How do I get to Mt Kilimanjaro?
Tanzania has three major international airports:
1. Dar es Salaam (DAR)
2. Zanzibar (ZNZ)
3. Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
The latter is the most convenient for Kilimanjaro, sitting only 42 km away from the mountain town of Moshi and 50 km from Arusha. In addition to flights to Tanzania, you may consider flights to Nairobi in Kenya, which is only a five-hour shuttle bus ride to Arusha or a one-hour plane ride to JRO. Note, however, that by choosing to fly to Kenya you may need a multiple-entry Kenya visa (if you're flying out of Kenya, too, for example, and spend longer than a fortnight in Tanzania), which can cost as much as $122. This would reduce or even eliminate any saving you may have made in airfares. In deciding which flights to book, you should take the full trip into consideration. For example, if after the climb, it might be best to book one-way tickets from your home to Kilimanjaro Airport for the climb, from there to Zanzibar after the climb, and then from Zanzibar back home.
How many days early should I arrive?
We recommend arriving one day early (what we refer to as “arrival day”).
This will give you time to relax, meet your fellow trekkers, and get a proper briefing before the climb starts. More importantly, if there's any delay to your flight or your luggage goes AWOL, there's enough wiggle room so that this delay doesn't derail your climb. Seriously – this extra day really is a good idea, especially with post-pandemic airlines being in a little bit of a pickle right now.
All that said, we understand that travelling to Kilimanjaro can be a challenge. So we'll accommodate your arrival time as best we can (for example, if you only arrive late at night the day before the climb starts, we'll still be there to collect you!).
Do I need a visa for Tanzania?
Yes, most foreigners need a Tanzanian visa to visit the country. US, Canadian, British and most European citizens can simply obtain a visa upon arrival at the airport. The cost is US$100 for US passport holders and $50 for others. US citizens do get a longer visa, however.
If you're a citizen of a different country, please check with your embassy if you can obtain a visa upon arrival – of if you even need one. Certain African nationals, for instance, can enter Tanzania without a visa. Please also note that you need a passport that's valid for at least six months after your departure date.
What vaccinations do I need?
There are no specific vaccine requirements for entry into Tanzania. However, be aware that the Government of Tanzania requires proof of yellow fever vaccination upon arrival if you are travelling from a country with risk of yellow fever.
While it's not mandatory by any means, we suggest you talk to your doctor about getting the following vaccinations (which are standard in developed countries): Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, yellow fever, tetanus, polio, MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and meningococcal meningitis (Africa and Asia).
Please check the Fit For Travel website for more up-to-date information
Which is the best route?
There are seven different Kilimanjaro routes up the mountain. We recommend the eight-day Lemosho, seven-day Machame and nine-day Northern Circuit routes. These routes offer the best balance of a high success rate and beautiful scenery.
Is Kilimanjaro a technical mountain?
Kilimanjaro requires no technical climbing experience nor climbing equipment. This makes it the most accessible of the Seven Summits in many ways.
Any decently fit person can summit the mountain. That said, for most people, it will be one of the most difficult things they ever do in their lives! As we discuss in Kilimanjaro vs Everest Base Camp, it's even harder in our opinion than trekking to Everest Base Camp!
When is the best time to climb?
Kilimanjaro is climbable all year round. Yippee!
The best months to climb, however, are July to October and December to February, as these are the warmest and driest months respectively.
July, August and September tend to be the busiest months on the mountain.
Another factor to take into consideration is the full moon. Summiting Kilimanjaro on a cloudless evening with the moon as your guide instead of headlamp is without a doubt an unforgettable experience. Also imagine seeing the glaciers glitter in the moonlight – absolutely stunning! Learn more in our post Kilimanjaro full moon climbs.
You can also summit the mountain to celebrate New Year's Eve. Why not join us on a New Year's Eve climb, a unique once-in-a-lifetime adventure? Or if you'd like to summit a snowy peak, then we recommend sometime between New Year's Even and late February, as discussed in detail in When is there snow on the summit of Kilimanjaro?
What kind of food is prepared?
You'll be provided with locally sourced, healthy and nutritious meals cooked fresh every day by your cook and his assistant.
Our menus have been carefully designed to ensure the food is delicious, easy to digest, and provides plenty of energy. Expect fresh veg, fruits, meat, nuts and snacks along the way, as well as clean water throughout.
The primary carbohydrates of the meals are rice, potatoes and pasta, as well as some meat. Fresh fruit and vegetables accompany every meal. Most meals will also have a selection of hot drinks like instant coffee, tea and hot chocolate.
