Tanzania·19 - 27 July 2024
Summit Mt. Kilimanjaro in the best of style via the 6-Day Marangu Route
BOOK NOWOne of the greatest adventures on Earth: Kilimanjaro in the best style imaginable. Embark on an extraordinary journey with this unforgettable ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the breathtaking Marangu Route. This 'best of everything' expedition' is the quintessential Kilimanjaro experience for those seeking adventure with a touch of luxury. Starting at the Gran Meliá Arusha, one of the best hotels in Tanzania and taking in the stunning Materuni Waterfall this adventure follows the famous Marangu Route where accommodation is in private two-person huts, the most comfortable way to experience Kilimanjaro. The Marangu Route is known for its excellent trail and offers a gradual ascent that lets you acclimatise to the altitude gently while taking in the stunning views and diverse landscapes; from lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to barren moorlands and dramatic summit glaciers. Climbing Kilimanjaro is one of the best things you can do in your lifetime and a must for all adventures and explorers. The world’s tallest free-standing mountain, and one of the Seven Summits, you will be captivated by awe-inspiring beauty and the warmth of the Tanzanian high mountain crew who make this experience so unique. Our team of expert guides, lead by our Founder Oliver Browne, along with our Doctor, Dr Emmanuel Tesha and head Tanzanian Guide, John Bosco will be with you every step of the way, ensuring your safety and enjoyment.
Starting and ending our trip at the luxurious Gran Meliá Arusha, and with overnight stays in private two-person huts on the mountain this is Kilimanjaro in the best possible style.
Sleeping in private two-person huts with private toilet and shower will give you the best chance to recharge and recover on your ascent of Kilimanjaro.
Our team Dr, Emmanuel Tesha has over ten ascents of Mt Kilimanjaro, including 2 with TSA. He joins for your safety and peace of mind.
Our CEO and Tanzanian Head Guide will be leading a 'best in class' team of assistant guides, high altitude porters and chefs.
One of the best things you can do in your lifetime; climbing the highest mountain in Africa and one of the Seven Summits is a challenge you will never forget.
Warm up for the ascent with a 2 hour hike to the Materuni waterfall before seeing how coffee is made at a local village.
Follow one, once-in-a-lifetime experience with another and take an unforgettable safari in the Serengeti.
Oliver is the Founder of True Summit Adventures, a certified Mountain Leader and an experienced adventurer and alpinist.
Oliver has summited Kilimanjaro six times, in 2019, 2022, and three times in 2023 and once so far in 2024.
On Kilimanjaro he says, "I think it's one of the best things you can do in your lifetime. It does not matter how many times I climb it, it is always out of this world. I wish for everyone to see it, to experience it."
John is one of the most experienced guides working on Kilimanjaro with over 200 summits, with many coming via the Western Breach, by far and away the most technical route on Kilimanjaro and the most dangerous.
John has an impressive record of getting people to the summit. The oldest client he has guided to the summit to date was 78 years old while the youngest was just 9!
John has an impeccable safety record, undergoes regular First Aid training and is highly experienced at recognising and treating the symptoms of AMS.
John will no doubt impress you with his kind and professional manner, attention to detail and skill on the mountain.
A proud Massai, our head assistant guide Kennedy began working on Kilimanjaro as a teenage porter before attending Mweka Wildlife College and becoming a certified guide.
He has been working as a lead guide on the mountain for 10-plus years, and has been to the summit more than 100 times.
Kennedy lives on his farm in Arusha with his wife and two children where he grows coffee, bananas and avocados.
Dr Emmanuel Tesha, an expert in AMS and high altitude rescue, joins the expedition for your safety and peace of mind.
This is Dr Emmanuel's third Kilimanjaro ascent with True Summit Adventures, having accompanied private trips in 2022 and 2023 — in total, he has more than 10 ascents of the mountain.
A graduate of Kibaha College of Health and Allied Sciences, Dr Emmanuel has been a general practitioner for 7 years and has spent two years working with KILIMEDAIR doing medical search and rescue in Tanzania's National Parks.
A graduate of the Royal Institute of Tourism in Moshi, Steven has over 15 years of experience cooking on Kilimanjaro. He produces excellent food whatever your dietary requirements.
He lives in Moshi with his wife and four children.
