Highlights
Trek Kilimanjaro through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert and Arctic terrain
- Climb Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route
- Trek through lush rainforest before reaching Mandara Hut and scenic Maundi Crater viewpoints
- Cross heath and moorland towards Horombo Hut beneath Mawenzi and Kibo
- Cross the high-altitude Saddle towards Kibo Hut through Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert landscape
- Reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres before beginning the descent
- Stay in mountain huts throughout the trek
Experience Kilimanjaro’s Marangu Route with varied landscapes, professional guides and a rewarding summit at Uhuru Peak.
7 Days Marangu Route
Experience seven memorable days climbing Mount Kilimanjaro through rainforest, moorland and alpine landscapes towards Uhuru Peak.
Climb Mount Kilimanjaro on the seven-day Marangu Route, starting from Moshi and walking through green forests, open moorlands and higher mountain areas. Stay in mountain huts as you climb toward Uhuru Peak, with time to rest and adjust to the altitude before the summit. After reaching the top, descend back to Moshi.
Day 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport – Transfer to your accommodation in Moshi
The mostly known town of Moshi is renowned as a city that is close to the mountain before and after trekking and offers attractions and adventures.
You will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure you have all the necessary mountain gear. Any missing equipment can be rented on this day. If you arrive early, after checking in to your lodge, you can stretch up by having a town tour and/or having some time to relax at the lodge and get used to the weather.
Overnight at your lodge.
Lindrin Lodge
Day 2
Moshi - Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)
After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu Gate.
Once the necessary paperwork has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut.
After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.
Distance Covered: 8.3 km / 5.2 mi Approx. Time Taken: 5 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Mandara Hut
Day 3
Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)
The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone.
Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m.
From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe.
Distance Covered: 12.5 km / 7.8 mi Approx. Time Taken: 9 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Horombo Hut
Day 4
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)
Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water Point”, which is followed by the so-called “Saddle”.
This nearly vegetation-less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut, which is usually reached in about 5 - 6 hours.
Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short.
Distance Covered: 9.5 km / 5.9 mi Approx. Time Taken: 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Kibo Hut
Day 5
Kibo Hut (4700m) To UHURU PEAK (5895m) & Down To Horombo Hut (3700m)
Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight, which will be long and strenuous.
Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land.
You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m.
On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you, followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.
Distance Covered: 22 km / 13.7 mi Approx. Time Taken: 12 – 15 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included
Horombo Hut
Day 6
Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)
The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m), where a warm lunch is waiting for you. After breakfast, proceed with a dusty path.
Soon, you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m).
After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi.
Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Distance Covered: 20.8 km / 12.9 mi Approx. Time Taken: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included
Lindrin Lodge
Day 7
Depart Tanzania
Enjoy a leisurely breakfast, then drive back to Arusha. On the way, you will have the option of visiting a Maasai Boma for an authentic cultural experience or enjoying a nature walking safari at Mto wa Mbu Village, where you will interact with locals and experience local life.
Proceed to Arusha and drop off at the airport for your onward flight arrangement.
Arusha Airport
Includes
- 2 Nights’ accommodation in Arusha
- Private professional English Mountain guides
- All Kilimanjaro Park Trekking and Hut fees
- Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Return airport Arrival and Departure transfers
- Government taxes, VAT and all relating service charges
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Table and chairs
- Sleeping mattress
- Summit emergency oxygen
- Pulse-oximeter and Medical first aid kit
- AMREF flying doctor evacuation
Excludes
- International and local flight tickets
- Gloves, Sun glasses, Sleeping bag, Hats, Rain suits, Warm Jacket, Heavy boots, Scarf's, Rain Trousers
- Extras at the lodges i.e. drinks, telephone, laundry etc.
- Visa and Travel Insurance
- Tipping to mountain crew (highly recommended)
Descend from Kilimanjaro to Moshi before continuing towards Arusha, completing your seven-day Marangu Route climbing adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Your 7 Days Kilimanjaro Marangu Route
Find practical answers about the Marangu Route, mountain huts, trekking stages, summit day, equipment and planning your Kilimanjaro climb.
You stay in mountain huts at Mandara, Horombo and Kibo, making Marangu the main Kilimanjaro route that uses hut accommodation throughout the climb.
The itinerary lasts seven days, including arrival and departure days, with five main mountain trekking days from Marangu Gate to the summit and back.
Yes, you can discuss additional accommodation, rest days, airport transfers, cultural activities or extra time in Tanzania around your climbing schedule.
Yes, the itinerary includes professional mountain guides, porters, cooks, park and hut fees, meals on the mountain, safety equipment and specified rescue services.
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