KILIMANJARO

SEE ALL KILIMANJARO TRIPS

INTRO
THINGS TO DO
FOOD & DRINKS

TRAVEL IN KILIMANJARO

Natural beauty, wild beasts and friendly locals; Kilimanjaro has it all. The crowning jewel of Tanzania, go right into the heart of this amazing region with a trip to the Kilimanjaro National Park. First things first: you’ll want to do some climbing.

The highlight of a trip to Kilimanjaro is climbing its signature mountain. Standing at 5895 metres high, experiencing Mount Kilimanjaro by foot is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. But don’t freak out! While this mountain is tall, it’s definitely not as scary as it seems. There are a number of hiking routes and trails that are suitable for different levels of fitness and difficulty.

If you’re keen on pushing yourself, head right up to Kibo Peak. The tallest of the three volcanos of Kilimanjaro, you’ll have to hike through five different climate zones to conquer Kibo. Pass through semi-arid bush, rainforests and snow-capped peaks to get to the summit. While it’s challenging, it’s not impossible. And the view from the top makes it all worth it.

If you want to get in on the outdoor adventure but want to keep it light, we suggest opting for the Shira Plateau instead. This beautiful stretch of parkland was once an ancient volcano, and its valleys were carved out by lava rivers hundreds of thousands of years ago. Walk these ancient trails in search of elephants, lions and buffalos for your own Lion King moment.

Keen to add a bit of culture to your trip? Kilimanjaro’s got loads of it. Want to learn about some of the local cultures? Head over to Olpopongi. This remote community is home to the Maasai people, one of the oldest tribal cultures in East Africa. Learn about their culture and be amazed at how they survive in the middle of the African desert. Enjoy traditional nyama choma, and chow down on other Tanzanian favourites like mandazi and local coffee.

With so many things to do in Kilimanjaro, you’ll never want to leave this incredible place.

FAST FACTS
Language: Swahili, English
Currency: Tanzanian shilling
Electricity: 220V
Visas: Click here to see if you need a visa to enter Tanzania.
Dialling Code: +255
Time Zone: (GMT+03:00)

ABOUT CONTIKI
From quick breaks to epic journeys, Contiki exists to connect young travellers with the time of their lives.
See more about Contiki

Climb Mount Kilimanjaro

Outdoor adventurers, this is one for your bucket list: climbing to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Reaching heights of 5895 metres, Kilimanjaro is the tallest mountain in Africa. In fact, it’s the tallest free-standing mountain in the world. Over the course of about a week, you’ll trek through rainforests and alpine deserts, as well as seeing icy glaciers, on what will be the hike of a lifetime. But the view from the top isn’t reserved for the elite climbers – Kilimanjaro is actually one of the easiest mountains to climb. You just have to make sure you do it correctly. Hire the right equipment and Kilimanjaro guides, jump on board a hiking tour and get ready for almost seven days of natural beauty, animal sightings and a whole lot of fun with your Kilimanjaro climbing family.
Conquer Kibo Peak

For those that really want to push themselves on a Kilimanjaro climb, aim to conquer Kibo Peak. While there are a number of routes and hiking trails around Mount Kilimanjaro – each with a different level of difficulty and suitable to different fitness levels – Kibo Peak is the most difficult. One of three volcanoes that make up Mount Kilimanjaro, Kibo is the tallest, and its peak marks the peak of the mountain. While the trek up to the peak can be rather strenuous and is recommended for professional climbers, there are a number of base camps littered along Kibo, which offer breathtaking views over the Tanzanian plain.
Admire Shira Plateau

If you’re not super serious about climbing but still want to get in on the fun, take an easier route up to the Shira Plateau. This beautiful stretch of nature covers 13 kilometres of land at an elevation of 3962 metres. Located on the slopes of Kilimanjaro to the west of Kibo, the Shira Plateau was once an ancient caldera, a volcanic crater that expired around half a million years ago. Today, it’s an UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is famous for its rich biodiversity. Hike deep valleys and follow trails carved out by ancient lava rivers, to spot the likes of elephants, lions and buffalos at the beautiful Shira Plateau.
Discover the best of culture at Olpopongi

