Conquer Africa’s Highest Peak with Nafika Tours
Mount Kilimanjaro, the highest mountain in Africa at 5,895 meters, is a dream destination for adventure lovers. Located in Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro National Park, this iconic peak is famous for its snow-covered summit that stands out all year.
The climb takes you through incredible landscapes, from lush rainforests to the breathtaking Shira Plateau.
You don’t need special climbing skills, but good fitness is important. Experienced local guides help you reach the top, while porters carry your gear so you can focus on the journey. If you’re looking for an unforgettable challenge, Kilimanjaro Climbing is the perfect adventure!
Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a life-changing adventure, and choosing the best time to go makes all the difference. The ideal months for climbing are January to March and June to October, when the weather is most pleasant and predictable.
These months are the warmest, with clear skies in the mornings and evenings. During the day, light clouds may form, sometimes covering the summit by afternoon. It’s a great time to climb if you enjoy mild temperatures and scenic views
The long rains arrive in April and last until May, bringing heavy downpours on the lower slopes and snowstorms at the summit. The mountain is often covered in thick clouds, making it hard to see the breathtaking views. If possible, it’s best to avoid climbing during this season.
This is the driest and one of the most popular times to climb Kilimanjaro. The weather is usually clear, offering fantastic views and comfortable trekking conditions. However, it can get cold at night, especially at higher altitudes.
From late October to November, short rains create cloudy and wet conditions. While it’s still possible to climb, the mountain is often hidden under clouds, and the rain can make the trek less enjoyable.
Kilimanjaro offers several routes ranging from 5 to 9 days, each with different levels of difficulty, scenery, and acclimatization. Most routes require camping, except for Marangu, which provides hut accommodations. The Mweka Route is used only for descent.
Marangu is the only route with dormitory-style huts, making it a popular choice for those who prefer not to camp. It is the shortest and least expensive option but lacks scenic variety and has poor acclimatization since the ascent and descent follow the same path. While convenient, it has a lower success rate compared to other routes.
Machame is one of the most scenic and frequently used routes, known for its breathtaking views and good acclimatization profile. It follows the “climb high, sleep low” principle, improving altitude adaptation. This camping route is more challenging than Marangu but has a higher success rate.
Lemosho is considered the most beautiful route, offering excellent acclimatization and a gradual ascent. It starts in a remote area, allowing trekkers to enjoy solitude before merging with Machame. Although slightly longer, it provides a high success rate and is ideal for those wanting a less crowded experience.
Umbwe is the steepest and most challenging route, suitable only for experienced climbers. It has a poor acclimatization profile, making it risky for altitude sickness. Although it offers an exciting challenge, it is not recommended for average trekkers due to its demanding nature.
Rongai approaches from the north side, which receives less rainfall, making it a good choice during wet months. It is often considered the easiest route due to its gradual ascent, although it lacks the dramatic scenery of Machame or Lemosho. Climbers descend via the Marangu Route, staying in tents rather than huts.
The Northern Circuit is the longest route, offering the best acclimatization and panoramic views. It circles the mountain, providing a more gradual ascent and a higher success rate. However, the summit day is tougher due to the longer distance, making it a great choice for those with time and endurance.
Mweka is used exclusively for descending after summiting via Machame, Lemosho, Umbwe, or Northern Circuit. It offers a direct and efficient descent, reducing the risk of altitude sickness. Trekkers on Rongai and Marangu descend via the Marangu Route instead.
Choosing us as your Kilimanjaro climbing local company means you get experienced Tanzanian guides who know the mountain inside out. Here are 6 reasons why you should choose us.
Our team go above and beyond to ensure your safety throughout your adventure, making us the ideal choice for worry-free travels.
Book with confidence, knowing we’ll handle every detail for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
For every tour you book, we give out 3% of the booking cost to orphans at schools to support them in education as our way of giving back to the community.
We are a Kilimanjaro Climbing Local company you know with a team of local tour guides with extensive knowledge and experience.
Book with confidence, knowing we’ll handle every detail for a seamless and unforgettable experience.
We usually divide our clients into small groups so you will comfortably be in a company of few people with whom you can make meaningful connections.
We are thrilled to share that Nafika Tours has been rated 5/5 by our satisfied clients! This honor reflects our unwavering commitment to ensuring every safari meets and exceeds customer expectations.
