We begin in Nairobi and travel by Shuttle Bus to Arusha for climbing Kilimanjaro via the The Marangu Route, the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit. Ending with transfe back to Nairobi
Trip rating 7.0/10 from 1 trip review
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Overall operator rating 9.3/10 from 53 trip reviews
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I have attended Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu road. It had always been my dream, emotions on the trip raised accordingly.
The operator and its local office in Nairobi, were very flexible arranging any additions. I also appreciate the personal approach, meeting the local agent several times in between the travels. Supporting a confidence and a comfort of a single female traveler in Africa.
The only negative aspect was a tipping request from our head guide from the company in Moshi after the successful climb. We were 3 climbers in a group/5 days climb. Never seen our porters even though we requested to be introduced. The head guide requested a tip in total USD 750 (250 per person). Following the recommendations of the travel agents and other climbers that we met directly on the mountain, we decided to tip USD 70 per person plus everyone wanted to give extra tip to a guide that we went to a summit with. These guides were part of a team as multi-functioning. My guide for instance was also a cook, porter and an assistant guide on that last part.
We were told that total of 10 staff made the team, so in total we tipped USD 270 (90 per climber). We tipped everyone we met in person directly. Unfortunately not the porters, had to leave money with the head guide. We explained our decision and dissatisfaction of not being able to meet the people who did the tough work, perhaps being cheated by their head guides on the money. The head guide remained irritated for not getting the reward he asked for, leaving a big stain on otherwise wonderful week on the roof of Africa.
Tour Operators Reply:
Congratulations on making it to the top of Kilimanjaro and thank you for providing us with your feedback. I am glad to hear that you enjoyed your hike and that you were well looked after by our office in Nairobi.
It is unfortunate that such a wonderful experience has been tainted by the expectations of a tip from the local guides – tipping is certainly appreciated by the local guides BUT should not be expected…….. Tipping is a personal gesture offered to reward service that exceeds your expectations.
This is the first complaint of this nature in over 15 years of sending climbers up Kilimanjaro - thank you for bringing it to our attention & by doing so, enabling us to pre warn other climbers of tipping etiquette on Kilimanjaro!
Itinerary
This trip begins in Nairobi, Kenya and travels south to Mt Kilimanjaro in Tanzania before ending in Nairobi, Kenya.
This trip departs early every morning from Nairobi. Should you wish to explore Nairobi, an earlier arrival should be planned and accommodation can be booked through us
Day 1: Nairobi to Moshi (NM) We depart early to meet our shuttle bus in Nairobi. After collection by the Shuttle Bus, we travel via Tanzania’s safari capital, Arusha, to our hotel in Moshi. We are delivered to the Springlands Hotel, where we are met for our Pre-Departure Meeting and briefed about what climbing Africa’s highest mountain entails. The Marangu Route is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro’s summit and is known as the “coca cola” route as it is the most popular for tourists. It is the only route that has communal sleeping huts at each stop off point, and offers bunks with sponge mattresses and pillows for your use. Tonight we spend the night at the hotel, where we have a good night’s rest before we start our climb in the morning.
Day 2: Moshi to Mandara Hut - 2743 m (B / L / D) An early start takes us to Kilimanjaro National Park, where we trek through the spectacular rain forests on the first section of our ascent, on the way to our camp at the Mandara Hut for the first night on this awesome mountain. All climbing groups, often from around the world, share dining huts along the way which provide a jovial and social atmosphere. There may be soft drinks and beer on sale in these huts so please bring along some smaller denominations of Tanzanian notes (Tanzanian Shillings) to purchase these items. Please note that the prices increase as elevation increases.
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut - 3760 m (B / L / D) Leaving the rain forest behind, we climb through stunningly beautiful open moor land before reaching the Horombo Hut. (Should you wish to have an extra day to acclimatise; it will be here at the Horombo Hut. The additional acclimatisation day is available at the time of booking your trip, and paid locally at a cost of aprox. US$200 per person). The stark scenery from this altitude is remarkable and the vegetation (although seemingly sparse after the rain forests) seems quite alien.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut - 4730 m (B / L / D) Trekking over “The Saddle” between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, we arrive at Kibo Hut. This is the final stage before we ascend the summit. The total distance to the ascent is 32km (20mi).
