Trekking to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route

To climb Kilimanjaro, you need be in reasonable physical condition; nevertheless, you don't need to be exceptionally fit.

Since this is a hike rather than a climb, you should be fine if you can run for 30 minutes two to three days per week and enjoy an all-day hike on the weekends. Having a high level of physical fitness will make your climb easier and more enjoyable, but you don’t need to be a daily gym goer. Plenty of people who are not at the peak of physical performance have climbed this mountain. Nor do you require any real experience; the routes may be long and arduous, but they’re not technical.

• International flights;

• Visa fee (100 USD for American citizens and 50 USD for all others);

• Personal gear rentals;

• Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the climb);

• Portable toilets are not available on Marangu route;

• Mountaineering insurance. You'll need special insurance for climbing Kilimanjaro that covers high-altitude trekking up to 6000 m.

The price includes the following items:

1/ Transfers:

• Return transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to accommodation in Moshi;

• Return transfer from accommodation in Moshi to the entry gate into Kilimanjaro National Park.

2/ Entry fees:

• Park Fees: All park fees collected by Kilimanjaro National Park (conservation fees, camping fees, crew fees, vehicle fee, rescue fee and all others).

3/ Accommodation:

• 3* hotel one night before and one night after the expedition. You will have all for a comfortable stay - friendly staff, clean rooms, Wi-Fi, restaurant and swimming pool (You will share a room with your travel companion. If you travel solo on a group expedition, we will room you with a same-sex participant. Single supplement in the hotel is available upon request. Single occupancy in huts is not possible because of the rules of Kilimanjaro National Park)

• in huts. An average hut fits in 6-8 people. Allocation of huts is ruled by rangers of the national park. We will do our best to arrange separate huts for our groups, but during busy months you’re likely to share huts with climbers from other groups. Marangu huts are fitted with bunk beds. Our comfortable 4-inch thick mats will be put on your bunk beds, and you’ll feel safe and snug in your sleeping bag. During the rainy season huts will provide extra shelter from rain and wind!

4/ Meals:

• Breakfast in the hotel before and after the hike;

• All meals on the hike. You will find delicious energy-rich meals on our mountain menus. Our professional chefs will prepare assorted soups, garnishes, several types of fish and meat, fresh fruit and vegetables. Vegetarian/gluten-free/halal options are available at no extra cost;

• All drinks on the hike (coffee, tea, hot chocolate and water).

5/ Hiking and safety equipment:

• 4-inch (10-cm) thick and comfortable sleeping mats;

• All group equipment (dining tent, table, chairs, crockery and cutlery);

• Oxygen cylinders and oximeters;

• Complete medical kits including Diamox.

6/ Climbing crew & guiding services

• Professional guides licensed by Kilimanjaro National Park. All guides are holder of Wilderness First Responder certification. All of them have 7+years of successful experience;

• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp master, porters, cooks, etc.).

7/ Taxes:

• 18% VAT, 1% TDL and 0.3% Service Levy. Kiliholidays is an honest and responsible tour operator working in full compliance with the tax law of the United Republic of Tanzania.

Tanzania has several airports, although the most common access points are Julius Nyerere International Airport (Dar es Salaam) on the coast and Kilimanjaro International Airport in the north-east of the country or connections are available from Jomo Kenyatta Airport (Nairobi, Kenya). Hence if you are coming for Mount Kilimanjaro treks or Wildlife Safari in Tanzania, you should land at Kilimanjaro Inter. Airport (JRO).

Recommended for unvaccinated travelers one year old or older going to Tanzania. Infants 6 to 11 months old should also be vaccinated. Travelers will be required to present a valid vaccination certificate with QR code. The only accepted vaccines are those approved by the United Republic of Tanzania and the World Health Organization

At 5,895 meters Kilimanjaro is in the extreme altitude zone and almost everyone who climbs it will be affected by altitude sickness, in some way. For most climbers, the symptoms of altitude sickness will remain limited to shortness of breath, dizziness, nausea or headaches; neither of which is dangerous.

