Marangu Route
About this Tour
- 5 Days
- 4 Nights
Area to Visit
Marangu Gate, Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut and Uhuru Peak
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Marangu Route, a classic trail known for its gradual gradients and hut accommodation. This route offers a comfortable and well-established path to the summit, passing through rainforest, heathland, alpine desert, and the arctic summit zone.
The Marangu Route is ideal for trekkers who prefer sleeping in mountain huts rather than tents, while still enjoying rewarding views and a structured ascent. Led by experienced mountain guides, this climb is designed to balance challenge, acclimatization, and comfort on the journey to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa.
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Full Itinerary
- Arrival Day – Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) – Transfer to Hotel
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our representative will meet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. You will meet your mountain guide for a briefing, check your equipment, and review the itinerary. The evening is free to relax and rest, enjoying the views of Kilimanjaro before your climb begins.
Meal Plan: Dinner
- Day 1: Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
Distance: ~8 km
Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Elevation Gain: 840 m (1,860 m to 2,700 m)
Habitat: Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration with park authorities. The trek starts through dense montane rainforest, alive with birds, moss-covered trees, and occasional monkeys moving through the canopy. The trail is gentle and scenic, allowing your body to begin adjusting to the altitude.
You will reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon. Optional acclimatization walks to Maundi Crater or nearby viewpoints provide a chance to stretch, enjoy the scenery, and spot wildlife. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 2: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
Distance: ~12 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,020 m (2,700 m to 3,720 m)
Habitat: Heath and Moorland
The trek climbs gradually out of the rainforest and into open heath and moorland, where giant heathers, lobelias, and grasses dominate the landscape. The air becomes cooler, and the panoramic views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak emerge, hinting at the challenge ahead.
By the afternoon, you will reach Horombo Hut, located on a broad plateau. This afternoon is for rest and hydration, helping your body adjust to higher altitudes while enjoying the mountain scenery. Dinner and overnight at the hut.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 3: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
Distance: ~10 km
Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
Elevation Gain: 975 m (3,720 m to 4,695 m)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today’s trail crosses the wide, stark saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, entering the alpine desert zone. The landscape is dramatic and open, with sparse vegetation and volcanic rocks. The higher altitude makes the hike more challenging, but the views of the surrounding peaks and plains reward every step.
You will arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon. The rest of the day is for preparing for the summit attempt, hydrating, and getting an early dinner before the midnight ascent.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 4: Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut
Distance: ~22 km (round trip)
Hiking Time: 12–15 hours
Elevation Gain: 1,200 m ascent / 2,175 m descent
Habitat: Alpine Desert → Arctic Zone
Shortly after midnight, you start the final ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,685 m), moving slowly to conserve energy. From here, you continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa, where you can watch a stunning sunrise over the surrounding mountains and plains.
After taking photos at the summit, you descend carefully back to Kibo Hut, rest briefly, then continue to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight. This is the most challenging day, but also the most rewarding.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Day 5: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Transfer to Hotel
Distance: ~20 km
Hiking Time: 5–7 hours
Elevation Loss: 1,860 m (3,720 m to 1,860 m)
Habitat: Heath & Moorland → Montane Rainforest
After breakfast, you descend through moorland and then lush rainforest back to Marangu Gate. The trail is easier on the knees, and the scenery gradually changes as you leave the high-altitude zones behind.
Upon arrival at the gate, you will complete park formalities and receive your summit certificate. You are then transferred to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned shower, dinner, and overnight stay.
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Dinner
- Departure – Transfer from Hotel to Airport
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, completing your Mount Kilimanjaro adventure.
Meal Plan: Breakfast
Price Includes
Price Excludes
The quoted price includes the following:
Professional English-speaking mountain guide
Porters for luggage (1 porter per 2 climbers)
4×4 transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to hotel and back
Bottled mineral water during the trek
Full board accommodation on the mountain (huts)
All park and camping fees, including Kilimanjaro National Park entry
Meals as specified in the itinerary (Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner)
Summit certificates upon successful climb
All Tanzanian government taxes and service charges
Trekking equipment guidance and assistance (maps, route briefing, safety support)
The quoted price does not include the following:
International flights to / from Tanzania
Visas and airport departure taxes
Personal items (snacks, toiletries, clothing)
Laundry service on the mountain or at the hotel
Tips and gratuities for guides and porters
Alcoholic or soft drinks not listed in the itinerary
Travel insurance (mandatory for trekking)
Optional activities (e.g., cultural visits, extra day excursions)
Any last-minute changes requested by the client
Price Includes
From the moment you arrive until your departure, we make sure you are free to relax and enjoy your safari.
- English-speaking chauffeur/guide
- 4×4 Land Cruiser vehicle
- Bottled mineral water while on safari
- Transfers to /from airport / airstrip upon arrival/departure
- Full board accommodation while on safari
- All park entrance fees
- Activities as specified in the itinerary
- All Tanzanian government taxes & service charges
Price Excludes
The quoted price does not include the following:
- All International flights to / from Tanzania
- Visas
- All items of a personal nature
- Laundry service at your lodges
- Tips and gratuities
- Alcoholic drinks while on safari
- Travel Insurance
- Optional activities (Hot Air Balloon in Serengeti).
- Last-minute changes made by you
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