are safe and, if need be, assist you should an emergency (e.g. natural disasters, civil unrest, etc.) occur when you are overseas.
For Singaporeans, this is the link to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs’ eRegister:
https://eregister.mfa.gov.sg/eregisterportal/common/preLoginEregisterView.action
It is highly recommended to purchase comprehensive travel insurance(s), upon payment of your trip, to cover adverse situations that may occur while you are overseas or even before departure. Ensure that the coverage is suitable for your destination and the activities that you are participating in. Be familiar with the terms and conditions before purchasing and travelling abroad.
There is no compulsory vaccine to be taken to enter Tanzania. You should, however, be up to date on routine vaccinations, especially vaccines against water-borne, food-borne, parasitic and other infectious diseases (examples: hepatitis, typhoid and tuberculosis) while traveling to any destination. You are encouraged to consider having vaccinations before you travel. At least eight weeks before you depart, make an appointment with your doctor or travel clinic for a basic health check-up, and to discuss your travel plans and any implications for your health, particularly if you have an existing medical condition.
Recommended routine vaccinations for travellers in general:
|
Hepatitis A |
Spread through consuming contaminated food and water or person to person through the faecal-oral route. Risk is higher where personal hygiene and sanitation are poor. |
|
Hepatitis B |
Spread through infected blood and blood products, contaminated needles and medical instruments and sexual intercourse. Risk is higher for those at occupational risk, long stays or frequent travel, children (exposed through cuts and scratches) and individuals who may need, or request, surgical procedures abroad. |
|
Rabies
|
Spread through the saliva of an infected animal, usually through a bite, scratch or lick on broken skin. Particularly dogs and related species, but also bats. Risk is higher for those going to remote areas (who may not be able to promptly access appropriate treatment in the event of a bite), long stays, those at higher risk of contact with animals and bats, and children. Even when pre-exposure vaccine has been received, urgent medical advice should be sought after any animal or bat bite. |
|
Tetanus
|
Spread through contamination of cuts, burns and wounds with tetanus spores. Spores are found in soil worldwide. A primary series of 5 doses of tetanus vaccine is recommended for life. Boosters are usually recommended in a country or situation where the correct treatment of an injury may not be readily available. |
|
Typhoid Fever |
Spread mainly through consumption of contaminated food and drink. Risk is higher where access to adequate sanitation and safe water is limited. |
|
Influenza |
A vaccine specific for a given year to protect against the highly variable influenza virus. |
Yellow Fever
Tanzania, including Zanzibar, no longer has risks of yellow fever. However, yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for travellers aged 1 year or over arriving from countries with risk of yellow fever transmission (which includes Kenya and Ethiopia) and for travellers having transited for more than 12 hours through an airport of a country with risk of yellow fever transmission.
Malaria
Malaria is present mainly in the rural lowland areas in Tanzania. Areas with high altitudes over 1800m such as the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and Kilimanjaro are relatively malaria-free, but you may pass areas where malaria is present to get there.
For more information and professional advice on travel vaccinations, please consult your doctor or travel clinic.
For people residing in Singapore, you may visit The Travellers’ Health and Vaccination Clinic (THVC) at Tan Tock Seng Hospital:
Travellers’ Health & Vaccination Clinic
Address: Level 4, Clinic 4B, Tan Tock Seng Hospital Medical Centre
Contact number: 6357 2222
Website : https://www.ttsh.com.sg/Patients-and-Visitors/Medical-Services/Travellers-Health-and-Vaccination-Clinic/Pages/default.aspx
Duration: 18 Days
Grading: 4D