Kilimanjaro Marathon – Official Guide, Dates, Registration & Travel

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is Tanzania’s largest and most iconic international road race, held annually in Moshi town, at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro. Tanzania’s largest and most iconic international running event. From race dates and registration to travel packages, training advice, and local expertise, we help runners from around the world plan an unforgettable marathon experience at the foot of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Held annually in Moshi town, beneath Africa’s highest peak, the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon attracts athletes from Africa, Europe, the USA, and beyond. Known for its scenic routes, vibrant culture, and welcoming local communities, this race is more than a marathon—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Our Mission

Our mission is simple:
To provide accurate, up-to-date, and complete information about the Kilimanjaro Marathon, while making it easy for runners to register, travel, prepare, and fully enjoy their journey to Tanzania.

We work closely with local partners, race organizers, and experienced travel professionals to ensure runners receive reliable guidance and high-quality support before, during, and after race day.

What Is the Kilimanjaro Marathon?

The Mt Kilimanjaro Marathon features three official race categories:

Full Marathon – 42.2 km
Half Marathon – 21.1 km
Fun Run – 5 km

The course takes runners through Moshi town and surrounding communities, offering stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro, lively crowd support, and an authentic cultural atmosphere unique to northern Tanzania.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Dates & Event Timing

Many runners ask, “When is the Kilimanjaro Marathon?”
The race is typically held in late February or early March, depending on the official event calendar.

MountKilimanjaroMarathon.com provides the latest updates on:

Official race dates
Start times
Pre-race meetings
Event schedules

Kilimanjaro Marathon Registration Support

We guide both local and international runners through the Kilimanjaro Marathon registration process, including:

Race category selection
Guaranteed race entries
Package-based registration options
Pre-race information and requirements

Whether you’re registering independently or through a full travel package, our platform simplifies the process.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Packages & Race Information

To make your race weekend stress-free, we offer carefully designed Kilimanjaro Marathon travel packages, including:

Kilimanjaro Marathon: 3-Night Package

4 Days / 3 Nights | Moshi, Tanzania

Our Kilimanjaro Marathon 3-Night Package is the perfect choice for runners looking for a stress-free race weekend. This carefully designed package includes everything you need—from airport arrival to race-day logistics—plus exclusive official marathon extras.

What You’ll Enjoy

Smooth airport arrivals and departures
Comfortable accommodation in Moshi
Guaranteed race entry
Hassle-free race logistics handled by local experts

Package Highlights

Return airport transfers from/to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
3 nights accommodation in Moshi
Daily breakfast included
Guaranteed entry to the Full or Half Marathon
Race bib and official shirt delivered to your hotel
Shuttle transfers to and from the race venue
On-the-ground local representative support

Price – 4D / 3N Kilimanjaro Marathon Package

From USD 894 per person (Twin Share)
USD 1,090 Single Room

INCLUDED

Guaranteed entry to the Marathon or Half Marathon
Return airport transfers (JRO)
Return transfers to/from the stadium
Exclusive hospitality tent access at the finish line
3 nights accommodation in Moshi
Breakfast daily
Services of our professional local representative

EXCLUDED

International flights
Visas and taxes
Personal expenses (alcoholic drinks, snacks, laundry, etc.)
Optional sightseeing tours
Travel insurance

Kilimanjaro Marathon & Private Serengeti Safari

8 Days / 7 Nights | Price: USD 3,410

Combine the excitement of the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon with a once-in-a-lifetime private Serengeti safari adventure.

Package Includes

Return airport transfers
3 nights accommodation in Moshi with breakfast
Guaranteed Kilimanjaro Marathon race entry
4-night private Serengeti Safari
Private safari vehicle and professional guide
Ngorongoro Crater visit included
Donation to the Kilimanjaro Project

Exclusive Marathon Extras

Race bib and shirt delivered to your hotel
Shuttle transfers to/from the race venue

This package is ideal for runners who want to experience both Africa’s most iconic marathon and its legendary wildlife.

The Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon

The Highest Elevation Race in the World

The Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon & Ultra is an epic 9-day adventure, culminating in a trail marathon and ultramarathon that reach the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (5,895 meters)—higher than Everest Base Camp.

Acclimate. Ascend. Achieve.

