Overview
Set off on a 5-day trek to Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit via the Marangu Route. Enjoy the comfort of mountain huts along the way and take in breathtaking views of the Kenyan interior from the scenic Maundi Crater—a perfect route for trekkers seeking both adventure and comfort.
After breakfast hotel will drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, begin your trek and soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, have the chance to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys.
Approximately 4 hours later, reach your destination of the day – the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. Enjoy an evening meal and overnight stay.
Breakfast after leaving Mandara Hut, reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3,700 m. From the hut, have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo, and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Enjoy an evening dinner and overnight stay.
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. This begins at night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. The mountain guide will wake you up at 23:00 hrs and an hour later, you will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,220 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards.
At sunrise, reach Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 – 2 hours, reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. At peak, celebrate your accomplishment of reaching the “Roof of Africa”.
The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. Following a 1 – 2 hour break, once again be on your way hiking to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) for your stay.
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1,860 m).
After saying goodbye to your mountain guides and porters, a transfer follows to take you back to Moshi or Arusha.
Include & Exclude
Cost Include
- All meals
- Drinking water
- Accommodation at mountain huts
- Professional mountain guides, porters, and cooks
- Park entrance fees, hut fees, and rescue fees
- Transports
- Government Taxes
Cost Exclude
- Personal hiking/trekking gear
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
- Flights
Frequently asked Questions
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 litres of water and snacks.
Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarised sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from Us.
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear.
You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatising to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatise and pace yourself.
