Route: Kilimanjaro (Tanzania)

This is a Premier Route. To claim an FKT on this route, you must meet a high standard of documentation and verification. See details here: https://fastestknowntime.com/premier-routes.

Admin notes: Overall FKTs are usually set on the Umbwe or Mweka routes, or a combination of these two (such as up Umbwe & down Mweka, see our map below) We recognize overall FKTs for the mountain as long as they are set from any major trailhead as long or longer than Umbwe. We do not keep track of separate Umbwe or Mweka routes, although we have 2 historical attempts listed from speed attempts on Mweka when from we did keep track of Mweka routes that are slower than the previous overall round trip FKT. We do not keep track of specific FKTs on the dozen or so other routes that are used on the mountain, unless they are the fastest overall. Only the "ascent" and "round trip" variations are considered "Premier Routes" by FKT, not the "sea to summit" variation. Erin Ton, Chris Fisher, and “crew” seem to have the mixed-gender time of roughly 2 days 4 hours from September 1-3, 2026, during their scouting hike for Erin’s September 6 FKT.

Description: Kilimanjaro (19,341') is the highest peak in Africa, and the largest volcano in the world. Nevertheless, the hike to the summit is technically quite easy, really just a trail hike. The peak is a major tourist attraction, attempted by thousands every year. Most take the long (23 miles one way) and well-groomed Marangu Route (aka "Coca-cola Route"), but there are numerous other routes on the mountain.

Speed records on the world's big peaks, including Kili, have been fraught with accusations of fraud. Many of the players have a financial stake in a high-profile speed record. Generally, it is easier to cast doubt on someone's accomplishments than to actually set up a solid verification system for your own trip. It depends on how important it is to you that others believe what you say you have done.

The logistics of a fast trip on Kilimanjaro are difficult. The mountain is in Tanzania's Kilimanjaro National Park. Parties are generally required to be accompanied by a guide, with some exceptions. Convincing a guiding service that you want to climb, and are capable of climbing, the peak in less than the standard 5-6 day trip can be difficult. In any event, once on the trail you are basically at the mercy of your guide.

Team Kilimanjaro appears to set up trips specifically for speed climbing. They claim several speed records on the mountain have been set by their guides and clients.