Why This Race Is Unique

The highest elevation organized races in the world
Races take place inside Kilimanjaro National Park
Opportunity to summit Mount Kilimanjaro during the race
Professionally marked and supported routes
Multiple full-service aid stations and medical support
Accurate course measurement and experienced course marshals

9-Day Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon Program

Open for Registration

Price

USD 4,395 per racer (sharing room/tent throughout the trip)
Single Supplement (entire program): USD 829

Program Designed for Success

Route with the highest summit success rate
Carefully selected camps and progression
Rest day after arrival
Extra acclimatization day above 4,000 meters
Group acclimatization hikes
Professional mountain guides and support staff

Kilimanjaro Marathon Tour Itinerary- JOIN US

Come early or stay a few extra days and explore the Serengeti with a world-class safari extension.

Day 0 – Departure for Tanzania

Depart from your home country for Tanzania.
Arrival airport is Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

You may choose to arrive earlier for additional rest and recovery time in Moshi before the organized program begins.

Important Note:
Organized activities officially begin on Day 2 in the evening with a welcome dinner. Arriving before this day is perfectly fine, but earlier arrivals will have free time to rest and recover from travel.

Day 1 – Arrival in Tanzania

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).
Upon arrival, you will be met and transferred to your hotel in Moshi, located at the base of Mount Kilimanjaro.

The remainder of the day is free to rest, recover from your journey, and acclimate to the local environment.

Overnight: Moshi hotel

Day 2 – Arrival Day or Free Day in Moshi

If arriving today, you will be transferred from JRO to your hotel and check in. The day is free until dinner.

Afternoon:
Time to pack, organize race and trekking gear, and relax.

If you arrived the previous day, enjoy:

Breakfast at the hotel
A full free day at leisure
Optional excursions (available at extra cost), such as:
- Coffee plantation & waterfall tour
- Maasai village visit
- Moshi town tour

These optional tours can be arranged directly at the hotel.

Evening:
Meet your race director, host, and mountain guides during a welcome dinner and briefing.

Dinner included
Overnight: Moshi hotel

Day 3 – Race Meeting & Trekking Day 1 (Rongai Route)

After breakfast, attend a mandatory race meeting, gear check, and race packet pickup. Meet your guides and porters and finalize equipment.

Depart for the Rongai Trailhead.
Box lunch at the trailhead.

The trek begins near the village of Nale Moru (2,150m), following a scenic trail through pine and indigenous forest. Wildlife sightings are possible, including the Kilimanjaro colobus monkey.

The forest gradually thins, opening into moorland with expansive views of the Kenyan plains.

Distance: ~9 km
Acclimatization walk in the afternoon

Dinner & Overnight:
1st Cave Camp or Simba Camp (2,600m)

Day 4 – Trekking Day 2

A steady ascent leads to Second Cave (3,450m), offering spectacular views of Kibo and the eastern ice fields.

After lunch, leave the main trail and cross open moorland toward the dramatic peaks of Mawenzi.

Distance: ~14 km

Dinner & Overnight:
Campsite near Kikelewa Caves (3,600m)

Day 5 – Trekking Day 3

A short but steep climb rewards runners with panoramic views and a strong sense of wilderness.

Vegetation disappears as you approach Mawenzi Tarn Camp, set in a dramatic cirque beneath the towering spires of Mawenzi.

The afternoon is free for rest or short acclimatization walks.

Distance: ~6 km

Lunch, Dinner & Overnight:
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Day 6 – Acclimatization Day / Pre-Race Day

Marathon Runners

Today is a full acclimatization day.

Morning at leisure
Optional easy hikes to higher elevations and return to camp
Final race preparations
Distance (optional walks): ~5 km

Lunch, Dinner & Overnight:
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m)

Marathon Race Profile:

Elevation gain from 4,330m to 5,900m
Descent to 2,700m
Distance: 42.2 km

Ultra Runners

Morning acclimatization walks, followed by lunch.

After lunch, descend via a different and more direct trail back to Simba Camp to position closer to the start of the Ultra race.

Distance: ~14 km

Dinner & Overnight:
Simba Camp (2,600m)

Ultra Race Profile:

Start from lower elevation
Climb from 2,150m to 5,900m
Descent to 2,700m
Distance: 60 km

Day 7 – RACE DAY: Summit Mount Kilimanjaro

Marathon Runners (42.2 km)

Start from Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m).
Cross the lunar desert known as “The Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo.

Reach Kibo Camp Aid Station (4,695m) at the base of the crater wall, then climb to Uhuru Peak (5,900m) — the highest point in Africa.

Begin the long descent:

Back to Kibo Camp
Horombo Camp (3,800m)
Finish at Mandara Camp (2,700m)

Ultra Runners (60 km)

Start from Simba Camp (2,600m).
Descend to the park gate (2,150m), turn around, and begin the full ascent of Kilimanjaro.

