Climb Kilimanjaro, the worlds highest free standing mountain rising 5895 metres above the African plains. To climb Kilimanjaro offers the would be mountain climber the chance to summit a giant, and have an unforgettable experience in the process.
Climb Kilimanjaro Rongai or Marangu route, Tanzania
Climbing Kilimanjaro to Africa’s highest point Uhuru peak is certainly a challenge, but achievable and for many, is one of the must do adventures in their lifetime. We work with local experienced guides offering a great value yet comprehesive Kilimanjaro climbing package.
Kilimanjaro Highlights
- Sunrise over Africa through the cloud base.
- Summiting Africa’s highest mountain giving a great sense of achievement and serious bragging rights!
- Its doable. Kilimanjaro is technically the easiest to climb of the Seven Summits.
- Kilimanjaro one of the world’s greatest natural wonders: a snow covered mountain on the equator, an ocean of green forest surrounded by dry savannah.
- Kilimanjaro inspires transformation. When you climb Kilimanjaro and stand on the roof of Africa, you see the world a different way.
Which route is right for you?
The easiest routes, Marangu and Rongai, can be climbed by a person of good health, and requires no mountaineering experience. Many who climb employ altitude-sickness medication and find this to be helpful in preventing the pounding headaches that plague many trekkers.
Those who travel on the Marangu route usually take 4 nights -5 days to complete their climb. Huts with cooking facilities, bathrooms, and (sometimes) electricity are available at the end of each day’s journey. The final part of the climb, from Kibo hut at 5895 m to the summit, is generally undertaken at night, because the scree is frozen together, making the climb significantly easier. Climbing the Rongai Route will take 5 nights – 4 days.
- The shorter and most popular route is the Marangu, this is also significantly cheaper.
- The more adventurous and longer route (and more expensive) is the Rongai.
- Please budget a little extra for tips for your porters, we suggest about £15.00 a day.
Please note that although we are a gap year company, people of all ages climb Kilimanjaro with us. One of the reasons being we are exceptionally good value, and the other reason being the majority of your fee stays in Tanzania, as we use local experienced guides, and being an internet company we have low overheads passing on significant discounts to you.
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Itinerary
Climbing Kilimanjaro is possibly one of the greatest gap year challenges available in Africa.
Starting in Moshi
On arrival in Moshi at Kilimanjaro International airport, you will be met by our representative and transferred to your hotel. We can suggest and pre-book a hotel for you if you require as pre and post climb accommodation is not included as standard. For many this is their first taste of Africa, so be prepared to see a whole new world open up before you.
Moshi is a small town located at the base of Kilimanjaro, firmly in Maasai country, don´t be surprised if you see plenty of red garbed nomadic tribesmen, walking down the street tending a herd of goats. One of the distinguishing features of the Maasai is their huge extended earlobes stretched through years of hanging heavy objects off them! No joke, when Xtreme Gap went to Tanzania, we would see men with full bottles of beer stashed in their ears!
Rongai route – 6 days and 5 nights
Arrival Day
This might be your arrival day to Tanzania, pick up from Kilimanjaro International airport (advised) or catch a shuttle bus from Nairobi or Dar offices, and then transfer to a hotel for an overnight.
Day 1: Rongai Gate to the First Cave
Drive from Arusha to Marangu Gate for the necessary registration formalities and then transfer by Land Rover to Rongai, which should take about 1.5 hours. The climb starts at the village of Nale Moru situated at 1,950 m, then up through cultivated fields before entering pine forest. The climb is consistent and gently takes you through an attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife. Watch out for Kilimanjaro Colobus monkeys in the tree tops with their white fringed ‘capes’ and tail. It takes 3 – 4 hours to trek the 7 km to reach the first camp on the edge of the moorland zone where the forest begins to thin out at First Cave at 2600m. From here you have extensive views over the Kenyan plains. Overnight at First Cave camp.
Day 2: First Cave to the Kikelewa Caves
After breakfast we start with a steady ascent up to the Second Cave at 3450m with superb views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim. We leave the main trail and trek across the moorland on a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. The campsite is in a sheltered valley near Kikelewa Caves at 3600 m and takes about 5 – 7 hours and covers 15 km.
Day 3: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
The day starts with a short but steep climb up grassy slopes. You will be rewarded with superb views just before reaching Mawenzi Tarn at 4330 m where we camp. Spend the rest of the day resting or exploring the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization. Today’s trek is 5 – 7 hours and we cover 10 km.
Day 4: Kibo Campsite/School Campsite
Continue ascending on the east side of Kibo crossing the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo taking 6 to 7 hours to reach Kibo Hut at 4700m. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent which begins around midnight. Overnight at Kibo Camp.
Day 5: Trek to Uhuru Peak 5895m
An early morning start for the summit on a steep heavy path to arrive at Gilman’s Point at 5681m in time to see the sun rise. Those who want to reach the highest point in Africa can take the approximately three hour excursion to Uhuru Peak 5896m, passing close to the spectacular glaciers and ice cliffs that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent to Kibo is surprisingly fast and after some refreshment, continue the descent to reach the final campsite at Horombo at 3700m taking 11 to 15 hours. Overnight Horombo Camp.