You may want to bring some supplementary comfort foods, such as candy, gum, chocolate, health bars and powdered energy drinks.
Can you cater for special diets?
Any special requests regarding your menu? No worries, we regularly cater for vegetarians and can also accommodate gluten-free diets. For other dietary requests, please contact us to discuss what we can or cannot do.
Where does Water Come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
How do I shower and use the loo?
This is an outdoor adventure trip in the African wild. There are no showers on the mountain. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you can bring wet wipes.
At each campsite, we set up a private toilet tent which contains a plastic, chemical toilet. There are also simple, hole-in-the-ground public toilets (usually very dirty and not recommended).
If you need to use the bathroom on the trail, you'll find a spot behind a tree or rock. But you'll need to have a little baggie for putting used toilet paper in that you then carry to camp and dispose of in a bin.
What is the climate like?
Due to the great elevation gain on a Kilimanjaro climb, you will experience all kinds of weather, from 30° C (86° F) on the plains surrounding Kilimanjaro to below freezing at the summit. So ensure you are prepared and bring the right clothing!
What is accommodation like?
On the day before the trek (arrival day) and the day after the trek (departure day), we stay in a comfortable lodge in Moshi which has lovely views as well as lovely rooms and facilities to match.
During the climb, you sleep in three-person, four-season dome-style mountain tents, two people per tent. If you'd like a tent of your own, you'll need to pay a single-person supplement.
Our tents are modern and have an outer flysheet and large vestibules where you can store your equipment during the night.
How many people are in a typical group?
On our Kilimanjaro climbs, we aim to build groups of six to 10 fellow travellers, with 12 people usually being the limit. Follow Alice groups are typically made up of sociable people from around the world looking to share an unforgettable adventure with you.
Can I join a group as a single climber?
Yes, we love it when solo travellers to sign up for a trip with us! We'll put you in a group and your fellow travellers will soon become your new friends. There's little that's more bonding than being 'stuck' with each other for a week on a mountain in Africa!
Please do note that you'll need to pay a single supplement of US$250 to have your own tent.
How do I prepare physically for Kilimanjaro?
Don't underestimate how tough Kilimanjaro is. Too many people do, and don't make it to the top!
Depending on your current fitness, we suggest that you start your physical training at least two or three months prior to the climb.
Remember, the fitter you are, the more enjoyable the whole experience will be for you.
What equipment and clothing do I need?
In our detailed Kilimanjaro packing list we identify a variety of mountaineering clothing and gear you need for your climb , you can hire mountain gears on arrival at Nevis Tours Mountain Gears shop.
The two most critical pieces of equipment that you might need to buy are:
- hiking boots
- a winter jacket
You might like to learn about bringing the right sort of boots in The best hiking boots for Kilimanjaro.
Most of the other clothing that you need is part of many people’s winter or skiing wardrobe already (like long underwear and a fleece jacket).
Do we Tip the Hiking Crew
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. How Much? Depends on how you plan to support the locals , most of them come from very poor families , if you tip them well means you make them step ahead.it is better you Bring US dollar bills.
How old should I be to do Kilimanjaro
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents.
For those younger than 10 Need special permit.
The oldest person on the mountain was Richard Byerley (84) of Washington State. He trained by climbing mountains, running and cycling.
The Youngest Person on Kilimanjaro The youngest person to successfully summit Mount Kilimanjaro is Ognjen Živković , who was 5 years old when he reached the summit on August 6, 2023. Ognjen, originally from Serbia, achieved this record by completing the trek using the Machame Route. The climb took seven days.
OVERVIEW
Mount Meru is often seen solely as an acclimatisation ascent before attempting Kilimanjaro. However, most trekkers come away exhilarated by the experience of climbing a steep ridge line to a crater rim that rivals Kilimanjaro. The slopes of Mount Meru are home to a large wildlife population including elephants and mountain reedbuck. The summit reaches 4566m and although considerably lower than neighbouring Kilimanjaro is not to be taken lightly. This is a fantastic trek offering challenge and stunning vistas in a compact time frame that is achievable for fit walkers. It can be taken on its own or combined with any other climb such as Kilimanjaro or Mt Kenya.
