Overview
Marangu is the classic route up Kilimanjaro and the only one where you sleep in huts instead of tents. Beds and walls make the nights more comfortable, although the huts are basic and shared with other climbers.
Compared with our 5-day Marangu climb, this version adds a rest and acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, which improves your chances on summit night without needing extra nights under canvas. We collect you from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) on any day and bring you to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, both included.
Read our guide to route length and summit success, or get in touch to reserve your 6-day Marangu trek.
| 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 (7 days)
ARRIVAL AT KILIMANJARO MOUNTAIN RESORT
Our driver brings you from the airport to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort in Marangu, at the foot of the mountain. At 5:30 pm your guide runs through the pre-climb briefing, checks your equipment 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 it is a short drive from the hotel to Marangu Gate for park registration. The climb begins through rich tropical rainforest to Mandara, the first hut, where you have dinner and spend the night. If you have energy left, the forest around the hut is lovely for a short stroll.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut (2,700 m): about 5-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
MANDARA TO HOROMBO HUT
The day starts with a steep section through the forest before the trail opens onto moorland; on a clear day Kibo and Mawenzi are both in sight. You reach Horombo Hut in the middle of the afternoon with time to relax and enjoy the view.
Mandara to Horombo Hut (3,720 m): about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT HOROMBO
Today is set aside to help your body adapt. You take a walk towards Mawenzi Hut past the striped Zebra Rocks, then return to Horombo for a second night. Walk slowly and keep drinking plenty of water.
All meals are served at Horombo Hut.
HOROMBO TO KIBO HUT
A slow, gradual climb takes you into the lunar landscape of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo and on to Kibo Hut (4,700 m), where you sleep in a hut. There is no running water here. Rest for the remainder of the day and go to bed early.
Horombo to Kibo Hut: about 4-6 hours on foot. All meals included.
SUMMIT NIGHT, THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO
You wake before midnight and climb slowly by head torch up the zig-zags of volcanic scree to Gillman's Point (5,685 m) on the crater rim, pausing as the sun rises over Mawenzi. Climbers who feel good carry on for about three hours return along the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. The descent to Kibo Hut is fast; after refreshments you continue down to Horombo Hut.
Kibo Hut to the summit and back to Horombo (3,720 m): about 13-15 hours on foot. All meals included.
HOROMBO TO MARANGU GATE
The final descent passes Mandara Hut on the way to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. From there you are driven to Kilimanjaro Mountain Resort for dinner and the night.
Horombo to Marangu Gate: about 6-7 hours on foot, followed by your departure transfer.
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.