Pass multiple aid stations before reaching:

Kibo Camp (4,695m)
Uhuru Peak (5,900m)

Descend to the finish line at Mandara Camp (2,700m).

All Runners

After finishing:

Access to personal gear and tents
Hot meals and refreshments
Time to relax, celebrate, and recover

Dinner & Overnight:
Mandara Camp (2,700m)

Day 8 – Descend the Mountain & Return to Moshi

Enjoy a relaxed morning and breakfast, followed by the race awards ceremony.

Descend through lush rainforest from Mandara Camp to the Marangu Park Gate (1,960m).

Distance: ~7 km

Lunch, then transfer by private vehicle back to Moshi.

Options:

Depart Tanzania the same day, or
Stay an extra night in Moshi to relax and celebrate

Day 9 – Final Departure (If Staying an Extra Night)

Breakfast at the hotel.
Free time until your included transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.

End of Program

Important Notes

Daily schedules and transfer times are approximate
The itinerary may be adjusted for safety, weather, or park regulations
Kilimanjaro National Park authorities may require changes at any time
Hotels are subject to availability; similar alternatives may be used

Kilimanjaro Marathon Race Information

Everything You Need to Know About Running the Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon

The Kilimanjaro Marathon and Ultra Marathon are among the world’s most challenging endurance events, taking runners from lower mountain camps to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru Peak – 5,900m / 19,341 ft).

This section covers race start times, cutoffs, safety, aid stations, required gear, weather conditions, and what’s included in the Kilimanjaro Trail Marathon program.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Race Dates & Start Times

All Kilimanjaro Marathon and Ultra Marathon races start at 4:00 AM.

Starting early allows runners to:

Maximize daylight at high altitude
Safely attempt the Kilimanjaro summit
Avoid afternoon weather changes
Ensure adequate time to complete the race

Exact race dates are confirmed annually and shared with all registered participants.

Can I Complete the Kilimanjaro Marathon?

Yes — with proper training, preparation, and determination.

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is designed for experienced endurance athletes, but it is achievable for runners who prepare correctly and respect the altitude.

You are well suited if you have:

Marathon or ultra-marathon experience
Trail running or mountain running background
Strong endurance fitness
Experience hiking or trekking at altitude
Ironman or long-course triathlon experience

Mental toughness is just as important as physical fitness. With smart training, altitude awareness, and guidance from our professional mountain staff, many runners successfully complete the Mount Kilimanjaro Summit Marathon.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Cutoff Times & Safety Policy

There is no official cutoff time under normal race conditions.

Our goal is for every runner to reach the summit safely.

However, the race director and Kilimanjaro mountain guides reserve the right to:

Implement cutoff times
Modify or shorten the course
Stop or delay summit attempts
Turn participants around for safety reasons

These decisions may be required due to:

Severe weather (wind, snow, storms, fog)
Altitude illness or medical issues
National Park or government closures
Unsafe trail or mountain conditions

All safety decisions are final and made in coordination with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Aid Stations

There are 3–4 fully stocked aid stations along the Kilimanjaro Marathon and Ultra Marathon course.

Aid stations provide:

Purified drinking water
Energy snacks (nuts, dried fruit, cookies, pretzels, chocolate)
Medical support
Communication with race headquarters

Base Camp Aid Station (4,695m)

The most important aid station before the summit push includes:

Hot food (such as soup)
Changing tent
Access to your summit drop bag
Medical and safety staff

Runner Responsibility

Due to long distances between aid stations, runners must carry:

Personal hydration
Nutrition
Emergency and safety gear

Aid station locations may change depending on conditions.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Rules

Mass start for all participants
Official timing is based on gun time
Mandatory pre-race briefing and packet pickup
Assigned race bib for all runners
No littering — Kilimanjaro is a protected national park
Instructions from race staff and guides must be followed

Race photos are provided free of charge when available.

Required Gear for the Kilimanjaro Marathon

All runners must have:

Passport (required for park entry)
Headlamp or flashlight
Hydration system
Cold-weather and rain protection
Personal first-aid kit
Personal funds

Recommended Kilimanjaro Marathon Gear

Due to extreme elevation and temperature changes, layered clothing is essential.

Summit Drop Bag Information

Each participant may prepare one drop bag for the base camp aid station.

Drop bags are used for:

Warm summit clothing
Gloves, jacket, and thermal layers

Maximum weight: 15 lbs
Drop bags are carried by porters and accessed only at base camp.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Rental Gear

Available rental items include:

Sleeping bag (-25°C rated): $60
Waterproof duffel bags: $6
Warm clothing and rain gear: $5–$20
Hiking poles: $12

Rental availability is confirmed during the pre-race meeting.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Safety

Runner safety is our highest priority.

