Overview
The Marangu route was the first path used to reach Kilimanjaro's summit, and it remains the lowest-cost way to climb. Every night is spent in a mountain hut with a bed and solar lighting instead of a tent and sleeping mat.
Five days is the shortest sensible plan on the mountain. It keeps the price down, but it gives your body relatively little time to adapt. We pick you up at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day and take you to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, both included.
If reaching the top matters more than saving a day, we can easily add a sixth day with an extra night at Horombo. Read our route length guide, or contact us to book.
| Accommodation | Confirmed together with you — see the Rates tab for general comfort levels we work with. |
|---|---|
| Meals | Full board on safari days; meals as specified for any city/beach nights, per your final itinerary. |
Day by Day (6 days)
ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN RESORT
From the airport we drive you to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, on the lower slopes of the mountain. At 5:30 pm your guide gives the pre-climb briefing, checks your kit and confirms your medical cover and travel insurance.
Overnight at Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort with dinner and breakfast included.
MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
After breakfast we make the short drive to Marangu Gate to register. You then climb through beautiful tropical rainforest to Mandara Hut for dinner and the night, with time to wander in the forest around the hut if you wish.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m): about 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
MANDARA TO HOROMBO HUT
A steep start through the forest soon gives way to open moorland, and in clear weather you can see both Kibo and Mawenzi. You arrive at Horombo Hut by mid-afternoon with time to relax and take in the scenery.
Mandara to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
HOROMBO TO KIBO HUT
A gradual climb at a slow pace leads into the stark desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo and on to Kibo Hut (4,700 m), where you spend the night in a hut. There is no running water at Kibo. The rest of the day is for resting and an early night.
Horombo to Kibo Hut: about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO
You set off before midnight, climbing slowly in the dark up zig-zags of volcanic scree to Gillman's Point (5,685 m), where you rest as the sun rises over Mawenzi. If you feel strong, continue on the three-hour round trip along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Africa's highest point. You descend quickly to Kibo Hut for refreshments and then continue down to Horombo.
Kibo Hut to the summit and back to Horombo (3,720 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
MARANGU GATE AND DEPARTURE
You walk down past Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers are given their summit certificates, then transfer to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and the night.
Horombo to Marangu Gate: about 6-7 hours on foot.
After saying goodbye to your crew, our included private transfer takes you from Marangu to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), unless you decide to add a short safari or another extension.
Rates Per Person
The Overview tab explains the accommodation and meal options. Send us your dates and group size for an exact price.
Next: Inclusions →Inclusions
Included
- Private vehicle with your own driver-guide
- Park entry and conservation fees
- Accommodation as specified in your itinerary
- Meals as specified per day (full board on safari days)
- Airport pickup and drop-off
Excluded
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Travel insurance
- Tips and gratuities
- Personal expenses and souvenirs
Getting There
Tour Start & End
This trip starts in Mount Kilimanjaro and ends in Mount Kilimanjaro.
Airport Information
Kilimanjaro International Airport or Mwanza Airport is the most common arrival point for this trip.
Transfer Information
We meet you at the airport and handle every transfer between destinations throughout your trip.
Accommodation Before/After
Want an extra night in Arusha, Moshi or Zanzibar before or after your trip? Just ask and we will arrange it.