kilimanjaro quest
Conquer The Peak. Run The Marathon.
This 2-in-1 package gives outdoor enthusiasts a rare opportunity to conquer two quests during the same period; climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, and running the Kilimanjaro International Marathon.
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Mount Kilimanjaro Climb $2,761.50
Climb through Machame or Rongai routes, both offering unique mountain climbing experiences
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Kilimanjaro International Marathon (after the climb) $448
After the Kili climb, run one of the most renowned marathon events in the world
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Run the Kilimanjaro International Marathon only $655.6
Just want to run the marathon, without climbing Mount Kilimanjaro? We've got you covered
- Transportation:
- Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) pick up and drop off.
- Round-trip transport to and from Mt. Kilimanjaro Gate
- Trek Essentials:
- Pre-climb hotel accommodation (2 nights, bed and breakfast) and
- Post climb accommodation (one night, bed and breakfast)
- National Park entry, crew and camping fees
- Government taxes
- Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
- Fair salary for qualified guides, cooks, and porters as approved by Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA)
- All meals and accommodations on the mountain
- Drinking water and hot water for washing
- First-aid kit, portable flush toilets, oxygen tank, and pulse oximeter
- All necessary quality imported equipment
- 4-season mountain hardware tents double occupancy
- Air ticket/transportation to Kilimanjaro
- Hiking gears
- Mountain Helicopter Rescue ($3,500)
- Off-Mountain Expenses:
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks before/after climbing
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Flights
- Laundry
- Personal items and toiletries
- Transportation:
- Airport transfer
- Transfer to marathon venue
- Pre-Marathon costs:
- Marathon entrance
- Post climb & Pre-marathon hotel accommodation double occupancy (2 nights, bed and breakfast)
- Running gears
- Lunches, dinners, and drinks before/after Marathon
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Flights
- Laundry
- Personal items and toiletries
- Transportation:
- Airport transfer
- Drive to and from day trips
- Transfer to marathon venue
- Pre-Marathon costs:
- Marathon entrance
- Activity costs (entrance, guide, lunch)*
- Pre Marathon-hotel accommodation double occupancy (3 nights, bed and breakfast)
*activities:
- Day trip: Materuni Waterfall, 3km hike, coffee tour and lunch or Rau Forest, 6km nature walk and picnic
- Day trip: Kikuletwa Hot Springs swimming and lunch (38km from Moshi)
- Running gears
- Meals that are not specified in inclusions
- Travel insurance
- Visa and passport fees
- Flights
- Laundry
- Personal items and toiletries
ITINERARY: Machame Route
The Machame Route, often referred to as the “Whiskey Route,” is renowned for its scenic beauty and varied terrain, offering one of the most rewarding Kilimanjaro
experiences. This 7-day itinerary is designed to maximize acclimatization time, enhancing your chances of a successful summit. It is ideal for adventurers who want an unforgettable challenge, taking in the diverse landscapes – from lush rainforests to the stark beauty of the summit zone – on their way to the Roof of Africa.
Arrival: You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or from Moshi Bust Station by our tour driver, who will transfer you to a comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi.
Attend a pre-climb briefing where our experienced guides will provide essential information about the trek, ensuring that you are fully prepared and confident for the days ahead. A session to discuss the details of the climb, check the required gears, and offer clarity where it is needed.
After a hearty breakfast, transfer to Machame Gate, where the adventure begins. Our team will efficiently handle all park formalities, allowing you to focus on the journey ahead. The trek starts with a hike through the dense and vibrant rainforest, where you may encounter unique wildlife and beautiful flora. The trail is steep, but the lush surroundings and the prospect of what lies ahead make it an exhilarating start. Upon reaching Machame Camp, you’ll settle in for your first night on the mountain, enjoying a nutritious meal and the camaraderie of fellow trekkers.
- Distance: 11 km (7 miles)
- Estimated Time: 5-7 hours
- Meals: Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Rainforest
Today’s trek is shorter but steeper, as you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone. The landscape changes dramatically, offering stunning views and the first clear sight of Kilimanjaro’s snow-capped peak. The rocky terrain and thinning air make this day both challenging and rewarding. Upon arrival at Shira Camp, you’ll be greeted with expansive views of the summit and the surrounding landscape. Enjoy a warm meal and rest under the starry skies, feeling a step closer to your goal.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Estimated Time: 4-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Moorland
This day is crucial for acclimatization as you trek from Shira Camp to the dramatic Lava Tower, a massive volcanic rock formation. The ascent to Lava Tower is challenging due to the altitude, but it's an important part of the acclimatization process. After reaching Lava Tower, you’ll descend to Barranco Camp, which is situated in a beautiful valley. The descent to a lower altitude for the night helps your body adjust to the altitude, increasing your chances of a successful summit. Enjoy another satisfying meal and rest at Barranco Camp, reflecting on the day’s achievements.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Estimated Time: 6-8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Semi-desert
The day begins with a thrilling scramble up the Barranco Wall, a steep but manageable cliff that offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. While the climb may seem daunting, the support and encouragement from your guides and fellow trekkers will make it an exhilarating experience. Once over the Wall, the trail winds through a series of undulating hills and valleys, eventually leading to Karanga Camp. This shorter trekking day is intentionally designed to allow further acclimatization, ensuring that your body is well- repared for the summit attempt in the coming days.
- Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trek is relatively short but involves a steady climb to Barafu Camp, the final camp before the summit push. Barafu means “ice” in Swahili, and the camp lives up to its name, often offering a cold and barren environment. Upon arrival, you’ll have time to rest and prepare your gear for the summit attempt, which will begin in the early hours of the next day. The anticipation builds as you realize you’re just hours away from the pinnacle of your Kilimanjaro journey. Enjoy an early dinner and get plenty of rest in preparation for the summit.
