Kilimanjaro Trek Trip Details

Want to stand on the Roof of Africa at sunrise?

Welcome to Tanzania!

Here, you can trek through lush rainforests, stark alpine deserts, and glacial peaks. You’ll laugh with your guides, sip fresh Tanzanian coffee, and watch the world unfold from 19,341 feet above sea level.

For many people, “Climbing Kili” is one of the most memorable accomplishments of their lives.

This adventure will take you along the Marangu Route, one of Kilimanjaro's most popular routes. It’s well-known for its hut accommodations along the way and less technical trails to the summit. The Marangu route covers forests, moorlands, and the Saddle (a high-altitude desert), before making your final push from Kibo Hut and then up to Uhuru Peak.

Since this is not a technical climb, you won’t need ropes or specialized equipment, and summiting does not require that you be an expert mountaineer. Local guides, cooks, and porters will provide support during your trek and at mountain huts along the way.

Duration: 9 days (8 nights)

Start: Please be ready to go at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at 2:00 p.m.

Finish: The trip ends at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) at 12:00 p.m.

Airfare booking details will be sent after registration--please wait to book your flight until you receive further instructions.

• 9 days (8 nights) shared accommodations: 3 nights in hotel rooms, 5 nights in mountain huts
• 8 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 8 dinners
• 6-day guided group trek along Mt. Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route
• Certified mountain guides throughout the entire trek
• Local guides, cooks, and porters during the trek
• All permits and fees to climb Mt. Kilimanjaro
• Transportation to and from Marangu Gate
• Visit to a coffee farm in Moshi
• Private airport pick-up upon arrival
• Private airport drop-off upon departure
• Under30Experiences Trip Leader
• Personal recommendations for optional activities
• The chance to meet some kick-ass people
• Access to the Under30Experiences community
• Taxes always included, never hidden fees, & NO blackout dates

Not included: international airfare to and from Tanzania, transportation not listed, and optional activities.

• Summit at Sunrise — panoramic Roof of Africa views
• Trek through five stunning climate zones
• Stand face-to-face with Mawenzi & Kibo peaks
• Celebrate with your summit certificate in hand
• Cultural immersion in Moshi & Chagga coffee farms

This is a strenuous climb, with 6–8 hours of hiking most days, and you don’t need any technical skills. The most important thing is that you’ve been active, love a challenge, and want one of the most rewarding views on Earth. Then this trek is for you. Your guides will keep a slow, steady pace (“pole pole”) to help you acclimatize and succeed.

We recommend that in the months before your climb, you increase your physical fitness with aerobic exercise. Walking, running, and stair-climbing will all strengthen your legs and improve your stamina.

You’ll be staying in A-frame huts with bunk beds & mattresses, so no tents needed. Each night, you’ll have a roof over your head and hot meals in communal dining huts along the Marangu Route.

What to Expect on the Mountain

• Porter Support: Porters carry your main duffel (up to 25 pounds or 11.3 kilograms of your gear). You'll only hike with a small daypack for water, snacks, and essentials.
• Mountain Huts: You sleep in shared A-frame huts with bunk beds and mattresses — no tents required.
• Facilities: Each hut has shared toilets and basic washing stations.
• Altitude & Weather: Expect thin air and temperatures that can drop well below freezing above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters).
• Pace: Guides set a slow, steady “pole pole” so you and your group can acclimatize and reach the summit.

-Age requirement: 21+
-Group size: 16 max, with an average of 10-12 climbers
-Physical rating: High. This trip is for those who enjoy tough physical challenges and the rewards that come after. It includes intense physical activities, so you should expect to be active 6-8 hours most days. Participants should have an active lifestyle. If not, start a training regimen in advance.

Travel connects us. Community keeps us connected.

Once you come on a trip, you become part of our Travel Community forever.

You gain access to U30X Alumni resources (and a secret group). You also join WhatsApp groups before your trip and meetups around the world. These networks will allow you to meet and stay connected to other like-minded adventurers.

More than 70% of our travelers come solo, but everyone leaves with friends.

Whether you have joined us on a trip or are looking for a group of like-minded people, we welcome you to the Under30Experiences Travel Community.

Travel can be unpredictable, and that makes it exciting.

Our goal is to provide you with the most rewarding experience.

While we adhere to the itinerary, flexibility remains part of the journey. At times, we may need to adjust plans to ensure the best experience.

Additionally, all listed travel times are approximations only and subject to variation due to local circumstances.

You will be traveling by private ground transportation throughout your trip.

Private ground transportation to and from the airport (Included)

Public bus and taxi around Moshi (Not Included)

Optional activities do not include transportation.

You will be staying in shared, locally owned hotel rooms for 3 nights in Moshi, both before and after your mountain trek.

On the Marangu Route, you’ll stay in wooden A-frame huts for 5 nights. These huts are equipped with bunk beds and simple mattresses. Space on the mountain is limited, so be prepared to share your hut with other trekkers, possibly including those outside the Under30Experience group or of the opposite sex. All huts have shared toilets and washing facilities.