EXCELLENT Based on 232 reviews Palak S2025-02-11Verified Highly Recommended Professional Operator for your Kilimanjaro Climb We had an amazing experience with the Nafika tours team. Our group of 5 inexperienced climbers took on the Lemosho route to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro. I had contacted the owner Elias a few months ago as we planned the trip. He was patient and answered numerous questions prior to the trip.I can’t say enough about the team we climbed with. They were fun, experienced, thoughtful, positive and professional. If it weren’t for their help and words of encouragement, I don’t think we would have had such a successful trip. We sang, ate well, slept comfortably and danced our way up the mountain.Some considerations as you plan your trip. Book early, reach out to Elias with any questions, consider portable toilets if you can, also we stayed at Kosovo base camp over Barafu camp which was quite helpful in reducing your summit climb (special permit and added cost). Our guides Eli and Benson were great and the chef Arnold made great veggie and non-veg food for our different dietary needs. All in all Nafika tours was excellent and we all would highly recommend them. M P2025-02-09Verified Review of Nafika Tours Lemosho Route Jan 2025 Our tour with Nafika was absolutely incredible. I can't say enough positive things about the company and the team. Elias was incredibly professional and organized during the planning process. Our team of guides (Eli, Benson, Frank) were skilled, enthusiastic, supportive and kind. Our team of porters and all the associated staff were committed, enthusiastic, took pride in their work, and there were incredibly supportive. All of this made our experience exceptional. The climb was hard and I don't know if we would have made it to summit without such a wonderful team. I would definitely recommend the Nafika group. They are local with extensive ties to the community. It felt great to go with this team! Thank you Elias and all members of Nafika. Emily V2025-01-30Verified Once in a lifetime experience with the best guides & team!! We just completed the 6day Machame route, and we couldn’t thank our guides Karrimor & Mr. Dixon enough for being the reason we made it to the summit! (along with the best of the best team!!)We chose to hike Kilimanjaro with Nafika tours due to their amazing reviews and being a local company, and they did not disappoint. From the start, everything was very well organised, we had so much detail about the trek itself, packing list, food menu and a meeting with the guides to check out gear before the trip.Once on the mountain, the team kept us motivated through the harder parts of the trek, even through the torrential rain/hail/snow, they kept us going! Our porters rushed past us everyday to make sure our tent was ready and there was hot tea and snacks waiting for us to arrive, they are absolutely amazing and couldn’t have asked for a better team! A special thanks to our waiter David & Chef who made sure we had tasty food, full water bottles and comfortable nights in the tent. Everyone was so friendly and always smiling/singing/laughing!Summit day was very challenging but SO rewarding and emotional once you get to the top, Karrimor & Mr Dixon, thank you again for being the best guides!! I would highly recommend booking with Nafika for your Kilimanjaro trek, we had an amazing experience and it wouldn’t have been possible without them! Thank you all SO MUCH for being the reason we made it to the summit! mariejoseph12092025-01-11Verified An experience of a lifetime!! I climbed Mt Kilimanjaro with 2 other solo travellers in a joining group and it was one of the most special experiences I have ever had! From the start, Nafika was always very organised and had excellent communication. I had no trouble at all booking the tour and they quickly answered all my questions. During the hike itself, the mountain crew provided the utmost support and encouragement. They were prepared for every scenario, with detailed briefing before each segment of the hike given by the guides. Each meal was cooked with fresh ingredients and delicious to taste!! Overall, the entire crew was so kind and generous, and their encouragement throughout the 7 day hike made the biggest difference in my success to the top at Uhuru Peak!! I highly, HIGHLY recommend climbing Mt Kilimanjaro with Nafika Tours. It was truly an experience of a lifetime!! The team - Innocent (lead guide), Daniel (assistant guide), Priva (chef), Frank (waiter), Jumanne (tent crew), and the porters Erick, Amedeus, Pamphil, Oscar, Johana and Elnami. Dacha L2024-12-30Verified Nafika Tours was our best choice as a local tour operator in Moshi. It was truly unforgettable. We embarked on 5 days Kilimanjaro Climb via the Marangu Route Nafika team. Godchance, our guide, was exceptional, along with Chef and Waiter who kept us well-fed and comfortable throughout the trek. We couldn't have asked for a better team. Highly recommend this local tour operator in incredible Kilimanjanjaro Trekking adventure! We