GALLERY
Climbing Experience
DETAILS
When thinking about Africa, many people imagine wild safaris and vast grassy savannas. But hikers and mountaineers often dream of another prominent feature: Mount Kilimanjaro. Nicknamed the Rooftop of Africa, this massive peak is the highest free-standing mountain in the world. At 19,340 ft Kilimanjaro presents complete contrasts in traditional mountaineering environments. Just south of the Equator, this snow-topped stratovolcano towers above the surrounding landscape. Close to the summit lies the Furtwängler Glacier, a small remnant of an enormous icecap which once crowned the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. However, the receding glaciers are expected to disappear completely within the next decade.
Travel with Miyar Adventures through multiple climatic zones to the formidable Kilimanjaro. Take the Marangu route and enjoy the easiest route to the top, complete with overnight stays in huts with matresses, pillows, and washrooms. Summiting the Rooftop of Africa is a once in a lifetime opportunity. After completing your summit, celebrate with a journey through many of the Wildlife Safari Tours with Miyar Adventures and check off two incredible experiences from your bucket-list.
Kilimanjaro Facts
- Technically the easiest to climb of the Seven Summit
- Kilimanjaro National Park is pristine and surprisingly clean
- Hot pot for climate change studies the Snow Fields of Kilimanjaro are expected to vanish completely - between 2025 – 2035
- One of the world’s greatest natural wonders: a snow covered mountain on the equator, an ocean of green forest surrounded by dry savannah
- Climbing Kilimanjaro contributes to a thriving local economy, generating about $20 million/year
- Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones
Route Taken – MARANGU
- Considered by many to be the easiest route to the top
- More moderate slopes
- Best rainforest trails of all the Kilimanjaro routes
- Reach the summit in the shortest time
- Sleep in huts with bunk bed accommodations instead of pitching a tent
- Beverages available for purchase along the way
- Highly recommended for scenic value
- Great for acclimatization with lots of walk high, sleep low opportunities
- Challenging trek with stunning scenery through 5 diverse climatic zones
Duration
8 DaysPassport
Required.Minimum Age
13 years oldActivity
Trekking, Climbing, Mountaineering, and more.Accommodation
Huts During Trekk PRICE BASIS
PRICE INCLUDES
- 2 nights hotel accommodation in Moshi (before & after climb), Breakfast at hotel
- Group transport to and from Moshi to the trailhead
- National Park fees, camping fees, and rescue fees
- Guides: Very experienced guides. Guide-client ratio 1-2
- Porters: 2-3 porters per client. You carry around 10 Lbs
- Group transport to and from Airport to the Moshi Hotel
- Accommodation on the mountain in huts with high-quality sleeping mats
- Fresh nutritious meals, cooked and served in dinner tent with table/chairs
- Bottled oxygen, only for rescue/emergency use
- Information sessions and Trip preparation assistance provided by US based guide
PRICE DOES NOT INCLUDE
- Airfare
- Visa Application Fee
- Lunch or dinner at hotel
- Personal gear and equipment
MIYAR ADVANTAGE
For the price that it charges Miyar tries to offer maximum value. Few points worth noting are:
- We deliver an end to end experience, all inclusive. This means we assume responsibility from your arrival point near Kilimanjaro (Kilimanjaro, Arusha or Moshi) till when you depart the region after hike.
- Our US based team would work with you as you prepare for your trip. We are there to answer your questions related to health, safety, packing or just about anything related to climbing.
- We use our own local operator and lead guides in Tanzania to ensure that all aspects of the climb are in line with the expectations we have set with our customers and our own uncompromising attitude towards customer experience.
- Our US based guides personally lead climbs several times in an year to ensure that all ground operations are in accordance with our expectations. Usually US based guides accompany larger groups to ensure better coordination.
- Accommodation on nights before and after the climb is included. Stella Maris Lodge is our preferred choice. Depending on availability and logistics considerations, we sometimes use an equally reputable, comfortable and convenient facility. For more details please refer the day by day itinerary.
- Accommodation are in comfortable tents on twin share basis. We use Alps Mountaineering Taurus 3 Outfitter tent in all our expeditions. They are sturdy, spacious and comfortable and are ideal for the conditions on Kilimanjaro.
- We serve great food on the trek, food that is fresh, hygienic and nutritious. We will serve you fresh fruits, veggies, chicken, meat, eggs, sausages, pancakes, juice, soups, fish, rice, pasta etc. We have logistics arrangements to get fresh supplies delivered while we are into our trek. We take care of a wide range of dietary restrictions or preferences like gluten free, lactose intolerant, vegetarian, vegan, kosher, halal etc.
- We carry private commodes / toilets for the use of our guests. Toilets provided by the Kilimanjaro Park Authority at camping sites are not exactly clean or hygienic. So this can be a big factor if such facilities put you off for the day (as is the case with most of us).
