National park
National park · UNESCO World Heritage Site
Kilimanjaro National Park
Climb Africa's highest mountain to Uhuru Peak.
- Northern Tanzania
- Best: Jan–Feb, Jul–Oct
- Entry from US$82.60
- World Heritage Site (1987)
Overview
- Summit
- Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m
- Area
- 1,712 km²
- Routes
- Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Northern Circuit
- Climb length
- Usually 5–9 days
- Nearest airport
- Kilimanjaro International (JRO)
Kilimanjaro National Park was gazetted in 1973 and opened to tourism in 1977. It covers 1,712 km² and has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987.
The mountain has three volcanic cones: Kibo (5,895 m), the highest and still snow-capped; the jagged Mawenzi (5,149 m); and the Shira plateau (3,962 m). Climbers pass through five climate zones, from montane forest to arctic summit.
The mountain is sacred to the Chagga people, especially along the Marangu route, and the forest belt holds rare plants such as the endemic Impatiens kilimanjari.
- Uhuru Peak
Africa's highest point, reached after a pre-dawn summit push.
- Five climate zones
Forest, heath, alpine desert, glaciers and snow.
- Marangu huts
The only route with huts: Mandara, Horombo and Kibo.
Things to do
- Summit climbUS$82.60 a day plus camping or huts
Only with a licensed operator and registered guide.
- Day hikes
Forest walks from Marangu or Machame gates.
- Mountain bikingUS$59 a day
On permitted routes.
Prices are the foreign non-resident rate per person. Resident and East African rates are lower; see the full table below.
When to go
Clearest and driest January–February and June–October. April, May and November are wet, with fewer climbers.
- Jan: Best
- Feb: Best
- Mar: Good
- Apr: Wetter
- May: Wetter
- Jun: Good
- Jul: Best
- Aug: Best
- Sep: Best
- Oct: Best
- Nov: Wetter
- Dec: Good
Fees and permits
Official rates from the Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA) (TANAPA Tariffs 2023/24 (GN 666 of 2018, GN 490A of 2020)). Children, vehicle and accommodation rates are in the full tariff.
| Item | Foreign non-resident | Foreign resident | Rest of Africa | East African citizen |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per day on the mountainChildren 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor). | US$82.60 | US$41.30 | US$82.60 | TZS 11,800 |
| Hut fee (Marangu route)per adult per night | US$70.80 | US$70.80 | US$70.80 | TZS 5,900 |
| Camping feeper adult per night | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | US$59.00 | TZS 11,800 |
| Rescue feeper person per climb, non-refundable | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | US$23.60 | TZS 2,360 |
- Park entry (adult, 16+)per person per day on the mountain
- Foreign non-resident
- US$82.60
- Foreign resident
- US$41.30
- Rest of Africa
- US$82.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
Children 5–15: TZS 2,360 / US$11.80 / US$23.60 (EAC citizen / resident / non-EAC visitor).
- Hut fee (Marangu route)per adult per night
- Foreign non-resident
- US$70.80
- Foreign resident
- US$70.80
- Rest of Africa
- US$70.80
- East African citizen
- TZS 5,900
- Camping feeper adult per night
- Foreign non-resident
- US$59.00
- Foreign resident
- US$59.00
- Rest of Africa
- US$59.00
- East African citizen
- TZS 11,800
- Rescue feeper person per climb, non-refundable
- Foreign non-resident
- US$23.60
- Foreign resident
- US$23.60
- Rest of Africa
- US$23.60
- East African citizen
- TZS 2,360
- Prices include 18% VAT; TANAPA's tariff lists them before VAT (for example US$70 + VAT = US$82.60). Children are aged 5–15; under-5s are free.
- Other African citizens pay the non-EAC rate. Payment is electronic through TANAPA's online reservation system, banks or mobile money.
- TANAPA still publishes its 2023/24 tariff as current in October 2026. Confirm the amount when you pay.
Getting there
- By roadFrom Kilimanjaro International AirportAbout 1 hour
To Moshi and the Marangu or Machame gates.
- By roadFrom ArushaAbout 1.5–2 hours
Via Moshi; western routes (Lemosho, Shira) start from Londorossi Gate.
Open larger map Directions Marker shows an approximate location.
Photos
Know before you go
- Altitude sickness is the main risk; longer routes improve your chance of reaching the top.
- Budget for park fees for every day on the mountain; they are often the largest part of a climb's cost.
- Choose an operator that pays and equips porters fairly.
- Foreign visitors must buy Tanzania's US$44 inbound travel insurance (92 days) before arrival: from NIC for the mainland or ZIC for Zanzibar. One policy covers both; residents of EAC and SADC countries are exempt.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to climb Kilimanjaro?
Usually five to nine days. Longer itineraries such as Lemosho or the Northern Circuit allow better acclimatisation.
How much are Kilimanjaro park fees?
Non-EAC adults pay US$82.60 a day for entry, plus US$59 a night camping or US$70.80 a night in Marangu huts, and a US$23.60 rescue fee per climb (all including VAT).
Can I climb Kilimanjaro without a guide?
No. Every climb must be booked with a licensed operator and led by a registered guide.
Sources
Checked on 23 October 2026. Fees and rules change; confirm with the authority or your operator before you pay.
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