Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climbs Dates 2025/2026

Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure that challenges both body and spirit. As the highest free-standing mountain in the world, its towering peak attracts climbers from across the globe. While reaching the summit is an extraordinary achievement at any time, doing so under a full moon makes the experience even more spectacular.

A Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb offers a unique opportunity to ascend in the natural glow of the moonlight, reducing reliance on headlamps and illuminating the breathtaking scenery. The sight of the glaciers shimmering in the silvery moonlight, combined with the peaceful night atmosphere, creates an unforgettable trekking experience. For those looking to enhance their journey, timing the climb with a full moon adds a magical touch to an already remarkable adventure

Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb

Why Choose a Full Moon Climb?

  • Enhanced Visibility: The full moon illuminates the landscape, reducing the need for headlamps and making the trek safer and more enjoyable.
  • Spectacular Views: The moonlight casts a silvery glow over the glaciers, creating breathtaking scenery that’s perfect for photography.
  • Unforgettable Summit Night: Reaching Uhuru Peak under a full moon enhances the emotional and visual impact of your achievement.
  • Optimal Timing for Dry Season: Many full moons fall within Kilimanjaro’s dry seasons (January to mid-March and June to October), offering better weather conditions.

Best Routes for a Full Moon Climb

While all Kilimanjaro routes can be scheduled around a full moon, the most popular choices include:

  • Machame Route (6-7 Days): Known as the “Whiskey Route,” this trek offers scenic landscapes and a gradual ascent, improving acclimatization.
  • Lemosho Route (7-8 Days): A longer, quieter, and more scenic route with a higher success rate due to better acclimatization.
  • Rongai Route (6-7 Days): The only route approaching from the north, offering drier conditions and fewer crowds.
  • Marangu Route (5-6 Days): The “Coca-Cola Route,” the only one with hut accommodations, making it a comfortable yet challenging option.

How to Plan Your Full Moon Climb

To align your summit night with the full moon, you should start your trek 4-5 days before the full moon date. Below are some upcoming full moon dates to consider:
Route Duration Summit Date Arrival Date Departure Date Price (USD) Join the Group
Marangu Route6 DaysJan 14, 2025Jan 8, 2025Jan 15, 2025$2,000Join the Group
Marangu Route5 DaysFeb 12, 2025Feb 7, 2025Feb 13, 2025$1,900Join the Group
Lemosho Route7 DaysMar 14, 2025Mar 7, 2025Mar 15, 2025$2,450Join the Group
Lemosho Route8 DaysApr 13, 2025Apr 5, 2025Apr 14, 2025$2,550Join the Group
Umbwe Route6 DaysMay 12, 2025May 6, 2025May 13, 2025$2,400Join the Group
Rongai Route7 DaysJun 11, 2025Jun 4, 2025Jun 12, 2025$2,350Join the Group
Machame Route6 DaysJul 10, 2025Jul 4, 2025Jul 11, 2025$2,150Join the Group
Northern Circuit9 DaysAug 9, 2025Jul 30, 2025Aug 10, 2025$2,950Join the Group
Marangu Route6 DaysSep 7, 2025Sep 1, 2025Sep 8, 2025$2,000Join the Group
Lemosho Route7 DaysOct 7, 2025Sep 30, 2025Oct 8, 2025$2,450Join the Group
Umbwe Route5 DaysNov 5, 2025Oct 31, 2025Nov 6, 2025$1,770Join the Group
Rongai Route6 DaysDec 5, 2025Nov 29, 2025Dec 6, 2025$2,150Join the Group
Machame Route7 DaysJan 3, 2026Dec 27, 2025Jan 4, 2026$2,350Join the Group
Lemosho Route8 DaysFeb 2, 2026Jan 25, 2026Feb 3, 2026$2,550Join the Group
Umbwe Route6 DaysMar 3, 2026Feb 25, 2026Mar 4, 2026$2,400Join the Group
Rongai Route7 DaysApr 2, 2026Mar 26, 2026Apr 3, 2026$2,350Join the Group
Machame Route6 DaysMay 1, 2026Apr 25, 2026May 2, 2026$2,150Join the Group
Northern Circuit9 DaysMay 31, 2026May 21, 2026Jun 1, 2026$2,950Join the Group
Marangu Route5 DaysJun 30, 2026Jun 25, 2026Jul 1, 2026$1,900Join the Group
Lemosho Route7 DaysJul 29, 2026Jul 22, 2026Jul 30, 2026$2,450Join the Group
Umbwe Route5 DaysAug 28, 2026Aug 23, 2026Aug 29, 2026$1,770Join the Group
Rongai Route6 DaysSep 26, 2026Sep 20, 2026Sep 27, 2026$2,150Join the Group
Machame Route7 DaysOct 26, 2026Oct 19, 2026Oct 27, 2026$2,350Join the Group
Lemosho Route8 DaysNov 24, 2026Nov 16, 2026Nov 25, 2026$2,550Join the Group
Northern Circuit9 DaysDec 24, 2026Dec 14, 2026Dec 25, 2026$2,950Join the Group

Considerations for Full Moon Climbs

  • Higher Demand: Full moon climbs are popular, so book your trek well in advance.
  • Colder Nights: With clearer skies, temperatures can drop significantly at night, so pack appropriately.
  • Crowds on the Trails: Expect more climbers, especially on popular routes like Machame and Marangu.

Is a Full Moon Climb Right for You?

If you want to enhance your Kilimanjaro experience with stunning night-time views and natural illumination, a full moon climb is a fantastic choice. However, if you prefer a quieter, more solitary experience, you may want to consider trekking just before or after the full moon.
A Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb offers an extraordinary blend of adventure, natural beauty, and an almost surreal summit experience. Whether you’re a first-time climber or an experienced trekker, reaching the Roof of Africa under a glowing full moon will be a memory to cherish forever. Are you ready to experience the magic of a Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb? Start planning your adventure today!

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