At 5895m, Mount Kilimanjaro is the world’s highest free-standing mountain. The trek to the summit is challenging but enormously rewarding. Climbing Kilimanjaro is a unique experience and from its summit, over four kilometres above the surrounding plains, it’s even possible to see the curvature of the earth.

Kilimanjaro might be the highest mountain in Africa – and one of the toughest trekking challenges in the world – but we believe you can conquer it! We have two specialist treks to the 5895m summit, using the two most beautiful and quietest routes – Lemosho and Rongai. Our treks include a generous amount of acclimatisation time, giving you the best possible chance of reaching the summit at Uhuru Peak. There’s no getting round it: climbing Kilimanjaro is tough, but since January 2012 no less than 95% of our trekkers have successfully made it to the top. No other trekking companies can offer you a better chance of success.

10 Reasons to climb Kilimanjaro with Zanziplanet Tours:

• Our Kilimanjaro ascent rates are slow and safe, resulting in a much higher than average summit success rate of 95%
• The safety of our treks on Kilimanjaro has been assessed by independent medical specialists
• Unlike many other tour operators on Kilimanjaro, our rate of ascent complies with Wilderness Medicine Society (WMS) guidelines
• All of our guides and trek leaders on Kilimanjaro are first aid trained
• Oxygen cylinders and Gamow bags are carried on all treks for emergency use
• We actively support our trek crew through the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project (KPAP) www.kiliporters.org
• Our local partner is a long established and reputable Kilimanjaro specialist
• All Zanziplanet trekking staffs are from the local area – revenues from our treks benefit the local economy
• We carry portable toilets on all treks to avoid degrading the mountain
• Unlike some tour operators, we include the € 600 plus Kilimanjaro park fees in the price. There are no hidden extras with Zanziplanet Tours.

Kilimanjaro with Zanziplanet Tours – SAFE, RESPONSIBLE, HONEST

Which Route?

We use two of the wildest, most varied and least trodden routes on Kilimanjaro: Lemosho and Rongai.

Lemosho Route:

The Lemosho Route tackles the mountain from the west and uses different ascent and descent paths, allowing you to experience a wider range of spectacular views along the way. The trek begins in the Lemosho Glades at 2100m and climbs the mountain over seven days (climbing on average 540m per day) – a slow enough ascent to give you the best possible chance of acclimatizing and reaching the summit. The trek is eight days in total, including summit day and the descent.

Rongai Route:

We also trek on the Rongai Route. Like Lemosho, this is a little-used trail with spectacular scenery and different ascent and descent paths. Beginning at Nale Moru (1950m) on the northern side of Kilimanjaro, we make our ascent over five days – climbing on average 790m per day. The trek is six days in total, including the descent. Our Rongai ascent is shorter than Lemosho because we have already completed a four-day acclimatization trek on 4562m Mount Meru beforehand, enabling a safe ascent of Kilimanjaro over just five days.

About Acclimatization:

Mount Kilimanjaro rises dramatically from the surrounding plains. Unlike the Himalayas, there are no foothills or approach treks to allow you to acclimatize gently over several days. Height is gained rapidly from your first day on the mountain until you reach the summit. This is part of the mountain’s appeal but also its biggest danger: it’s all too easy to rush it and put yourself at risk from altitude sickness.

The secret to our very high summit success rates on Kilimanjaro is simple: we don’t rush it. Our ascents are relatively slow and we allow a generous amount of time for acclimatization. A slow ascent significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.

Many companies offer treks that spend only six or even five days on the mountain. If you climb Kilimanjaro this fast you are likely to feel unwell and altitude sickness may prevent you from summiting. A longer trek is safer, more likely to end in success and (importantly!) more enjoyable – the more slowly you acclimatize the better you feel during the trek.

If you have the time, probably the best option of all is to acclimatize on Mount Meru beforehand, allowing the Kilimanjaro ascent to take just six days.

You are probably only going to climb Kilimanjaro once: our advice is to take the extra time – to increase your enjoyment and maximize your chance of reaching the summit!

What are my chances of reaching the top of Kilimanjaro with Zanziplanet Tours?

Very good. We trek up Kilimanjaro at a very slow place and follow carefully planned routes to ensure that our groups have plenty of time to acclimatise. Our tours are typically a day longer than those offered by other operators, and as a result we have achieved the best summit success rate in the industry.

But what is Zanziplanet’s summit success rate?

We are proud to have achieved the highest summit success rate in the industry. Last year, a staggering 96% of our customers made it to the summit of Kilimanjaro, and this is thanks to our fantastic support crew, slow paced treks and carefully planned routes. With ample time to reach the summit, the vast majority of our customers can achieve their lifelong goal.

How is the success rate so high?

• We have been operating treks up Kilimanjaro for over 7 years – so every group that travels with us benefits from our experience and expert knowledge.
• Our tour leaders, trekking guides and support team are considered the best in the industry.
• We have carefully chosen routes and durations that maximise our customers chances of acclimatising to the altitude.