8 Days Marangu Route Climb
The Overview
Why it stands out
Journey Highlights
- Highest Altitude: 5,895m/19,341 ft
- Kilimanjaro's oldest established route
- Sleep in cozy A frame mountain huts
- Gentle gradient ideal for first time trekkers
- Stunning views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
- Classic in and out trail with rainforest to arctic terrain
The Route
Day by Day
-
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) → Airport Planet Lodge
Road • 00:45h
A brief drive carries you from the runway to your resting place, the first step of the journey.
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take this time to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for your upcoming Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trek.
Where you'll stay
The Marangu Route begins on the southeastern side of Kilimanjaro at Marangu Gate (1,870m). After park registration and introductions to your crew, start your 5 7 hour hike through the dense rainforest. You may spot blue monkeys and colorful birds as you ascend to Mandara Hut (2,700m), where you’ll spend the night in A frame huts with solar generated lighting, bunk beds, and flush toilets. If you are a light sleeper, we suggest bringing ear plugs!
Where you'll stay
After an early breakfast, continue your ascent through lush forest toward the Maundi Crater, then climb into the moorland zone filled with unique plant life, including giant lobelias. If the weather is clear, detour to the crater rim for your first panoramic view of Kibo Peak. After a 6 8 hour hike, settle in at Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and overnight.
Where you'll stay
Today is an important rest and adjustment day. You’ll take a short hike toward Mawenzi Peak or explore surrounding ridges before returning to camp. This extra day allows your body to acclimate properly, improving your chances of a safe and successful summit.
Where you'll stay
Begin a steady climb through alpine desert as you make your way to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Along the way, pass the last water point at 4,130m make sure to refill your bottles as you will not find another watering point until you get back to Horombo Hut from the summit (you are able to buy bottled mineral water at Kibo Hut). Once at Kibo, you’ll eat an early dinner and get some rest before your summit attempt.
Where you'll stay
Summit day begins at 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits before heading out into the dark. The trail climbs steeply to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), then zigzags to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. After a brief rest and snack to refuel, push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) the highest point in Africa. After soaking in your achievement, descend back to Kibo for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night. Expect 12 16 hours of total trekking. Here’s the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo!
Where you'll stay
-
Marangu Gate → Airport Planet Lodge
Road • 02:00h
The descent complete, you return by road to Arusha, carrying the mountain's memory.
Trek 20km downhill through moorland and rainforest, returning to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate green for Gilman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak. After tipping your hardworking crew, transfer back to Arusha for a celebratory shower and meal.
Where you'll stay
-
Airport Planet Lodge → Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
Road • 00:45h
A final gentle ride to the airport, leaving the highlands behind.
After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight or onward adventure. For those wanting more, we offer safari extensions across Tanzania’s top parks.
Investment
Included
- Arrival and departure transfers to/from Kilimanjaro airport (JRO) to/from Arusha [For those who arrive/depart from Nairobi, we include schedule shuttle bus transfer, available at 8AM and 2PM daily]
- Transport from hotel in Arusha to the mountain and back
- Kilimanjaro national park permits, value added tax (VAT), & all other applicable local government taxes/fees
- Camping/hut fees, mountain rescue fees
- Services of guide, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Accommodation in Arusha for day before & day after trek, including breakfast
- Meals on the mountain
- Boiled drinking water (it is recommended to bring a filter/filtrating tablets)
- Four season, mountain sleeping tent, 2 people sharing (unless stated otherwise)
- Sleeping pad
- Dining tent, tables, chairs
- Bottled oxygen for emergency rescue only
- Oximeter
Excluded
- Airfare
- Items of personal nature
- Climbing gear (most of them can be rented on arrival)
- Tips to the climbing crew
- Medical Equipment which can be rented well in advance for the following costs: $250/group for hyperbaric chamber and $140/group for a stretcher. Please note these prices include a porter to carry the equipment.
- Portable toilets: If you do not want to use public toilets which some of climbers have been complaining about being dirty, then add $110/person (or $180/group) for a portable toilet. Kindly, let us know at the time you make a booking and not afterwards.
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8 Days Marangu Route Climb
8 Days