want to gain more experience. We are planning to go on an adventure with them again next year. Absolutely fantastic experience. Jan T2024-12-30Verified Kilimanjaro Hike 2024 I just returned from Tanzania, where I had the incredible experience of climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route. What a truly unforgettable trip! Words can hardly express how amazing Nafika Tours was.Our group of five was the perfect size, and every detail was planned out so thoughtfully. The porters race ahead to secure the best spots at the camps, and the food was absolutely amazing. The team went above and beyond to support each of us with our individual challenges, whether it was altitude sickness or sore knees.The equipment provided was top-notch tents, sleeping mattresses, and sleeping bags were all of excellent quality.A huge thank you to Nafika Tours for making this adventure such a success for all of us. I couldn’t recommend them highly enough! Mollaik Royan M2024-12-26Verified We want to cherish mountaining achievement memory forever. Our 7 days Kilimanjaro hike with Nafika Tours was one of the most unforgettable experiences of our life. Their professionalism, attention to detail, and genuine care for our group made the entire journey seamless and enjoyable. We contact with Nafika's Representative Agnes, And he offered a detailed packing list, advice on altitude preparation, and answered all our questions promptly. Our Guide (Elisafi) just a awesome man he always try to so that we smile and porters (Daniel & Ben) were amazing, carrying heavy loads with ease and always greeting us with smiles. Their hard work and dedication were inspiring. The Nafika team ensured we acclimatized properly, with strategic rest stops and daily health checks to monitor our well-being. When we reached Uhuru Peak just as the sun rose, it was an emotional and life-affirming moment. After descending, the Nafika Tours team organized a celebratory ceremony to mark our achievement. They turn Our dream into a reality while making the journey as enriching as the destination. Pranam Kaia2024-12-25Verified Kilimanjaro hike with Nafika Toure 2024 We chose Nafika Tours for our 7-day Lemosho Route climb of Kilimanjaro, and it turned out to be an unforgettable experience.Everything was so well-organized, with an amazing crew of 16 people (porters, helping porters, a cook, guide, and assistant guide) taking care of the four of us. The team was incredibly kind and supportive, always making sure we had everything we needed.A special thank you to Ben and Innocent, our fantastic guides, who shared helpful, friendly advice and motivated us every step of the way to reach the summit. Efata brought so much positivity with his cheerful mood and excellent service. The cook was not only friendly but also incredibly talented, and we’ll always appreciate Anold for ensuring our comfort and Thomas for his wonderful songs that lifted our spirits. Of course, we are deeply grateful to our personal porters as well.The climb was both a challenging and deeply rewarding experience. The landscapes were breathtaking seas of clouds, stunning glaciers, and views that left us in awe. It truly was an incredible journey.Thank you, Nafika Tours, for making this such a memorable adventure! Canonlee2024-12-16Verified Once in a life experience with Nafika Tour Climbing Kilimanjaro: A Life-Changing Experience with Nafika ToursClimbing Kilimanjaro is one of the greatest achievements of our lives. Without a doubt, conquering this massive mountain would not have been possible without the incredible support of Nafika Tours.1. Pre-Departure PreparationsWe arrived late at night after a long immigration process and were warmly welcomed by our tour guide, Innocent. During the comfortable ride to our hotel, he gave us an overview of what to expect and checked our equipment upon arrival. By the next day, everything we needed and missing equipment was in place and ready for the journey, including grabbing a local internet SIM card along the way.2. Tour Guide ExperienceInnocent was the key to our success from start to finish. Every day, he would brief us on the challenges ahead, provide tips on what to pack, check our equipment, and recommend appropriate clothing based on the weather. These insights proved invaluable.During the hike, he frequently shared his personal experiences and offered advice to help us overcome physical and mental challenges. His assistance, whether offering a helping hand or encouraging us with positive energy, was crucial. This was especially true on summit day, where his optimism and support inspired us to push through every obstacle. We laughed, talked, and stayed motivated, all thanks to his patience.3. Porter CrewThe porter crew was friendly, incredibly strong, and kind. Over the days, we grew closer to them and were always greeted warmly at the end of each leg of the hike. Watching them help us with our bags and welcoming us during the finally stretch of the day was humbling, especially when we were exhausted or feeling unwell due to the altitude.When