What it is
A freestanding volcano of 5,895m above Moshi. Routes — Marangu, Machame, Lemosho, Rongai, the Northern Circuit — differ in length, traffic and how well they let you acclimatise. You walk up through farmland, rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and then ice.
Why go
It is the highest point most people will ever stand on, and it asks for fitness and patience rather than technique. No previous mountaineering is needed.
When to go
January to mid-March and June to October. Avoid April, May and November. The single decision that most affects whether you reach the top is how many days you buy: seven or eight beats five or six by a wide margin, and those extra nights are the cheapest insurance available. Altitude sickness is the real risk and it does not care how fit you are. Do not book a safari for the day you come down.
Most people stay 6-9 days on the mountain.
