Tour Overview
The Marangu Route is one of Kilimanjaro's most popular trails, primarily because it is the only route on the mountain that offers hut accommodations for hikers. We provide mattresses and pillows for climbers, as well as sleeping bags, though these are optional based on your preferences. Flexibility is a key part of our service. The Marangu Route is typically completed in 5 days, but we highly recommend extending to 6 days to allow for better acclimatization and a more comfortable ascent.
Included/Exclude
Park fees (For non-residents)
Certified, experienced, English-speaking guides
Camping fees
Porters' salaries
Rescue fees (required by the national park)
All Taxes/VAT
Roundtrip airport transfer
Cooking equipment and eating utensils
All meals on the mountain
2 nights accommodation at The Maridadi hotel or similar
International flights (From/to home)
Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
Tips (Tipping guideline US$50.00 pp per day)
Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fee
Mountain gear
Lunches, dinners, and drinks at your hotel in Moshi
Tour Plan
Departing from Moshi, you'll travel to Marangu Gate to complete the necessary formalities before starting your trek. The adventure begins with an ascent through vibrant tropical rainforest, where you may catch glimpses of blue monkeys near the forest's edge. As the trail opens up, you'll enjoy picturesque hillsides on your way to Mandara Hut.
Along the way, you'll pass through the village of Marangu, situated on the lower slopes of the mountain, before reaching the park gate to finalize your preparations. Your first afternoon’s hike takes you deeper into the forest, with chances to spot Colobus monkeys, culminating at Mandara Hut—an inviting cluster of A-frame huts nestled in a serene forest clearing.
After an early breakfast, you'll begin your trek around 8:00 am.
The hike starts through lush rainforest, then circles the base of the Maundi Crater before quickly transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather permits, consider scrambling up to the Maundi Crater for your first panoramic view of Kibo. Along the trail, you’ll encounter giant lobelias dotting the landscape at this altitude.
The trek takes approximately 6 to 8 hours to complete, covering a distance of 11.5 km (7 miles). Upon reaching Horombo Hut at 3,720 meters, you’ll enjoy a hearty dinner and settle into your sleeping quarters for the night.
Early in the morning, after breakfast at Horombo Hut, you'll start your 1,000-meter ascent to Kibo Hut, covering a distance of approximately 10 km.
Be sure to fill up your water reserves here, as there will be no other water source until you return to Horombo Hut after the summit. Bottled mineral water is also available for purchase at Kibo Hut.
At Kibo Hut, you’ll enjoy an early dinner and should aim to get to bed before 7:00 pm. You’ll be woken around 11:30 pm to begin your 1,150-meter ascent to Uhuru Peak. Ensure all your gear is ready for a prompt departure, including insulated water, snacks, your headlamp, and a camera.
Summit night begins with an early wake-up, where you'll be served hot tea and biscuits before starting your ascent.
The route takes you along a rocky path to the first checkpoint, Hans Meyer Cave, at 5,150 meters. From there, you'll continue to zigzag for 2-3 hours to reach Gilman’s Point at 5,681 meters on the crater rim of Kibo. At this stage, fatigue is likely to set in.
Take a moment to rest and refuel with a snack. The final push to Uhuru Peak requires significant mental stamina and determination. Focus on moving slowly and deliberately during the challenging final 200-meter ascent.
On the last day, you will trek from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, covering nearly 20 km, which usually takes about 7 hours to complete. At this stage, exhaustion is common, and you’ll likely spend much of the hike dreaming about the hot shower awaiting you that evening.
Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you will receive your trekking certificate. It is customary to provide tips to your trekking team for their hard work and support. You will then be driven back to your hotel or next destination, where you can begin your celebrations!