- We carry our own safety equipments including oximeters and oxygen cylinders. Hopefully they would not be used but this is an expenditure we would rather waste than avoid.
- All our local guides are carefully chosen for their Kilimanjaro experience, English speaking ability and professionalism. We ensure that all of them are Wilderness First Aid trained.
While comparing Miyar Adventures with other guide companies, please bear the above advantages in mind. We are confident that for the amount you pay, no one else would offer you as much value. Should you still have questions, do not hesitate to contact us.
ITINERARY
Marangu Route start to finish. Data is approximate.
Distance: 71km / 44 miles in 6 days.
Elevation Gain/loss: 2860m / 9384 ft.
Day 0: fly out (red eye flight, connections, etc takes overnight)
Day 1 - Arrival
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be transferred to Stella Maris Lodge. Here you will meet your lead guides and get a comprehensive overview of the Kilimanjaro climb ahead of you.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After a hearty breakfast we will drive to Marangu gate. The first day is a nice leisurely hike through the tropical rain forest. As you pass through the rainforest, you will likely spot Colobus monkeys and many wild birds. Have dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.
Climb Day 1 Start: Marangu Gate 1,843 m / 6,046 ft
End: Mandara Hut 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Elev gain: 900 m / 2,800 ft
Time: 5 hours on average
Distance: About 8 km / 5 mi
Climb Day 1 Start: Marangu Gate 1,843 m / 6,046 ft
End: Mandara Hut 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
Elev gain: 900 m / 2,800 ft
Time: 5 hours on average
Distance: About 8 km / 5 mi
Day 3: Mandara Hut camp to Horombo Hut
Hike through moorland towards our first view of the Kibo peak. The hike will be long and strenuous because of the altitude, so taking it slow will be key to our success. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Climb Day 2 Start: Mandara Hut 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 1,000 m / 3,300 ft
Time: 6 - 8 hours average
Distance: About 12 km / 7 mi
Climb Day 2 Start: Mandara Hut 2,700 m / 8,858 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 1,000 m / 3,300 ft
Time: 6 - 8 hours average
Distance: About 12 km / 7 mi
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Hut and back
At this point in the climb we need to slow things down to acclimatize to the altitude. From Horombo, you hike toward Mawenzi Peak (max 14,160’ on the hike). Keep an eye out for birds and the exotic plant life. Spend the afternoon relaxing in Horombo Hut.
Climb Day 3 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Mawenzi Hut: 4,315 m / 14,160 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 600 m / 1,900 ft / Elev loss: 600 m / 1,900 ft
Time: 3 - 5 hours average
Distance: About 10 km / 6 mi
* Day includes critical acclimatization gain and loss
Climb Day 3 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Mawenzi Hut: 4,315 m / 14,160 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 600 m / 1,900 ft / Elev loss: 600 m / 1,900 ft
Time: 3 - 5 hours average
Distance: About 10 km / 6 mi
* Day includes critical acclimatization gain and loss
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Today we climb higher on the mountain to the “saddle” plateau between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. This will be one of the more challenging days, with a steeper trail and high altitude to content with, but the views are amazing. Have dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.
Climb Day 4 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
End: Kibo Hut 4,703 m / 15,430 ft
Elev gain: 980 m / 3,200 ft
Time: 6 - 8 hours average
Distance: About 10km / 6 mi
Climb Day 4 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
End: Kibo Hut 4,703 m / 15,430 ft
Elev gain: 980 m / 3,200 ft
Time: 6 - 8 hours average
Distance: About 10km / 6 mi
Day 6: SUMMIT and then to Horombo Hut
You will start trekking early before sunrise (1-2 am), as the walk today will take 10 – 14 + hours. The 1,100-meter (3,600’) ascent in just over 3 km (1.86 miles) will take you about 6 - 8 hours. Our route crosses over Gillman's Point at 18,685 feet with the true summit still 2-3 hours away; if you're not feeling up for the journey, you could turn back from here and still consider your climb a success. As you reach the summit, watch the sunrise over the Great Rift Valley. After watching the sunrise and taking pictures, descend down back to Kibo Hut for lunch then proceed to Horombo Hut. Have dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.
Climb Day 5 Start: Kibo Hut 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
Summit: Uhuru Peak 5896 m / 19,344 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 1,196m / 3,924 ft
Time to summit: 6 - 8 hours
Elev loss: 2,176 m / 7,139 ft
Time to descend: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: About 22 km / 14 mi
Climb Day 5 Start: Kibo Hut 4,700 m / 15,430 ft
Summit: Uhuru Peak 5896 m / 19,344 ft
End: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
Elev gain: 1,196m / 3,924 ft
Time to summit: 6 - 8 hours
Elev loss: 2,176 m / 7,139 ft
Time to descend: 4 – 5 hours
Distance: About 22 km / 14 mi
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On the final day, you will have a full day hike out, walking through the lush forest. You meet our driver with the vehicle at the Marangu park gate to drive back to Moshi. Have overnight at the Stella Maris Lodge.
