Daily Itinerary – Kilimanjaro Marathon & Climb

Itinerary Overview

This 10-day adventure combines the Kilimanjaro Marathon with an epic Kilimanjaro climb via the Rongai Route. Begin with a marathon experience in Moshi, followed by a scenic climb through Kilimanjaro’s diverse landscapes, culminating at Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft / 5,895m).

Overnights are spent in comfortable hotels before and after the race, and in mountain camps during the climb. Expect expert guidance, stunning scenery, and an unforgettable experience.

Itinerary Summary

Marathon & Pre-Climb Preparation

• Day 1: Arrival – Moshi & Marathon Route Tour (Marangu Hotel)
• Day 2: Marangu Hotel & Village Exploration
• Day 3: Race Day – Kilimanjaro Marathon
• Day 4: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp (First Day of Climb)

Kilimanjaro Climb – Rongai Route

• Day 5: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp
• Day 6: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp
• Day 7: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Horombo Camp
• Day 8: Horombo Camp to School Hut Camp
• Day 9: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp
• Day 10: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate – Departure

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival – Moshi & Marathon Route Tour

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by Rocky Africa Experience for pick-up and a Moshi Town and marathon route tour before heading to Marangu Hotel, nestled on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. This will serve as your base for marathon and climb preparation.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: D

Day 2: Marangu Hotel & Village Exploration

Enjoy a relaxed morning before stretching your legs with a guided tour of Marangu villages, including a coffee & banana plantation visit and a refreshing swim in a waterfall and river.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Day 3: Race Day – Kilimanjaro Marathon

Wake up early for a light breakfast before heading to the Moshi Cooperative College Stadium for the Kilimanjaro Marathon, Half Marathon, or 5K. Post-race, return to Marangu Hotel for rest, climb orientation, and equipment check by your climb leader.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Day 4: Nalemoru Gate to Simba Camp

Drive through Chagga villages to Nalemoru Gate, where you meet your mountain crew. Begin the trek through farmland, timber plantations, and the cool montane forest, before reaching the moorland zone and our first camp.

Overnight: Simba Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 5: Simba Camp to Kikelewa Camp

A morning ascent through open moorland leads to the Second Cave Camp for lunch. Enjoy spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks while trekking through lizard country. Continue into the Kikelewa Valley, camping near a set of grottoes.

Overnight: Kikelewa Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 6: Kikelewa Camp to Mawenzi Tarn Camp

Start with a gentle climb before a steep ascent through Senecio forests into the highland desert zone. Encounter boulders and unique vegetation before reaching Mawenzi Tarn, a stunning mountain lake beneath the towering Mawenzi Peak.

Overnight: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 7: Mawenzi Tarn Camp to Horombo Camp

A switchback climb takes us above the North Corrie to the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. Cross toward the south, passing Zebra Rocks before descending to Horombo Camp. This strategic descent aids in acclimatization.

Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 8: Horombo Camp to School Hut Camp

After a steep climb, we cross the Maua River, then traverse the barren, windswept alpine desert of the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi. The guides keep spirits high, ensuring hydration and energy levels remain optimal. We continue past Kibo Huts to the higher-altitude School Hut Camp for a summit briefing before an early rest.

Overnight: School Hut Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 9: Summit Day – School Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Camp

Midnight ascent to Uhuru Peak! A steep 5-6 hour climb leads to Gillman’s Point (18,640 ft). The route flattens along the crater rim, continuing 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft).

After celebrating at the Roof of Africa, descend back to School Hut for lunch, then continue down the Marangu Route to Horombo Camp (7,000 ft descent!).

Overnight: Horombo Camp
Meals: B, L, D

Day 10: Horombo Camp to Marangu Gate – Departure

Descend through lush montane forest, exiting at Marangu Gate. Collect your climbing certificate before transferring to Marangu Hotel or Moshi Town for a celebration meal and relaxation.

Overnight: Marangu Hotel or Moshi Town Hotel
Meals: B, L, D

Departure:
For those flying home, Rocky Africa Experience will provide airport transfers. For those staying in Tanzania, your next adventure begins!

Inclusions

✔️ All accommodations for 10 nights
✔️ All meals as indicated (B, L, D)
✔️ Kilimanjaro Marathon (or Half Marathon or 5K) entry, t-shirt & medal
✔️ Pre- & post-race support with drinks and snacks
✔️ Filtered water, coffee, teas, and cocoa during the climb
✔️ Expert trip leader, climbing guides, and mountain crew
✔️ Kilimanjaro National Park entrance, camping, and rescue fees
✔️ All camping & dining equipment (excluding sleeping bag & pad)
✔️ Transfers to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
✔️ Guided Marangu Village walking tour

Exclusions

❌ Tips & gratuities for guides, crew, or staff
❌ Cold drinks & alcohol
❌ Extra accommodations & meals due to airline changes or inability to complete the climb
❌ Pre-trip expenses (immunizations, travel insurance, passports, visas)
❌ International airfare & airport departure taxes
❌ Personal expenses (souvenirs, laundry, etc.)

Disclaimer

Trip prices are based on Rocky Africa Experience costs at the time of booking. Rocky Africa Experience reserves the right to adjust trip prices due to:

• Inflation, fuel, labor, or material costs
• Exchange rate fluctuations
• Increased park fees (TANAPA), hotel/lodge rates, airline fares, or other service provider costs

Should these changes occur, additional payment may be required from the client.