Welcome To Keys Tours
5Days Marangu Route
This is the traditional and most straightforward route on the mountain. It is also the busiest and best equipped. If you accept that there will be others around, there are the advantages of good huts, good views of Mawenzi and, of course, others to walk with. If you are travelling by yourself, this is the only route on which you can easily join a group.
Tour Details
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative and taken to Keys Hotel. It is a family run hotel located on the slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro, with comfortable accommodation, variety of meals, clean swimming pool and friendly services. Located just ten minutes walking distance to Moshi town center, palatable meal and luxurious accommodation; Keys Hotel is the most spectacular place one will always wish to stay,
Keys Hotel – 2700 ft (BB).
Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Altitude gain: 857 m/2,814 ft
After breakfast you will be transferred to the Marangu Gate at Kilimanjaro National Park. Today, we will walk through the beautiful rainforest with dense vegetation, often on a muddy trail. The trekking pace is slow and very comfortable, ensuring you have enough time to enjoy the natural surroundings, taking photos and nibble on your packed lunch that we provide.
You will reach Mandara Hut (2 700m) after +- 4 hrs of hiking from the Park Gate. There is a detour on this route to waterfalls in the rain forest, which is well worth following – discuss with your guide before you set off. All meals are included during the climb, and your guide/porters will prepare these for you.
Your accommodation is in dormitory style chalets. There are no shower/bath facilities while doing the climb and toilets will be long drops. You will be provided with bowls of warm water each morning, on request, to wash with.
Walking distance: 12 km/7.2 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,000 m/3,280 ft
Continue the hike up to Horombo Hut, (3,700m). A steep is sometimes wet, 20 min walk through the upper part of the rainforest, followed by a 2km section of tall giant heather interspersed with large clumps of tussock grass, around 15km or 5 hrs from Mandara Hut. The vegetation changes to stunted clumps of heather with ‘everlasting’ flowers and short tussock grasses. Lobelia and groundsels occupy the wetter areas.
Walking distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,000 m/3,280 ft
After breakfast we will set out on a path that traverses west, before turning northwards towards Middle Red Hill and the Triplets and head to the west for the final 3km to Kibo Hut (4,700m). This alpine desert is littered with rocks and leaves you feeling as if you are walking on the moon. The view towards Mawenzi Peak to the east is most spectacular.
Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles ascent + 15 km/9.5 miles descent
Walking time: 5-6 hrs + 1-2 hours up, 5-6 hours down (the overall walking time may vary between10 – 16 hours)
Altitude gain: 990 m/ 3,248 ft (Gilman’s Point) or 1,195 m/3,920 ft (Uhuru Peak) Descent: 2,195 m/7,200 ft
You will be required to wake up very early to have a quick bite to eat and something warm to drink before setting out in darkness. The hike to Gilman’s Point is a very slow steep walk on volcanic scree for about 5-6 hours. The headlamps on the trail towards the summit almost look like fireflies flying in a long row. As you approach the crater rim you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience – the golden sunrise over Africa! Often you see the curving of the earth at this high altitude and the sunrise on the horizon just accentuates it. Keep your camera ready at all times as there are plenty of photographing opportunities along the summit. Once you reach Gilman’s Point on top of the crater rim you are within reach of Uhuru Peak. Hike along fairly flat terrain for about 1.5 hour to reach Uhuru Peak. Spend a few minutes at the top and get that photos of your choice next to the sign marking the summit.
Descend from Uhuru Peak in high spirits as you have just achieved your goal. The trail down from Gilman’s Point on the Marangu route is often enjoyed by hikers sliding down the scree slope, which entails skidding down the loose gravel with big steps and some sideway moves. Try it, it is fun! With every step going down your body enjoys having more oxygen to breathe in. Depending on how you feel, you may enjoy a short rest at Kibo Hut before descending down to Horombo Hut.
Location
Kilimanjaro FAQs
Transfers
Yes. All our Kilimanjaro packages include airport and local transfers. Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a Keys Tours driver will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi in a comfortable, well-maintained vehicle.
