climbing Kilimanjaro
Standing on the roof of Africa (5895 m/19341 ft) and enjoying the breathtaking landscapes around, hiking through the pristine tropical forests full of wild animals, looking at the starry sky and realizing that you are among the few people who did it.
Kilimanjaro Climbing routes
You may climb the Mount by several routes, which have been established by the Tanzania National Parks Authority to avoid unauthorized Kilimanjaro hiking and preserve the pristine beauty of the wilderness for the generations to come.
We recommend Lemosho and Rongai routes for novices, Northern Circuit and Machame for the beginners, and Marangu and Umbwe for climbers with prior hiking experience. Camping on all routes except Marangu (where the night stops are in huts).
ITENARY Overview:
The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier compared to the Machame route. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatization period.
The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain. This extends the route into a 6-day trek, greatly increasing your chances of success. Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.
Itinerary
| DAY 1 |
Marangu gate to Mandara hutHiking time: 5 hrs The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you, as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers. |
| DAY 2 |
Mandara hut to horombo hutHiking time: 6h From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. |
| DAY 3 |
Horombo hut to acclimatization dayHiking time: 4 ½ h Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. |
| DAY 4 |
Horombo hut to Kibo hutHiking time: 6h After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) should be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day (on your acclimatization hike) towards Mawenzi hut. This section is very stony and eroded. Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut. |
| DAY 5 |
Kibo hut to Uhuru peak to Horombo hutHiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. |
| DAY 6 |
Horombo hut to Marangu gateHiking time: 6h After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!! Overnight at the hotel in Moshi. |
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Mountain Frequently Asked Questions
This is a difficult question and a personal one. We usually recommend the Rongai or Lemosho routes which are the ones that offer less crowds and more beautiful scenery. It is very manageable even for those with little experience, provided an honest effort is put forth in training. Another extremely rewarding option, with some of the best scenery (though sometimes a bit crowded) is the Machame route. As for the Marangu route, it is the quickest route and the one where you sleep in huts instead of campsites. It is very commonly called ‘Coca-Cola route’ because it is the easiest one, but acclimatization needs to be done carefully and, if possible, you should climb it in 6 days (instead of 5) and sleep one night or two in Arusha/Moshi before the trek. Finally, Umbwe route is a spectacular and fantastic route as well, but only recommended for more experienced climbers.
Where do the trek start and finish?
They start and finish in Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences.
Is the accommodation included before/after trek? What about transfer to/from airport?
Yes, transfers to/from airport are included, and we do offer accommodation in Arusha before/after the trek in a guesthouse called Raha Leo. Shall you prefer a higher level of accommodation, when you contact us, we will recommend some options.
What should I bring for Kilimanjaro trek?
We have a specific web page for these recommendations which you can access by clicking.
What time do the Kilimanjaro trek finish? can I take a flight on the same day?
Our treks usually finish around 3pm in Arusha / Moshi. If the flight is in the evening, it is perfectly ok.
We do not keep close statistics of these records and it is extremely rare to have a group not reaching the summit. The rate would vary between 97% and 99% depending on the routes, with the highest success level being Lemosho and Rongai routes, and the lowest being Marangu and Umbwe.
What is a typical meal during the trek?
Food can be customized to your requests. A typical breakfast would have eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, coffee and chocolate powder. As for lunch, it is usually prepared at breakfast and carried with the trekker. The lunch would normally have a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruits and tea.
We also provide an afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts and popcorn after the trek. And, finally, dinner: Typically, a dinner would include a soup starter, light pasta dish and fruit or fruit pudding. Other example of meals would be fish or beef stew, or chicken with vegetable sauce, cabbage and rice or pasta.
What safety equipment and mechanisms do you have?
Safety is the most important consideration in a trek like this and we do everything to make sure that safety is the priority, and the trekkers are always looked after by the guides to find any sign of danger. We always take Oxygen Cylinders throughout your hike, as well as a Hyperbaric Chamber (Gamow bag) that we always use as our last decision in terms of emergency cases.
