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Africa at your feet
It's hard to convey the feeling after an intense climb to the top of the Kilimanjaro. The scenery is breathtaking as the sun slowly rises and sheds light on the endless plains spread out before you. Accompanied by professional mountain guides and porters, you'll start this Kilimanjaro trek in the tropical rainforests at the foot of the country. You'll trek through several different vegetation zones and past icy glaciers. At the end of each day, you'll spend the night in modest tents that you'll put up on your own. Each day will bring new surroundings with it, from rolling green plains to bizarre lunar landscapes. If you are healthy and have a reasonable level of physical fitness, there's no reason why you shouldn't be able to complete this Mount Kilimanjaro climb. It's a challenge that will take all you have to give, but you'll definitely be well rewarded in the end. |
| Duration |
7 days, 6 nights (depending on your route) Departs daily from Moshi |
Accommodation |
Mountain cabins (Marangu route) or double occupancy dome tents (Rongai Route) and 2 nights in a modest hotel in Moshi |
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Price |
£868 per person - based on 2 people (Marangu route) £855 per person - based on 4 people (Marangu route) £1144 per person - based on 2 people (Rongai route) £1098 per person - based on 4 people (Rongai route) |
Includes |
Accommodation for 6 nights - meals - transfers to and from the mountain - park entrance fees (approximately £100) - English speaking mountain guide and carriers |
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Transport |
Private transfer |
Excludes |
International flight |
Mount Kilimanjaro climb - routes
There are six different routes to reach the top of the Kilimanjaro. The routes differ in length, difficulty to climb, accommodation and price. At the bottom of this page you'll find a short summary of each route. Our favourite route is the Rongai route. You won't find many other tourists on this route. It also the least difficult route to the top, which allows you to enjoy the climb and nature to the fullest. The day-to-day itinerary below describes the Rongai route. When you submit your quote request form let us know which route you would prefer to take.
8-day Rongai routeDay 1 - A night in MoshiIf you've chosen a starter pack before the Mount Kilimanjaro climb, then you'll already be in the town of Moshi at the foot of the mountain. If you're just arriving from the UK at Kilimanjaro Airport, then our driver will pick you up at the airport and take you to a modest hotel in Moshi. Accommodation is included in the price of this module. The hotel you'll be staying at in Moshi offers excellent value for the price you'll pay for it. The hotel rooms are neat and each have their own private bathroom with shower and toilet. In the evening a briefing will be held in your hotel in preparation for the climb that will take place the following days. Naturally you'll get a chance to ask any questions you may have about the climb. |
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Day 2 - On route to Simba Camp at 2600mThe town of Moshi lies west of Arusha, at the foot of the Kilimanjaro. Our minivan will leave from here and head toward the northern part of the mountain, near the Kenyan border. You'll drive for about 3.5 hours on quite a bumpy road to the Rongai gate near the village of Nale Moru which is located at an altitude of 1950m. This is where your guide will handle all formalities such as the park fees and a permit and you'll meet the friendly carriers that will join you on your climb up Mount Kilimanjaro. You'll walk up through local farmland and pine tree forests at your own pace. Usually you should be able to catch a glimpse of the Black and White Colubus monkeys with their furry tails.After about an hour, the density of the trees will lessen and you'll be in a different type of scenery, with more heather-like plants. If you're lucky you'll have a wonderful view out over the Kenyan plains. You'll walk up the last leg to Simba Camp at an altitude of 2600m where you'll put up your tent and can sit down and relax after your first day. The carriers will start to prepare dinner, which should certainly be very welcome after your climb. Once the stars slowly start to light up the sky, you'll climb into your tent for bed. |
Day 3 - From Simba Camp at 2600m, via Mawenzi Peak to the Kikelewa caves at 3600mEarly in the morning, after a hot cup of coffee and a sandwich, camp will be broken down and boots will be laced up. You'll slowly climb up through the scented, heather landscape along winding paths. The first stop on todays Mount Kilimanjaro climb is at the Kibo hut at an altitude of approximately 4700m.When the weather is clear you'll have a view of the higher altitude glaciers; their startling white is extremely beautiful against a deep blue sky. After lunch you'll head towards the unusual shape of Mawenzi peak. At first you'll walk up for a while and then you'll walk down for a bit towards the Kekelewa caves at 3600m where camp will be set up. As soon as it gets dark, it gets much cooler and you'll enjoy crawling into your sleeping back and dreaming away. |
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Day 4 - From the Kikelewa caves at 3600m to Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4320mBreakfast will be waiting for you at the crack of dawn. Once the camp is broken down, you'll head on towards Mawenzi Camp at an altitude of approximately 4320m. You'll arrive at the end of the afternoon. You want walk too far today; however the paths are a bit more steep than what you've experienced so far and the air is quite thin as well.The afternoon will be used to acclimatise and we've selected a very beautiful spot for you to do so. Camp will be set up at the foot of Mawenzi Peak, a great stop on your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. The view is superior, so it's an excellent location to get used to the altitude. In the evening dinner will be cooked for you and with a little luck you'll be treated to a clear sky filled with stars. |
