They say a Kilimanjaro climb is like traveling from the equator to the North Pole.
That’s because Kilimanjaro is so massive it contains five distinct climate zones. You’ll pass through each of them on your way to the summit:
Kilimanjaro Climate Zones
Photo credit: Roy Grossinger
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 1
RAINFOREST
ELEVATION: 6,000′ – 9,200′
DESCRIPTION: Warm, humid, and lush year-round, this section of the mountain is home to rare species, many of which are found nowhere else on earth!
DAY TEMPS: 70s – 90s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 40s – 60s F
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 2
HEATH
ELEVATION: 9,200′ – 11,000′
DESCRIPTION: Sparser and drier than the forest, the heath includes bearded lichen hanging from the trees.
DAY TEMPS: 50s – 70s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 30s – 50s F
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 3
MOORLAND
ELEVATION: 11,000′ – 13,200′
DESCRIPTION: The moorland is home to unique vegetation, such as the alien-looking giant groundsels that tower overhead.
DAY TEMPS: 50s – 70s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 30s – 50s F
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 4
ALPINE DESERT
ELEVATION: 13,200′ – 16,000′
DESCRIPTION: Cold and dry, the alpine desert’s windswept, rocky landscapes have often been compared to the surface of the moon.
DAY TEMPS: 30s – 40s F
NIGHT TEMPS: 10s – 30s F
KILIMANJARO CLIMATE ZONE 5
ARCTIC
ELEVATION: 16,000’+
DESCRIPTION: Near the summit Kilimanjaro transforms into a frozen world of glittering ice and snow. You’ll feel like an Arctic explorer on your last steps to Uhuru Peak!
DAY TEMPS: 10s – 30s F
NIGHT TEMPS: -10s – 20s F
LEARN MORE ABOUT TREKKING WITH THOMSON:
KILIMANJARO FACTS
Reaching Uhuru Peak is an even bigger achievement than you might think!
LEARN MORE
INSPIRING CLIMBS
These amazing stories will give you the motivation you need to reach the summit!
LEARN MORE