3 golden rules to avoid altitude sickness during the treks

1. Take your time: Choose a route that allow you to ascend slowly over multiple days and walk slowly during the day.

2. Stay hydrated: drinks at least 2 to 4 liters of water every day, you can make a combination of substance like Diamox or caffeine.

3. Walk high, sleep down: sleep at lower altitude at night than you have climbed during the day. Some routes offer such a beneficial altitude profile.

• Five to fifteen hikers can be found in a single group.

• You will eat all of your meals together in the same mess tent, travel with the same porters and guides, and exchange gifts for the staff when you reach your destination.

• Every Friday, scheduled departures on the Marangu route leave.

Only the Kilimanjaro Marangu Route offers hut accommodations. The Marangu Hut provides lodging in a dorm style setting with four to twenty bunk beds per room. You cannot reserve a private room. The Mandara and Kibo Huts each have 60 bunk beds, and the Horombo Hut has 120 bunk beds.

This is based on my personal experiences in this geographic area and would be 15-20% of the day rate, per person, per guide, so a $200 trip would be $36-40. That is not uncommon on the trips I lead and I assume others see typical amounts. I think client’s sense this and respond accordingly when they are back safe and sound.

The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro is often mild and cold.

Hikers will encounter a wide range of climatic conditions as they ascend the mountain from its foot to its summit.

On their ascent to the summit, Uhuru Peak, trekkers pass through each of Mount Kilimanjaro's five distinct temperature zones.

• Breakfast is usually porridge followed by sausage and eggs, toast and marmalade or jams and hot drinks such as tea, coffee or chocolate. Climbers are asked to communicate with the guide as regards their appetites or we will tend to err on the side of caution in providing much more food than necessary.

• Lunch is usually a packed lunch that you will carry in your daypack. It normally consists of a boiled egg, some sandwiches, a chicken portion, fresh fruit and a cold drink. At the end of the day’s walking, afternoon tea is served with biscuits, peanuts and, best of all, salted popcorn and plenty of hot drinks.

• Dinner begins with soup, followed by a main course including chicken or meat, a vegetable sauce, some cabbage, and rice, pasta or potatoes, with fresh fruit for dessert .

Here is a list that will help you pack and be properly prepared:

1/ Clothing

Due to the altitude of Kilimanjaro, the mountain can create its own micro-climate, making the weather changeable above cloud level. This means that you’re exposed to a variety of elements, and your body will undergo an immense temperature change from 18°C in the rainforest and -5°C on the summit. However, the -5°C can drop quickly with the wind. But, this is tolerable as long as you have the right clothing and other climbing essentials. The trick here is to wear layers of clothing that can easily be removed or added, depending on the changing weather condition. So, without much further ado, here are the pieces of clothing that you need to pack

• Thick fleece = A thick fleece or a down jacket is vital for summit night or evenings on the mountain. This is because the temperature can drop significantly during the nighttime.

• Apart from the fleece jacket and the lightweight down jacket, you may also need an outer shell over the top to keep you warm during the biting cold temperature at night.

• Insulated gloves and mitts = Having insulated gloves are a must in keeping your hands warm during the cold weather on the mountain. It would be preferable to have both fleece gloves with waterproof outer and thin inner gloves.

These two will be vital on your Kilimanjaro climb, but a pair of mitts would be best in keeping your hands warm during the summit day.

• Midlayer fleeces = Midlayer fleeces are good for insulation. It’ll provide you extra warmth, particularly during summit night.

• Base layers or thermals = Base layer clothing or thermals are essential items that add a necessary warmth during cold evenings and summit nights. If you’re a woman, it would be best to bring some leggings for the first few days of trekking.

• Hiking tops. When it comes to upper wear, it’s best not to go for cotton. Instead, opt for quick-to-dry trekking tops and bring with you two to three pieces to prevent overpacking.

• Several pairs of underwear. One of the most necessary items you need to bring is your underwear. It’ll keep you hygienic during your journey up the mountain. Bring some pairs of clean underwear with you and opt for synthetic or merino wool material—a softer and thinner wool version. The merino wool has a natural odor resistance, wet insulation, moisture-wicking, and most importantly, fast drying.

