Kilimanjaro Trekking Marangu

6 days—Mount Kilimanjaro Trekking (Marangu Route)

$1585-2024 USD

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Safari summary

The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes on Kilimanjaro mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers. We do provide mattresses and pillows for climbers as well as sleeping bags but these can also be optional depending on your needs and demands. We're quite flexible. The Marangu route can be completed within 5 days but we do highly recommend 6 full days for acclimatization.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	None
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	All months
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Internal flights
International flights
Premium alcoholic beverages
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate (1,870 m), a 2-hour drive from Arusha through Marangu village. Meet your trekking team, complete park registration, and watch porters prepare their loads. Day one is a 5–7 hr gradual trek through rainforest, ending at Mandara Huts (2,700 m) with solar lighting, flush toilets, and bunk beds—earplugs recommended for light sleepers.

Mandara Hut

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, start trekking around 8 am through rainforest, past Maundi Crater, and into low alpine moorland. If clear, scramble Maundi Crater for your first full view of Kibo. Spot giant lobelias along the 11.5 km (7 mi), 6–8 hr trek. Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight stay.

Horombo Hut

Acclimatisation at Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

This is an important acclimatisation day at Horombo. We will take you on a hike towards Mawenzi which is a 3-hour hike up and about 1.5 hours back to Horombo Hut. We highly recommend this as it will assist with acclimatization and success towards the summit.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, begin a 1,000 m, 10 km ascent to Kibo Hut. Fill your water supplies, as the next point is back at Horombo. Bottled water is available at Kibo. Enjoy an early dinner and aim to sleep by 7 pm, as you’ll be woken around 11:30 pm for the 1,150 m climb to Uhuru Peak. Prepare gear, water, snacks, headlamp, and camera.

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo

Kilimanjaro

Summit day begins with an early wake-up for tea and biscuits before starting the ascent. Follow the rocky trail to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), then zigzag 2–3 hrs to Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on Kibo’s crater rim. Rest and refuel, then tackle the final 200 m push slowly and steadily, using focus and mental stamina to reach the summit.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

The last day is from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate which is nearly 20km but usually only takes 7 hours to complete. You will be exhausted at this stage and spend most of the hike imagining the hot shower you will be having that evening. At Marangu Gate, you will be presented with your certificate. It is customary to present your trekking team with their hard-earned tips at this point. You will then be driven back to your hotel or to your next destination where celebrations can begin!

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