Day 5 - From Mawenzi Tarn Camp at 4320m to Kibo camp at 4750mToday will be an early day and with good reason... Once you zip open your tent, if it's clear outside, you'll be able to watch the sun slowly rise into the sky. We can almost guarantee you that this is one of the most beautiful sunrises you will ever see. After breakfast and a hot cup of steaming coffee, or tea of course, you'll head towards Kibo Peaks.You'll walk through a bizarre and surreal lunar landscape and the thin air will make it feel as if you're walking around on a strange planet. You'll climb to an altitude of 4750m today and this is where camp will be set up at the foot of the Kibo crater. In the afternoon of Mount Kilimanjaro climb you'll be able to relax and enjoy the rugged landscape surrounding you. After dinner you may want to head off straight to bed, because just after midnight you'll head off to the top of Africa's tallest mountain. |
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Day 6 - From Kibo camp at 4750m, via Uhuru peak at 5895m to Horombo Camp at 3720mShortly after midnight, you'll embark on the most exciting part of your climb. You'll hike along volcanic winding paths towards Gillman's Point at 5685m. This is the most difficult part of the climb. This part of the Mount Kilimanjaro climb is done in the dark in the light of stars and moon. It should take about 5 hours to complete this portion of the climb since you'll have to stop frequently to catch your breath in the thin air. However, it will all be worth it in the end. Once you reach Gillman's Point you'll have a spectacular view of the glacier and the sun rising above it. The endless plains beneath will be covered in the orange glow of the rising sun. Uhuru peak, the roof of Africa at an altitude of 5895m, is approximately another 45 minutes from here.Reaching the top makes you feel as if you're 'King of the World'. We try to explain to others what it feels like once you reach the top and Africa is at your feet.... however we've stopped trying. It's one of those things you truly have to experience yourself to understand. As the sun slowly begins to climb, it's time to climb back down the mountain. That sounds easier than it is though. It will take you approximately 7 hours to climb back down. Don't worry though, you'll be able to take your time and your guide will keep the ideal pace. You'll make a pit stop at the Kibo hut at an altitude of 4700m before continuing down to the Horombo camp at 3720m. This is where camp will be set up and you'll be able to sit back and think back on this remarkable day. It probably won't be too difficult for you to fall asleep. |
Day 7 and 8 - From Horombo Camp at 3720m, back to Marangu Gate at 1800m and spend the night in MoshiAfter breakfast and when camp has been broken down, you'll head out towards the Mandara Hut at an altitude of 2700m. This last day of your climb down Mount Kilimanjaro isn't as strenuous as it was the day before and the scenery has certainly changed dramatically. During the last two to three hours you'll walk through tropical vegetation, a type of rainforest. This is completely different place than what you were accustomed to the last few days. You may feel as if you've entered a fairy tale forest, especially with the sound of the tropical birds and howling monkeys surrounding you.The paths here can be somewhat slippery, especially if it has rained. The end of your voyage is now near and once you reach the Maragu gate at an altitude of 1800m you'll be able to applaud yourself. You made it! You climbed the highest mountain in Africa and so you'll receive a certificate to commemorate the moment. Our driver will be waiting for you here to take you to Moshi where you'll be able to rest and recuperate in our modest hotel in Moshi. If you would prefer a more luxurious accommodation after your climb, we have several enjoyable options for you. Please contact us for more information. |
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Mount Kilimanjaro climb - routes
There are six different routes to reach the top of the Kilimanjaro. The routes differ in length, difficulty to climb, accommodation and price. We usually choose the Rongai route; however if you prefer another route, let us know and we'll book the route you prefer.
8-day Rongai route: This is our favourite. You won't come across too many other tourists on this route. It is also the least difficult route to the top, leaving you to enjoy nature to the fullest. You'll set out on the north side, close to the Kenyan border and you'll spend the night in a lightweight double occupancy dome tent. This route is for anyone who is physically fit and healthy. It's possible to complete the route in 8 days; however we suggest adding on an extra day to be able to adjust to the height as much as possible.
7-day Marangu route: This is the most popular route, also known as the Coca-Cola route. It's slightly more difficult than the Rongai route. You'll spend the night in mountain cabins, so you won't have to camp out. This route is also well accessible for all who are physically fit and healthy. The route can be done in 7 days; however it's best to add on an extra day to adjust to the height as much as possible.
8-day Machame route De Machame route is considered the most beautiful route; however it is quite a bit more difficult than the Rongai and Marangu routes. If you have a little more experience and have an excellent level of physical fitness, then this is the right route for you. You'll spend the night in a lightweight double occupancy dome tent.
If you've been on quite a few treks and have climbed other high peaks and you are looking for challenge at your own level, we also offer more difficult routes such as the Umbwe and Londorossi. Please contact us for more information.
Click here for the quote request form |