Itinerary
Click to expand the various itinerary options for this route. Itineraries indicated as * Recommended * are chosen for their duration, acclimatization and good route profile
Day 1 - Moshi to Kilimanjaro (Marangu Forest) to Moshi
Transfer from Moshi (08:00am to 10:00am) to Marangu. Enter the park and complete your registration. Hike (medium fitness) through the rainforest for estimated 3-5 hours, till Mandara Hut (picnic lunch either in route or at Mandara Hut depending on walking pace). A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings (time and weather permitting). Descend through the forest trail back to the park gates (estimated 3-4 hours) where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour to gate / 1 hour back to Moshi
- Approx trekking time: 6-9 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 14 km / 8.5mi
- Start Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- End Altitude: 1860m or 6100ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 2775m or 9105ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +915m or 3005ft / -915m or 3005ft
- Meals included: Picnic lunch
Overnight (Optional)
(Speak to a tour consultant for your specific options)
Day 1 - Moshi to Kilimanjaro (Shira Plateau) to Moshi
Transfer from Moshi (06:00-08:00 am) to Londrossi (West Kilimanjaro). You complete your registration at Londrossi gate before driving into the 4x4 access road to the Morrum Barrier where you start your hike (low fitness / medium or high fitness) through the upper heather / moorland and into the Alpine desert. You hike around 2-4 hours to the Shira Plateau and is not an extremely steep ascent. You always have the option to hike longer / further (all time and pace permitting). After a picnic lunch you descend through the same trail back to the Morrum barrier where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 3 hours to gate / 3 hours back to Moshi
- Approx trekking time: 2-4+ hours
- Approx trekking distance: 8 km / 5mi
- Start Altitude: 3405m or 11170ft
- End Altitude: 3405m or 11170ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3505m or 11500ft and above
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +100m or +330ft / -100m or -330ft
- Meals included: Picnic lunch
Overnight (Optional)
(Speak to a tour consultant for your specific options)
Day 1 - Moshi to Kilimanjaro (Machame Forest) to Moshi
Transfer from Moshi (07:00am to 08:00am) to Machame. Enter the park and complete your registration and begin your steep hike (high fitness) through the rainforest for estimated 4-5 hours, till Machame (picnic lunch along the route). Later you descend back through the forest trail back to the park gate (estimated 3-4 hours) where your driver will be waiting to transfer you back to Moshi.
- Approx driving distance: 1 hour to gate / 1 hour back to Moshi
- Approx trekking time: 7-9 hours
- Approx trekking distance: 18km / 11mi
- Start Altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
- End Altitude: 1790m or 5870ft
- Highest Altitude reached: 3010m or 9875ft
- Altitude +gain / -loss: +1220m or +4005ft / -1220m or -4005ft
- Meals included: Picnic lunch
Overnight (Optional)
(Speak to a tour consultant for your specific options)
Price, includes, add-ons and excludes
Prices depend on your group size, exact route chosen, dates of travel and much more. Please contact our sales team for a tailor made quote! You can see our standard includes, optional extras / add-ons / comfort upgrades and standard excludes below.
Standard packages usually include
- All taxes and VAT applicable
- National Park Entrance fee as applicable to the planned activity
- West Kilimanjaro Forest reserve fees (Shira Plateau hikes only)
- Transfers as applicable from the start point to the end point from any lodge in the location listed with an English speaking driver-guide
- Optional pre-tour briefing with the guide / a tour consultant in Moshi
- Trained, certified, and experienced English-speaking Mountain guide/s
- Picnic lunchbox
Optional extras, add-ons and comfort upgrades
- Pre climb or post climb accommodation
- Emergency oxygen cylinders or personal equipment such as walking poles, raincoat, poncho, day pack, walking boots etc.
- Airport or other transfers and additional vehicles not included within the route / package
- Domestic flights
- One day trips
- Flying Doctors Emergency Evacuation membership
- Extra guides or porters
- Pre-included tip (paid with salary)
- Bottled or any drinking water (must bring own in your own non-disposable bottle)
Standard packages usually exclude
- Tips / gratuities
- Beverages such as soft drinks, alcohol etc.
- International flights
- Insurance
- Visas
- Items of a personal nature
- Metal & hard plastic water bottles, water bladders etc. (note: soft plastics are not permitted on the mountain)
When to visit
These recommendations are based on weather patterns and trends. Mountains are extremely unpredictable and we always recommend you to be prepared for any weather outcome regardless of the predicted season.
Excellent time
January, February, July, August, September, October
Within our predicted dry season, these months generally have dry conditions and good mountain weather making the trek more achievable. These are also the busiest months and you may find all routes are busy in this period.
Good time
March, June, November, December
These months generally are between our dry season and wet season where conditions are generally dry on the mountain however you may still experience some rain. These are generally great months for those looking to avoid the crowds as most will travel in the excellent time above.
Mixed time
April, May
Our predicted 'long rain' season in Tanzania where the chances of rain are high and downpours can be heavy (tropical!) and make trekking very difficult. For a seasoned mountaineer this can be a great time to avoid all of the crowds who usually skip these months.
Other routes
If this isn't the right route for you, some of the below are alternative routes to consider.
Combine with
This package is usually combined with one of the below. We can also tailor a custom itinerary combining any of our packages for you.
Why choose Shah Tours for your Kilimanjaro trek?
As one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and longest serving Kilimanjaro operators, we are one of the best providing: 35+ years experience, family owned and operated, high quality equipment and fleet, responsible and externally monitored, superior & experienced guides, safe, secure and reliable with over 2000+ happy clients each year:
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