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Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route

70
km
8
days
1/3
Difficulty
2/4
Comfort

About the Program

Kilimanjaro, at 5895 meters, is the tallest mountain in Africa. This program follows the Marangu route, the easiest climb on Kilimanjaro, requiring no prior experience or special training. Accommodation throughout the tour is comfortable, with stays in huts, meals prepared by a chef, and porters carrying your gear. Operated directly by a local tour operator, this tour runs regularly year-round. It is available in two packages: Basic (simple comfort) and Premium (maximum comfort).

Difficulty Level

Perfect for beginner climbers, with no need for a heavy pack. Expect to feel the effects of lower oxygen levels.

Accommodations

3* hotel in Moshi (4* for Premium), 2 people per room, and huts along the route.

Food

Meals on the route and breakfasts in Moshi included.

What Will You Do?

  • ↗
    Climb the highest peak of the African continent: Kilimanjaro at 5895 meters.
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    Encounter unique flora and fauna: Senecio, Lobelia, Camphor Tree, Blue Monkeys, Colobus Monkeys, Porcupines, and more.
  • ↗
    Journey from tropical forests to glaciers, which may soon disappear due to global warming.
  • ↗
    Sample local cuisine: Ugali and Sukuma Wiki, Nyama Choma, Ndizi Nyama, Mchicha, Wali wa Nazi, and tropical fruits.

Description by Day

day 1. Arrival in Moshi

We welcome you upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK) any time during the day. Note that transfers from Arusha Airport take an extra hour and are not included in the tour price. You'll stay in a 3-star hotel (4-star for Premium) in Moshi, where we'll check your gear and clothing. Equipment rental is available if needed.

day 2. Tropical Forest

After breakfast at the hotel, we'll transfer to the eastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park. From here, our journey begins through the tropical forest, surrounded by Camphor trees, Podocarp, and East African Yellowwood. Keep an eye out for Blue Monkeys and Colobus Monkeys in the forest. In the evening, you might even spot an African Porcupine. The trek takes about 5-7 hours, ascending 840 meters. We'll spend the night in the hut at Mandara Camp. In the Premium tariff, participants have access to a shower.

day 3. Mandara to Horombo

On this segment, we leave the dense tropical forest and enter the equatorial moorland zone, featuring plants like Erica arborea and the Giant Senecio (Dendrosenecio kilimanjari), some reaching up to 6 meters tall. Upon arriving at the camp, we'll get our first glimpse of both Kibo and Mawenzi volcanoes. After lunch, there's a short acclimatization trek towards Kibo camp. In Horombo Camp, showers are also available for participants with the Premium package.

day 4. Acclimatization Day

Our goal today is to reach 4,500 meters for acclimatization, adapting to the higher altitudes. The terrain becomes lunar-like with minimal but fascinating vegetation, including the 3-meter tall Lobelia deckenii. This half-day trek offers a glimpse into the mountain's volcanic past with striking lava flows and rock formations. After an elevation gain of 780 meters, we rest in the afternoon, enjoying the tranquility of the high-altitude environment. Shower is also available on this day (Premium).

day 5. Horombo to Kibo

As we journey through the alpine desert zone, we're greeted by a stark, almost otherworldly landscape. Our hike to Kibo Camp, perched at 4,700 meters, is a slow and steady 8-hour trek, designed to conserve our energy for the summit push. As night falls at Kibo Camp, the sky transforms into a mesmerizing canvas of stars, shining brighter here due to the high altitude and the thinness of the air. This celestial display is a perfect backdrop to prepare for the summit challenge ahead.

day 6. Summit of Kilimanjaro, 5895m

Our journey begins with a night trek from Kibo Camp (4,700m), ascending into the glacial zone. This nearly barren landscape is home only to hardy lichens. We'll witness the Rebmann and Ratz glaciers, symbols of Kilimanjaro's glaciers at risk due to climate change. The entire trek today may last up to 12 hours. Upon conquering Uhuru Peak, we'll return to Kibo Camp for a brief 2-hour rest. Then, we continue our descent to Horombo Camp (3,720m). Premium package participants can access showers again.

day 7. Descent

Start with a hot breakfast at camp, then descend for up to 7 hours along the familiar path through Mandara Camp to the Kilimanjaro National Park exit at Marangu Gate. Here, you'll be awarded a certificate for successfully climbing Kilimanjaro. At the same location, it's customary for climbers to tip the support team: $220 from each participant. Followed by a transfer to the hotel. Climbers with the Premium package also receive medals for summiting Kilimanjaro.

day 8. Homeward Departure

Enjoy your breakfast at the hotel with a day-time transfer to the airport. The check-out time is scheduled for 11:00 AM. For those with evening departures, we offer an optional trip to relax at a hot spring (not included in the tour price). Participants who have booked the additional 2-day program will head out for a safari in Tarangire National Park right after breakfast, and the following day, they will visit Ngorongoro National Park.

Cost

Group Tour

Spot on one
of the planned tours
Booking deposit

Private Tour

For a single participant or for a private
group on any agreed dates

Price for the first (or only) participant

Price for each more
memeber
☑Included
  • —
    English-speaking support throughout all stages
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    Airport pickup and drop-off at Kilimanjaro Airport
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    Services of local English-speaking guides (no more than 4 climbers per guide on summit day) and support team
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    All transfers as per the itinerary
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    Accommodation: 2 nights in a 3-star hotel (double occupancy) and mountain huts along the trek
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    Full board meals on the trek and breakfasts at the hotel
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    Permit for entry into the National Park and National Park ecological fee
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    Registration with the Rescue Service
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    Group equipment and safety gear
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    Porter services (one porter per participant, carrying up to 15 kg of luggage)
  • —
    Kilimanjaro Climbing Certificate
×Not included
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    Airfare and Tanzanian visa on arrival (50 USD)
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    Personal equipment and clothing as per the list (available for rent locally)
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    Mandatory tips for the local support team: 220 USD per person
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    Lunches and dinners at the hotel in Moshi before and after the climb (around 15 USD per dinner)
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    Mountaineering insurance (mandatory, can be arranged through us)
☑Premium Pack
  • —
    2 nights in Moshi at a 4-star hotel
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    Shower facilities during the trek: 3 showers in the first three days and 1 on the summit day
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    Bottled water on the trek: 2 liters per day
  • —
    A "Mount Kilimanjaro Medal" as a commemoration of your achievement in reaching the summit
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    Luggage Retrieval: If the airline delays your luggage, we'll arrange its delivery to you on the trek

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