Located in Tanzania, East Africa, Mt. Kilimanjaro is the highest free standing mountain in the world and one of the Seven Summits prized by climbers. It stands 19,341 feet tall (5,895 meters), and has 3 volcanic cones as peaks: Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira.
Kibo is the highest peak followed by Mawenzi at 16,983 feet (5,149 meters) and then Shira at 13,000 feet (3,962 meters). Both Mawenzi and Shira are extinct volcanoes. Kibo is dormant (meaning it could erupt again), but the last major eruption took place between 150,000 and 200,000 years ago.
The best months to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro are June, July, August, September, which offer the clearest and warmest conditions.
October, December, January, and February are also good climbing months, with cooler weather.
There is a short rainy season in November with afternoon rains. March to May is the long rainy season.
Your climb up Mt. Kilimanjaro will take you through 5 distinct climatic zones, offering unique vegetation and wildlife and scenery.
June, July, August, December, January, February
Traditionally this time of year is the hotter time of year. This would be a great time to climb in.
September, October
Traditionally this time of year gets a bit colder, but the weather is still great to climb.
November, March, April, May
Traditionally these months are the rainy season. Trekkers must be aware that these months can be rainy and we recommend being experienced trekkers
BUSHLAND / LOWER SLOPE ZONE
This is the first zone of the mountain.
It can be seen between 2,600 – 5,900 feet.
RAINFOREST
ZONE
This is the second zone of the mountain.
It can be seen between 5,900 – 9,200 feet.
MOORLAND / HEATHER ZONE
This is the third zone of the mountain
It can be seen between 9,200 – 13,100 feet
ALPINE DESERT
ZONE
This is the fourth zone of the mountain
It can be seen between 13,100 – 16,400 feet
ARCTIC ZONE
This is the fifth zone of the mountain
It can be seen between 16,400 – 19,341 feet