The emergency training that guides take is WFR (Wildness First Responder) and all our main Guides are highly trained to deal with altitude related complications or symptoms. The price of the Kilimanjaro does include the insurance for emergency evacuation in case of any serious complication.
* Kilimanjaro Park fees
* Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
* Guide, assistant guides, cook and porter’s salaries.
* Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
* Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp.
* 3 meals per day and Bottled water/drinks (1.5 liter per person per day)
* Emergency Insurance in case of altitude sickness
* Rescue fees (required by the national park)
* Transport to/from hotel to Gate
* All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for Kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eating utensils.
* Tips for guides and porters
* Meals outside the regular tour itinerary
* International visa for Tanzania
* International Airfares and Airport taxes
What vaccines and medication should I take?
We cannot legally provide medical advice as we are not a health institution, but most travelers take vaccine for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travelers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their body at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.
What is a typical meal during the trek?
Food can be customized to your requests. A typical breakfast would have eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, coffee and chocolate powder. As for lunch, it is usually prepared at breakfast and carried with the trekker. The lunch would normally have a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruits and tea.
We also provide an afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts and popcorn after the trek. And, finally, dinner: Typically, a dinner would include a soup starter, light pasta dish and fruit or fruit pudding. Other example of meals would be fish or beef stew, or chicken with vegetable sauce, cabbage and rice or pasta.
What safety equipment and mechanisms do you have?
Safety is the most important consideration in a trek like this and we do everything to make sure that safety is the priority, and the trekkers are always looked after by the guides to find any sign of danger. We always take Oxygen Cylinders throughout your hike, as well as a Hyperbaric Chamber (Gamow bag) that we always use as our last decision in terms of emergency cases.
The emergency training that guides take is WFR (Wildness First Responder) and all our main Guides are highly trained to deal with altitude related complications or symptoms. The price of the Kilimanjaro does include the insurance for emergency evacuation in case of any serious complication.
* Kilimanjaro Park fees
* Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
* Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters’ salaries.
* Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
* Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp.
* 3 meals per day and Bottled water/drinks (1.5 liter per person per day)
* Emergency Insurance in case of altitude sickness
* Rescue fees (required by the national park)
* Transport to/from hotel to Gate
* All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for Kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eating utensils.
* Tips for guides and porters
* Meals outside the regular tour itinerary
* International visa for Tanzania
* International Airfares and Airport taxes
What vaccines and medication should I take?
We cannot legally provide medical advice as we are not a health institution, but most travelers take vaccine for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travelers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their body at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.
What are the method payments available?
Once we have designed your itinerary (only Kilimanjaro trek or also including transfers, flights, hotels in town, etc.) we will send you a contract with everything. We require a down payment which can be paid via bank transfer or by PayPal (which also accepts credit cards). The remaining payment can be paid using the same method or, if you prefer, can be made once you arrive in Tanzania, in cash or credit card.
We recommend getting the visa upon arrival as it is a very straightforward process and just takes a few minutes. We recommend bringing a pen and the money for the visas in cash to make the process faster. The price is $50 USD for all nationalities except citizens from the USA who have to pay $100 USD per person.
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival except citizens of the following countries: Abkhazia (Republic inside Georgia), Eritrea Republic, Mauritania Republic, Sri Lanka Republic, Turkmanistan, Afghanistan Republic, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Republic, Kazakhstan Republic, Niger Republic, Somali Land, Wakimbizi (REFUGEES), Chad Republic, Kyrgyzstan Republic, Palestine State, Stateless People, Djibouti Republic, Lebanon Republic, Senegal Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mali Republic, Sierra Leone Republic and Tajikistan.
Are you able to accommodate food restrictions, preferences or specific diets?
Yes, it does not matter if you do a budget camping safari or upgrade to a higher level of accommodation, we are able to accommodate any specific request (vegetarian, vegan, halal, kosher, paleo, gluten-fee, specific allergies, etc.). These are very common requests and not an issue at all.