Kilimanjaro Itinirary & Price

Marangu Route

Summit Kilimanjaro – One of the Seven Summits of the World (5895m ASL)

  • Cross six ecological zones, from lush rainforest to the harsh and beautiful arctic zone.
  • Marangu Route is famous for being the only route that provides hut accommodation.
  • 6 days on the mountain, 2 nights in a hotel – total 8 days.

Route Description

Nairobi to Moshi by shuttle (accompanied by your guide):
Leave Nairobi at 07:00 hrs and head for the Namanga Kenya/Tanzania border point. Clear with Tanzanian immigration, then proceed to Arusha. After a short stop, continue to Moshi, arriving at your hotel around 15:30 hrs. Overnight in the hotel. This night includes a gear kit check and a briefing for the mountain trek starting the following day.

Route Introduction

This is the easiest route to ascend Kilimanjaro. From the summit's glaciers, scree, and cliffs, to the afro-alpine moorland and down to the cultivated foothills, the route takes you at a gentle pace through dramatically different ecological zones.

  • For the ascent to Uhuru Peak from Kibo Hut, a very early start is made since the scree is easier to climb when frozen. Views from the crater rim at dawn can be spectacular.
  • Accommodation on the mountain is in comfortable huts, but a sleeping bag is required.
  • An acclimatization day is spent at Horombo Hut.

Day-by-Day Itinerary

Day 2: Moshi Hotel – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut (1800m to 2900m)
Transfer from the hotel to Marangu Gate for registration. Begin hiking through the rainforest. Lunch is served mid-hike before reaching Mandara Hut for overnight stay.

  • Accommodation: Huts
  • Meals: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut (2900m) – Horombo Hut (3657m)
The trail passes a short detour to Maundi Crater rim for a superb view of the mountain and its surroundings. It then crosses moorland ravines before ending at Horombo Hut, set in a rocky valley with giant senecio.

  • Meals: Lunch on the way, dinner, overnight, and breakfast at the hut

Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
An extra day and night at Horombo to assist with acclimatization. A recommended hike is to Mawenzi Hut, passing Zebra Rocks (about 3 hours up and 1.5 down).

  • All meals provided at the hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut (3657m – 4750m)

  • Distance: 11 km
  • Time: Approx. 4 hrs
  • Meals: Dinner and overnight at the hut

Day 6: Summit Attempt – Uhuru Peak (5895m)
Wake up at 23:30 hrs. After tea and biscuits, start the summit trek. The trail begins with a rocky path to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m) and then continues steeply up scree to Gillman’s Point. From there, it’s about 1 hour to Uhuru Peak, with snow all the way to the summit – the highest point in Africa.

  • Weather conditions will determine how long you can stay for photos before descending 3 hours back to Kibo, and another 3 hours down to Horombo Hut.
  • Total trekking time: ~14 hours
  • Evening includes your last mountain dinner and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and emotions.

Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Moshi Hotel
After breakfast, descend 6 hours, passing Mandara Hut, down to Marangu Gate for sign-out.

  • Certificates are awarded: Gillman’s Point (5685m) or Uhuru Peak (5895m).
  • Farewell to porters and guides.
  • Transfer back to the hotel for a hot shower, dinner, celebration, and overnight.

Day 8: Return to Nairobi
After a night in the hotel, take a mid-morning Moshi–Nairobi shuttle, arriving in the evening.

Important Notes

  • Weather on the mountain is unpredictable. Bring waterproof jackets and pants. It can get hot, so light layers are ideal. Silk t-shirts, fleece, and thermal wear are recommended.
  • Baggage: Carried by porters (max 18kg). Your personal daypack should carry essentials.
  • We provide a first aid box with basic medications, but you should bring your own small personal medical kit, including treatments for blisters, Tums, ibuprofen, etc.
  • If you plan to travel to malaria-prone areas after the hike, bring anti-malarial medication. The mountain itself is not a high-risk malaria area.

Hiking Gear List

Clothing & Footwear:

  • Sleeping bag rated -10°C to 0°C
  • Comfortable, waterproof hiking boots (broken in)
  • Sport shoes for camp
  • Gloves
  • Woolen hat
  • Sun hat or baseball cap
  • Waterproof jacket and pants
  • Windproof jacket
  • Fleece
  • T-shirts
  • Warm socks
  • Warm trousers
  • Thermal wear

Accessories:

  • Head torch
  • Large rucksack (for porters to carry)
  • Small daypack (for water, snacks, camera, rain gear)
  • Drinking bottle (metal thermal preferred)
  • Sunglasses
  • Water purification tablets (we boil water too)
  • Walking poles (recommended for uphill/downhill support)
  • Wet wipes
  • Sunscreen
  • Personal items

Training Tips

  • Running and walking for endurance
  • Leg exercises
  • Uphill hiking
  • Spending time at high altitude if possible
  • Practice "climb high, sleep low"

Crew Ratio

  • 1 guide/porter per 3 clients
  • For example, a group of 5 will have 15+ support crew (guides, porters, and cooks). Final crew size confirmed based on group size.

Price: $2500 per person

Group size: Minimum 5 – Maximum 10 people

Cost Includes:

  • All transfers (including Nairobi–Moshi shuttle service)
  • All park fees, government taxes, and levies
  • Three meals per day on the mountain
  • Hut accommodations (mattresses provided – bring your own sleeping bag)
  • Porter, cook, and guide services
  • Rescue services
  • 2 hotel nights (before and after the trek), bed & breakfast

To see pictures of the Kilimanjaro summit, press the button below