A graduate of Arusha's National College of Tourism, Arusha-born Mathew is one of the best expedition mangers in Tanzania.
Mathew started working on Kilimanjaro as a teenager and has held every position from porter to lead guide with dozens of ascents of Kilimanjaro and hundreds of expeditions under his belt.
Mathew is also a an expert in designing and managing the best safari options for guests, should they wish to extend their stay in Tanzania.
Journey to the summit
While there are several great options for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro, the Marangu Route is the only route that provides private two-person huts for maximum comfort and increased recovery.
Join us as we tackle Mount Kilimanjaro's famous Marangu Route on an incredible adventure to the summit of Africa's tallest mountain.
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Welcome to Tanzania and to the adventure of a lifetime!
A member of our team will be on hand to meet you at Kilimanjaro International Airport and take you to the Gran Meliá Arusha, one of the best five-star hotels in Tanzania, situated between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks.
Whether you explore the spa, infinity pool, and gym, enjoy one of the fine dining options, or simply lose yourself in the views of Mt Meru, there is no better place to relax before your Kilimanjaro expedition.
Our Expedition Leader will be on hand to welcome you and brief you on the adventure to come.
Today we ease into our Kilimanjaro adventure with a gentle hike to the beautiful Materuni waterfall, a towering 80m cascade on the Mware River.
Afterwards we visit a coffee plantation and members of the Chagga tribe from the Materuni village show us how coffee is made.
After lunch at the village, we head back to the Gran Meliá where you can relax and make your final preparations ahead of the climb. We have a gear check and final briefing before dinner at the Gran Meliá.
We start the day with a hearty breakfast, at the Gran Meliá, where we urge you to 'Eat to Complete,' before heading by safari vehicle to the start of the trek at the Marangu Gate.
After completing park formalities, the adventure begins and you will soon be hiking gently upwards through the dense rainforest towards the Mandara camp.
On the way there is the chance to see amazing flora and fauna, including the famous black and white Colobus monkeys with their distinguishable white tail.
Arriving at the camp in time for lunch, prepared by our excellent team of high altitude chefs, you will then have the opportunity to hike to the Maundi Crater before returning to Mandara Hut for the night.
Your first full day on the trek begins with coffee or tea in your bed before an early breakfast in the communal dining tent.
Setting off for a full day of hiking, we emerge from the forest shortly after leaving Mandara Hut and continue walking over high moorland.
From here, the path continues rising to an elevation of around 3,700 metres, eventually reaching the Horombo Hut campsite.
Arriving at Horombo, you can enjoy impressive views of the surrounding landscape, including Mount Mwenzi, Kibo and the wide plains of the Massai Steppe.
Today, we take a pause in the expedition and stay a second night at the Horombo Hut campsite to allow our bodies to adapt to the ever increasing altitude. This patient approach gives everyone the best opportunity of safely summiting Uhuru Peak.
On our four-hour acclimatisation trek, we head for the famous Zebra Rocks; so called because of their distinctive black-and-white-striped appearance, before returning to Horombo Hut in time for lunch.
The rest of the afternoon is spent relaxing ahead of the final push to the roof of Africa. In the evening the high altitude team will serenade you with the famous Kilimanjaro songs, before Steven and his team serve more of his excellent food.
A big day in the trek as we start to gain some serious altitude — we are now walking at almost the height of Mont Blanc!
Walking over steep terrain, where little or no vegetation remains at this altitude, we add 1,000 metres of elevation, passing the so-called, “Last Water Point” before pushing on to the plateau of Kibo Hut.
Once settled in, there is time to refuel, relax and rest before an early evening meal prepared by Steven and his team. Be sure to eat a lot as the summit push is long and arduous.
We then have a final briefing before heading to bed early in preparation for the early start and summit push to come.
Today is the day!
All our hard work to get to this point is about to be rewarded as we launch our summit bid and a day in your life you will never forget.
Departing from Kibo Hut at around midnight, we pass the Hans Meyer Cave under cover of darkness before reaching Gillman’s Point as dawn approaches, arriving on the crater rim at Stella Point for an an incredible sunrise.
Another 45 minutes of walking round the crater rim takes us to Uhuru Peak and the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, where the mountain casts an impressive pyramid shaped shadow behind us.
