Kilimanjaro Treks

There are two options for climing Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest mountain. The Merangu Route goes from the eastern side, or you can choose the Rongai route, which is slightly more challenging. Both trips begin and end in Moshi, Tanzania and both depart daily.

7 Day Merangu Route: (accomodated) £450

Day 1: Tanzania - Moshi: Today you only have to meet in Moshi. If you are flying in to Kilimanjaro International Airport we can arrange an airport transfer for you. If you are making your own way to Moshi, please let us know when your estimated time of arrival will be. If the weather is favourable we might get a first glimpse of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m). When you arrive at the hotel you will have some time to relax after the drive. Tonight one of your guides will brief you on what to expect.; Meals: Dinner
Day 2: Kilimanjaro NP: After a big breakfast we transit to the eastern side of Kilimanjaro to start our trek. Marangu Gate is at 1980m above sea level and this is where we begin. It is roughly a 12km journey through rainforest to the Mandara Huts (2750m). If you are still feeling energetic after this section you can walk to Maundi Crater for some scenic views of both Kenya and Tanzania and on a clear day, Kibo Crater.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kilimanjaro NP: After a good night’s rest we have a filling breakfast before we climb out of the forest and through the moorland to Horombo Huts (3720m). The distance covered today is roughly 15km and along the way you will see some of Tanzania’s most interesting vegetation such as the giant lobelia and giant groundsel. At half way we will stop for lunch while enjoying amazing views of Mawenzi (5149m), one of Kilimanjaro’s peaks.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kilimanjaro NP: We get up at sunrise and after breakfast we set off for Kibo Huts (4703m). Again, it is roughly 15km to our destination. The first half of the hike traverses upper heath land while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle of Kilimanjaro is alpine desert and care must be taken on this rough terrain. After dinner you need a very early night as tomorrow is going to be an extremely early start.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Uhuru Peak (Summit): Many hours before dawn we begin the final trek to the summit of Kilimanjaro. It is a 6km journey and should take roughly 8 hours. We advance upon steep and heavy scree reaching Gilman’s Point at 5,861m, and then on to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa located at 5,895m. Not everyone makes it up to the summit. After taking some spectacular pictures we descend Uhuru Peak and hike approximately 20km back to the Horombo encampment for dinner and a well-earned rest.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Moshi: Our journey back to Marangu Gate is about 27km of down hill. If you conquered the summit you will receive your summit certificate at the gate. Green for Gilman’s Point and Gold for those that reached Uhuru Peak. Then, it’s back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Moshi - Tour Ends: After breakfast your tour ends, please let us know if you require any further transport.; Meals: Breakfast

8 Day Rongai Route (camping) £550

Day 1: Tanzania - Moshi: Today you only have to meet in Moshi. If you are flying in to Kilimanjaro International Airport we can arrange an airport transfer for you. If you are making your own way to Moshi, please let us know when your estimated time of arrival will be. If the weather is favourable you might get a first glimpse of the world’s tallest freestanding mountain, Mt Kilimanjaro (5895m). Tonight you will be briefed by one of the guides about your up coming adventure. The Rongai route is one of the most scenic.; Meals: No Meals
Day 2: Kilimanjaro National Park - First Cave: It is a 4-5 hour transfer from Moshi to the attractive wooden village of Nale Muru at 1950m. After signing in and preparing the porters, you begin the hike on a wide path, which winds through fields of maize and potatoes, before entering pine forest. The path climbs 9km consistently through the attractive forest that shelters a variety of wildlife.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Kilimanjaro National Park - Kikelewa Camp: Today's walk is a steady ascent up to the Second Cave for lunch. Superb views of Kibo Crater and the eastern ice fields on the crater rim are to be had from here. We cover 17km today as we cross the moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. Kikelewa Camp is located at 3600m in a sheltered valley, there are giant Senecios nearby.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kilimanjaro National Park - Mawenzi Tarn: A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb all-round views and a tangible sense of wilderness. Leave the vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn, spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. The afternoon will be free to rest or explore the surroundings to aid altitude acclimatisation.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Kilimanjaro National Park - Kibo Camp: It is an 8km hike through the lunar desert of the 'Saddle' between Mawenzi and Kibo. The Kibo campsite is at 4695m, at the bottom of the Kibo Crater wall. The remainder of the day is spent resting in preparation for the final ascent.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: Uhuru Peak (Summit Attempt) - Horombo Camp: We begin the final, and by far the steepest, days hiking at 1am and climb by torchlight for the first part of the journey. We travel very slowly in the darkness as we are on a switchback trail over loose volcanic scree. When we reach the crater rim at Gillman's Point, 5685m, we enjoy the spectacular sunrise over Mawenzi. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip to Uhuru Peak, passing close to spectacular glaciers, and ice cliffs. The 14km descent is surprisingly fast.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7: Moshi: It is a steady descent down through moorland to Mandara Hut 2700m. We continue down through lush forest, on a good path to the NP gate at Marangu. If you conquered the summit you will receive your summit certificate at the gate. Green for Gilman’s Point and Gold for those that reached Uhuru Peak. Then, it’s back to Moshi for a hot shower and a well-deserved rest.; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8: Moshi - Tour Ends: After breakfast your tour ends, please let us know if you require any further transport.; Meals: Breakfast

Flights are not included in the prices quoted. You are responsible for booking your own flights.

The cost includes all meals for the duration of the trip. A sleeping bag is required on all camping tours. All other camping equipment is provided, including foam mattress.

There is a maximum of 24 participants on camping departures.
LP = Local Payment, this is an amount that needs to be paid in cash to your guide on the morning of departure.
(This payment covers fluctuating expenses such as National Park fees etc and also ensures there is a reliable amount of hard currency on each tour. All LP amounts are subject to change without notice. Changes are very rare and are normally due to a sudden or unexpected price increase by a local service provider or National Park.)
If you are over 65 years we require a letter from your GP stating that you are fit to travel on this type of tour.

To reserve a place on your chosen trip, please fill in a booking form and return it to us. If you would like any further information on any of these trips, please contact Mhairi (mhairi@vetadventure.com).