Conquer the World’s Tallest Freestanding Mountain
Kilimanjaro is one of the famed Seven Summits, the world’s highest peaks. As you put your body and mind to the test, journey through otherworldly landscapes of lush rainforests, towering glaciers, and stunning lava formations.
The Roof of Africa
With its snow-capped peak rising above the African plains, Mount Kilimanjaro has captivated adventurers for centuries. Local Chagga legends spoke of its mystical heights long before German explorer Hans Meyer became the first recorded person to summit in 1889, guided by Chagga tribesman Yohana Lauwo. This legacy lives on today, as Lauwo’s grandson, Pendaeli, proudly guides Thomson trekkers to Uhuru Peak.
Kili by the Numbers
03
Volcanic cones
19,341
Feet tall
05
Climate zones
Climate Zones
Climbing Kilimanjaro is like trekking from the equator to the North Pole, as the mountain encompasses five distinct climate zones. Each one offers unique challenges, sights, and beauty, making Kilimanjaro a truly unforgettable journey through diverse ecosystems. The mountain is also home to hundreds of plant and animal species, some of which can only be found on its slopes.
Kilimanjaro Climate Zone 1
Rainforest
Elevation: 6,000′–9,200′
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 temperatures: 70s–90s °F
Night temperatures: 40s–60s °F
Kilimanjaro Climate Zone 2
Heath
Elevation: 9,200′–11,000′
Sparser and drier than the forest, the heath includes bearded lichen hanging from the trees.
Day temperatures: 50s–70s °F
Night temperatures: 30s–50s °F
Kilimanjaro Climate Zone 3
Moorland
Elevation: 11,000′–13,200′
The moorland is home to unique vegetation, such as the alien-looking giant groundsels that tower overhead.
Day temperatures: 50s–70s °F
Night temperatures: 30s–50s °F
Kilimanjaro Climate Zone 4
Alpine Desert
Elevation: 13,200′–16,000′
Cold and dry, the alpine desert’s windswept, rocky landscapes have often been compared to the surface of the moon.
Day temperatures: 30s–40s °F
Night temperatures: 10s–30s °F
Kilimanjaro Climate Zone 5
Arctic
Elevation: 16,000’+
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 temperatures: 10s–30s °F
Night temperatures: 10s–20s °F
The Best Time to Climb
Kilimanjaro can be trekked year-round, but you’ll want to avoid the heavy rains of April – early May and November – early December.
Trekkers experience tropical heat in the foothills, arctic cold at the summit, and everything in between, so be prepared for diverse conditions, including possible rainfall or snow.
-
JUNE – OCTOBER
Cooler and drier -
DECEMBER – MARCH
Warmer with a higher chance of rain and snow
For safari add-ons, the dry season (late May–October) offers concentrated wildlife near water sources, while the green season (December–March) showcases lush landscapes and newborn animals.
Preparing for Altitude
Climbing Kilimanjaro isn’t technically challenging, but at 19,341 feet, the altitude is a significant factor. Most trekkers will feel some effects, like nausea, headaches, or low appetite, and while fitness doesn’t prevent these symptoms, preparation does.
Thomson’s 98% summit success rate is due to longer routes for better acclimatization, unlimited purified water to stay hydrated, nutritionist-designed meals to maintain energy, and highly trained guides skilled in high-altitude care.
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When you trek through Kilimanjaro’s fourth climate zone, the alpine desert, you’ll feel like you just stepped out of a spaceship. “It’s like being on the moon,” says Thomson staffer Carolyn.