Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Marangu Route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Marangu Route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. Inquire NowThe accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which is an advantage over other routes as the mountain can be very cold at night.
8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Marangu Route
Day 1: Kilimanjaro Airport – Moshi
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Keys Hotel in Moshi, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Moshi (taxi might be required) or just relax at the hotel. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night at the Keys Hotel.
Meal plan Dinner
Journey Plan:
| Day | Start | End | Approx. altitude | Duration | Route description |
| 1 | Marangu Gate (1,840 m) | Mandara Hut (2,670 m) | 835 m | 3 – 4 h | Beautiful passage through the mountain forest with a chance of seeing colobus monkeys. |
| 2 | Mandara Hut (2,670 m) | Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | 1,100 m | 5 – 6 h | Stage through heath and moorland with typical senecia and lobelia. |
| 3 | Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | 400 m 400 m |
3 h | Acclimatisation day with a hike to the Zebra rocks. |
| 4 | Horombo Hut (3,720 m) | Kibo Hut (4,700 m) |
980 m | 5 – 6 h | The alpine desert becomes more and more pronounced. Passing the Last Water Point and over the Saddle to the Kibo Hut. |
| 5 | Kibo Hut (4,700 m) | Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,080 m) | 1200 m 2200 m |
10 – 13 h | Start before dawn, at sunrise over Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak. Descent via Kibo Hut to Horombo Hut. |
| 6 | Horombo Hut (3,080 m) | Marangu Gate (1,840 m) | ? 1880 m | 4 – 6 h | Descent through the rain forest to the park gate. |
Day 2: Moshi – Marangu gate (1,840 m) – Mandara hut (2,670 m)
After breakfast at the hotel you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rain forest.
You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut (2650m). Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2,670 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs.
Approximately 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at an altitude of about 3,720 m. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a 2 to 4 hour trek to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner.
Day 5: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 h. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 6: Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (4,700 m)
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark.
Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,720 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 7: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) – Marangu Gate (1,840 m) – Moshi
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,670 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you.
Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rain forest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate (1,840 m). After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the Keys Hotel in Moshi. At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night at the Keys Hotel. Meal plan Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Day 8 Moshi – Kilimanjaro Airport
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari. Meal plan Breakfast. Inquire Now
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Marangu Route Package includes:
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Mountain crew (cook & porters).
- Meals according to the itinerary.
- Drinking water.
- Overnight stays in hotels and mountain huts.
- All national park fees.
- All mentioned transfers.
The 8 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking on the Marangu Route Package excludes:
- Sleeping bag.
- Flights.
- Optional activities.
- Alcoholic and soft drinks.
- Visa fees.
- Tips.
- Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance.