Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on a full moon in the year. 2026 to 2027, is an adventure you cannot afford to miss. When there is full moon while climbing Mount Kilimanjaro there is a big difference between a Kilimanjaro full moon climb and any other ordinary climb. Since summit attempts on the final climb to the summit, it is usually done from midnight and is usually very dark. Without headlamps/torches, it is almost impossible to see where you are heading. When there is moonlight, it is easier to see and it offers stunning views of the mountain as you make your way to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. The main aim of embarking on your final push to the summit at midnight is so that you make it to the summit and peak of Kilimanjaro at sunrise. Most climbers attest that this might be the most challenging segment of climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, both mentally and physically.

Full Moon Dates Kilimanjaro for  2026 Tours

On a clear full moon night, summiting Kilimanjaro is an amazing event. The glaciers gleaming in the night are breathtaking. The moonlight will, of course, make the last night climb on your summit night simpler, and you won’t even need to turn on your headlights much of the time. In fact, timing your summit attempt to coincide with the full moon dates listed below will improve your whole climb up the mountain, providing some spectacular night views of Kibo from the majority of the overnight camps.

The full moon dates for the year 2026 on Kilimanjaro are listed here. We cannot, however, guarantee the veracity of any of the information provided here. While every effort has been taken to ensure the authenticity of this lunar calendar, users should use it at their own risk and confirm it with their own contacts before going.

When is the next full moon?

• Next full moon: Check the full moon dates below.

2026 Kilimanjaro Full Moon Calendar

Kilimanjaro Group Joining Treks & Full Moon Dates  (2026)

You won’t have to worry about crowds if you choose to join a group. Our Kilimanjaro full moon climbs are limited to 10 to 15 trekkers, except by special request and agreement, so that the guide can carefully check everyone’s health, make sure all their requirements are being fulfilled, and so that everyone has the opportunity to chat with the guide about anything that’s on their mind.

Below we have provided a complete list of the Kilimanjaro full moon dates for 2026 and 2027. See our scheduled and guaranteed departure dates for Kilimanjaro treks

FULL MOON SUMMIT CLIMBS – 2026

(These groups are timed so you attempt Uhuru Peak on or very close to the full moon – bright moonlight all night, magical views!)

Route
Arrival Date
Summit Night (Full Moon)
Departure Date
Price (USD)
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
25 Jan 2026
02–03 Feb 2026
04 Feb 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
26 Jan 2026
02–03 Feb 2026
04 Feb 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
27 Jan 2026
02–03 Feb 2026
04 Feb 2026
$2,435
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
23 Feb 2026
03–04 Mar 2026
05 Mar 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
24 Feb 2026
03–04 Mar 2026
05 Mar 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
25 Feb 2026
03–04 Mar 2026
05 Mar 2026
$2,435
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
24 Mar 2026
01–02 Apr 2026
03 Apr 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
25 Mar 2026
01–02 Apr 2026
03 Apr 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Machame
26 Mar 2026
01–02 Apr 2026
03 Apr 2026
$2,445
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
21 Jun 2026
29–30 Jun 2026
01 Jul 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
22 Jun 2026
29–30 Jun 2026
01 Jul 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
23 Jun 2026
29–30 Jun 2026
01 Jul 2026
$2,435
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
21 Jul 2026
29–30 Jul 2026
31 Jul 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
22 Jul 2026
29–30 Jul 2026
31 Jul 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
23 Jul 2026
29–30 Jul 2026
31 Jul 2026
$2,435
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
20 Aug 2026
28–29 Aug 2026
30 Aug 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
21 Aug 2026
28–29 Aug 2026
30 Aug 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
22 Aug 2026
28–29 Aug 2026
30 Aug 2026
$2,435
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
18 Sep 2026
26–27 Sep 2026
28 Sep 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
19 Sep 2026
26–27 Sep 2026
28 Sep 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
20 Sep 2026
26–27 Sep 2026
28 Sep 2026
$2,650
Book Now
9 day Northern Circuit
18 Oct 2026
26–27 Oct 2026
28 Oct 2026
$2,920
Book Now
8 day Lemosho
19 Oct 2026
26–27 Oct 2026
28 Oct 2026
$2,650
Book Now
7 day Lemosho
20 Oct 2026
26–27 Oct 2026
28 Oct 2026
$2,435
Book Now

Full Moon Dates To Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro (2027)

The dates shown here are the best estimates based on reliable meteorological conditions for the upcoming year 2027. If you want to see the full moon while climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro, call our adventure professionals to help you create the perfect weekend. On all full moon dates, it can get a little crowded, but a day earlier or later won’t change the effect or your experience.

Also, other dates can be found on different Kilimanjaro websites, but the information on all of them is not genuine. The dates shown below are for the actual full moon. When you book your trip with us, we’ll schedule your summit on Kilimanjaro around these dates.

