Duration: 7 Nights / 8 Days

Location: Tanzania - Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

Price: from £1,482 pp

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb to the ‘rooftop of Africa’ is the adventure of a lifetime, and anyone from an expert trekker to a reasonably fit first time enthusiast can scale the snowy peak.

At 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet. Just three degrees south of the equator, Kilimanjaro’s great peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi are nonetheless covered all year round with snow and ice.

Since the summit of Kilimanjaro was first reached by the German geographer Hans Meyer and Austrian mountain climber Ludwig Purtscheller on 5th October 1889, thousands of climbers have succeeded in, or have attempted the very same feat. It is estimated that today, almost 25,000 people a year set off on the journey.

There are 5 main routes up to the summit: Marangu, Machame, Rongai, Lemosho and Umbwe.

Most reasonably fit and properly guided climbers can experience the triumph of reaching the crater rim with little more than a walking stick, warm clothing and determination. Those who reach Uhuru Point, the actual summit, or Gillman’s Point on the lip of the crater (Kilimanjaro is a dormant, but not extinct, volcano), will have earned their climbing certificates and their memories.

MT.KILIMANJARO CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS

Hike to the ‘rooftop of Africa’ for the adventure of a lifetime.
Few mountains can claim the grandeur and the views of Amboseli National Park in Kenya, the Rift Valley and the Masai Steppe that belong to Kilimanjaro.
Strikingly beautiful vistas near the peak, with rocks and ice above a breathtaking African view.
Come with us on a hiking trip on Mt Kilimanjaro or the easiest climb up to the slopes and glaciers shimmering above the rising clouds!

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

The Mount Kilimanjaro climb has attracted experienced and non-experienced trekkers from all over the world. The beauty of the climb is that it is possible to reach the summit without technical mountaineering equipment. Rising in absolute isolation, at 5,895m, Kilimanjaro is one of the highest walkable summits on the planet. For many, it represents the ultimate once-in-a-lifetime personal challenge – an arduous but highly rewarding 6 to 8 day trek up to Uhuru Point (the actual summit) or to Gillman’s Point (on the lip of the crater).

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ACCOMMODATION AND ROUTING

Collection from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Town.
1 Night Half-Board at Moshi Hotel.
5 nights Full Board on the Climb.
( 1 Night Mandara Hut – 2 Nights Horombo Hut – 1 Night Kibo- Hut – 1 Night Horombo Hut)
1 Night Half-Board at Moshi Hotel.
Transfer to Arusha Town or Kilimanjaro Airport.
Depart

The Machama Route

The Machame route is challenging but the rewards are great.This is probably the most beautiful route up Kilimanjaro. From late afternoon sunsets at Shira, to the misty revelations of Kibo at the great Barranco Wall, the Machame route offers the adventurous hiker a stunning scenic “slide show” over 6 days.

Level: Intermediate
Nights: Camping in a tent

Total hiking distance: Approximately 100 kms

All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals. Accommodation on the Machame route offers strictly tents only. This makes Machame (also referred to as the “Whiskey route”) better suited to the slightly more adventurous hiker, rewarding him with a scenic splendour such as not seen.

The Marangu Route

Marangu Route known as the “Coca-Cola” route, approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path.

Level: Beginner
Nights: Sleeping in permanent huts

Total hiking distance: Approximately 96 kms

Marangu is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Climbers are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.

The best time for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb

As the mountain is situated close to the equator, the area does not experience extreme weather conditions; however they are grouped as dry or wet seasons. There are climbers trekking up Kilimanjaro all year round, though most prefer the dryer months, avoiding the rainfall and mud. The long rains generally begin from the end of March through to the end of May, and the short rains are during November. A greater number of climbers prefer to climb during December through to March and from June to October.

December to February is the warmest and clearest time to visit, with July to September being colder but also dry. It is wet in the rainforest from end of March to end May and during November.

Summiting on a full moon – when Kibo and its magnificent glaciers are lit up by the moonlight, it makes for an absolutely spectacular view. Your journey towards the top of Kilimanjaro is lit up without using a head torch which is why some trekkers choose to climb so that their summit attempt coincides with the night of the full moon.

MARANGU ROUTE OR MACHAME ROUTE?

Marangu Route is followed by ninety per cent of all climbers. It has a well-defined path, which has been well set out and where most obstacles have been modified to make them ‘climber friendly’. Despite the human traffic (it can be fun to mingle with climbers from all over the world), this is a very scenic route with good views of Mawenzi and excellent prospects for viewing wildlife.

Level: Beginner
Nights: Sleeping in permanent huts

Machame Route – One day longer on trek, climbing a natural, rather than man made path, the Machame Route is a more demanding but much quieter and scenic route up the mountain. Overnights are spent camping in tents which are carried and pitched by the accompanying porters. Because this route is more taxing it is recommended that trekkers should be physically fit and with the additional day on trek to assist with acclimatization.

Level: Intermediate
Nights: Camping in a tent

Kilimanjaro One Day Trek

For those not ready to conquer the highest peaks of the mountain, a day climb on the Marangu route (till Mandara huts, 1st base camp) is a great way to experience Kilimanjaro. A gentle but steep hike offering beautiful scenery through the forest zone of the mountain, with sounds of surrounding mountain streams echoeing between the trees.

So much more to Kilimanjaro than the summit

A journey up the slopes takes visitors on a climatic world tour, from the tropics to the arctic. A climb through grassland, varieties of forest types, heath & moorland, alpine desert, arctic snow caps and ice, rising high above the surrounding savannah. The grassy and cultivated lower slopes turn into lush rainforest, inhabited by elusive elephant, leopard, buffalo and antelope. Higher still, heath and moorland, becomes a surreal alpine desert and finally, there is ice, snow and the biggest view on the continent!

