Kilimanjaro foothill run
RUNNING AROUND MOUNT KILIMANJARO FOR 8-DAYS , 10-DAYS PACKAGES.
- 8 Days or 10 Days
- Kilimanjaro
The Kilimanjaro Foothill Run (KFR) is an extraordinary 8-day running adventure that circumnavigates the lower slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, offering a rare and immersive experience through Tanzania’s breathtaking landscapes and vibrant cultures.
Covering a total distance of over 240 kilometers, you’ll run an average of 30 kilometers per day, at elevations ranging between 1,400 and 2,100 meters. The journey begins and ends at the Marangu Gate (1,800 meters), the iconic entrance to the Marangu route — one of the most popular paths for summiting Kilimanjaro. This foothill run takes you through scenic trails, local villages, lush forests, and farmlands that surround Africa’s highest mountain. Few travelers experience Kilimanjaro in this way — from the ground up, at a runner’s pace, in full connection with nature and community. Whether you’re a passionate trail runner or an adventurous spirit looking for a unique challenge, KFR is more than a run — it’s a journey of endurance, discovery, and inspiration
August & September – Dry, cool, and perfect for trail running
The Kilimanjaro Foothill Run offers a truly unique adventure — it’s not just about running, it’s about connecting with nature, culture, and people in a deep and meaningful way. Unlike summit climbs or tourist paths, this route takes you on remote trails and ancient footpaths used by local communities for generations. You’ll run through breathtaking landscapes, from rainforests to savannahs, all while being surrounded by ever-changing views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
- 🏔 360° Views of Mount Kilimanjaro from unique trail perspectives
- 👣 Remote Footpaths & Dirt Trails far off the tourist track
- 🌿 Diverse Landscapes – rainforests, rivers, plains, and villages
- 🤝 Cultural Encounters with friendly locals along the way
- 🌍 International Team Spirit – run together, grow together
- 🔥 Campfire Evenings & Local Cuisine.
- 💪 Challenge & Adventure in every step
- 📸 Unforgettable Moments and stunning photo opportunities
GALLERY / PHOTOS
DAY BY DAY ITINERARY
Day 01: Kilimanjaro Airport – Marangu Hotel
Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met by a Rocky Africa Experience driver and transferred to Marangu hotel on the slopes of Kilimanjaro. Marangu hotel will be your base for run preparation and orientation.
Accommodation: Marangu hotel / Babylon Lodge.
Day 02: Relaxing and Farm Tour
We’ll start the day with breakfast, a welcome, and a short orientation meeting. After that, you’ll go on a farm tour to see how we grow and prepare food. Later, we’ll take a short, easy run to explore the village and nearby mountain trails. After lunch, you’ll have time to rest or enjoy the afternoon. You can walk around the village farm, swim at the Moonjo River waterfall, read a book, or just relax and enjoy the mountain views with a cup of fresh farm coffee, roasted right here. In the evening, we’ll have dinner and go over the plans and details for the next day’s run.
Accommodation: Marangu hotel / Babylon Lodge.
Day 03: Marangu Gate to Rombo Camp
From the official start at the Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu entrance gate, we cross dozens of streams and rivers, many with deep and steep gorges to descend and ascend, while keeping Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro’s second peak, on our left and Kenya’s Tsavo National Park to our right. You will be completely spent at the end of this very difficult first day.
Distance: 32 km
Elevation +: 1,798 m
Elevation -: 1,733 m
Accommodation: Rombo Camp
Day 04: Rombo to Rongai Camp
As we approach Kilimanjaro’s drier northeast flank, the number and depth of the gorges lessen, as do the number of settlements. We may encounter colobus and blue monkeys in the forests. The route runs along a paved road along the Kenyan border for a few kilometers.
Distance: 31 km
Elevation +: 1,086 m
Elevation -: 902 m
Accommodation: Rongai Camp
Day 05: Rongai to Larangwa
The forest thins as we run through a dry and rocky landscape, passing Maasai settlements and with the chance to see wildlife migrating from the plains below to mountainside above. Our campsite at a primary school overlooks Amboseli National Park in Kenya, where the only light comes from the stars above and the few safari lodges within the park below.
Distance: 38 km
Elevation +: 532 m
Elevation -: 1,077 m
Accommodation: Larangwa Camp
Day 06: Larangwa to West Kilimanjaro Camp
Exiting the sparse landscape, we skirt Legumishera Hill, which contains a small lake at the summit and is the source of much local superstition. We then run several hilly kilometers along the forest edge between Kilimanjaro National Park and cultivated land. We’ll finish the day at Simba Farm, one of the original European farms in Tanganyika Territory. From the dining area we have spectacular sunset views of Mount Meru.
Distance: 31 km
Elevation +: 780 m
Elevation -: 778 m
Accommodation: Simba Farm
Day 07: West Kilimanjaro to Lukani Camp
Today is the longest run. We begin with an ascent into the forest reserve where active timber harvesting continues, then exit to a hot and dry lowland stretch, and finally regain much of our lost elevation up to the verdant southern slopes of Kilimanjaro.
Distance: 44 km
Elevation +: 1,660 m
Elevation -: 1,756 m
Accommodation: Lukani Camp
Day 08: Lukani to Mweka Camp
Today we encounter our steepest valleys and ridges above a densely settled area of smallholder Arabica coffee farms that use centuries-old irrigation canals dug along the mountainside. Each village has its own primary school, each with its own distinctive uniform color for the students.
Distance: 42 km
Elevation +: 2,513 m
Elevation -: 1,466 m
Accommodation: Mweka Camp
Day 09: Mweka to Kidia Camp
Kidia was the site of the first European settlement in the Kilimanjaro region. The original church and mission station are still intact. Each mountain ridge in this area is either predominantly Lutheran or Catholic, depending on the original missionary group operating there. Another day of extreme elevation changes.
Distance: 25 km
Elevation +: 1,658 m
Elevation +: 1,647 m
Accommodation: Kidia Camp
Day 10: Kidia to Marangu Gate
Running high above the villages and just outside the national park boundary, our final day brings even more spectacular views and a joyous return to Marangu gate, where we started 7 days ago. Congratulations, you ran around the Roof of Africa! Celebrate with a leap into the river, hot shower, cold beer… or all three!
Distance: 22 km
Elevation +: 1,061 m
Elevation -: 982 m
Accommodation: Marangu hotel.
Marangu Hotel Stay
Rest, recovery, and relaxation day at the hotel. For those returning home you will be transferred to the Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your flight. For those staying in Tanzania to continue your adventures you may start your safari or Kilimanjaro climb, depart for Zanzibar, or spend an extra night at Marangu hotel.