Overview
Five days is the minimum time in which the Marangu Route can be completed. Like all Marangu itineraries it uses permanent mountain huts rather than tents, follows the mountain's oldest and most historic trail — first climbed in 1889 — and descends the same path you climb. "Five days is the minimum time in which Marangu can be completed. It is achievable," says Priscus Peter Mtui, our lead guide and owner. "But the acclimatization window is tight, and your body has less time to adjust than on any other route. I have guided many clients successfully on this itinerary. But if you are coming from sea level and this is your first experience above 3,000 metres, I would strongly encourage you to consider the 6 or 7-day version instead. The price difference is not large. The difference in your summit experience could be everything." Pricing depends on group size: $1,550 per person solo, $1,400 for two, $1,370 for three to four, and $1,310 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.
A gentle first day through rainforest, with an optional short walk to Maundi Crater.
Climbing into open moorland with both Mawenzi and Kibo visible for the first time.
Crossing the alpine desert saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo at a slow, deliberate pace. Early dinner and bed ahead of the midnight alarm.
Midnight start for Gilman's Point (5–6 hours), then on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Descend all the way back to Horombo Hut for the evening tipping ceremony — a long, demanding day.
The final descent through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate, then back to Moshi.
Complete pricing
| Group size | Park fees | Other costs | Total per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 person | $736 | $831 | $1,550 |
| 2 people | $731 | $669 | $1,400 |
| 3–4 people | $728 | $647 | $1,370 |
| 5+ people | $727 | $647 | $1,310 |
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 |
|---|---|
| porters | $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.
