Itinerary: Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
Daily Itineraries – Major Routes 2026–2027
Marangu Route – 6 Days
The Marangu route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is the classic hut route offering moderate gradients and hut accommodations. Ideal for first-time climbers in 2026–2027.
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, transfer to Moshi/Arusha lodge, briefing, gear check.
- Day 2: Trek from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut, passing through montane forest.
- Day 3: Ascend to Horombo Hut via moorland vegetation, acclimatization hike around the area.
- Day 4: Trek to Kibo Hut, prepare for summit attempt, enjoy sunset over alpine desert.
- Day 5: Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), descend to Horombo Hut.
- Day 6: Descend to Marangu Gate and transfer back to lodge/airport.
Machame Route – 7 Days
Machame Route, known for scenic views, offers tented camps, diverse ecosystems, and high summit success rates.
- Day 1: Arrival and briefing at Moshi/Arusha.
- Day 2: Trek to Machame Hut through rainforest with guided pacing for acclimatization.
- Day 3: Trek to Shira Camp with scenic vistas of Shira Plateau.
- Day 4: Advance to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower (optional acclimatization hike).
- Day 5: Trek to Karanga Camp, continue acclimatization.
- Day 6: Summit attempt from Barafu Camp to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp.
- Day 7: Final descent to Mweka Gate, transfer to lodge.
Lemosho Route – 7–8 Days
Lemosho is the most scenic route with tented camps, gradual acclimatization, and panoramic views. Recommended for 2026–2027 climbers seeking a luxury trekking experience.
- Day 1: Arrival, briefing, gear check.
- Day 2: Trek to Big Tree Camp through rainforest.
- Day 3: Trek to Shira 1 Camp across Shira Plateau.
- Day 4: Trek to Shira 2 Camp, enjoy alpine desert scenery.
- Day 5: Trek to Barranco Camp via Lava Tower for acclimatization.
- Day 6: Trek to Karanga Camp, prepare for summit night.
- Day 7: Summit attempt to Uhuru Peak, descend to Mweka Camp.
- Day 8: Final descent to Mweka Gate and transfer to lodge/airport.
Rongai Route – 6–7 Days
Rongai Route is less crowded, northern approach, moderate gradients, tented camps.
Umbwe Route – 5–6 Days
Steepest route, for fit and adventurous climbers, high success for experienced trekkers.
Shira Route – 7 Days
Combines scenic plateaus, gradual acclimatization, tented camps, excellent photography opportunities.
Northern Circuit – 9 Days
Longest and most scenic route, excellent summit success rates due to gradual ascent.
Scheduled Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
January 2026
- 8-day Lemosho Route – January 20–29, 2026 – $2,890 – 6 spaces available
- 6-day Marangu Route – January 31–February 7, 2026 – $2,540 – 7 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – January 27–February 4, 2026 – $2,650 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Rongai Route – January 29–February 6, 2026 – $2,650 – 8 spaces available
February 2026
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – February 4–14, 2026 – $3,205 – 10 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – February 8–17, 2026 – $2,890 – 7 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – February 15–23, 2026 – $2,600 – 9 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – February 22–March 1, 2026 – $2,650 – 6 spaces available
March 2026
- 6-day Marangu Route – March 1–8, 2026 – $2,540 – 8 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – March 5–13, 2026 – $2,600 – 9 spaces available
June 2026
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – June 3–13, 2026 – $3,205 – 9 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – June 4–13, 2026 – $2,890 – 9 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – June 5–13, 2026 – $2,650 – 6 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – June 8–17, 2026 – $2,890 – 9 spaces available
- 7-day Rongai Route – June 13–21, 2026 – $2,650 – 7 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – June 15–24, 2026 – $2,890 – 9 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – June 17–25, 2026 – $2,650 – 6 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – June 19–27, 2026 – $2,600 – 8 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – June 21–July 1, 2026 – $3,205 – 9 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – June 22–July 1, 2026 – $2,890 – 9 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – June 23–July 1, 2026 – $2,650 – 6 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – June 25–July 5, 2026 – $3,205 – 9 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – June 28–July 6, 2026 – $2,890 – 9 spaces available
July 2026
- 6-day Marangu Route – July 1–8, 2026 – $2,540 – 8 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – July 2–12, 2026 – $3,205 – 8 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – July 3–12, 2026 – $2,890 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – July 4–12, 2026 – $2,650 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – July 5–13, 2026 – $2,600 – 9 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – July 6–15, 2026 – $2,890 – 8 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – July 9–18, 2026 – $2,890 – 8 spaces available
