Climb Kilimanjaro with Tazama
The Roof of Africa Awaits
Kilimanjaro stands at 5,895 meters above sea level, the highest mountain in Africa and the tallest free-standing peak in the world. For many, reaching the summit is a once-in-a-lifetime dream. The beauty of Kilimanjaro is that you don’t need ropes or technical climbing skills, what you need is determination, a healthy level of fitness, and the right support team to guide you safely to the top.
At Tazama, we have been guiding adventurers since 2017. Over the years, we’ve learned that climbing Kilimanjaro is not just about getting to the summit, but about how you get there: the safety measures, the food you eat, the people who walk beside you, and the memories you take home. That’s why we design our climbs around safety, comfort, and responsible practices that ensure both our guests and our crew are well cared for.
Safety First
The number one question most climbers ask is whether the climb is safe. The challenge of Kilimanjaro is not its trails but its altitude. At Tazama, we take this seriously. Our guides are Wilderness First Responder certified and trained in mountain rescue. Every day, your health is checked, oxygen levels, pulse rate, and hydration, to make sure your body is adjusting well. We carry medical kits and portable oxygen on every trek, and we maintain private portable toilets so you are never exposed to unhygienic camp facilities.
We also design our itineraries to give your body time to acclimatize. Walking slowly, eating nutritious meals, and resting properly are simple steps that make a huge difference. Safety isn’t just a promise for us, it’s the reason our guests consistently reach the summit with confidence.
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How Hard Is It Really?
Many people are surprised to hear that Kilimanjaro is accessible to beginners. The real challenge is the altitude, not the terrain. Most days involve long walks of 5 to 8 hours, and the final push to the summit can take 10 to 12 hours. If you are reasonably fit, able to hike 10–15 kilometers in a day or run a few kilometers without much difficulty, you are already well on your way.
The most important factor is choosing the right route. That’s why Tazama recommends the Lemosho route. It is one of the most beautiful approaches to the mountain, with changing landscapes that range from rainforest to high alpine desert, and it gives climbers the best possible chance to acclimatize slowly and steadily. This route balances scenery, comfort, and safety, making it ideal for first-time climbers and seasoned hikers alike.
What’s Included in a Tazama Climb?
We believe in transparency. With us, there are no hidden surprises. From the moment you arrive, we make sure you are taken care of. Your climb includes airport transfers, park fees, and all the permits you need. Before and after your trek, we arrange for you to stay in top-notch accommodations so you can relax and recover in comfort.
On the mountain, you will be supported by a team of professional guides, chefs, and porters. You’ll sleep in quality tents with proper sleeping mats, eat nutritious meals prepared to suit all dietary needs, from vegan to gluten-free, and enjoy the comfort of private dining tents. We also carry portable toilets for hygiene and peace of mind. Safety equipment, including oxygen and medical kits, is always on hand, and you will receive continuous support in planning your climb, from training advice to packing lists.
The only things not included are your international flights, visa fees, travel insurance, personal gear, and crew tips. Everything else is organized so that you can focus on the climb itself.
Why We Cost More, and Why It Matters
You may find cheaper climbs online, but lower prices almost always mean corners are cut. This could mean underpaid porters, poor food, old tents, or rushed itineraries that increase the risk of altitude sickness. At Tazama, we refuse to compromise on safety or dignity.
We pay our crew above industry standards, and we feed them the same quality meals that you enjoy. We provide professional chefs, private toilets, and the best equipment because these are not luxuries, they are essentials for a safe and enjoyable climb. Our higher summit success rate is a direct result of these choices. When you book with Tazama, you’re investing not just in your own experience, but in the wellbeing of the people who make it possible.
Find out what makes Tazama's Kilimanjaro Experience stand out
See moreHow Much Does It Cost to Climb Kilimanjaro?
The cost of climbing Kilimanjaro depends on your route, group size, and accommodation before and after the trek. At Tazama, we focus mostly on private climbs, and not mixing with strangers.
For a 7days to 8days trek (9 to 10days tour), prices range from $1,788 to $4,664 per person, with the average around $2,700 USD. About 35% of this goes directly to park fees, and a large share covers taxes (18% VAT and 30% income tax). We run transparently, paying all required fees and wages above industry standards.
