How Long Does It Take to Climb Kilimanjaro?

It typically takes 7 to 8 days to climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the most popular routes, Lemosho and Machame. Including travel days, plan for 9 to 10 days in Tanzania.

When planning to climb Kilimanjaro, one of the first questions every trekker asks is simple: how many days does it actually take to reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro?

The short answer is that it typically takes 7 to 8 days on the mountain. That is the ideal timeframe for most climbers attempting to reach the roof of Africa via the two most popular and scenic routes, the Lemosho and Machame routes. Both offer the right balance of acclimatisation, challenge, and breathtaking variety, giving you the best possible chance to stand on Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mt Kilimanjaro.

The Most Common Kilimanjaro Routes and Their Durations

Kilimanjaro offers several routes, each with its own pace, scenery, and level of difficulty.
Here’s how they compare:

Lemosho Route: 8 days on average. Known for its gradual ascent, stunning landscapes, and high summit success rate.
Machame Route: 7 days. Often called the Whiskey Route, it is a favourite among climbers for its beautiful variety of terrain and solid acclimatisation profile.
Marangu Route: 6 days. The only route with hut accommodation, offering a faster but less flexible itinerary for altitude adaptation.

Rongai Route: 6 to 7 days. Approaches the mountain from the quieter northern side, offering a more gradual climb and excellent views across the Kenyan plains.

Umbwe Route: 4 to 5 days. Steep, direct, and physically demanding, best suited for experienced high-altitude trekkers.
Northern Circuit: 9 to 10 days. The longest and least crowded route, circling around the northern slopes for maximum acclimatization and solitude.

No matter which you choose, your Kilimanjaro trek will test your endurance and reward you with some of the most dramatic landscapes on the planet.

Total Time Commitment: 9 to 10 Days in Tanzania

While the mountain itself takes about a week to climb, you should plan to spend an additional night before and after your climb in Moshi or Arusha, the gateway towns to Kilimanjaro National Park.

That means the total time commitment for your Kilimanjaro adventure is typically 9 to 10 days. This extra time ensures a smoother start, allows you to recover before departure, and gives you a chance to experience a bit of Tanzanian culture before heading home.

Why More Days Can Mean More Success

At Life Happens Outdoors, we always emphasise one thing: the slower you go, the higher you climb. The additional days on routes like Lemosho and Machame are not just for comfort, they are crucial for proper acclimatization. Your body needs time to adjust to the thin air as you ascend nearly 5,895 meters above sea level. That is why most successful summit attempts happen on itineraries lasting at least 7 days.

The Life Happens Outdoors Experience

At Life Happens Outdoors, we believe that the way you climb matters just as much as reaching the top. Our Kilimanjaro expeditions are run as true airport to airport journeys, designed so that you can focus entirely on the experience from the moment you land in Tanzania. Every trip is full board throughout, including your nights in Moshi, with all meals carefully planned and prepared to keep you energized, comfortable, and healthy.

Our trips include professional photography so that you can relive your experience and share it without needing to worry about documenting it yourself. Every expedition is team led by experienced Life Happens Outdoors Trip Leaders, working alongside our long-standing network of certified local guides and porters who have been with us since our very first climb on the mountain. Together, they bring an unmatched level of expertise, warmth, and care to every moment of the journey.

Our standard offer includes upgraded meals on the mountain based on meticulously crafted meal plans designed to match your needs at every stage and altitude. We provide private toilets for every four joiners, with the option to upgrade to a fully private toilet for individual use. Our camping infrastructure is of the highest quality, our accommodations in Moshi are carefully selected, and our safety standards are uncompromising.

When you climb Kilimanjaro with Life Happens Outdoors, you are not just joining a trip. You are joining a community built on trust, shared challenge, and the belief that adventure can truly change lives.

Final Thoughts

Climbing Kilimanjaro is not a race to the top. It is a journey of endurance, mindset, and discovery. Whether you choose the scenic Lemosho, the popular Machame, or the quieter Northern Circuit, your experience will be shaped by the time you give yourself to adapt, connect, and grow.