Approach the summit from the north, close to the Kenyan border. Though gaining popularity amongst climbers, this route still experiences low crowds.
We drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate for permits before taking a short transfer to the Rongai Gate trailhead. The path winds through corn and potato fields and then climbs gently through the forest which is home to a variety of wildlife, including the black and white colobus monkey.
Elevation: 6,398 ft to 9,300 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We begin this morning with a steady incline up to Second Cave. We continue trekking though moorland, leaving the main trail for a smaller path towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi, before finally arriving at Kikelewa Cave for the night.
Elevation: 9,300 ft to 11,300 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
Second Cave to Kikelewa Cave
Elevation: 11,300 ft to 11,811 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Heath
The hike today is short and steep up a grassy slope. Views of the wilderness area are stunning. As we exit the heath zone and emerge into the Alpine Desert zone, the landscape changes dramatically. Our camp is situated beneath the jagged spires of Mawenzi, at Mawenzi Tarn. The remainder of the day can be spent relaxing or exploring the area.
Elevation: 11,811 ft to 14,160 ft
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Elevation (ft): 14,160 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
No dates currently available to book
If you have any questions about this trip or want to speak with an expert, get in touch.
We're ready to help.
Yes, transfers to/from airport are included and we do offer accommodation in Arusha before/after the trek in a guesthouse called Raha Leo. Shall you prefer a higher level of accommodation, when you contact us we will recommend some options?
We do not keep close statistics of these records and it is extremely rare to have a group not reaching the summit. The rate would vary between 97% and 99% depending on the routes, with the highest success level being Lemosho and Rongai routes, and the lowest being Marangu and Umbwe.
This is a difficult question and a personal one. We usually recommend the Rongai or Lemosho routes which are the ones that offer less crowds and more beautiful scenery. It is very manageable even for those with little experience, provided an honest effort is put forth in training. Another extremely rewarding option, with some of the best scenery (though sometimes a bit crowded) is the Machame route. As for the Marangu route, it is the quickest route and the one where you sleep in huts instead of campsites. It is very commonly called ‘coca-cola route’ because it is the easiest one but acclimatization needs to be done carefully and, if possible you should climb it in 6 days (instead of 5) and sleep one night or two in Arusha/Moshi before the trek. Finally, Umbwe route is a spectacular and fantastic route as well, but only recommended for more experienced climbers.
* Kilimanjaro park fees
* Climbing permits and fees, gate, camp/hut fees.
* Guide, assistant guides, cook and porters salaries.
* Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides for all routes
* Porters to carry luggage from one camp to the next camp.
* 3 meals per day and Bottled water/drinks (1.5 liter per person per day)
* Emergency Insurance in case of altitude sickness
* Rescue fees (required by the national park)
* Transport to/from hotel to Gate
* All camping equipment, foam sleeping pads, pillows and sleeping bags with cotton liners for kilimanjaro temperatures, as well as cooking equipment, tables, chairs and eatin
We cannot legally provide medical advise as we are not a health institution, but most travellers take vaccine for Yellow Fever and take prophylaxis pills for Malaria. Some travellers do not take the prophylaxis pills and instead protect themselves by covering their body at night, using mosquito repellant and/or mosquito nets. If you plan to go to Zanzibar, or if you come from an Endemic yellow fever country (or do a stop-over there) we recommend taking the yellow fever vaccine as it may be requested upon arrival at the airport.
Food can be customized to your requests. A typical breakfast would have eggs (boiled or fried), porridge, fruit, bread, jam, honey, peanut butter, tea, coffee and chocolate powder. As for lunch, it is usually prepared at breakfast and carried with the trekker. The lunch would normally have a boiled egg, sandwiches, fruits and tea.
We also provide an afternoon tea with biscuits, peanuts and popcorn after the trek. And, finally, dinner: Typically a dinner would include a soup starter, light pasta dish and fruit or fruit pudding. Other example of meals would be fish or beef stew, or chicken with vegetable sauce, cabbage and rice or pasta.
We recommend getting the visa upon arrival as it is a very straightforward process and just takes a few minutes. We recommend bringing a pen and the money for the visas in cash to make the process faster. The price is $50 USD for all nationalities except citizens from the USA who have to pay $100 USD per person.
All nationalities can get a visa upon arrival except citizens of the following countries: Abkhazia (Republic inside Georgia), Eriterea Republic, Mauritania Republic, Sri Lanka Republic, Turkmanistan, Afghanistan Republic, Ethiopia, Morocco, Somalia, Uzbekistan, Bangladesh Republic, Kazakhstan Republic, Niger Republic, Somali Land, Wakimbizi (REFUGEES), Chad Repubic, Kyrgyzsten Republic, Palestine State, Stateless People, Djibout Republic, Lebanon Republic, Senegal Republic, Equatorial Guinea, Mali Republic, Sierra Leone Republic and Tajikstan.
They start and finish in Arusha or Moshi, depending on your preferences.
* Tips for guides and porters
* Meals outside the regular tour itinerary
* International visa for Tanzania
* International Airfares and Airport taxes
Safety is the most important consideration in a trek like this and we do everything to make sure that safety is the priority and the trekkers are always looked after by the guides to find any sign of danger. We always take Oxygen Cylinders throughout your hike, as well as an Hyperbaric Chamber (gamow bag) that we always use as our last decision in terms of emergency cases.
The emergency training that guides take is WFR (Wildness First Responder) and all our main Guides are highly trained to deal with altitude related complications or symptoms. The price of the Kilimanjaro does include the insurance for emergency evacuation in case of any serious complication.
All trips on Skyhook are run by small, hand-picked local guiding companies. For this trip you'll be led by Francisco and the guiding team based in Arusha.
By booking through Skyhook you'll be joining a small-group trip. This can make it nice and sociable (you'll be added to a group chat after booking), and guarantees great value for money!
Join over 27,000 Skyhook adventurers who've used our platform to book directly with our vetted local guides, at local prices (we never markup).
Experienced local guides, handpicked by us.
Never pay a markup on the local guide's price.
Earn loyalty rewards every time you travel.
Small group tours provide a richer experience.
Over 2,800 reviews, average of 4.9/5 stars.