👉 Tip: If you book for two people or more, your cost per person drops by about 23% compared to climbing solo.
Be cautious of operators charging less than $1,700. Low prices almost always mean underpaid porters, poor food, unsafe equipment, and shortcuts that put climbers at risk. With Tazama, you know your money supports safety, fair pay, and a quality experience from start to finish.
Ethical and Responsible Travel
We are proud to run our climbs in a way that respects both people and the environment. Our guides and porters are fairly paid, properly equipped, and cared for. We follow KPAP standards (Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project) to ensure our team is never exploited.
On the mountain, we have a strict “no plastic” policy, providing refillable bottles instead of single-use plastics. We also operate on a “trash in, trash out” system, ensuring we leave the mountain cleaner than we found it. When you climb with Tazama, you are part of a sustainable model of tourism where everyone benefits.
Understanding the Routes
Most people have heard of Kilimanjaro but don’t know there are different routes to the summit. Each route offers a different experience, and here’s what you should know in simple terms:
Lemosho Route
Our top recommendation. Remote and scenic, this trail passes through untouched rainforest and across the Shira Plateau before joining the western approach. It gives you plenty of time to acclimatize and is one of the most successful routes to the summit.
Machame Route
Sometimes called the “Whiskey Route,” this is a popular trail with stunning views. It is more crowded than Lemosho but offers dramatic scenery, including the famous Barranco Wall.
Marangu Route
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” this is the only trail with hut accommodation instead of tents. While it may sound easier, its rapid ascent profile gives it lower success rates.
Rongai Route
A quieter trail starting from the northern side of the mountain, close to Kenya. It offers a different perspective and is less crowded, though less varied in scenery.
Northern Circuit
The longest and most remote trail, circling around the mountain before reaching the summit. It offers excellent acclimatization and solitude but skips some iconic landmarks.
Umbwe Route
The steepest and most direct route, suitable only for experienced trekkers. It is beautiful but demanding and not recommended for beginners.
Best Time to Climb
Kilimanjaro can be climbed year-round, but the best months are January to March and June to October. These seasons offer the most stable weather, with clearer skies and less rain. Other months are possible, but climbers should be prepared for wetter conditions.
Your Role in Planning
We make the process simple for you. From the moment you book, we provide a detailed preparation pack with training advice, packing lists, and visa information. Our team stays in touch via WhatsApp and email to answer your questions at any stage. Before you arrive, we confirm your meal preferences, medical needs, and special requests, so that everything is in place for a smooth start. Your role is to prepare physically and mentally, we handle the rest.
Why Trust Tazama?
We have been operating since 2017, guiding hundreds of clients to the summit. We have weathered challenges like the pandemic and come out stronger, with a reputation built on safety, integrity, and personalized service. Our summit success rate on the Lemosho route is over 95%, and our guests consistently return home with not just photos, but stories of genuine care and unforgettable moments.
With Tazama, you are not just booking a climb. You are joining a journey where every detail is designed for your safety, your success, and your experience of Africa’s greatest mountain.
Our Kilimanjaro reviews
gahudnall
19 contributions
Amazing Kilimanjaro Hike!
March 2025 • Friends
Tazama did a great job catering to a group of guys that were primarily in Tanzania to hike Kilimanjaro. We added on a few days for a safari. The guide, chef, and porters were all amazing for the hike - I would HIGHLY recommend their guided hike of Mount Kilimanjaro. It was a superb experience from airport to summit and back to Arusha. The safari was good, but we lacked some details in the planning and it was evident when we got in country.
Essenia B
1 contribution
Amazing Kilimanjaro Hike!
Feb 2025 • Friends
Climbing Kilimanjaro can be challenging - altitude, weather conditions, etc - and you want the best team to accompany you in this adventure. Don’t search further, Tazama is an excellent expedition organiser.
Our main goal was to climb to Uhuru peak, the roof of Africa. The accompanying team and the tour leaders Walter and Joshua were excellent, truly knowledgeable and reliable. We managed to the top in best conditions. Amazing attention to detail made the experience unforgettable and truly unique. Thank you Tazama!
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Kilimanjaro Routes with Tazama
Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a one-size-fits-all experience. There are eight official routes to the summit, each with its own character, challenges, and highlights. Learn more about the routes we at Tazama use for your experience
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