The Marangu route is a well-known and affordable option. It is the only route that provides mountain huts for overnight stays rather than tents. The path goes directly to the summit and follows the same route back down. Due to significant daily altitude changes, this route is best suited for experienced climbers.
The journey to the summit via the Marangu route typically takes five days. However, adding an extra day is advised to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude. If you choose this option, you can spend an additional night at Horombo Huts on the fourth day and take an acclimatization hike. This extra day greatly enhances your chances of successfully reaching the summit.
If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.
Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should be planning to arrive atleast one day before the start of the trek. Today we will spend in having a pre-trek briefing. We will also review your equipment and rent any equipment which is needed.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the affects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
All meals while on the Mountain
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Kilimanjaro summit certificate
Emergency Oxygen Cylinder
Clean, purified drinking water
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Sleeping Mattress
Professional, experienced, mountain guides
Meals not listed in the itinerary
International and domestic flights
Liquors, beers and bottled beverages
Tanzania Visa
Travel insurance
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Transfers (available as an optional addon)
Surcharge for online payment of advance and balance (5% on each payment)
Tips and gratuities
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Hotel (available as an optional addon)
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Arusha, Tanzania (East Africa)