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Kilimanjaro: getting the permit and booking in time

Tanzania

5,895 m6 to 8 days

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Booking the trek and permit All year no single opening date

In short

Kilimanjaro: you can book the trek and permit all year, with no single opening date. It goes through a licensed agency. Best season: January to March, June to October.

When and at what time does registration open?

What you bookThe trek and permit (through an agency)
When to bookAll year, with no single opening date
PriceAbout $2,000 to $4,000 with an agencyRough estimate, check the official website.
How reliable these dates areConfirmed by the organizer

What are the 5 routes like? from OpenStreetMap

Move your finger or mouse along a curve to read the km and the altitude. Approximate curves, from a terrain model.

Machame route

38.3 km+5,133 m gain3,836 m → 5,870 m

Altitude by distanceMin 3,836 m · max 5,870 m

5,870 m4,853 m3,836 m

Profile and elevation gain cover the main section of the route only (22 km of 38).

Lemosho route

42.9 km+4,701 m gain2,251 m → 5,870 m

Altitude by distanceMin 2,251 m · max 5,870 m

5,870 m4,060 m2,251 m

Marangu route

34 km+4,011 m gain1,860 m → 5,870 m

Altitude by distanceMin 1,860 m · max 5,870 m

5,870 m3,865 m1,860 m

Rongai route

33.5 km+4,053 m gain2,004 m → 5,870 m

Altitude by distanceMin 2,004 m · max 5,870 m

5,870 m3,937 m2,004 m

Umbwe route

26.3 km+4,536 m gain1,663 m → 5,871 m

Altitude by distanceMin 1,663 m · max 5,871 m

5,871 m3,767 m1,663 m

19 huts, lodges and campsites within 400 m of the route, shown on the 3D map. Length measured along the OpenStreetMap track, one way; elevation gain and altitudes from a terrain model. Approximate figures, check them against the official guide. Tracks © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Kilimanjaro on the 3D map Follow the route in 3D, then explore the 62 other trails and races on the map. Open the 3D map

What do you need to book?

To be met before you can book. Double-check the official rules.

How do you book, step by step?

  1. Set your datesThe best-season months are the most in demand.
  2. Choose a licensed agencyIt gets the permit for you.
  3. Prepare the required documentsOften your passport, sometimes a medical certificate.
  4. Keep the confirmationYou may be asked for it on site.
Good to know. Agency required, no lottery.

The next hikes to open

Other great hikes, in order of opening.

Every hike opening →

Frequently asked questions

Kilimanjaro: when should you book?

All year: there is no single opening date. The best-season months go first.

Kilimanjaro: how much does it cost?

About $2,000 to $4,000 with an agency. Rough estimate, check the official website.

Kilimanjaro: are there requirements to book?

Yes: book through a licensed agency, with a guide.

Kilimanjaro: when should you go?

Best season: January to March, June to October.

Our guides to give yourself the best chance

Kilimanjaro: choosing an operator and a routePractical guide

See also

Bwindi gorilla trekkingAgency permit, UgandaVolcanoes gorilla trekkingAgency permit, RwandaMount KinabaluAgency permit, MalaysiaSnowman TrekAgency permit, BhutanHikesEvery opening date
Sources and checks. Dates confirmed by the organizer, taken from the official website. Page updated on October 18, 2026, dates checked on October 17, 2026. Does a date look wrong? Let us know.