Climb Day 6 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
End: Marangu Gate 1,843m / 6,046 ft
Elev loss: 1,900m / 6,100 ft
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Distance: About 20 km / 12 mi
Climb Day 6 Start: Horombo Hut 3,720 m / 12,205 ft
End: Marangu Gate 1,843m / 6,046 ft
Elev loss: 1,900m / 6,100 ft
Time: 5 - 7 hours
Distance: About 20 km / 12 mi
Day 8: Departure… or Safari!
Transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for those returning home or Start Wildlife Safari.
FAQs
HOW DO I GET TO TANZANIA?
You will fly into the Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO). Your guides will meet you at the airport and travel with you to the Stella Maris lodge south of Kilimanjaro National Park at Moshi. Miyar can provide help with discounted flight bookings.
WHAT ARE THE ACCOMMODATIONS LIKE?
Before and after the climb, we will stay at the Stella Maris lodge. Stella Maris is a new 25-room lodge located on the main road in the peaceful village of Mailisita. All rooms are ensuite, air-conditioned, have satellite-TVs, and have with private balconies with views of Kilimanjaro. The Stella Maris also has PCs and free Wi-Fi service throughout the lobby and dining areas. The people of Mailisita in partnership with the Mailisita Foundation built the lodge and the Stella Maris English-Medium Primary School. The foundation is a US based orphan and vulnerable child relief organization. All Income from the lodge goes towards paying the teachers and buying food for the children.
The Stella Maris is a beautiful place to relax, and your stay helps the underprivileged children in the local village. Each morning while enjoying fresh-brewed Kilimanjaro coffee you can hear the children singing happily from the school!
During the Climb: You will stay in huts along the route with communal dining halls, washrooms, bunk beds, mattresses, and pillows.
WHAT IS THE FOOD LIKE?
On the mountain we will have plenty of calories to help you complete climb (pastas, bread, vegetables, and fruit). We will have a mix of both local fare and American food while on the climb.
IS THERE A PACKING LIST?
Yes!
• 50-75 liter duffel bag to store all your stuff.
• 15-25 liter day pack
• Shoes/Boots
• 10-32 F sleeping bag (rental available)
• Hiking poles (optional)
• Headlamp, sun glasses, hand-warmers
• Clothing
o Base layer
o Hiking pants, shirts, shorts
o Insulation layer – Down or Primaloft
o Rain shell
o Gloves, mittens, headgear, socks, gaiters
A detailed checklist will be provided once you have signed up for the trip
IS THIS TRIP SAFE?
Safety is very important to Miyar Adventures. We will be in contact with each customer upon booking to discuss gear, altitude, and travel safety. All of our guides are trained in Wilderness First Aid and High Altitude sickness/medicine (AMS). The lead guide coming from the US is a Wilderness First Responder (WFR). During most of your trip a guide will accompany you, but here are some basic travel safety tips for before or after the climb:
- Make a copy of your passport and keep it in your luggage.
- Don’t walk on your own at night in the major cities or on empty beaches. Especially in Pemba or Zanzibar.
- Don’t wear jewelry.
- Don’t carry too much cash with you.
- Wear a money belt that fits under your clothes.
- Don’t carry a lot of camera equipment.
WHAT IS THE TIPPING PROTOCOL?
Tips for guides, camp staff, and porters are essentially obligatory while climbing Kilimanjaro. We encourage team members to participate in the staff tipping session at the end of the climb. This is often calculated on a per day basis, or as percentage of your total trip cost.
Recommended per day tipping amounts for the Kilimanjaro climb crewmembers split between the whole group:
Recommended per day tipping amounts for the Kilimanjaro climb crewmembers split between the whole group:
- Head guides $25-30
- Head cook $15-20
- Assistant guide $15-20
- Summit porter $8-10
- Porters and camping crew $6-8
HOW DO I GET MY VACCINES?
Make an appointment with a Travel Doctor. More information is available from the Centers for Disease Control.
DO I NEED A VISA?
Most people apply for visa upon arrival, however the Tanzanian Embassy recommends that you apply for and obtain your Visa before arriving. Applying in advance it takes 5 business days to process.
Tanzania Visa Fees
Tanzania Visa Fees
- US Citizens: $100 (multiple entry) good for one year
- Non-US Citizens: $50 (single entry) good for six months
- Two recent passport size photos
- Flight Itinerary
- Passport valid for six months
- Visa fee (they accept credit cards or personal checks with driver’s license number written on it)
- Visa application form must be filled out and signed by the applicant.
WHAT ABOUT ALTITUDE SICKNESS?