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING

Although you do not require any special mountaineering training for the climb, we would highly recommend you to do your own training prior to the trek. You will be hiking for anything between 5 to 9 days, so your body needs to be prepared for that. All in all body fitness is essential and prepare you mentally as well. On certain routes clients find the climb towards Kibo fairly undemanding, however for most, the difficulty begins from the base of Kibo towards the top due to the steepness and the altitude. We would recommend you to start your training in advance, rather than going for long runs or walks a week before your Kilimanjaro climb. Getting fit will make it more enjoyable!

After securing your booking with us, you’ll receive a comprehensive document, to guide you through the steps of purchasing the correct equipment and an essential check-list in preparing for your climb. We also provide a complete and quality rental service on all the equipment required on the mountain, as a sensible alternative to purchasing.

Add-on: Zanzibar Beach 4 Nights

The perfect extension after a strenuous climb is a four night beach holiday in Zanzibar staying at an All Inclusive Beach Resort. See Zanzibar Beach Holidays for options or contact us to design a suitable package inclusive of flights from Kilimanjaro Airport.
View all Zanzibar Beach Holidays

Dream of Zanzibar Resort

Add-on: Tanzania Safari 3 Nights

1 Night Full Board in Ngorongoro Conservation
1 Night Full Board in Serengeti National Park
1 Night Full Board in Lake Manyara National Park
Collection and return : Arusha Town
Cost per person from: £ 730 for group of 4 persons
View all Tanzania Safaris

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ON THE MARANGU ROUTE DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Day 1 – Kilimanjaro / Arusha

Collection from Kilimanjaro Airport or in Arusha City, and transferred to Moshi Town.
Overnight: Hotel in Moshi.

Day 2 – Moshi Town / Mandara Hut
Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara hut (2700m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 12kms
Habitat: Montane forest

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. On arrival you will be assisted to register and make preparations for the climb. Porters will be on hand to carry the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment.

Your first night stop, Mandara Hut, is a group of wooden huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers.
Overnight – Mandara Hut

Day 3 – Mandara Hut / Horombo Hut
Mandara hut (2700m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 15kms
Habitat: Moorland

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland.

On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the far distance with majestic glaciers in the morning sun. After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo Hut, where you will overnight.
Overnight – Horombo Hut

Day 4 – Horombo Hut – Acclimatization Day
Horombo hut (3720m).

Horombo Hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, with a 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. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation.

All meals for the day are provided at the hut.
Overnight- Horombo Hut.

Day 5 – Horombo Hut / Kibo Hut

After breakfast you 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. Your guides will assist you in selecting the route.

The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same
night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid.
Overnight- Kibo Hut.

Day 6 – Kibo Hut = Uhuru Peak / Horombo Hut
(Summit Attempt) Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Hiking time: 8h to Uhuru, 6h to get to Horombo
Distance: Approximately 6kms ascent, 21kms descent
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will rise around 23h30, and after tea and refreshments, begin your climb. 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 (5681m), 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.

From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa.

Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo Hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight.

The return to Horombo Hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. Later in the evening enjoy dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.
Overnight: Horombo Hut.

Day 7– Horombo hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Hiking time: 6h Distance: Approximately 27kms

After breakfast you will continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. 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.

Thereafter you will be transferred back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!
Overnight at the hotel in Moshi.

Day 8 – Moshi /Arusha City or Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Airport for your return flight or to Arusha to start your safari.

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Machame | Marangu Route Package

SEASON PER PERSON

01 Jan – 31 Dec from £ 1,480.00

Tour includes: Pre-climb briefing on trek – park entrance, conservation, rescue, camping or hut fees. KINAPA trained and certified English speaking guide – KINAPA trained and certified porters and porter-cook. All meals on the mountain on full board basis. Luggage storage at Moshi Hotel. Boiled drinking water on trek. On camping routes: camping stools, light dome tent per 2 passengers sharing, camping table, dining tent.

Tour excludes (but available for purchase if required): Gratuities/tips – Personal mountain equipment such as sleeping bags / mats / walking poles etc. Specialized mountain equipment such as portable toilets / oxygen cylinders etc. Any items of a personal nature such as beverages / laundry / insurance / visas / Flights

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB

MT.KILIMANJARO CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ACCOMMODATION AND ROUTING

The Machama Route

The Marangu Route

The best time for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb

MARANGU ROUTE OR MACHAME ROUTE?

Kilimanjaro One Day Trek

So much more to Kilimanjaro than the summit

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING

Add-on: Zanzibar Beach 4 Nights

Add-on: Tanzania Safari 3 Nights

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ON THE MARANGU ROUTE DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Machame | Marangu Route Package

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Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB

MT.KILIMANJARO CLIMB HIGHLIGHTS

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ACCOMMODATION AND ROUTING

The Machama Route

The Marangu Route

The best time for a Mount Kilimanjaro climb

MARANGU ROUTE OR MACHAME ROUTE?

Kilimanjaro One Day Trek

So much more to Kilimanjaro than the summit

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB TRAINING

Add-on: Zanzibar Beach 4 Nights

Add-on: Tanzania Safari 3 Nights

MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMB ON THE MARANGU ROUTE DAY TO DAY ITINERARY:

Mount Kilimanjaro Climb Machame | Marangu Route Package

Social Share

safaris online

Editors Choice

Honeymoon in Sri Lanka and Beach

Kenya Safari | Mombasa Beach

Travel Inspiration