ITINERARY
Day One :Arusha to Gate-Miriakamba Hut (2514m),
Distance: 5-6 hours walking
Meals: Lunch & Dinner
We pick you up from Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha) at 10.00am and transfer to our start at Momella Gate (1500m) in late morning. The track soon passes some open grassland, with a good chance of seeing buffaloes and warthogs, and then continues as a steady climb through montane forest. We have lunch at, or near, the Fig Tree Arch, which is big enough to drive a car through! After lunch, the route continues through less dense forest, where there are an abundance of birds and monkeys. The black and white colobus monkeys are particularly fascinating to watch. By mid-afternoon, there are the first closer views of the towering cliffs and the Ash Cone. We reach Miriakamba Hut (2514m), situated in an idyllic grassy glade, in time to enjoy the last of the afternoon sun and beautiful views over the surrounding plains towards Kilimanjaro. (5-6 hours walking)
Meals: L,D
Day 2: To Saddle Hut (3570m)
Distance : 3 to 6 hours walking
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
The walk from Miriakamba Hut to the saddle below Little Meru is a short but a steep and sustained climb all the way. We walk through attractive, open, and lush montane forest to reach the halfway point of Elephant Ridge. This has excellent views of the summit ridge and across most of the crater floor. During a break, you might spot elephants or other animals from our vantage point. The path continues uphill through giant heather and other moorland vegetation to reach Saddle Hut (3570m), where lunch is waiting for us. The afternoon is free to rest and enjoy the views. The more energetic can make the short climb to the nearby summit of Little Meru (3820m) for superb views just before sunset. (3 to 6 hours walking)
Day 3: To Summit 4556m -Miriakamba Hut
Distance :10 - 12 hours walking
Meals: Breakfast,Lunch & Dinner
We begin with an early start at around 2.00am to climb steeply to Rhino Point (3800m), and then continue along an undulating ridge of ash and rock to reach Cobra Point (4350m) arriving at around sunrise. The views are stunning: the cliffs of the Crater rim, the Ash Cone rising from the Crater floor, Kilimanjaro floating on the morning clouds and west towards the Rift Valley if the weather is clear. The summit of Socialist Peak (4566m) is another hour on a superb but often steep path. On a clear day, the views are absolutely rewarding. The route back to Rhino Point in the sharp morning light situated on a narrow ridge between the sloping outer wall of the crater and the sheer cliffs of the inner wall is one of the most dramatic and exhilarating walks in Africa. We rest, and have brunch at Saddle Hut before continuing the descent to Miriakamba Hut (2514m). NB* The ridge between the summit and Rhino Point is not suitable for those suffering from vertigo. In icy conditions or in strong winds, it may be impossible for anyone to progress beyond Rhino Point. Sunrise from here is equally as spectacular as from Cobra Point. (10 - 12 hours walking)
Day 3: Descend to Momela Gate and back to Arusha
Distance :2-3 hours walking
Meals: Breakfast
We take the direct route down towards Momella through open grassland and mixed forest, with good chances of seeing wildlife. This trail has excellent views back towards the crater and over the plains of the National Park. We should reach Momella Gate by late morning. Transfer back to Moivaro Coffee Plantation (Arusha), where trip concludes.
Cultural Tour in Marangu Kilimanjaro Tanzania
Overview
Explore the Slope of Mountain Kilimanjaro and get the chance to know Chagga history, pass through Chagga village, visiting the coffee farms get the opportunity to learn to process coffee from the tree to the cup of coffee. Explore the Chagga caves, eat local food and drink local brewed beer. Visiting colorful local markets in different location where you can see the real bananas. End up your tour in the Waterfall and Discover great experience of the Chagga people and what they have to offer.
Itinerary
Our guide will pick you up in the morning after breakfast at your Hotel in Moshi and drive about one hour towards Marangu village. During your Marangu Cultural tour you will be able to do different activities like waterfalls tour, Chagga caves, visit local market, banana plantations and coffee tour.
Waterfalls
Make a splash in the mountain water of Kilimanjaro and enjoy stunning views of the surrounding valleys.
Chagga Museum
The Chagga culture and history can be explored by visiting the museum. There are several exhibitions including a reconstructed thatched Chagga house.
Chagga Blacksmiths
- Heating: Charcoal fires are used to heat the metal
- Forging: The metal is gradually forged
- Carbonizing: The metal is carbonized to create a steel-like quality
- Manipulating: Long-handled pincers are used to manipulate the hot metal
- Fire maintenance: Traditional bellows operated by a craftsman maintain the fire
Underground Chagga Tunnels
These were used by the Chagga people to hide themselves from the enemies during clan wars now exposed for tourism.
Colorful Local Markets
Marangu is the largest market for the sale of bananas in the country and attracts buyers from all over Tanzania.
Traditional Coffee Making and Banana Farms Tour
Visit coffee farms and a local home where you can enjoy local dishes and learn the traditional process of preparing coffee from bean to cup.
Chagga Traditional Dance
Local Bar
Drop in to one of the local Chagga bars and drink the traditional “mbege” a local brew made from millet and banana wine.