Professional Kilimanjaro mountain guides
Medical-trained staff
Oxygen cylinders available
Satellite phones and long-range radios

Guides monitor altitude symptoms and pacing, especially during the summit portion.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Weather Conditions

February is typically part of Kilimanjaro’s dry season, but conditions can change quickly.

Runners must be prepared for:

Cold temperatures
Wind
Rain or snow
Fog

Temperature range:

Summit daytime: ~4°C / 40°F
Nighttime: below freezing

Kilimanjaro Marathon Trail Conditions

Well-defined trails
Non-technical overall
Steepest section is the summit climb
Downhill sections are generally runnable

Trail surfaces may include rock, scree, dust, mud, and forest paths.

Kilimanjaro Marathon Goodie Bags

All participants receive:

Custom Kilimanjaro Trail Marathon technical shirt
Official race merchandise
Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificate

Post-Race Awards & Results

An awards ceremony takes place in Moshi after the race.

Results and split times are:

Published online
Sent directly to participants

What’s Included in the Kilimanjaro Marathon Package

Airport transfers (official dates)
Hotel accommodation in Moshi with breakfast
Luggage storage
All mountain camping equipment
Professional local guides and porters
All meals on the mountain
National Park and special permits
Transportation to and from the mountain
Oxygen, radios, satellite phones
Extra acclimatization day
Professionally organized marathon and ultra race
Aid stations, race shirt, online results, summit certificate

Why Run the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon?

The Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon is one of the most extraordinary destination races in the world, offering runners a rare opportunity to compete at altitude on the slopes of Africa’s highest mountain. Combining endurance sport, breathtaking scenery, and authentic cultural experiences, this event is much more than a race—it’s a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

One of Africa’s Most Scenic Marathons

The Kilimanjaro Marathon takes place in northern Tanzania, surrounded by dramatic landscapes that include volcanic terrain, alpine zones, rainforest, and open plains.

Runners experience:

Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro
Remote mountain trails and natural scenery
A unique high-altitude running environment

Few races in the world offer such a powerful combination of nature, altitude, and challenge.

A Unique Blend of Sport, Culture & Adventure

Running the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon is not just about crossing the finish line—it’s about immersing yourself in Tanzanian culture and adventure travel.

Participants enjoy:

Warm hospitality from local communities
Cultural experiences in Moshi town
Authentic East African food and traditions

This makes the race ideal for runners seeking both athletic achievement and meaningful travel.

A Perfect Destination Marathon for International Runners

The Kilimanjaro Marathon is designed as a destination marathon, making it especially attractive to international runners looking to combine racing with exploration.

Many participants choose to combine their marathon with:

Mount Kilimanjaro trekking or climbing
Serengeti Wildebeest Migration
Ngorongoro Crater wildlife experiences
Coffee tours and cultural excursions in Moshi

This flexibility allows runners to turn one race into a complete Tanzania adventure.

Training, Safety & Local Expertise

Running at altitude in Tanzania requires proper preparation and expert support. That’s why the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon is professionally organized with safety as the top priority.

We provide detailed guidance on:

Altitude acclimatization and climate conditions
Endurance and trail-running training tips
Required and recommended race gear
Nutrition, hydration, and pacing strategies

On race day, runners are supported by:

Experienced mountain guides
Trained medical staff
Fully stocked aid stations
Emergency communication systems

This ensures a safe, well-managed, and rewarding marathon experience.

Travel Planning & Things to Do in Tanzania

Moshi, the race base, is easily accessible via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and offers accommodation options for every budget—from comfortable guesthouses to luxury lodges.

Before or after the race, runners often:

Climb or trek Mount Kilimanjaro
Go on a Tanzania safari
Visit coffee farms and waterfalls
Explore local markets and cultural sites

For expert mountain travel insights and planning, we recommend visiting Mount Kilimanjaro Guide.

Book the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon With Confidence

To secure your Kilimanjaro Marathon race and travel package, a minimum non-refundable deposit of USD 400 is required.

Flexible options are available, including:

Safari extensions
Additional nights in Moshi
Custom Tanzania travel itineraries

Our licensed local travel partners can also assist with:

Travel insurance
Airport transfers
Car rentals
Personalized route planning

With professional organization, local expertise, and unforgettable scenery, the Mount Kilimanjaro Marathon is truly one of the world’s most rewarding destination races.