We use Toyota Hiace or Coaster minibuses, which are reliable and well-suited for the rugged mountain roads. After your climb, we’ll transfer you back to your hotel and later to the airport for your onward journey.
Yes. All vehicles are regularly serviced and driven by experienced, English-speaking drivers to ensure your comfort and safety.
Accommodation Before & After the Hike
You will stay at Keys Hotels, a family-run 3-star property, or at another 3-star hotel of your choice, the night before your climb and the night after your descent.
We primarily use:
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Keys Hotel (Main Branch): Located in Moshi town, near shops and markets.
Keys Hotel Mbokomu Branch: In a peaceful, green area on the outskirts of Moshi, with beautiful views of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Both hotels provide:
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Comfortable, en-suite rooms with mosquito nets
Professional staff and hospitality
Restaurants serving local and international cuisine
Swimming pools
Complimentary Wi-Fi
Laundry service
Our packages include a bed & breakfast. Lunch and dinner can be ordered directly from the hotel restaurant.
If you’re traveling solo, you’ll share a room with a same-sex traveler unless you book a single supplement in advance.
Any extra hotel nights will incur additional charges.
On the day before your climb, the Keys Tours team will meet you at your hotel for an orientation briefing, and our vehicle will pick you up the next morning to start your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Camping Equipment
We provide high-quality equipment to ensure your safety and comfort, including:
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Durable 4-season tents for two climbers and their gear
Comfortable sleeping mats
Mess tents with tables and chairs for dining
Camping chairs with back support
Handwashing stations with warm water at camps
Our crew arrives early to secure the best camping spots and prepares everything before you arrive.
Meals on the Hike
We provide three freshly cooked meals a day, except for lunch on the first day, which is served as a packed meal.
Yes. We can prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other special diets at no extra cost. Please inform us in advance.
Breakfast: porridge, eggs, sausages, fresh fruits, vegetables, tea, and coffee
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Lunch & Dinner: soups, stews, rice, pasta, potatoes, chicken, beef, vegetables, and local dishes like mchicha (spinach) and kachumbari (fresh salad)
Snacks & Fruits: fresh seasonal fruits like mangoes, pineapples, oranges, and bananas
Guides & Porters
All climbs are led by certified, experienced mountain guides trained in first aid and mountain safety.
Our guides have years of experience on Mount Kilimanjaro and possess expert knowledge of the routes, terrain, wildlife, and local culture. Each expedition is led by our highly trained head guides, who are certified in Wilderness First Response (WFR) — ensuring your safety, comfort, and confidence from start to summit.
Our porters carry equipment, set up tents, fetch water, and support you throughout the climb.
Yes. We follow ethical practices, offering fair wages, good working conditions, and proper equipment. Our crew is often praised by guests for their friendliness and professionalism.
Safety & Medical Support
Daily health checks: Our guides monitor oxygen levels and overall well-being.
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Emergency response: We carry first-aid kits and have access to certified medical professionals in Moshi.
Oxygen supply: Available on all climbs to assist in altitude-related issues.
Yes. We strongly recommend securing travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 m) and emergency evacuation.
Environmental Commitment
We follow Leave No Trace principles, carry out all waste from the mountain, and use eco-friendly, compostable packaging for packed meals to minimize single-use plastics.
Safe Storage
We provide a secure storage facility at our hotel in Moshi for your belongings, such as laptops or extra clothes.
Yes. A safe room is available for cash, travel documents, and valuables — free of charge for Keys Tours clients.
Costs Not Included
The following are not included:
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
International flights to/from Tanzania
Visa fees (USD 50 for most nationalities; USD 100 for U.S. citizens)
Tips for the mountain crew (recommended USD 250–350 per climber)
Personal gear rentals (e.g., hiking boots, sleeping bags, trekking poles) — available through our gear partners in Moshi
Portable toilet rental (optional, not available on the Marangu route due to park regulations)
Single supplement for private hotel rooms and/or tents
Lunch and dinner at the hotel in Moshi (only breakfast is included)
Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and emergency evacuation
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