All the main routes to the top are simply hiking routes.

So you don't need technical climbing or mountaineering skills to reach the summit. So you don't need to be a mountaineer. So all you need is a good physique and perseverance.

One of the most popular route is the Machame Route, which totals 60.76 km (37.75 miles) from the gate to the summit and back to the gate. In six days, that's just over 10 km a day.

But reaching the top is not so easy. You have to fight the cold and exhaustion. And close to the summit, there is the lack of oxygen.

So it is important to be able to assess your own abilities well.

If you then want to go for it, we will provide the right framework and get you safely to the top of one of the 7 highest mountains.

The trek is undoubtedly challenging as you will be going to extreme heights. Some people are surprised by the slow hiking pace, but this is essential for a safe and successful ascent.

We recommend that you already do regular long walks with a backpack along undulating roads several months before your trek.

The high altitude and altitude sickness can do a lot to your body, so take your time to acclimatise.

Traditionally, the main seasons are December to March and June to October with temperatures in Moshi averaging 22 degrees C and temperatures at the top of the mountain around -7 degrees C. The rains fall in April, May and November, but these days climate change has changed this pattern, so the rains sometimes come earlier or later. From your tent, you look at a full sky with both northern and southern constellations. You can even see the North Star and the Southern Cross.

The staff will carry your main bag plus all the tents, kitchen equipment, food, fuel, tables and chairs. They will cater for all the group needs, providing excellent meals and putting up the tents. The guides will also brief you daily on the climb and they will assist you all the way to the summit and back down again.

Remember, you can only climb Kilimanjaro with a registered guide and agency.

1. For beginners – Marangu or Machame Routes
2. Spectacular scenery – Lemosho or Machame Routes
3. For moderate hikers – Machame or Lemosho Routes
4. Expert hikers – Umbwe Route

What you pack for your Kilimanjaro climb is vitally important to your health and the success of your trek. We've put together a comprehensive list of what to pack.

• backpack (between 35 and 50 litres)
• 1 backpack rain cover
• Dry bags (avoid having plastic carrier bags)
• 1 duffel bag (between 65 and 100 litres)
• 1 hydration pack (water bladder)
• 2 water bottles
• leather or Gore-Tex hiking boots
• gym shoes or sneakers
• 2+ base layers
• 1 summit base layer
• 1 middle layer
• 3+ sports underwear
• 2 thermal underwear
• Hiking socks
• Thermal socks
• Sock liners
• Down jacket
• Waterproof jacket and trousers
• Windbreaker
• Hiking trousers
• Sunhat
• Warm hat
• Balaclava or snood
• Head torch and batteries
• Gloves or mittens
• Glove inners
• Sunglasses