Kilimanjaro National Park
Kilimanjaro National Park protects Africa's tallest mountain, where a climb crosses several climate zones, from tropical forest to an ice cap near the summit.
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Kilimanjaro National Park covers Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest mountain, in the Kilimanjaro Region of northern Tanzania near Moshi, about 300 km south of the equator. The park is about 755 square km and is managed by the Tanzania National Parks Authority (TANAPA). Kibo, the highest peak, rises to about 5,895 m and stays snow-covered all year. Park headquarters at Marangu lie about 45 km from Moshi, and Kilimanjaro International Airport is about 86 km from there.
Most visitors come to climb, on designated routes only, with licensed guides. The Marangu route is the easiest and most popular, starting at the Marangu gate near headquarters. Machame, Lemosho, Northern Circuit, Rongai, Umbwe and Shira are also official routes. A summit trip needs at least five days: about three up and two down. The climb crosses several climate zones, from tropical conditions to arctic-like conditions near the summit. For the best time to visit, go December to February or in July and September, though those months are colder.
Kilimanjaro National Park in five
- Climb with a licensed guideTanzania National Parks requires every climber to go with a licensed guide through a registered operator. Solo climbs are not allowed.TANAPA
- Pick a longer routeSeven or eight days on routes such as Lemosho or Machame give more time to acclimatize than the shortest itineraries.
- Know the signs of altitude sicknessHeadache, nausea and poor sleep are common. Worsening symptoms mean going down; guides carry oxygen and pulse oximeters.
- Get insurance that covers altitudeMany policies stop at a set altitude. Check your cover includes trekking to 6,000 m and helicopter rescue.Travel insurance
- Pack for rainforest to arctic summitThe route runs from humid forest to freezing nights near the top. Layers, a warm sleeping bag and waterproofs matter more than any single item, and rental gear is common in Moshi.
Things to do in Kilimanjaro National Park
See all attractions in Kilimanjaro National Park
Need to know
- Entrance
- Park fees per day, included in operator prices Read more
- Permits
- Licensed guide and registered operator required
- Season
- Best Jan–Mar and Jun–Oct; wet Apr–May
- Nearest town
- Moshi, near the main gates
- Getting there
- Kilimanjaro International (JRO), about 45–60 min to Moshi
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryDry, clear
- FebruaryDry, clear
- MarchWarm, some rain
- AprilLong rains
- MayLong rains
- JuneDry, cold top
- JulyDry, busy
- AugustDry, busy
- SeptemberDry, clear
- OctoberDry
- NovemberShort rains
- DecemberMixed
Right now in Kilimanjaro National Park
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
15
- Feels like
- 15°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 6 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 100%
Mt Kilimanjaro National Park
01:42 AM
Tuesday, November 3
- Today4°-2°100%Tuesday: Rain. High 4°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 100%.
- Wed5°-1°95%Wednesday: Rain. High 5°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 95%.
- Thu4°-2°39%Thursday: Rain. High 4°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 39%.
- Fri4°-5°45%Friday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 45%.
- Sat4°-5°76%Saturday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low -5°. Chance of rain 76%.
- Sun4°-2°100%Sunday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low -2°. Chance of rain 100%.
Updated 12:49 AM local time · Powered by WeatherAPI.com · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 USD = 2,635 TZS
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Before you go to Kilimanjaro National Park
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Rules for Kilimanjaro National Park, checked
- All Kilimanjaro climbs must be guided by a licensed operator; solo trekking is not permitted.Checked Oct 1, 2026 · Source
Plan around Kilimanjaro National Park
Parks, Zanzibar, entry rules and seasons
Read the guideSerengeti National ParkThe classic safari after the descent
Read the guideZanzibarRest on a beach after the summit
Read the guideAmboseli in KenyaKilimanjaro views from across the border
Read the guideTravel insuranceCheck altitude limits and evacuation cover
Read the guideVisas and entryCheck the rule for your passport
Read the guideKilimanjaro National Park FAQ
Can you climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
No. Tanzania National Parks requires a licensed guide for every climber, and you book through a registered operator.
How many days does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Five to nine days depending on the route. Longer itineraries improve acclimatization and summit chances.
When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
January to early March and June to October are the driest periods. April and May bring the heaviest rain.
Do I need climbing experience?
No technical skills are needed, but you should be fit for long hiking days and prepared for altitude and cold.
Is altitude sickness a risk on Kilimanjaro?
Yes, for most climbers to some degree. Walking slowly, taking a longer route and drinking water help, and worsening symptoms mean descending. Ask a travel doctor about medication before you go.