Includes
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- Guide
- Coffee and Mbege(Traditional Local Brew)
- Lunch (Local Dish)
Mount Kilimanjaro Trek-Marangu Route
Day Trip
Overview
Our one-day Kilimanjaro hiking tour to Mandara Huts which are A-shaped, gives you the chance to trek to the first stage of the legendary Marangu Route, through a rainforest teeming with wildlife and chattering, curious blue monkeys. Be on the lookout for a black and white colobus monkey or two!
Itinerary
Start time: 8.00am
Elevation: 1860 (marangu gate) to 2700m asl (Mandara Huts)
Duration of excursion: Full day
Meals included: Packed lunch. Bottled water.
The 1 day hike to Kilimanjaro’s Mandara Hut, the first accommodation point along the Marangu route begins with an early morning breakfast at your hotel or lodge in Moshi or Arusha but preferably in Moshi since it is the nearest town to Mount Kilimanjaro. We drive for 1 hour to the Marangu Gate at an elevation of 1860 m where all the paperwork and registration are processed before we begin our day hike on the mountain. Marangu Gate is located in the dense forested and wet region of the rainforest. traversing the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to see the resident black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys, and a variety of bird species. Our knowledgeable mountain guide will share their knowledge of Mount Kilimanjaro and its environs while pointing out the different species of plants and animals of the mountain.
- Morning Departure: Start your day early with a departure from Moshi or Arusha to the Marangu Gate, the starting point for the Marangu Route. The drive takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on your location.
- Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (First leg of the trek): Begin your hike from the Marangu Gate (1,860 meters) and trek through lush rainforest trails towards Mandara Hut (2,700 meters). This section of the route is relatively easy and suitable for children, with gentle slopes and well-maintained paths.
- Picnic Lunch at Mandara Hut: Arrive at Mandara Hut in time for a picnic lunch surrounded by the sights and sounds of the rainforest. Enjoy a break to rest, refuel, and take in the natural beauty of the area.
- Exploration and Nature Walk: After lunch, explore the surrounding area with a guided nature walk. Learn about the diverse plant and animal life found in the rainforest ecosystem, including unique flora and playful monkeys.
- Return to Marangu Gate: After spending a few hours at Mandara Hut, begin your descent back to the Marangu Gate. Take your time on the return journey, allowing children to explore and enjoy the experience at their own pace.
- Evening Return: Arrive back at the Marangu Gate in the late afternoon or early evening. From there, return to your accommodation in Moshi or Arusha, reflecting on the day’s adventure and the memories made on Kilimanjaro.
What to wear for this day hike to Marangu
Each hiker requires a small rucksack/backpack to carry water, warm clothes, and full waterproofs – the weather may be unpredictable fast as clouds swoop down from the peak depending on the time of year. Additionally, each hiker needs a pair of sturdy walking boots since the ground in some sections might be soft. For this day excursion to Mount Kilimanjaro, hiking boots are not required. However, we advise wearing closed-toe footwear, such as trainers.
INCLUDES:
- Lunch Box
- Park Fee
- Salaries to the Tour Guide and Team
- Rescue
Kilimanjaro Trek Lemosho Route
Days: 8
Overview
The Lemosho route is also the camping Route, it is an unspoilt, remote, little used and beautiful way up to the Shira Plateau. The route is one of the few where groups may be accompanied on the first day by an armed ranger, as the forests around the Lemosho Glades are inhabited by buffalo, elephant and other wildlife. The minimum duration for the Lemosho route is 6 days, however we strongly recommend hiking the route in 7 days. The additional 7th day will give your body more time to acclimatize, reducing the effects of altitude sickness and give you more time to rest before attempting the summit
Itinerary
Our guide will pick you up in the morning after breakfast at your Hotel and drive towards Machame Village where there is Machame Gate which is the starting point to Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via Machame Route.
Day 1.