we reached each campsite, everything was already set up: tents pitched, hot tea ready, and all essentials in place. Their service allowed us to rest and recover quickly while providing much-needed comfort in the harsh mountain environment.4. FoodThe chef tailored meals to meet our needs. Although we had prepared some of our own food, the meals provided far exceeded our expectations.Each day, the menu was slightly different. On colder days, we were served warm soups, and after longer hikes, meals were packed with protein and carbs. Every meal included fresh fruit, and the variety, portions, nutrition, and temperature were consistently perfect.5. Summit DayOn summit day, the crew prepared everything we needed, including emergency oxygen. Our guide, Innocent, also suggested an extra porter, which proved to be a great decision.The weather conditions became extremely harsh, and I’ll never forget the moment they served us hot sweet ginger tea along the way. That warmth and energy boost were a true luxury in such tough conditions. The crew stayed close to us the entire time, ensuring our safety and giving physical, emotional support. we reached the summit after an exhausting 8-hour trek. The return trip was equally exhausting, please be prepared as we were totally burn out and required a lot of the help from the porter and our guide. They helped us massively to reach back to the base camp safe and sound. ConclusionFor those comparing different tours, we can confidently say that Nafika Tours is one of the best and most trustworthy teams you’ll find. Their effort, expertise, and encouragement put us in the perfect position to conquer this mountain.Thanks to their exceptional service and support, we were able to fully immerse ourselves in the experience and enjoy every moment on this amazing mountain. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, and we couldn’t have done it without Nafika Tours.Tips1.If possible pay for the extra toilet might to save you some trips to the public one during cold rainy nights 2. Bring extra portable charging as battery usage in cold weather decrease our devices performances3. Make sure your tips reflect your appreciation to the crew as they are really a part of your success
Mount Kilimanjaro, the iconic peak of Tanzania, holds a rich geological past as one of the world’s largest free-standing volcanic mountains. Its formation stems from millions of years of volcanic activity, with eruptions layering lava, ash, and debris to form its impressive structure. Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic cones—Kibo, Mawenzi, and Shira—each represent different stages of geological evolution. Kibo, the highest, remains dormant, capped with glaciers, while Mawenzi, with its rugged peaks, stands as a testament to erosion. Shira, the oldest cone, has largely eroded away, leaving behind its plateau. These distinct features contribute to Kilimanjaro’s geological intrigue and beauty.
Mount Kilimanjaro is unique because climbers experience different climate zones as they ascend. The journey to the summit takes you through five distinct zones, each with its own landscape, weather, and challenges. Understanding these zones helps you prepare for the changing conditions during your Kilimanjaro climbing adventure
This is the lowest zone, where local communities grow crops like bananas and coffee. The weather is warm and humid, with fertile soil and plenty of rainfall. This area is home to the Chagga people, who have lived around Kilimanjaro for generations.
Lush, green, and full of life, the rainforest zone is where you’ll find dense vegetation, towering trees, and wildlife like monkeys and exotic birds. The climate here is warm but can be very humid, and rain is common, so waterproof gear is essential.
As you climb higher, the landscape changes to open grasslands and shrubs. The air becomes cooler, and the nights are cold. This zone has fewer trees, but unique plants like giant lobelias and groundsels can be seen. The weather is unpredictable, with strong winds and occasional mist.
This harsh, dry zone has little vegetation, extreme temperatures, and strong sun during the day. Nights can be freezing, and oxygen levels drop. The landscape is mostly rocky, with little moisture, creating a desert-like environment.
Our trained porters carry your gear, allowing you to focus on the climb while ensuring your belongings are safely transported.
Our experienced guides are trained in high-altitude first aid. They monitor your health and adjust the climb if needed to ensure proper acclimatization.
We regularly check your heart rate, oxygen levels, and general well-being to ensure you’re adjusting well to the altitude.
In case of emergency, we work with Kili Med Air for quick helicopter rescues, ensuring you get medical attention if necessary.
We provide well-maintained gear, including tents and climbing equipment, to keep you safe and comfortable during the trek.
Our trained porters carry your gear, allowing you to focus on the climb while ensuring your belongings are safely transported.