KILIMANJARO NATIONAL PARK 5.895M

Take away information

The origin of the name Kilimanjaro is not certain.

Kilimanjaro is a result of volcanic activity.

Kilimanjaro’s ice cap is destined to disappear.

Scaling the mountain requires no technical skills or equipment.

 

Climate

The journey to the summit is like going from the warm and wet equator to frozen Antarctica.

​

Get to Moshi

From Nairobi tourists must travel to Moshi by matatu or by car via: Namanga border (6 hours) or Oloitokitok border (7 hours). Last one is less rule strict and have less transit.

​

Visitors must bring passport and yellow fever card. They must pay a visa (50 USD). If you want to cross by car you will need a log book of the car and an authorization by the owner of the car (bring two copies for each border point). You must deposit the log book in Tanzania border and pick it up when you come back.

Schedule: Oloititoktok 6.00 am - 18.00 pm  

                 Namanga 24 hours Opening

​

By matatu. You must take a matatu in CBD Bus Terminal in Nairobi to Olitoitoktok town. There, you must find a boda or a driver to reach the cross border. Crossing the border you will find bodas to go to the main juntion where matatus are heading to Moshi (1.000 KES in total).  

​

Accommodation

Kindoroko Hotel. Comfortable bedrooms with mosquito net, bathroom, fans, and a basic breakfast. It is located in the main street of Moshi. Prices from 15 USD.

​

Restaurants

Indoitaliano Restaurant. A great option to eat delightful pizzas, pasta or India food.

Keys Hotel Travel & Tours. A hotel with a wide menu to enjoy a full day in the swimming pool (10 USD). 

​

Best Price Tour Operator 

Chief Tours. Near Kindoroko Hotel. More Info here.

​

Kilimanjaro Marathon in March every year.

​

Transport to Nairobi

Nairobi Arusha shuttle Bus. Comfortable Bus company. You must book in advance (20 USD).

​

MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS 4 NIGHTS

It is the shortest route.

​

DAY 1: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. Hut has comfortable mattress with pillow but no hot shower. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi cráter where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior. 

- Elevation: 1860m to 2700m

- Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2mi

- Approx. time taken: 3-5 hours

- Habitat: Rainforest

- Meals: Lunch & Dinner

 

DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Hut has comfortable mattress with pillow but no hot shower.

- Elevation: 2700m to 3700m

- Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi

- Approx. time taken: 5-7 hours

- Habitat: Moorland

- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

Following an early morning breakfast, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Hikers have the option of 2 trails that lead to Kibo Hut (4700m):

- The upper route (located to the right of the fork to Mawenzi Hut.

- The lower route (located to the left of the fork) is the more popular route because it is a shorter hiking distance (1 hour shorter).

Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. An early dinner will be served so hikers can rest before attempting the Summit the same night. Your guide will brief you on how to prepare for summit night. Get to sleep by 19:00. The Hut is really old and cold. It has not shower.

- Elevation: 3700m to 4700m

- Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi

- Approx. time taken: 5-7 hours

- Habitat: Alpine desert

- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

​

DAY 4: SUMMIT DAY: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK, DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT

Your guide will wake you around 23:30 for tea and biscuits. You will then begin your summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From this point, you will usually experience a snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m) You will be able to spend a short time on the summit view the sunrise, taking photographs and drinking tea before the descent. The hike down to Kibo Hut takes about 3 hours.

At Kibo Hut, you will rest and enjoy a hot lunch in the sun. After eating, you will continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3700m). You will have a dinner, wash, and rest soundly at the hut after a strenuous day.

- Elevation: 4700m to 5895 m, down to 3700m

- Approx. time taken: 6-8 hours to Uhuru and 4-6 hours to Horombo

- Distance covered: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent

- Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

- Meal: Breakfast – Lunch – Dinner

 

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Following a well-deserved breakfast, your staff will have a big celebration full of dancing and singing. After celebrating, you will descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m). The National Park requires all hikers to sign their names to receive certificates of completion. After receiving certificates, you will have a short lunch and drive back to Moshi .

- Elevation: 3700m to 1860m

- Approx. time taken: 6 hours

- Distance covered: Approximately 17 kilometers

-Meals: Breakfast - Lunch

​

Price: 1.075 EUR + 150 EUR tips for two guides, a cooker, an assistant and 4 porters. (shared by two persons).

​

Other expenses

ATMs commission 5 EUR

Petrol 60 EUR

Snacks 20 EUR

​

Personal study of expenses (fair)

Park fees  70 USD x 5 days  =  350 USD        

Camping in huts 60 USD x 4 days  = 240 USD        

Rescue service  20 USD     

VAT included    719,8 USD   

Guide salary 25 USD/day   = 125 USD            

Cooker 20 USD /day   = 100 USD    - sharing

Cooker assistant  15 USD/ day = 75 USD  - sharing

2 Porter salary  10 USD/day =  50 USD x 2 = 100 USD       

Office profit 150 USD          

TOTAL 1.200 USD - 1.100 EUR

 

Equipment

Local operator can lend you some of them: main backpack (70-90 litres max 20 kgs), waterproof day pack (25-40 litres max), hiking boots, walking sticks, sleeping bag -10º, clothing for Lower and Higher Elevation Hiking, headlamp, external battery,  Waterproof clothes, cap, towel, toilet paper, lips protector, suncream, and sunglasses.