FULL MOON SUMMIT CLIMBS – 2027

Click here to book the full moon climbs on Mount Kilimanjaro for the year 2027 in advance
Route
Arrival Date
Summit Night (Full Moon)
Departure Date
Price (USD)
9 day Northern Circuit
25 Jan 2027
01–02 Feb 2027
04 Feb 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
26 Jan 2027
01–02 Feb 2027
04 Feb 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
27 Jan 2027
01–02 Feb 2027
04 Feb 2027
$2,650
9 day Northern Circuit
23 Feb 2027
03–04 Mar 2027
05 Mar 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
24 Feb 2027
03–04 Mar 2027
05 Mar 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
25 Feb 2027
03–04 Mar 2027
05 Mar 2027
$2,650
9 day Northern Circuit
24 Mar 2027
01–02 Apr 2027
03 Apr 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
25 Mar 2027
01–02 Apr 2027
03 Apr 2027
$2,650
7 day Machame
26 Mar 2027
01–02 Apr 2027
03 Apr 2027
$2,445
9 day Northern Circuit
21 Jun 2027
29–30 Jun 2027
01 Jul 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
22 Jun 2027
29–30 Jun 2027
01 Jul 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
23 Jun 2027
29–30 Jun 2027
01 Jul 2027
$2,650
9 day Northern Circuit
21 Jul 2027
29–30 Jul 2027
31 Jul 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
22 Jul 2027
29–30 Jul 2027
31 Jul 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
23 Jul 2027
29–30 Jul 2027
31 Jul 2027
$2,435
9 day Northern Circuit
20 Aug 2027
28–29 Aug 2027
30 Aug 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
21 Aug 2027
28–29 Aug 2027
30 Aug 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
22 Aug 2027
28–29 Aug 2027
30 Aug 2027
$2,650
9 day Northern Circuit
18 Sep 2027
26–27 Sep 2027
28 Sep 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
19 Sep 2027
26–27 Sep 2027
28 Sep 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
20 Sep 2027
26–27 Sep 2027
28 Sep 2027
$2,650
9 day Northern Circuit
18 Oct 2027
26–27 Oct 2027
28 Oct 2027
$2,920
8 day Lemosho
19 Oct 2027
26–27 Oct 2027
28 Oct 2027
$2,650
7 day Lemosho
20 Oct 2027
26–27 Oct 2027
28 Oct 2027
$2,650

Why is the Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb so popular?

To begin with, the strong light of the full moon will accompany and assist you on your nighttime trip. It illuminates the glaciers and the rolling clouds below you on your six-hour trip up to Uhuru Peak. The soil beneath your feet gleams in the moonlight. Doesn’t that sound like a fantasy?

Second, ascending during a full moon increases visibility throughout your Kilimanjaro journey, especially during your summit attempt, because its brightness (when combined with a clear sky) improves visibility.

Finally, hiking Kilimanjaro with a full moon provides spectacular night views of Kibo from the majority of the overnight camps. To summarize, a full moon provides the following benefits:

  1. Amazingly beautiful views
  2. improved visibility during the summit attempt, usually done in total darkness
  3. views of Kibo from most camps on Mount Kilimanjaro

As a result, a full moon elevates an already exceptional journey to even greater heights. The full moon is usually regarded as one of the finest times to climb Kilimanjaro during the month. When it comes to climbing, which month is the best?

Find out when is the ideal time to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

What exactly is a full moon?

The lunar phase is when the Moon can be viewed fully from Earth is known as a full moon. This happens when the Earth lies squarely between the Sun and the Moon (or, more precisely, when the Sun and Moon’s ecliptic longitudes vary by 180°). As a result of all of this scientific jargon, the Moon looks perfectly round and wonderfully bright in the night sky once a month. The full moon comes every 29 days, giving you 12 chances to see it in a year. This spectacular celestial spectacle is only seen from the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro once a month.

What the full moon on Kilimanjaro looks like

If you happen to be traveling to Tanzania’s Kilimanjaro during a full moon, you’re in for a treat! When you climb Mount Kilimanjaro under the moon you should take advantage of the natural light it provides.

Hiking on Mount Kilimanjaro by the light of the moon is a unique experience, it does not matter which route you will choose but the experience becomes even better when you choose the more scenic routes like the Lemosho route.

You just see things differently and it’s a quieter, more serene environment on the trails.

Glittering glaciers

One of the key geographic features of Mount Kilimanjaro (and part of what makes it so unique) is its crowns of ice glaciers. Despite the mountain’s close proximity to the Equator, its glaciers have existed for more than 11,000 years, and they used to be more than 100 m (300 feet) deep and extended for 2 km (1.2 miles) from the mountaintop. Due to the effects of global warming and long-term climatic cycles, however, the ice has been thinning from the top down at a very alarming rate. Some scientists estimate that Kilimanjaro’s ice cap will be completely gone by 2050. So if you’re thinking about undertaking this epic climb, do yourself a favour and do it sooner rather than later. The glaciers on Mount Kilimanjaro are definitely not something you want to miss!