September 2026
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – September 18–28, 2026 – $3,205 – 8 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – September 19–28, 2026 – $2,890 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – September 20–28, 2026 – $2,650 – 5 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – September 25–October 1, 2026 – $2,600 – 9 spaces available
- 6-day Marangu Route – September 28–October 5, 2026 – $2,540 – 5 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – September 29–October 9, 2026 – $3,205 – 8 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – September 30–October 9, 2026 – $2,890 – 5 spaces available
October 2026
- 7-day Lemosho Route – October 1–9, 2026 – $2,650 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – October 3–11, 2026 – $2,600 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – October 5–13, 2026 – $2,650 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – October 7–15, 2026 – $2,600 – 9 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – October 8–18, 2026 – $3,205 – 8 spaces available
November 2026
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route – November 27–December 7, 2026 – $3,205 – 10 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – November 28–December 7, 2026 – $2,890 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Lemosho Route – November 29–December 7, 2026 – $2,650 – 10 spaces available
December 2026
- 6-day Marangu Route – December 5–12, 2026 – $2,450 – 8 spaces available
- 8-day Lemosho Route – December 7–16, 2026 – $2,890 – 10 spaces available
January 2027
- 8-day Lemosho Route – January 9–18, 2027 – $2,890 – 10 spaces available
- 7-day Machame Route – January 15–23, 2027 – $2,600 – 10 spaces available
- 9-day Northern Circuit Route
Comparison Table of Routes 2026–2027
| Route | Duration | Accommodation | Difficulty | Success Rate | Price |
| Marangu | 6 Days | Huts | Moderate | 70–80% | $2,540 |
| Machame | 7 Days | Tents | Moderate | 80–85% | $2,600 |
| Lemosho | 7–8 Days | Tents | Moderate | 85–90% | $2,650–$2,890 |
| Rongai | 6–7 Days | Tents | Moderate | 80% | $2,650 |
| Umbwe | 5–6 Days | Tents | Hard | 70–75% | $2,700 |
| Shira | 7 Days | Tents | Moderate | 85% | $2,700 |
| Northern Circuit | 9 Days | Tents | Moderate | 90% | $3,205 |
Best Time to Climb Kilimanjaro 2026–2027
- January – March: Warm dry season, minimal rain, ideal for high summit success.
- June – October: Cool dry season, excellent visibility, recommended for scenic photography.
- Avoid rainy months: April, May, November for heavy rainfall and slippery trails.
- New Year & holiday climbs are popular – book early.
Tour Highlights – Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
- Summit Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895m) safely with experienced guides.
- Traverse multiple ecosystems: rainforest, moorlands, alpine desert, glaciers.
- High summit success rates on all major routes.
- Luxury and budget-friendly options available.
- Optional New Year climbs for a festive experience.
- Exceptional photography opportunities at sunrise and along scenic ridges.
Why Choose Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
- Comprehensive itinerary with all major routes covered.
- Transparent pricing for budget planning.
- Optimized climbing dates for high success rates.
- Professional support: guides, porters, and logistics included.
- Flexible options: group, private, or solo climbs.
Travel Tips – Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
- Book 3–6 months in advance, especially for peak months and holidays.
- Pack layered clothing for cold summit nights and warmer base temperatures.
- Use trekking poles to reduce strain on knees during descent.
- Hydrate consistently and follow acclimatization guidelines.
- Carry headlamps for early morning summit attempts.
- Consider optional safari extensions post-trek for a full Tanzanian adventure.
FAQs – Kilimanjaro Climb Dates & Prices 2026–2027
1. What is the best route for beginners in 2026–2027?
Marangu and Rongai routes are beginner-friendly with moderate gradients and hut/tented accommodations.
2. How much does a Kilimanjaro climb cost in 2026–2027?
Prices range from $2,540 for Marangu to $3,205 for Northern Circuit, depending on route, duration, and accommodations.
3. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?
January – March and June – October are the dry seasons with optimal weather and high summit success.
4. Can I combine Kilimanjaro climb with safari?
Yes, post-trek safaris to Serengeti, Ngorongoro, Tarangire, or Zanzibar are highly recommended.
5. Are New Year climbs recommended?
Yes, they offer a unique festive trekking experience, but book early due to high demand.
6. Do I need a guide and porter?
Yes, local regulations require a certified guide. Porters are highly recommended for carrying luggage and support.