Overview
Marangu is the oldest and most historic route on Kilimanjaro — first climbed by Hans Meyer in 1889, guided by a man from Priscus's own home village of Marangu. It's the only route with permanent mountain huts instead of tents, and the only route where you ascend and descend the same trail, which is why it's sometimes called the Coca-Cola Route. Licensed guides are required by Tanzanian law on every route, but Marangu's huts, cold showers and flushing toilets at Mandara and Horombo make it the most comfortable way up the mountain. This 6-day Classic (Night Summit) itinerary adds a dedicated acclimatization day at Horombo Hut compared to the 5-day version, with a traditional midnight summit push. "That extra acclimatization day at Horombo gives your body time it simply doesn't have on the 5-day version," says Priscus Peter Mtui, our lead guide and owner. "If your schedule allows it, six days is the itinerary I recommend over five." Pricing depends on group size: $1,800 per person solo, $1,640 for two, $1,595 for three to four, and $1,520 per person for groups of five or more — all figures include park fees and are all-inclusive on the mountain. Tipping isn't mandatory but is customary and appreciated: roughly $6–10 per porter per day, $15–20 per day for the cook and assistant guides, and $20–25 per day for the lead guide.
Kilimanjaro highlights
Detailed itinerary
Airport pickup and transfer to your Moshi hotel, followed by an evening pre-climb briefing and first health check with Priscus or your assigned lead guide.
A gentle first day through rainforest — blue monkeys and colobus overhead — with an optional short walk to Maundi Crater. Mandara Hut is named after the Chagga chief Mangi Mandara.
Climbing out of the forest into open moorland, with both Mawenzi and Kibo visible for the first time. An optional walk to the Zebra Rocks is available on arrival.
A gentle walk toward Zebra Rocks and back, sleeping again at Horombo — the extra day that lifts this itinerary above the 5-day version.
Crossing the alpine desert "saddle" between Mawenzi and Kibo at a deliberately slow, pole pole pace. Early dinner at 5:30pm and bed well ahead of the midnight alarm.
Midnight start for Gilman's Point on the crater rim (5–6 hours), then a further 1–2 hours on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. After celebrating, descend all the way back down to Horombo Hut for the tipping ceremony that evening.
A long final descent through moorland and rainforest back to Marangu Gate for your summit certificate, then the drive back to Moshi.
Complete pricing
| Group size | Park fees | Other costs | Total per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $890 | $910 | $1,800 |
| 2 people | $885 | $755 | $1,640 |
| 3–4 people | $883 | $712 | $1,595 |
| 5+ people | $881 | $689 | $1,520 |
What's included
- All Kilimanjaro National Park fees
- Airport transfers
- Hotel in Moshi (bed and breakfast)
- Professional guides, cook, and porters
- All meals during the climb
- Transport to and from Marangu Gate
- Emergency oxygen cylinder
- Pulse oximeter checks at every camp
- Company taxes and fees
What's not included
- International flights and Tanzania visa fees
- Personal climbing gear and clothing
- Lunch and dinner at the hotel
- Extra hotel nights
- Optional excursions
- Tips for guides, cook, and porters
Tipping guide
| Crew member | Recommended tip per day |
|---|---|
| portes | $6-$10 |
| Cook & Assistant Guides | $15 – $20 |
| Lead Guide | $20 – $25 |
Tipping is not mandatory but is highly appreciated and depends on your satisfaction with the service.
Why book with Perfect Kilimanjaro
Three Generations of Kilimanjaro Guides
Local guides have been at the heart of Kilimanjaro since Hans Meyer's first ascent in 1889, and our family has guided here since the 1970s. Priscus, our owner and guide, first climbed at 14, worked as a porter for seven years, and has now summited more than 350 times.
Safety First, Every Day
Every guide is Wilderness First Responder (WFR) certified. We check your health every morning and evening with the Lake Louise Score and oxygen saturation readings. We carry emergency oxygen on every climb, and helicopter rescue is available with your travel insurance.
100% Locally Owned
There is no income outflow. Everything is run in Tanzania, with Tanzanian guides, so your money supports local jobs, families, and communities.
Pioneers of Biking Adventures in Tanzania
We were the first to introduce Kilimanjaro biking expeditions in the early 2000s, from scenic rides around the mountain to cycling all the way to the summit.
Tell us your dates and group size
We'll confirm availability, send an exact per-person quote and a day-by-day plan within one business day. No deposit needed to get a quote.
