Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain on the African continent and the world’s tallest free standing massif. It is the fourth highest of the world’s famous ‘Seven Summits’ and its snow-capped image is exceptionally beautiful. Kilimanjaro is a national park covering an area of 3885 square kiliometres and it acquired World Heritage Site status in 1989. The mountain is composed of three extinct volcanoes: Kibo at 5,895 metres (19,340feet), Mawenzi at 5,149 metres (16,896 feet) and Shira at 3,962 metres (13,000 feet). It truly is an awe-inspiring place.
Scaling the mountain can be a daunting prospect, but no technical climbing skills are needed, so most people can succeed. It is far from easy and should not be undertaken lightly; but with good guiding, correct preparation, a suitable choice of route and staying aware of your body’s needs, there is no reason why you should not make it to the top.
Rainbow Tours offers guided groups and private climbs on a selection of the best of Kilimanjaro's routes.
When to climb Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro can be climbed all year round but some months are inevitably better than others, so the climb season runs from mid-December to the end of February and from mid-June to the end of October. Climbing at other times can be pretty tough in terms of weather and logistics.
We pride ourselves on offering routes away from the main, overcrowded climbs, focussing on routes that give you the full wilderness experience that a Kilimanjaro climb should offer.
Climbing Mt Meru
We also arrange climbs on Mt Meru, which - though dwarfed by its imposing neighbour 50kms to the east - is one of Africa’s most elegant peaks. It can also be used as a good acclimatisation climb before ascending Kilimanjaro. With Kilimanjaro firmly in the limelight, Mt Meru is largely forgotten and offers the opportunity to climb in an almost pristine mountain environment.
Read more about Kilimanjaro & Mt Meru Climbs