Marangu route

8 days—Climb the tallest mountain in Africa.

$2110-3290 USD

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Safari summary

Fulfill a dream – climbing up the highest and most famous summit in Tanzania. Mount Kilimanjaro stands almost 6000 meters above sea level, but one does not need to be an experienced mountain climber to reach its peak. To climb to the summit of Kilimanjaro, you need to be in a fit and healthy state with good all-around conditions, strong willpower, and a little bit of luck. All you really need is the ambition – we will do the rest.

About this tour

	Tour type	Custom, tailor-made, private
	Main focus	Hiking \| trekking
	Activity level	Strenuous activity
	Best months	January, February, March, June, July, August, September, October, December
	Countries	Tanzania
	Parks	Kilimanjaro

Fine details

Safari highlights

Hiking | trekking

What’s included?

Accommodation
Airport transfers
All drinks
Meals
Park fees

What’s not included?

Alcoholic beverages
Hot air balloons
Internal flights
International flights
Laundry
Premium alcoholic beverages
Spa treatments
Tips and gratuities
Visas

Itinerary

Arrival

At Kilimanjaro Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River, close to Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha (a short taxi drive away). In the late afternoon, you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek.

Meru View Lodge in Arusha.

Arusha – Marangu gate-Mandara Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paperwork, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and had some time to catch your breath, you can join a walk to the Maundi Crater.

Mandara Hut.

Mandara Hut -Horombo Hut

Kilimanjaro

An early breakfast gets you ready for the trek ahead and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut, you will reach the crossroads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombo Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moorland reaching your destination in approximately 4 to 6 hours. After your evening meal you will drift off to sleep at the Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut -Zebra Rocks

Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit and this 2 to 4-hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. You will stay another night at Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut

Kilimanjaro

After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into an alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 11 pm.

Kibo Hut

Kibo Hut - Uhuru Peak

Kilimanjaro

The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlights leading the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

Horombo Hut

Horombo Hut - Arusha

Kilimanjaro

The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. At the lodge, you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.

Meru View Lodge in Arusha.

Arusha – Kilimanjaro Airport

After breakfast, you will either be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip and go on a safari tour or relax by the Indian Ocean.

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