In order to visit some of the most stunning landscapes on the planet we must face elevations that we are not used to. These high altitudes can cause illness ranging from mild to severe symptoms. All of our guides going on Kilimanjaro have experience with high altitude trekking, as well as preventing, and treating high altitude sickness. Our trips are designed to prevent altitude sickness in the first place. We regularly check on symptoms and take the necessary steps to prevent anyone from getting sick.
Prevention
• The best method of prevention is to go slowly (Pole Pole)
• Avoid narcotic pain relievers and alcohol, especially before sleep
• Do not overexert yourself. Carry a light pack, take breaks and rest
• Eat well and hydrate
• Acetazolamide (Diamox ) - Helps with acclimatization.
• A diuretic and prophylactic.
• Promotes excretion of bicarbonate via urine
• Side effects – Increased urination, mild tingling in hands.
• It’s everybody’s personal choice. We recommend it.
In the rare circumstances you get altitude sick we are prepared and trained to take the necessary step for treatment.
Treatment
• Descend immediately. Only when symptoms improve should you ascend, if they do not go away, descend further.
• If you have prescription for Dexamethasone, it can help you feel better while you descend quickly.
• In rare cases when someone is having difficulty descending, supplemental oxygen can be provided.
DO I NEED TO CARRY LOCAL CURRENCY?
- Tanzania Currency: Tanzanian Shilling (TZS). Current Exchange rate: I USD = 2165 TZS
- Carry US Dollars Cash up to 5 USD
- Use money belts
- Keep a stack of small bills for tips and other expenses
- ATMs are not always good
HOW SHOULD I TRAIN FOR KILIMANJARO?
We believe that regular hiking is the best training. You should start with hikes that have 1,500 – 2,000 feet of elevation gain. Progressively ramp up your hike time, distance, and elevation gain at roughly 10% per week. This will safely and effectively build your trekking-specific conditioning, and is also a great opportunity to break in your boots and try out your other gear!
-You should aim to go on a big hike or a backpacking trip once every month (day hike around 4,000 ft. gain or better 2-3 big days in the mountains).
-A reasonable goal would be to ascent 4,000 feet carrying an average pack of 20 pounds in a 4-5 hour period, or roughly 800-1,000 vertical feet per hour
-Try to go on some high altitude hikes (elevation at least 5,000 feet, ideally 8,000-10,000 feet)
In addition to hiking and backpacking we suggest you dedicate 2-3 days to cardio over the week. Weight training will also help build overall strength. We recommend 2 full-body strength workouts a week for 30-45 minutes each. Focus on compound exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, pull-ups, rows, dead lifts, bench presses, pushups, and overhead presses. Flexibility training and stretching for 10-15 minutes at the end of your cardio is also beneficial.
-You should aim to go on a big hike or a backpacking trip once every month (day hike around 4,000 ft. gain or better 2-3 big days in the mountains).
-A reasonable goal would be to ascent 4,000 feet carrying an average pack of 20 pounds in a 4-5 hour period, or roughly 800-1,000 vertical feet per hour
-Try to go on some high altitude hikes (elevation at least 5,000 feet, ideally 8,000-10,000 feet)
In addition to hiking and backpacking we suggest you dedicate 2-3 days to cardio over the week. Weight training will also help build overall strength. We recommend 2 full-body strength workouts a week for 30-45 minutes each. Focus on compound exercises like squats, lunges, step-ups, pull-ups, rows, dead lifts, bench presses, pushups, and overhead presses. Flexibility training and stretching for 10-15 minutes at the end of your cardio is also beneficial.
WHAT KIND OF SAFETY AND EMERGENCY EQUIPMENT DO THE GUIDES CARRY?
- All guides carry professional first aid kits.
- Oxygen Cylinders are carried for emergency use.
- All guides have two way radios
- Iridium Go Satellite Hub to help us keep connected to the outside world from anywhere on the mountain
DETAILS OF INFORMATION AND NETWORKING SESSION WE PROVIDE BEFORE THE CLIMB
We have biweekly info session covering but not limiting to following topics:
- How to train for the climb. Training Plans
- Planning for the trip, Visa, flight tickets, travel insurance etc
- Packing List, Clothing/gear required for Kilimanjaro
- High Altitude trekking, Preventing AMS, Medicines etc
- Health, Vaccines and overall trip safety
DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE?
Travel insurance is mandatory for this trip. For more information see Travel Insurance
CAN I CANCEL MY BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP?
For the Cancellation Policy Click Here: Cancellation Policy
DO I NEED AN ADAPTER TO CHARGE MY ELECTRONIC DEVICES OR WOULD THEY DIRECTLY FIT IN THE POWER SOCKETS AVAILABLE IN TANZANIAN HOTELS?
Tanzania uses square shapes power sockets (UK style) as shown. We recommend you carry a suitable adapter or use a universal power socket.
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