- Distance: 4 km (2.5 miles)
- Estimated Time: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Summit day begins well before dawn, as you embark on the most challenging part of the climb. Guided by the light of your headlamp, you’ll make a slow and steady ascent towards Uhuru Peak. The final push is physically and mentally demanding, but the reward is beyond words. Reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, as the sun rises, is a moment of pure triumph. Celebrate your achievement with photos and take in the breath-taking views before beginning the descent to Mweka Camp. The descent is much quicker, and you’ll be welcomed with warm food and the chance to rest after an exhilarating day.
- Ascent Distance: 5 km (3 miles)
- Estimated Time: Ascent - 7-8 hours
- Descent Distance: 12 km (7 miles)
- Estimated Time: Descent - 4-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Arctic Zone to Forest
On your final day, you’ll descend through the lush rainforest to Mweka Gate, where you’ll receive your official Kilimanjaro certificates - a proud symbol of your accomplishment. After bidding farewell to your guides and porters, who have been instrumental in your success, you’ll be transferred back to Moshi for a much-deserved celebration. Enjoy the evening reminiscing about the adventure with fellow trekkers.
- Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
- Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
- Meals: Breakfast
- Habitat: Rain Forest
Take the day off to rest, or join optional excursions in Moshi, in preparations for Kilimanjaro International Marathon
Run the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, and later depart to KIA or Moshi Bus Station
ITINERARY: Rongai Route
The Rongai route is the only route that ascends the northern slope of Kilimanjaro. Due to its remote nature, the Rongai Route is among the least visited of all of the trails on Mount Kilimanjaro. Those who choose this path will experience peace and quiet for much of the trek, encountering few other climbers prior to reaching the Kibo Camp, at which point the trail merges with the Marangu Route for the final push to the summit.
Because the Rongai Route starts on the north side of the mountain, not far from the border with Kenya, it is also the driest route on Kilimanjaro as well. This makes it a good choice for a trek all year round, but especially during the rainy season in April and May. Most of the rain storms tend to stay on the southern side of the mountain, allowing Rongai hikers to stay drier and warmer than those on some of the other, more popular, trails.
Arrival: You will be picked up from Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or from Moshi Bust Station by our tour driver, who will transfer you to a comfortable mid-range hotel in Moshi.
Attend a pre-climb briefing where our experienced guides will provide essential information about the trek, ensuring that you are fully prepared and confident for the days ahead. A session to discuss the details of the climb, check the required gears, and offer clarity where it is needed.
7.00am pick up from hotel in Moshi and driving for about 4 hours to the starting point at 1979m. After gate clearance and lunch, trekking for 6km via rain forest to Simba camp at 2684m and overnight stay.
- Elevation: 1979m to 2684m
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast ascending to Second Cave for lunch overnight. Terrific views of Kibo and first glimpse of the ice fields on the Eastern crater rim. Temperature begin to drop. Small shrubs of the moorland become thinner as we approach the Second Cave.
- Elevation: 2684m to 3487m
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 5-6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, we continue our stead ascent across the Moorland towards the jagged peaks of Mawenzi. It is a relatively short hiking day bringing us closer to the Eastern ice fields as we enjoy their beauty. Pay attention to your body and keep your guide and team leader informed of altitude sickness.
Elevation: 3487m to 3675m
Distance: 8.5km
Time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Moorland
A short but steep climb up grassy slopes is rewarded by superb views. Leave vegetation behind shortly before reaching the next camp at Mawenzi Tarn. Spectacularly situated in a cirque directly beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi. Free afternoon to rest and explore the surrounding area as an aid to acclimatization.
- Elevation: 3675m to 4355m
- Distance: 3.5km
- Time: 4hrs
- Habitat: Moorland and Alpine Desert
Cross the lunar dessert of the saddle btn Mawenzi and Kibo to reach Kibo campsite at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. The trek is a gradual incline that heads west through the Saddle, a ridge of barren land that connects the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The route is dry, barren and rather inhospitable, but provides spectacular views of Kibo. At Kibo Hut dinner will be served early, and sleep early as you will be awoken at around 11:00pm.
- Elevation: 4355m to 4757m
- Distance: 11.5km
- Time: 5-6hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We start hiking at 11:30pm. This is the most mentally and physically challenging part of the trek. We'll reach Gilmans point shortly before sunrise and continue to Stella Point. Not very steep after Gilmans point. One step at a time you have now reached Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Mt. Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa and the world's highest free-standing mountain.
It is time to take photos and celebrate. Enjoy your incredible accomplishment before descending.
- Elevation: 4757m to 5895m
- Distance: 6km
- Time: 6-8hrs
- Habitat: Arctic Zone
Begin your steep descent down to Horombo. You will have Brunch at Kibo and lunch at Horombo Hut, afternoon rest and a well deserving sleep.
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation: 5895m to 3721m
- Distance: 16km
- Time: 5-6hrs
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
Early morning breakfast then descend to Mandara Hut and continue trekking through the rain forest to Marangu gate at 1876m, sign out for your certificate. We’ll then transfer you back to Moshi for final celebrations.
Distance: 15.7 km (9.8 miles)
Estimated Time: 5-6 hours
Meals: Breakfast
Habitat: Rain Forest
Take the day off to rest, or join optional excursions in Moshi, in preparations for Kilimanjaro International Marathon
Run the Kilimanjaro International Marathon, and later depart to KIA or Moshi Bus Station
