Kilimanjaro | The Marangu Route

Degree of difficulty

• A relatively tough challenge, participants should be in good physical condition, with experience of hiking for multiple consecutive days for six to seven hours.
• A good degree of ascent is involved in the challenge, and experience walking in mountainous areas would be beneficial. 
• No specific technical climbing skills are required. 

Accommodation on Kilimanjaro

• Accommodation during the trek is in the form of mountain huts. 
• Huts will either offer small rooms for 4 people, or dorm style accommodation in rooms for 20 people.
• Mattresses, sheets and pillows are provided, but a sleeping bag is required. 
• Basic washing and toilet facilities are available.
• Hotel accommodation is provided when staying in Moshi.

Eating and drinking

• Special menus are designed in order to fulfil the nutritional requirements of climbing Kilimanjaro
• Meals include fresh fruit and vegetables each day. Fresh meat is available for at least the first part of the trek
• There's chance to sample Tanzanian cuisine before leaving the mountain
• Breakfast is a hearty affair and would include porridge, sausage, eggs and toast with jam. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate are readily available.
• Lunches are either packed to carry in a rucksack, or otherwise a stop during the day to take a hot cooked lunch. 
• Afternoon tea is served at the end of the day of hiking. Tea and other drinks are provided with a selection of snacks. 
• Evening meals are hearty and consist of three courses, a great way to replenish calories.

Essential information

• A strict 15kg bag weight limit is enforced by Kilimanjaro National Park. This limit includes a sleeping bag. All bags will be weighed before leaving the hotel in Moshi to check for compliance, and items would have to be removed if above the 15kg limit.
• Tanzania observes a ban on all single use plastic bags. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, passengers may be asked to surrender any plastic bags before leaving the airport.
• It is advisable to travel with US Dollars as the Tanzanian Shillings is a closed currency, not available to purchase before arrival in country. ATMs are available at the airport or en route to the hotel.
• Tipping is customary on Tanzanian trekking adventures, and the Kilimanjaro Porters Assistance Project recommend tips in the range of $6 to $10 per day for each porter. For other roles, $20 per day is recommended for guides, and $12 to $15 per day for assistant guides and cooks. These suggested figures are per group, not per person.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Getting to Tanzania

• It's best to fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). KLM flies to JRO from all major UK airports, with a number of flights from US international airports.
• Transfers from the airport to the hotel will be arranged. 

Marangu Route Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Tanzania

  Fly to Kilimanjaro International Airport to take a transfer to the hotel. Meet with representatives for a pre-trek briefing.

• Day 2 | Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

  Take a transfer to the Marangu Gate for registration. Start the ascent along a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. Spend the first night at Mandara Hut. 

• Day 3 | Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  Follow the trail through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater before leaving the forests behind, entering the moorland zone.

• Day 4 | Acclimatisation at Horombo Hut

  An acclimatisation day with a hike towards Mawenzi to assist with altitude preparedness.

• Day 5 | Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

  Continue the ascent through the Alpine desert zone. An early night in preparation for the summit bid. 

• Day 6 | Summit day

  Waking at around 2330, take tea and biscuits before leaving in search of the summit. Follow a rocky path to the Hans Mayer point, before following a number of switchbacks as the path climbs to Gilman's Point at 5681m. This is a very steep section with scree fields, testing both physical and mental resilience. From Gilman's point there is usually snow all the way to the summit. Arrive at the summit of Kilimanjaro at 5985m to drink in the views and take photographs. It's a three hour descent to Kibo Hut, before continuing to Horombo hut, a further three hours hike. Enjoy the last evening meal on the mountain before a hard-earned sleep. 

• Day 7 | Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

  After breakfast, hike down to Marangu Gate to collect the summit certificate. transfer to the hotel for a shower and celebration.

• Day 8 | Departure

  Transfer to the airport to start the journey home. 

What's Included

• Hotel accommodation before and after the climb
• Airport transfers
• Transfers to and from the mountain
• National Park entry, huts, climbing and rescue fees
• A fully supported climb (average ratio of support staff to climbers is 4:1)
• All meals and drinking water on the mountain
• Access to emergency oxygen and first aid kit
• A certificate documenting the summit ascent

What's Not Included

• Flights
• Visas
• Tips for your guide and crew
• Travel insurance (must be insured for trekking up to 6000m)
• Personal trekking gear
• Snacks on the mountain
• Meals and drinks not on the mountain

This trip takes responsibility seriously and ‘goes the extra mile’ to ensure that your presence in this country is entirely positive.

Central to this is

• Caring for the crew
• Caring for the local environment
• Caring for the local communities

All guides and partners are hand picked to ensure that every aspect of your trip operates to the highest standard and reflect the strong values, ethics and joy of travel.

This commitment to Responsible Travel is mutually beneficial without compromising the countries and communities touched or the depth and uniqueness of your adventure.

Key values of this trip

• Leave nothing behind
• We’re the visitors, let’s be respectful at all times
• Deliver a breathtaking experience
• Let’s benefit local communities and environments

Let’s help keep these wonderful places precious.

Porters and crew

All crew are paid proper wages and are treated with respect and dignity. This trip with IMEC, IPPG and KPAP, all not-for-profit organisations that focus on improving the working conditions of porters.

Friends of Conservation

Travellers are given the opportunity to mitigate some of the environmental impacts of flying by supporting community and conservation initiatives.

Travellers Against Plastic

This trip is a proud supporter of the Leave No Trace and Travellers Against Plastic campaigns, which help educate travellers on the impact of travel and provide practical guidance for enjoying the outdoors responsibly.

Costs

The crew was fantastic, food was amazing and the guys were always going above and beyond to make the journey pleasant .
For the safari , Tony is super knowledgeable and a really nice fella to show you around. Overall, a BiG thank you to Emmanuel— brother you made it all happen without a hiccup and went above and beyond to make my stay in Tanzania pleasant. | Rishi

The trekking guides shared their knowledge about the scenery, the mountain, and the trek throughout our time together. Our whole group was able to reach Uhuru Peak because of the guides. | Mark