Day 6: Horombo to Moshi
A steady descent down through the moorland to Mandara Hut and then downward through the lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu 1830m taking 5 to 7 hours to be met and transferred to Moshi
Marangu Route – 5 days and 4 nights
Arrival Day
This might be your arrival day to Tanzania, pick up from Kilimanjaro International airport (advised) or catch a shuttle bus from Nairobi or Dar offices, and then transfer to a hotel for an overnight.
Day 1:
Marangu Gate – Mandara hut After breakfast, transfer to Marangu gate and start the climb through fascinating rain forests till you reach the first hut at Mandara. Meals and overnight at the hut.
Day 2:
Mandara hut – Horombo hut After breakfast, follow the ascending path through the alpine meadow. The altitude begins to change and slow down your pace while enjoying the flora and the view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The Horombo Hut is 12km from Mandara and is at 3720m. Meals and overnight at the hut.
Day 3:
Horombo hut – Kibo hut After breakfast, resume the climb and the landscape becomes rugged and rocky. Lobelias begin to appear on your way to Kibo Hut at 4700m. Meals and overnight at the hut.
Day 4:
SUMMIT ATTEMPT!! Kibo hut – Uhuru Peak - Horombo hut The beginning of the last ascent is made in the wee hours of the morning while the scree is still frozen. Climb the very steep part of the route to Gilmans Point (most difficult and tiring part) but the reward of seeing the sunrise makes the effort all worthwhile. The highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak at 5895m, is another few hours walk along the crater rim, passing spectacular ice fields and glaciers. Admire the amazing views before starting the descent to Horombo hut for overnight.
Day 5:
Horombo hut – Marangu Gate Return to a hotel in Moshi/Arusha. After lunch, have a good rest, meals and overnight at your hotel.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in basic mountain huts on a shared basis. Don’t expect luxury, but that’s all part of the adventure! Pre and post climb accommodation is not included, but we can help you with booking this. Safe and comfortable accommodation is used in Moshi and Arusha but upgrades to 4* or 5* are available, please inquire at time of booking.
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Climbing Kilimanjaro FAQ
When is the best time to Climb Kilimanjaro?
April to June is a non trekking season due to heavy rains.
During the January to March climbing season it is usually colder and there is a much higher probability that there will be snow up the top. During the day, you can expect clearer skies, with only the occasional brief shower. All things considered this is an incredibly beautiful time to climb Kilimanjaro and is usually a little quieter than the other peak season of June to October.
Although the June to October season is always the more popular time to climb Kilimanjaro, this is not necessarily a bad thing, For those going solo and wish to meet other groups, this is a great time to do so. The weather is pretty decent at this time of year too.
In this latter season the clouds tend to hang around the tree-line following the heavy rains of March to May. Once above this altitude, however, the skies are blue and brilliant and the chance of rain is tiny.
Why Climb Kilimanjaro
Climb Kilimanjaro and you can tick off one of the 100 things to do before you die. Why?
Well there are many good reasons to climb Kilimanjaro, perhaps because it is the highest free standing mountain in Africa, perhaps because at the top it is the only place on earth you can see the curvature of the earth, 360 degrees all around or perhaps it is just because it is there.
Either way climbing Kilimanjaro is a challenge that will reward the would be mountaineer with a great sense of achievement with equal amounts of adventure. For some it marks the first summit attempt in a life long mountain climbing addiction, for others it makes for a great story in the pub… I remember when I climbed Kilimanjaro….
Who climbs Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is not a difficult mountain to climb, a challenge certainly, but not unachievable. Most of the Kilimanjaro climb is essentially a long uphill trek, the challenge really comes in at the top, when the air thins and breathing becomes strained. Climbing Kilimanjaro is akin to walking into space, where you can only use half your lung capacity because the air is so thin. This is not dangerous, but just tough going. People of all ages climb Kilimanjaro, the youngest person was successful on the 21 January 2008 Keats Boyd from Los Angeles. If a seven year old can do it, the chances are so can you. Not that climbing Kilimanjaro is a piece of cake, only about 40% of climbers are successful in actually climbing to the top of Kilimanjaro. The rest tend to fail on the final day, when they have to scramble up a very steep scree slope in the middle of the night to catch the sun rise from the peak.
At this altitude many suffer from minor symptoms of AMS (acute mountain sickness) and this is the main factor that influences peoples decision to turn back.
People of all ages climb Kilimanjaro with Xtreme Gap Year.
So can I climb Kilimanjaro alone or with a group?
People do both, you can climb in a group or you can go it alone (with the back up of porters and an guide), however you will find climbing in a small group is a much more rewarding experience. On the mountain is great when you all have a common goal, those that climb Kilimanjaro in a group often find they can support each other and offer words of encouragement when the going gets tough). This is especially important at the top when the air thins and you have a pounding headache and that little voice in your head is questioning how much you want to achieve your goal. Every muscle in your legs will be aching and you might just be tempted to turn back (60% do).