Laundry is available at the hotel for an additional fee. Ask your Trip Leader for details.

Solo travelers are paired with someone of the same gender in the hotels before and after the trek.

Private room options at the hotels before and after the trek are available upon request, subject to hotel availability for an extra charge.

Private rooms are not available along the Marangu Route for the 6-day Mount Kilimanjaro trek.

Travel insurance with at least 200,000 USD in medical coverage is required for our trips. This policy must include coverage for repatriation.

Please note that travel insurance covers trip-related issues such as trip interruption, lost luggage, theft, etc. Travel medical insurance covers expenses such as repatriation, medical care, ambulance services, and hospital stays. 

We strongly suggest that the policy also cover personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects. Please ensure that your policy covers all activities you plan to participate in on your trip.

Here are a few options for travel insurance that meet our minimum medical coverage requirements: Wanderwell, SafetyWing, and World Nomads. Some plans exclude certain “high-risk” activities, so review your policy before you purchase.

Your travel insurance must include a policy for travel up to 6,000 meters above sea level. World Nomads offers this under the Explorer Plan.

Wanderwell donates at least one percent of your insurance purchase to Explore Austin, a sustainable youth outdoor education program, via 1% for the Planet, selected by Under30Experiences.

We receive a fee if you purchase products through links on this page at no extra cost to you.

We receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using our affiliate links. We do not represent World Nomads, and this is not a recommendation to buy their travel insurance specifically. 

Optional Emergency Evacuation Services

‍For extra peace of mind, some travelers choose to purchase a Global Rescue membership. This service provides access to field rescue, medical evacuation, and support in cases of natural disasters, civil unrest, or government evacuation orders.

Flexible.

If you give us at least 60 days' notice, you can switch your trip for free, or we'll hold your Experience Credits for future use.

If you cancel with less than 60 days’ notice before your trip, please refer to your travel insurance company, as they may cover you for some expenses. 

We are unable to transfer trips or hold experience credits within 60 days of the trip, as we have already secured reservations on your behalf.

All Under30Experiences trips are accompanied by experienced Trip Leaders.

The goal of the Trip Leader is to facilitate an awesome experience and help our travelers have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are traveling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues, and introduce you to our local friends.

You can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious, and social aspects.

Tipping Porters

Tipping is a kind gesture and a highly appreciated part of your Mt. Kilimanjaro trek. It should be an expression of satisfaction with those who have assisted you throughout the expedition. Tipping is one of the most direct ways that you can support the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it’s important for your guides, assistants, cooks, and porters, as an essential source of and supplement to their income.

Upon completion of your climb, it is ideal to have a tipping ceremony with the crew once all people and gear have safely reached the bottom of the mountain. You can put tips in a group envelope, and a member of the climbing team will hand the envelope directly to the Lead Guide because there are many people to share the tips with. Usually, climbers announce the total amount in front of the group to ensure each crew member is aware of the total or write the intended amounts on the envelope.

Please be eco-friendly.

You can bring a reusable water bottle to refill on your trek.

Please avoid using aerosol bug sprays, as they can hurt the environment.

You will not be responsible for carrying your gear up the mountain because porters can take approximately 25 pounds (11.3 kilograms). The rest stay safely at the hotel. You do bring your own day pack, which should contain the essentials and personal items you need to have with you at all times. Please refer to the packing list.

Recommended duffel size 75 to 100L. The North Face or Patagonia duffels are two examples of common bag choices.

Below includes our staff's picks of the best items on the market that our groups use when traveling. All products selected are 3 ounces or less to comply with TSA carry-on size and are organically inspired whenever possible.

Do not forget: reusable water bottle, sunscreen, lip balm, sunglasses, and a sun hat.

Hiking for several days without a shower can be tough, so be prepared for dust and dirt. A balaclava mask, wet wipes, and a small washcloth may become your best friends! Additionally, the porters will supply a bowl of warm water to each hiker at the end of each day. You can use it to wash your face, feet, and other parts of your body outside of your sleeping area, or take it into the bathroom to clean yourself.

Some links on this page are affiliate links. At no additional cost to you, Under30Experiences earns a small commission if you make a purchase.

Gear

• Main luggage: 75L to 100L size, The North Face or Patagonia 
• Day Backpack: 20 to 35L with rain cover
• Sleeping bag: rated for at least 30 to 45 degrees Fahrenheit (0–20 degrees Celsius)
• Water bottles and or CamelBak totaling 3 liters
• Headlamp with two sets of extra batteries
• Waterproof, breathable, and windproof jacket (outerwear)
• 2 heavy-duty garbage bags (for packing wet/dirty clothes and shoes)
• Several Ziploc bags

Guidelines for U.S. passport holders:

A visa is required to enter Tanzania. The cost is usually 50 USD. You can apply for an online visa here.

Make sure you have a valid passport with you. Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the last date of your trip. Please consult the U.S. Department of State for any further questions.

