Mount Kilimanjaro is the crown of Tanzania. The view of this majestic mountain’s gigantic snow-capped summit dome, rising high above the surrounding savannah, is one of Africa’s classic images. At 5,895 metres (19,340 ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa and one of the highest volcanoes in the world, attracting trekkers and climbers from every corner of the world.
The attraction is even greater because, with time and adequate preparation, it is possible to walk all the way to the summit without technical mountaineering equipment or experience. The Kilimanjaro massif has two main peak areas: Kibo, the flat-topped dome at the centre of the massif, and Mawenzi, a group of jagged points and pinnacles on the eastern side.
The top of Kibo dips inwards to form a crater which cannot be seen from below. Although Mount Kilimanjaro lies just three degrees south of the equator, both Kibo and Mawenzi have permanent caps of snow and ice.
The highest point on Kibo and the whole Kilimanjaro massif is Uhuru Peak. Also on Kibo is the slightly lower peak of Gillman’s Point; both are goals for most trekkers. The peaks of Mawenzi are for mountaineers only
Included/Excluded
- Transport from Nairobi to Arusha and back
- Professional mountain guides and support crew
- Accommodation in huts or camps during the trek
- All meals during the trek
- Park entry fees
- Drinking water during the trek
- Pre-climb briefing
- Personal trekking gear
- Tips and gratuities
- Travel insurance
- Visa fees (Tanzania)
- Personal expenses
Tour Plan
Marangu Route – 7 Days
Day 1: Nairobi to Arusha
You will be picked up from your hotel at 7.30 am and driven to Arusha to be met by our manager for your climbing briefing. An afternoon spent at leisure, dinner, and an overnight stay at a budget hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Mandara Hut
After breakfast, leave the hotel to drive to Marangu Park Gate at an altitude of 1,860 m. Walk to Mandara Hut, 2,744 m (9,000 ft), through dense semi-tropical rainforest for meals and overnight.
Day 3: Mandara to Horombo Hut
Start early in the morning for a ten-hour walk towards Horombo. The landscape becomes more rugged and rocky but superb, with both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks in view. Night at Horombo Hut, at an altitude of 3,761 m (12,335 ft).
Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
Spend the day at leisure, giving yourselves time to acclimatise. All meals and an overnight at the hut.
Day 5: Horombo to Kibo Hut
Breakfast at the hut. Ascend past the last water point to the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo, arriving at Kibo Hut (4,700 m), with a picnic lunch en route. Dinner and an overnight at Kibo Hut.
Day 6: Kibo to Uhuru Peak, then Horombo Hut
Early morning, 2.00 am. It takes about 5 hours to climb the steepest and most difficult part of the route to Gilman's Point [5681 m / 18630 ft]. From Gilman's, it takes 2 hours to Uhuru Peak [5896 m, 19344 ft]. Descend to Horombo for dinner and overnight.
Day 7: Horombo to Arusha
Breakfast at the hut. The descend continues past Mandara Hut back down to the park gate. This is where successful climbers collect their “well-earned certificates". Continues to Arusha, arriving in the afternoon, and then catches a shuttle bus to Nairobi, arriving in the evening.
Day 1: Nairobi-Arusha
Transfer by shuttle bus from Nairobi to Arusha. You are picked up from the hotel in Nairobi at 7.30 am and driven to Arusha to be met by our manager for your climbing briefing. The afternoon is spent at leisure, with dinner and an overnight stay at a budget hotel in Arusha.
Day 2: Arusha to Machame Hut
Drive to Machame Village. The climb begins at the end of the tarmac road, walking for about 6 hrs, gradually ascending through the forested hills, onwards to Machame Hut (3,000 m) for dinner and overnight.
Day 3: Machame Hut to Shira Hut
Early in the morning, you will cross a valley and a stream before ascending a steep ridge. The path then drops into a river gorge before you climb more gently onto the moorland of the Shira Plateau (3,800m). It takes 6 hrs to climb it. Dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Shira Hut to Barranco Hut
The path continues directly up the ridge towards Kibo, then turns right and descends into Barranco Gorge. Take 6 hours to climb to Barranco Hut (3,940 m) for dinner and the night.
Day 5: Barranco to Barafu Hut
Crossing the Barranco Valley, climb the Barranco Wall (not technical climbing), then follow the Kibo South Circuit. You will then turn left and climb up a ridge for about 2 hrs to Barafu Hut (4,600 m). dinner and overnight.
Day 6: Barafu to Mweka Hut
A very early (2 am) walk starts for the summit, first to Stella Point and then to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. After sunrise, descend to Mweka Hut; the walk takes 6 hours. Dinner and an overnight at the hut.
Day 7: Mweka to Moshi
This is the last day of your climb. Descend to Mweka Gate, where you will be transferred to Moshi town to end your memorable experience.
Day 8: Moshi-Nairobi
After breakfast, board a shuttle bus for the journey back to Nairobi.
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