6-Day Kilimanjaro Trek - Marangu Route
Safari overview
The Marangu Route provides a well-established, scenic path to the summit with hut accommodations each night, allowing for a more comfortable experience. The additional acclimatization day included in this itinerary boosts your chances of reaching the summit successfully.
Kilimanjaro trekking is one of the most popular adventures in Africa, attracting hikers eager to conquer the continent’s highest peak at 5,895 meters. The climb requires no technical mountaineering skills, making it accessible to both beginners and experienced trekkers. Various routes, such as Machame, Marangu, and Lemosho, offer different levels of challenge and scenery, from dense rainforests to alpine deserts and glacial peaks. While the trek is demanding due to high altitude, proper acclimatization and a steady pace increase the chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. The reward is an unforgettable experience with breathtaking views and the ultimate sense of achievement.
Safari Itinerary
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will welcome you and transfer you to your hotel in Arusha. In the evening, you’ll attend a pre-trek briefing where our guides will discuss essential details about the trek, conduct a gear check, and answer any questions. It’s a day to relax and prepare for the adventure.
- Altitude: Arusha sits at about 1,400m (4,593ft).
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Dinner included
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate (1,870m/6,135ft), where the trek begins. Hike through lush rainforest, covering 8 kilometers (5 miles) over 4 to 5 hours. You may spot monkeys and tropical plants on your way to Mandara Hut at 2,700 meters (8,858ft).
- Altitude: 1,870m/6,135ft to 2,700m/8,858ft
- Distance: 8km (5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 4-5 hours
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Continue through the rainforest, transitioning into heather and moorland zones. You’ll trek 12 kilometers (7.5 miles) over 6 to 8 hours, arriving at Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters (12,205ft). The route offers panoramic views and chances to see the giant groundsels unique to Kilimanjaro.
- Altitude: 2,700m/8,858ft to 3,720m/12,205ft
- Distance: 12km (7.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
An acclimatization day at Horombo Hut allows your body to adjust to the altitude. You’ll take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980m/13,058ft), a 3-kilometer (1.9 miles) trek that takes about 2 hours. This day aids your chances of summiting and prepares you for higher altitudes.
- Altitude: 3,720m/12,205ft, with an acclimatization hike to 3,980m/13,058ft
- Distance: 3km (1.9 miles) for the acclimatization hike
- Trekking Time: 2 hours for the acclimatization hike
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Trek across the alpine desert to Kibo Hut at 4,700 meters (15,420ft). The route covers 10 kilometers (6.2 miles) in 6 to 8 hours, with majestic views of the summit. Rest and prepare for the final ascent, which begins at midnight.
- Altitude: 3,720m/12,205ft to 4,700m/15,420ft
- Distance: 10km (6.2 miles)
- Trekking Time: 6-8 hours
- Accommodation: Kibo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
The summit push begins at midnight. Climb to Gilman’s Point (5,685m/18,652ft) on the crater rim, then continue to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341ft). The ascent takes 6 to 8 hours, followed by a descent to Horombo Hut, covering 21 kilometers (13 miles) in total over 12 to 15 hours.
- Altitude: 4,700m/15,420ft to 5,895m/19,341ft (Uhuru Peak), then down to 3,720m/12,205ft
- Distance: 21km (13 miles)
- Trekking Time: 12-15 hours
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
Descend 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) over 5 to 6 hours through rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you’ll collect your summit certificate. Our team will then transfer you back to Arusha to relax and celebrate.
- Altitude: 3,720m/12,205ft to 1,870m/6,135ft
- Distance: 20km (12.4 miles)
- Trekking Time: 5-6 hours
- Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha
- Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
- Altitude: 4,035m/13,238ft to 4,640m/15,223ft
- Distance: 4km (2.5 miles)
- Trekking Time: 3-4 hours
- Accommodation: Barafu Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner
After a restful night, you’ll transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure, carrying unforgettable memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
- Meals: Breakfast included
Includes
- Airport transfers (Kilimanjaro International Airport)
- Two (2) nights’ accommodation in Arusha
- All park transfers and Park fees
- Quality mountain camping equipment (tents & sleeping mats)
- Certified professional mountain guides, cook, and porters
- Three hot meals daily on the mountain with treated drinking water
- Safety equipment (oxygen, pulse oximeter, first-aid kit)
- Portable flush toilet for groups of 4+ (USD 95 extra for smaller groups)
Excludes
- International and domestic flights
- Visa fees and travel insurance
- Personal expenses (laundry, beverages, souvenirs, etc.)
- Personal trekking gear and clothing
- Optional activities not listed in the itinerary
- Tips for guides, porters, and mountain crew
- Additional accommodation outside the stated itinerary
- Online payment surcharge of 5% on the remaining balance
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