Make sure there is no damage to your passport. Damage may require you to replace your passport. Examples of damage include water stains, tears, unofficial markings on the data page, missing or torn out visa pages, a hole punch, or other physical issues.

The tap water in Tanzania is not safe to drink. Please bring a reusable water bottle and join us in our efforts to be environmentally friendly and keep Tanzania clean and beautiful.

Please consult with your doctor before traveling regarding physical activity and vaccinations.

No inoculations are required to enter Tanzania from the United States, but the Center for Disease Control and Prevention suggests vaccinating for cholera, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.

Mosquito-borne viruses exist in Tanzania, so please cover exposed skin and use mosquito repellent.

For more specific health information for travelers to Tanzania, kindly check the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website.

We recommend bringing 400 USD in cash for establishments that do not accept credit cards and for tipping your porter team.

This is not a total cash amount that you should expect to spend on your trip. Please consider your own spending habits for additional expenses such as snacks, souvenirs, and optional activities.

The official currency of Tanzania is the Tanzanian shilling (TZS).

Remember to notify your bank and credit card company that you will be traveling overseas.

For an up-to-date exchange rate, download the XE Currency Exchange App.‍‍

US dollar notes that show any tears, are heavily marked, or faded may be difficult to exchange. It is best to bring notes in fairly good condition, in denominations lower than 100 USD.

Always carry a copy of your travel insurance, health insurance, vaccination card, and passport with you. A photo of these items on your phone is also a good backup.

Keep your passport and any other valuables locked in the hotel safe.

Don’t leave valuables unattended.

Flashy jewelry is better left at home.

U.S. citizens may register with the U.S. State Department's “Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP),” which allows the State Department to contact your family in case of an emergency.

Carrying the hotel address also matters, in case you become separated from your Trip Leader.

Night temperatures can often drop sharply when you're above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), so proper clothing and a sleeping bag for this kind of climate are essential.

Below, we’ve outlined what to expect from the weather throughout the year, typically. Always remember, you're on a mountain and the weather changes very quickly.

January to March (dry and quiet)

The weather in the first few months after the short rainy season is generally warm and dry. This period falls outside the high season and is relatively quiet. It is one of our favorite times to climb Kilimanjaro.

April and May (long rainy season)

The long rainy season in Tanzania typically occurs from April to May, although it has become unpredictable in recent years. If you don't mind the rain, you can have the mountain pretty much to yourself. You can often get a good discount during this period.

June to early November (dry but busy)

These are the driest months for your Kilimanjaro climb, and, particularly during August to October, the mountain is very busy. The shoulder months of June, July, and early November are reasonable compromises with less traffic if a bit of rain doesn't deter you.

November to mid-December (short rainy season)

The short rainy season typically starts towards the end of November and lasts for 3-4 weeks. Generally, rain is less persistent than during the rainy months of April and May, so this is a good time to be on the mountain without the crowds.

On the mountain
Temperatures on Kilimanjaro vary dramatically depending on altitude and time of day. At the base, daytime temperatures reach 70 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit (21–27 degrees Celsius), but as you climb higher, expect much colder conditions. Above 12,000 feet (3,658 meters), nighttime temperatures often drop below freezing. At the summit, they can range from 20 degree Fahrenheit (–7 degree Celsius) to –10 degree Fahrenheit (–23 degree Celsius), and wind chill makes the temperature feel even colder.

Key Phrases

• Hello - Jambo
• Excuse me - Samahani
• How are you? - Habari gani (or) Mambo
• I am doing well - Mzuri Sana
• Thank you - Asante sana
• Please - Tafadhali
• A beer, please - Bia moja, tafadhali
• Slowly - Polé polé
• Let's go - Twende
• Cool! - Poa

No worries, no problems - Hakuna matata

Due to limited free time, there are no optional activities on this itinerary.

Under30Experiences has a zero-tolerance policy for bullying, harassment, and hate speech. Any violation results in immediate removal!

Respect the people around you and the environment in which you’re traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, fellow travelers, Trip Leaders, the local community, nature, wildlife, and yourself.

Do your best to keep yourself and fellow travelers out of harm’s way.

It’s essential to respect local laws and customs while traveling. This includes, but is not limited to, wearing appropriate clothing while visiting specific communities, refraining from taking photos of people without permission, and avoiding illegal drugs, weapons, and prostitution. If you’re unsure about something, take time to educate yourself or ask.

Travel naturally involves contact with new cultures. When confronted with a different way of living than you’re used to, do your best to understand that neither way is better or worse. They’re simply different ways of life.

Know your limits. This applies to physical ability, emotional space, social situations, and alcohol consumption. If you can’t participate in an activity, be upfront about it. If you need a break from people, take it. Stop drinking before you get too drunk.

Trip leaders act in the travelers’ best interest. If they set boundaries, it’s not because they’re tyrants, but because they want you to have a good time and be safe.

Lying or withholding information about any physical or mental condition that might affect your ability to participate in any of the activities may be grounds for removal from your trip with no refund.

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