Pausing to celebrate, we take the all-important summit photos before returning down the mountain as far as Kibo Hut, for a short rest and breakfast.
We then continue our descent and spend the night back at the Horombo Hut campsite, capping off an incredible effort that has seen us bag one of the prized 'Seven Summits.'
Our final day of trekking.
Leaving the Horombo Hut behind, we pass back through the heath and moorland to the Mandara Hut where we stop for lunch, before continuing down through the forest and rain forest to the Marangu Gate.
After receiving summit certificates and one final round of songs, we say farewell to the mountain guides and porters and head to the comfort and serenity of the Gran Meliá Arusha.
Here, the celebrations start in earnest; you can unwind and enjoy an evening of luxury while thinking about the incredible journey that you have just completed.
Today it is time for us to say our goodbyes.
We hope that the experience of climbing Kilimanjaro with us lives long in the memory! It is not uncommon to feel energised and inspired by the experience for months to come.
Team members will be on hand to take you to the airport, but if you would like to stay on longer in Tanzania then why not consider visiting the orphanage we support in Arusha or going on an incredible safari to Ngorogoro, Tarangire or the Serengeti.
Nestled between the Serengeti and Kilimanjaro National Parks, the Gran Meliá Arusha is a genuine five-star hotel offering the best place from which to launch your Kilimanjaro ascent.
The Gran Meliá has excellent restaurants and facilities, including spa, pool and gym, for you to enjoy before and after your climb.
On the mountain your accommodation will be in private two-person huts— the most comfortable way to experience Kilimanjaro.
At the Horombo and Mandara camps there are hot showers and plumbed toilets, but please note the accommodation at the Kibo Hut base camp is more basic, with no running water so we will provide a portable private shower and toilet.
All Transfers
Kilimanjaro National Park Fees
Three Nights Accommodation at Gran Melia Arusha
Purified Water for the Trek
Supplemental Oxygen if Required
Team Dr
Professional Guides
All Meals on the Mountains
Matueruni Waterfall Trek, Coffee Tour and Lunch
Flights
Entry Visa
Tips to the High Mountain Crew
High Altitude Insurance
Full board, sharing a room at Gran Meliá Arusha and a 2 person hut on the mountain
FROM$7,984.14/pp
Youth is no barrier to climbing Kilimanjaro, but participants must be fit and ready to hike for 6 to 7 hours a day. Fourteen is a sensible age to attempt Africa's highest peak.
Like any mountain, the weather is changeable. The first few two days of the hike tend to be warm, but it can get cold at night, and temperatures drop further as altitude increases. Summit temperatures are usually from -3 to -8 degrees celsius.
Expedition members should be fit enough to hike uphill for six to eight hours a day for multiple days. If you can comfortably walk 21km on consecutive days this is a good sign you are ready to climb Kilimanjaro. Ask for our training plan for further information on training.
Very good. You can expect lots of high-energy foods such as rice, pasta, and potatoes, along with lots of stews and curry. Our high mountain chefs can cater for vegetarians, vegans, and those on a gluten-free diet.
Kilimanjaro is more challenging because of the higher altitude and summit night.
In the unlikely event of you wanting or having to leave the climb early we have a full set of protocols in place to get you safely down the mountain. Our team includes skilled first aiders and we carry a satellite phone at all times in case an emergency evacuation is required. Our logistics manager will also be on hand to deal with any unexpected events and organise your new itinerary.
The weather on Kilimanjaro can be interchangeable. Adhere to the kit list and bring the all-important poncho.
You can use US dollars for purchasing your visa on arrival, tipping the mountain crew, and making purchases in Arusha It's also useful to have some Tanzanian shillings to hand.
With Ngorogoro, Tanrangire and Serengeti National Parks within striking distance of Arusha, relax after your climb on an incredible safari.
The process can be as rewarding as the climb itself. Get fit for the climb with our 12-week training plan.
Our "Kili" Blogs
Oliver Browne · Thu 8 Jun 2023
Oliver Browne, True Summit Adventures' CEO, answers the questions on our expeditions to the highest freestanding mountain in the world
Oliver Browne · Mon 14 Nov 2022
A short note on preparing for climbing Kilimanjaro!
Oliver Browne · Sun 19 Nov 2023
The number one concern for people wanting to climb Africa's highest peak addressed.