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak - 5895 m to Horombo Hut – 3760 m (B / L / D) A very early morning start takes us via Gilman’s Point, on the rim of the crater, and to Uhuru Peak. Most of your climb will be done in the dark, so bring along a head torch to make it easier to navigate the path. It will also be very cold, so this is where you’ll need all those warm layers, socks, gloves and beanie’s to see you through. As this is the last of the ascent, it is taken very slowly – or “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude along with perseverance will get you there! Once you reach Uhuru Peak, you’ll watch the sun rise over Tanzania and Kenya from Africa’s highest point. After gazing over the top of Africa and taking your photo mementos, we return to Horombo Hut for a well deserved celebration and some much needed rest.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Moshi (B) Continue your descent and exit via the Marangu Gate, before being transferred back to the Hotel for hot showers and dinner. Tonight you can celebrate your achievement at the Hotel bar!
Day 7: Moshi to Nairobi After breakfast, the Shuttle Bus will collect us for the drive back to Nairobi. A late afternoon arrival in Nairobi marks the end of one of Africa’s most unique experiences.
Price GB£ 595 Plus Local Payment US$ 660
Single Supplement: US$100 Extra Day: US$200
Included in Trip Price: Transportation is by means of a Shuttle Bus. You must provide your own sleeping bag.
All prices & Local Payments are subject to change with prior notice. US$60 of the local payment is paid to the representative at Acacia Camp, the remainder of the local payment and single supplement (where necessary) is paid to the operator in Moshi.
Your arrival transfer and pre-trip accommodation in a dorm bed is included in your trip price. Should you choose not to make use of these, or in the event that we are not updated with your arrival details, no refund will be paid for services not used. The transfer to the shuttle from Acacia Camp to the departure point on day 1 is included in this trip.
Local Payment All passengers contribute to the Local Payment for this trip equally. It is payable to the representative of our ground handler in Moshi on day 1 of your safari. Payment should only be in US dollars cash. The single supplement is applicable if a single climber does not get allocated to a group climbing on the same date (i.e. climbs alone with own team).
Notes • Please ensure you have the correct equipment for your Kilimanjaro expedition. You can hire the following items for hire
Rucksack/Daypack: $10 Gloves $5 Balaclava: $5 Sweater: $4 Normal Standard Sleeping Bag –10C.Temp $15 Sunglasses: $7 Mont bell Sleeping Bag –25C.Temp The North Face Sleeping Bag: -25C. Temp $ 35
We provide tents and foam sleeping pads at no charge should the mountain huts not be available. Sunglasses are available for purchase in the gift shop Oxygen is available for $10/day/group of 4 pax Hyperbaric Pressure Bag (Gamow Bag): US$120/group. Hyperbaric Pressure Bags: $100/group. *prices above are subject to change without prior notice. Please budget extra in event of an increase.
• Accommodation is 2 nights Hotel in Moshi & 4 nights either camping or in base huts (dependant on availability) while on the mountain.
• Meals are provided as listed on the itinerary above. Please note that no snacks are included (energy bars, chocolate etc).
• Temperatures vary while ascending with day time temperatures on the lower mountain being warm and night temperatures cool; on the upper reaches temperatures are cold to freezing dependant on weather conditions. Please pack accordingly.
• Luggage should be packed in a backpack with a day pack for smaller daily items such as snacks, drinking water, rain jackets and camera’s etc.
• Your trekking fee includes the services of a qualified trekking guide and a porter (to carry food items etc).
• Tips/gratuities for the porters and staff are not included in your trip price or local payment. While these are completely at your own discretion, most crew have come to rely on these and so may make comments about tipping during your trip. Please only tip if you feel you have received an adequate service, and feel the individuals have warranted a gratuity.
• Clients must bring their own personal first aid kit containing all the basic items, as well as rehydration salts, muscle rub, plasters/foot cushions for blistering, head ache tablets and possibly altitude sickness tablets.
• All clients are required to have personal medical travel insurance.
• For those interested in ascending Kilimanjaro on the Rongai or Machame routes – please contact us for prices and information.