Full moon dates

The dates for the 2026-2027 full moons are shown above. If you want to see a full moon while climbing Kilimanjaro, talk to us about when you should schedule your trip. Please keep in mind that the dates shown below are best guesses based on reliable weather forecasting sources. Various Kilimanjaro operators’ websites may have different dates. As a result, don’t take this information at face value. We suggest double-checking dates on weather websites like weather.com

Kilimanjaro Stars on full moon
Full moon Mount Kilimanjaro
kilimanjaro Glaciers under the full moon

Why choose to climb Kilimanjaro on full moon dates

The brilliant moonlight will give a stunning view of Kilimanjaro and its surroundings on a full moon night. Climbing Mt. Kilimanjaro at a full moon will add to the whole feeling of being on top of Africa.
One advantage of hiking under a full moon is that it illuminates your way even in complete darkness. On regular days, trekkers are required to use a headlamp, but on summit night, they are required to do so. However, on a clear night with a full moon, one may get away without needing to use a headlamp. However, we strongly advise you to bring a headlamp because the weather in the Kilimanjaro region is unpredictable. Nonetheless, take your time while deciding the items you’ll need for your packing list.

Most people want to climb Kilimanjaro under a full moon since the night hike to the top is considerably simpler and gratifying. This undoubtedly distinguishes and enhances your journey. Because the stunning glaciers of Kilimanjaro shine up during the full moon, you will be able to see the lovely landscapes of Tanzania.

What is a full moon?

So, what exactly is a full moon? It is a lunar phase when the moon can be viewed totally from the earth, according to a layperson. When the earth is directly between the sun and the moon, this happens. This phenomenon happens every 29 days, and it’s a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see the stunning celestial spectacle from the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro.

The following elements contribute to the popularity of the Kilimanjaro Full Moon Climb:

1. Magnificent Views

During the night summit to Uhuru Peak, the dazzling light of the full moon will accompany and guide you. Your 6-hour ascent will be illuminated by the moonlight, with breathtaking vistas of the dazzling glaciers and rolling clouds below you.

The soil beneath your feet will be glistening with the moon’s beautiful light.

While climbing Mount Kilimanjaro with the full moon, visibility is better at night.

2. A better view of the top during the summit

When the moon’s brightness is combined with a clear sky, visibility will increase during the summit attempt. During the last leap, it’s unlikely that you’ll need to utilize your headlamp to guide you.

3. Kibo’s breathtaking views

Your campsites will provide you with spectacular views of Mt. Kibo. Kibo is the youngest and tallest of Kilimanjaro’s three separate volcanic cones.

Disadvantages of Climbing Kilimanjaro during a Full Moon

Climbing Kilimanjaro during full moon evenings is particularly popular since it provides climbers with a once-in-a-lifetime experience as well as breathtaking vistas of the surrounding area. On full moon evenings, though, it becomes too busy. We recommend avoiding dates near the full moon if you want a less crowded excursion.

Many people plan their trips around the full moon because of the intensity of the beauty of the Kilimanjaro trek. And there will undoubtedly be a large throng, particularly on the major Kilimanjaro routes. Another drawback of climbing Kilimanjaro during a full moon is that the moon’s brightness obscures the stars.

On a full moon night, a dedicated stargazer would be disappointed not to see a single star in the sky. It is preferable for them to walk on the new moon night, when the entire Kilimanjaro is blanketed in a blanket of the lovely starry sky.

Mount Kilimanjaro Packages

8 days Lemosho Route Itinerary

You get an extra day to acclimatize on Mount Kilimanjaro if you choose the 8-day Lemosho route plan. The Lemosho

7 days Machame Route Itinerary

The 7-day Machame Route gives you an advantage over the 6-day Machame Route since it gives you ample time to

6 Days Marangu Route

The more advantageous option for ascending Mount Kilimanjaro via the well-known Marangu route is the 6-day Marangu route plan. For

9 days Northern Circuit Route

Boasting a high summit success rate, the rarely-visited northern slopes of Kilimanjaro will reward you with beautiful 360-degree panoramic views.

6 days Machame Route

For mountain climbers with prior climbing expertise and the capacity to acclimate more quickly, the 6-day Machame route is advised

6 Days Rongai Route

This 6-day route uses the Rongai Route to get you to the top of Mount Kilimanjaro. Treks up the Rongai

5 Days Marangu Route

The Marangu route, which is the mountain's oldest and most popular path, is used in the five-day Marangu route itinerary.

6 Days Umbwe Route

Many climbers, particularly first-timers, dislike the 6 day Umbwe Route Kilimanjaro itinerary for a variety of reasons. It is one

11 Days Western Breach Route

Due to the risks involved in taking this route to ascend the peak, the 11-day Western Breach route itinerary is

7 Days Shira Route

Shira is an ancient route that does not adhere to normal acclimatization guidelines, so the Lemosho Route, which is more

One Day Kilimanjaro Trek to Mandara Hut- Marangu

The 1 day hike to Kilimanjaro's Mandara Hut, the first accommodation point along the Marangu route begins with an early

One Day Hike on Kilimanjaro to Shira Plateau

Experience a one-day trip to Mount Kilimanjaro's Shira Plateau. Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro is a challenge that many would love to