Lovers of history, this one’s for you: discover the unique Maasai culture at Olpopongi. Feel like you’ve walked back in time when you visit this authentic village, home to one of the most distinctive tribal groups in the world. Having originated from the lower Nile region in Kenya, the Maasai made their way to Tanzania in the 15th century, and continue to live in the traditional ways. Admire the kraals, the traditional mud and straw desert huts in which the locals live, learn about ways of growing and foraging food in the desert and experience traditional songs and dances.
Spend a day at Kikuletwa Hot Springs

Once you’ve had your fair share of outdoor adventure, turn down the adrenaline and turn up the relaxation at the Kikuletwa Hot Springs. Located about 30 minutes from the town of Moshi, drive through gorgeous bushland, dry riverbeds and past baobab and acacia trees to get to Kikuletwa. In the middle of this semi-arid landscape, surrounded by sprawling fig trees, you’ll discover this incredible oasis. With crystal-clear water bubbling from underground caves, take a dip in these hot springs. Spend hours splashing around, swinging from rope swings, and relaxing in this amazing waterhole. There’s no better way to wind up a trip to Kilimanjaro than this.

Things to do in Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Premium Lager
The only thing better than conquering Mount Kilimanjaro is washing down a can of Kilimanjaro Premium afterwards. Known as ‘Kili’ to locals, this pale lager is almost as iconic as the mountain itself. You can pick up a bottle or two (or four) at any bar or supermarket in Tanzania.

_{Best eaten at
Any local supermarket}
Nyama Choma
A staple of East African cuisine, nyama choma is a favourite of all Tanzanians. Literally translating to “roast meat,” nyama choma is typically made using goat, which is marinated and slow-roasted until tender. Served with a tomato salsa called kachumbari, you can pick up a plate of this delicious dish as El Rancho Kilimanjaro Restaurant in Moshi.

_{Best eaten at
El Rancho Kilimanjaro Restaurant, Ibra Line Road, Moshi}
Tanzanian coffee
Coffee lovers, get excited: Tanzania produces some of the best coffee in the world. Grown on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, under the shade of banana trees, Tanzanian coffee is bright, clean and complex. Rich and mellow in taste once brewed, you’ll be going through more than your usual coffee intake here.

_{Best eaten at
Indoitaliano Restaurant, Moshi, Kilimanjaro District}
Ugali
You may not have heard of ugali before, but you’ll get used to it very quickly on a trip to Kilimanjaro. Made using maize flour which is boiled into a dough-like consistency, ugali is Tanzania’s answer to polenta. And it’s served with almost everything, from bean soup to salad. Try this Tanzanian staple at Fifi’s Restaurant & Cafe in Moshi.

_{Best eaten at
Fifi's Restaurant & Cafe, Rindi Lane, Moshi}
Mandazi
If you love something sweet with your morning coffee, look no further than mandazi. These East African doughnuts are made using coconut milk, which is flavoured with cardamom and coconut flakes. Eaten over tea or served as an accompaniment for curries and thick stews, it’s always a good time to eat these deep-fried Tanzanian doughnuts.

_{Best eaten at
El Rancho Kilimanjaro Restaurant, Ibra Line Road, Moshi}

Food in Kilimanjaro

If you’re spending days hiking around the amazing Kilimanjaro National Park, you’ll want to fuel up. There’s no better way to experience the local culture than by savouring its unique tastes. Spicy, filling and delicious, here are some foods that you’ve got to try in Kilimanjaro Tanzania.

Other trips you might like

17% OFF

Kenyan Highlights

6 Days

From

US$ 2,326

US$ 2,795

12% OFF

East Africa Safari

11 Days

From

US$ 5,671

US$ 6,474

SEE ALL TRIPS

5 Reasons to Travel with us

More Choice More Time 18-35 Only Better Experiences Unbeatable Value