In short
Kilimanjaro can only be climbed with a licensed operator and a guide. No lottery, no opening date: you book all year, ideally for the dry season. Allow 6 to 8 days and about $2,000 to $4,000 with an agency.
The key facts
| What you book | The trek and permit (through an agency) |
|---|---|
| When to book | All year, with no single opening date |
| Price | About $2,000 to $4,000 with an agencyRough estimate, check the official website. |
| How reliable these dates are | Confirmed by the organizer |
Requirements
- Book through a licensed agency, with a guide
Step by step
- Set your dates The best-season months are the most in demand.
- Choose a licensed agency It gets the permit for you.
- Prepare the required documents Often your passport, sometimes a medical certificate.
- Keep the confirmation You may be asked for it on site.
Choosing an operator
- Licensed by the park, with qualified guides.
- Clear on price: park fees, porters, food, tips.
- Enough days: the slower the climb, the better the acclimatization to altitude.
To check
- Routes and their length (Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, Umbwe, Northern Circuit): ask your operator.
- Park fees: operators quote a $70 daily conservation fee, about $50 per night camping (or $60 in huts on the Marangu route), a $20 rescue fee, plus 18% VAT. Rates for 2025 to mid-2026, to be confirmed after that.
Don't miss an opening
Add every opening on this page to your calendar: your phone reminds you 1 week before and the day before each one.
Frequently asked questions
Can you climb Kilimanjaro without an operator?
No: a licensed operator and a guide are required.
What is the best season?
January to March, June to October.
See also
KilimanjaroAll yearQuota permits and tour operatorsEvery dateHikesBy activityLottery, quota, fixed date: the 4 ways to get inThe basics
Sources and checks. Dates, prices and requirements come from the calendar's guides, which give the official source and how reliable each one is. Anything not in them yet is flagged “To check”. Page updated on October 18, 2026.