Trekking shorts or trousers

• Quick-dry, quality shorts or trousers are preferable on your Kilimanjaro adventure. Trekking trousers have several compartments and can be converted into shorts for a more comfortable hike. Take at least two pairs of these trousers with you for a more comfy trek.

• Footwear

Nothing is more important than a safe and comfortable trek, and footwear is one of the great contributors to your comfort and safety. Comfortable and fitting footwear will prevent you from foot pain and blisters along your climb up the mountain.

Moreover, make sure to cut your nails short before setting off on your African adventure. It would also be helpful to take blister pads with you just in case and change your socks daily for your hygiene.

• Walking boots

When you go trekking, leather boots are the best. Just ensure they’re well-covered in dubbin to lock out water. Opting for fabric boots will get you in trouble once you’re drenched in the rain.

Make sure the boots you choose have proper ankle support and possess a stiff midsole to prevent getting bent too much.

• Camp footwear

Due to the varied condition and terrains of the mountain, you may need to switch shoes in between. Bring camp footwear with you and change your boots when you reach the camp, letting them air out.

You may bring camp shoes, such as lightweight shoes or sandals, as you’ll use them during your toilet visits.

• Spare footbed and laces

Some terrains in Kilimanjaro can be pretty ruthless, so a spare footbed and pair of laces can be a great comfort. It’ll save you if your current footbed gets damp.

• Trekking socks

Another must-have item on your climb is trekking socks. Bring at least five pairs for five consecutive days and special woolen-mix socks as they’re the warmest. However, check first if they fit snugly in your boots.

• Headwear. Protecting your head from the heat of the sun is a must while you trek to prevent sunburn and sunstroke. Thus, bringing hats and other headgears with you is a must.

• Brimmed hat. A brimmed hat can help lessen your exposure to the harsh heat of the sun. It must be worn during sunny days to protect yourself from potential heatstroke or sunburn.

• Sunglasses. UV rays are particularly strong in the mountain as you ascend. Thus, you’ll need UV glasses for eye protection.

2/ Sleeping bag

3/ Collapsible trekking poles

4/ Inflatable camp pillow (optional)

5/ Headlamp with few extra batteries

6/ 70L to 90L duffel bag

7/ 30-35L day backpack

8/ Hygiene

On Kilimanjaro, there are no bathing facilities or showers. However, there’s some hot water available at camps for washing your hands and face to at least keep you clean somehow.

For your hygiene kit, you may opt to bring the following:

• Toothbrush

• Travel-sized toothpaste

• Dry shampoo

• Hairbrush (small)

• Face towel

• Sunscreen

9/ First aid

• Altitude drugs. Since altitude drugs have side effects, make sure to consult a doctor before using them. One of the popular altitude drugs is Diamox. This is used to prevent and reduce altitude sickness symptoms like tiredness, headache, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath.

• Oral rehydration sachets

• Eye drops

• Sunscreen

• Bandages, plasters, and zinc oxide tape

• Water bottle

• Hand warmers

Day 1 = Arrival

Day 2 = Trekking from Marangu gate to Mandara hut

• Elevation: 1,860 m to 2,700 m

• Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

• Distance: 11 km

• Difficulty: Medium

• Habitat: Rainforest

Day 3 = Trekking from Mandara hut to Horombo hut.

• Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m

• Hiking Time: 5-6 hours

• Distance: 10km

• Difficulty: Medium

• Habitat: Moorland

Day 4 = Acclimatization day at Horombo hut

• Elevation: 5-8km

• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

Day 5 = Horombo hut to Kibo hut

• Elevation: 3,720m to 4,700m

• Hiking Time: 4-8 hours

• Distance: 10km

• Difficulty: Medium

• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Day 6 = Ascend to Uhuru Peak and descend to Horombo Hut

• Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m, then back to 3,720m

• Hiking Time: 9-12 hours

• Distance: 16km

• Difficulty: High

• Habitat: Arctic

Day 7 = Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Day 8 = Departure