Londorossi Gate (2100m) – Mti Mkubwa camp (2 821m)
Hiking time: 3 ½ hours
Distance: Approximately 5.4 km
Habitat: Montane forest
Lemosho forest Your day starts early with a briefing, Your day starts early with a briefing, followed by breakfast and a 2-hour drive from Moshi (910m) to the Londorossi Park Gate (2100m). The guides and porters prepare and pack the supplies and your equipment in the village. Following registration we continue by vehicle, a further 12km on a forest track that leads to the Lemosho starting point (2244m). This can take anywhere from 45 minutes to 1 ½ hours, depending road conditions. The road to the Lemosho starting point is particularly inaccessible during the wet season and climbers should be prepared to walk the final 2-5 kilometres of the road, following heavy rains. The journey time to reach the start point is quite long and joined with the possibility of not reaching the end of the road by vehicle, head torches may well be needed to reach Forest camp on day 1.Trek from the Lemosho start point (2424m) to the Forest camp (2821m) where you spend your first night in the mountain. You are advised to stop regularly today and to move quietly in the hope of sighting wildlife near the trail. Sightings of small antelope are virtually unique to the Lemosho and Rongai routes.Your porters (arriving at the camp site long before you) will have your tent set up on your arrival. In the evening the porters will bring a small bowl of washing water to your tent and the cook will prepare dinner, before you retire to your tent for the night. Night temperatures can already drop to freezing point at this campsite.
Day 2. Forest camp(Mtimkubwa (2821m) – Shira 1 camp (3,505 m)
Hiking time: 8 hours
Distance: 15.6 km
Habitat: Moorland
You rise early at Forest camp and, after breakfast, you trek a hour or so to the end of the forest and then the trail gradually steepens and enters the giant heather moorland zone. Several streams are crossed. After 8.1 km we reach Shira 1 camp (3504m) located on the Western edge of the Shira Plateau where we stop for Dinner and Overnight.
Day 3. Shira 1 camp to Shira 2 Camp
Elevation: 3,505 m to 3,847 m
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today your trek takes you past beautiful moorland rock formations and across volcanic rock plateaus. You also cross Shira Cathedral, which is one of the three peaks of Kilimanjaro. Tonight you stay at Shira 2 Camp where the Lemosho route links up with the Machame route.
Day 4 Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower to Baranco
Today's trek consists of two parts: the climb to Lava Tower, followed by the descent to Barranco Camp. This plan is in keeping with the 'climb high, sleep low' strategy that allows for good acclimatization.
Part 1 | Shira 2 Camp to Lava Tower
Elevation: 3,847 m to 4,630 m
Distance: 8 km / 4 miles
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Moorland
Today you hike up to the impressive rock formation called Lava Tower at 4,630 m (15,419 ft) above sea level. It takes four to five hours to get there and is a true highlight of the entire Kilimanjaro trek.
Part 2 | Lava Tower to Barranco Camp
Elevation: 4,630 m to 3,976 m
Distance: 3 km / 2 miles
Hiking time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Moorland
After lunch at Lava Tower, you head down to Barranco Camp, a hike that takes about two to three hours. The campsite is located in a valley below the Western Breach and great Barranco Wall.
Day 5 Barranco camp (3960m) – Karanga camp (4040 m)
Hiking time: 4-5 hours
Distance: 6 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Start hiking from the Barranco camp at 8:00am and hike approximately 6 km to Karanga camp, expect to arrive around 12h00 for lunch, dinner and overnight. (An after lunch acclimatization hike could be a good idea should you feel up to it)
Day 6 Karanga camp (4040m) – Barafu camp (4640m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Distance: 3.4 km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Hike 3.3km from Karanga camp to Barafu camp. You can expect to arrive to Karanga by around 11:00am which will allow much more time to rest, enjoy dinner, prepare your summit gear and rest till 23:30pm when you will be woken up for the start of the summit attempt. (An after lunch acclimatization hike could once again be a good idea should you feel up to it)
Day 7 Barafu camp (4640m)– Uhuru Peak (5895m)-Mweka Camp (3100m)
Hiking time: 6-7 hours
Descent time: 6-9 hours
Hiking Distance: 5 km
Descent Distance: 12 Km
Habitat: Alpine desert
Start hiking at around midnight, using your headlamps to lead the way slowly up to Stella Point and then the summit. Due to the altitude, you will hike slowly, and will need to dress warmly for the cold. After celebrating with photos at the summit, descend down to Mweka camp.
Day 8 Mweka Camp (3100m) – Mweka Gate (1640m)
Descending time: 4-6 hours
Distance: 10 km
Habitat: Montane Forest
The mountain crew team After an early and well-deserved breakfast, it is a short 4 to 6 hour and scenic hike back to the Park gate. Some hikers do experience knee problems which could make the descend longer than planned. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Visit the tips page for more info. At Mweka gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5739m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. From the Mweka Gate you will continue down into the Mweka village, normally a muddy 3 km (1 hour) hike. In the Mweka village you will be served a delicious hot lunch!! After lunch you drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations!!
Includes
- Transport
- Entrance fees
- Guide & Team Salaries
- Meals & Accommodation
- Rescue
For More Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking Routes & Packages Please Click the links below
>>Marangu