Having someone else there to look out for you is always helpful. If you climb Kilimanjaro with Xtreme Gap, you will be climbing in a group.
What are the different routes up Kilimanjaro?
There are different routes you can take up Kilimanjaro, some people like to go off the beaten path with longer and less populated Lemosho route. More popular is the Marangu route, nicknamed the Coco Cola route, due to being able to buy cans of the famous drink at the tea huts on the way.
The Marangu Route is generally cheaper to climb and you will meet more people enroute, which is actually pretty cool as it becomes quite a social event on the overnight stops in the huts. People discussing the events of the day and swapping stories.
The Rongai route ascents Kilimanjaro from the north eastern side of the mountain, along the border between Tanzania and Kenya. This route retains a sense of unspoilt wilderness and offers a different perspective on Kilimanjaro by approaching it from the north. Climbing Kilimanjaro is possibly one of the greatest gap year challenges available in Africa.
Is it Difficult to climb Kilimanjaro
What can I expect during the Kilimanjaro Climb
What else can I do after climbing Kilimanjaro
How do I go about booking my Kilimanjaro climb
What about malaria and acute mountain sickness (AMS)?
AMS commonly affects people at high altitude. While AMS can be deadly if not treated immediately or if its symptoms are ignored, don´t let that concern you. Probably 70% of all people climbing Kilimanjaro will suffer to some extent from AMS. Most symptoms manifest with pounding headaches and loss of appetite. You should familiarise yourself with this condition and take preventative measures if you become aware of it setting in. It is advisable to purchase an extra day on the mountain ($200) to acclimatise as this greatly reduces the chance of AMS taking hold.
What about clothing, do I need anything special, how much should I pack?
What can I do before I go to prepare myself for the climb?
Get yourself ready for the Trek
It is important that you prepare yourself physically for the trip. This means getting a little fitter that normal. The trek is not difficult until you hit the top, when the air thins and the going gets a little tougher.
Mentally Prepare Yourself Too.
Many people do summit Kilimanjaro, but not all succeed. Mental preparation is as important as being physically prepared for the trip. Remember when the going gets tough, you need a positive mental attitude at altitude to get you through.
Any tips for when I arrive before I start my climb?
Drink enough water
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid (water) a day. This is very important as a healthy water balance helps prevent AMS. On the first day take plenty of bottled water with you from the hotel. Up the mountain there are streams you can fill up from (after the second day) but it is advisable to take Iodine tablets to purify the water.
Walk high – sleep low
Always try to walk to a slightly higher altitude on acclimatisation day (if taking one ($200 extra)), than the altitude you are sleeping at.
Climb with minimal equipment
The more weight, the more energy you spend, having said that do not go inadequately prepared for the trek. It is cold up on the summit, and really hot at the base of the mountain, so remember your layers.
Where is Kilimanjaro
Kilimanjaro is located in the North East of Tanzania, near the town of Moshi. Accessing Kilimanjaro is easiest when you fly into Kilimanjaro International, although some people who want to climb Kilimanjaro head there from Nairobi. Nairobi is roughly 500kms away and several hours drive which can be accomplished on various different forms of transport, from luxury buses and private cars to matatus (taxi buses) that are rammed full of too many people, chickens and other livestock. If you want a 20 hour adventure (and a very sore bum, choose this option).
Price
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Included
- 2 transfers to park gate – return
- 3 meals per day while trekking – Vegetarian/Non-Vegetarian
- 4 nights accommodation in camps while trekking Marangu / 5 nights accommodation in camps while trekking Rongai
- English speaking mountain guide and assistant guides
- Porters- a maximum of 2 per client
Please note we do not add on local payments such as park fees (see below) to the price, and they must be covered with a local payment in Tanzania. You may also need to budget extra to hire suitable clothes to climb the mountain if you have not brought them with you and also it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag.
The following are some of the official park fees for Kilimanjaro:
- Rescue fee £14.00 per Kilimanjaro trek
- Kilimanjaro National Park entry fee £40.00 per day
- Hut fee (Marangu Route only) £34.00 per night
- Porter/guide entrance fees are less than £1.00 per person per trip
Approximately £450.00 per trip for park fees and government taxes.
Prices are correct until 30th June 2013.
Excluded
- Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats, Rain suits, Warm Jacket, Heavy boots, Scarf’s, Rain Trousers,
- Note: All the above items can be hired at a reasonable price
- Flights
- Visas
- Park Fees £450
- Pre and post climb accommodation, this can be booked as an additional upgrade
Dates
There are no set start dates for this trip please contact us with your preferred dates.
“We really did have a trip of a lifetime only made possible by the amazing service, knowledge and support from the staff.”Kerri Sharingham
“We took the Marangu route (5 days) and summited without any problem on our third night in January of 2013. Had two great guides, Prosper and Gusto. Loved our porters as they made it super easy for us to get up and down Kili.”Ben G.
“Kilimanjaro National Park is breathtakingly beautiful! From the bottom to the top, the scenery and the way it changes is really something quite special to behold. Great photographic Opportunities!”Alexander Fortes.
