7-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route – the Classic Trek

• You'll be collected from the airport.
• Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Arrival in Tanzania

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be warmly welcomed and transferred to your hotel in Arusha.
In the evening, meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing and equipment check to ensure you are fully prepared for the climb.

Main Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:

Greenside Hotel

• Mid-range hotel located in Arusha (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

Arusha - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate (1,870m) on Kilimanjaro’s southeastern side. From Arusha, it’s a two-hour drive through the scenic village of Marangu.

Upon arrival, you’ll meet your trekking team, complete registration with park authorities, and observe porters preparing gear for the climb. The first day involves a gradual trek through the lush rainforest, typically taking 5–7 hours.

Your first night will be spent at Mandara Huts (2,720m), featuring solar lighting, flush toilets, and fresh mountain water. Each hut accommodates 6–8 people in bunk beds, so earplugs are recommended for light sleepers.

Main Destination:

Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After an early breakfast, your trek resumes around 8:00 AM, continuing through the rainforest before transitioning into the low alpine moorland zone. The trail skirts the Maundi Crater, and if the weather is clear, a short scramble up the crater offers a stunning first full view of Kibo.

Along the way, you’ll encounter giant lobelias scattered across the moorland landscape. The trek takes approximately 6–8 hours, covering 11.5 km (7 miles).

By late afternoon, you’ll arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m), where dinner will be served before settling into your sleeping quarters for the night.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

This additional acclimatization day greatly improves summit success rates and allows your body to adapt to the altitude.
You may take a short hike towards Zebra Rocks or simply relax at the camp while enjoying views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Optional Acclimatization Hike:
Elevation Gain: Up to 4,000m+
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After an early breakfast at Horombo Hut (3,720m), you’ll begin a 1,000-meter ascent to Kibo Hut (4,720m), covering approximately 10km. The trail passes through the Saddle, a barren, high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.

Be sure to fill your water bottles here, as there are no water sources until your return to Horombo. Bottled water is available for purchase at Kibo Hut.

Upon arrival, you’ll have an early dinner and rest before your summit push. Try to sleep before 7:00 pm, as you'll be awakened at 11:30 pm to begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. Ensure your gear is ready, including insulated water, snacks, a headlamp, and a camera.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

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Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak – Horombo Hut

Around midnight, begin your summit attempt under the stars. This is the most challenging yet rewarding stage of the trek.

Slowly ascend towards Gilman’s Point before continuing to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Witness a breathtaking sunrise above the clouds and glaciers before beginning your descent.

After celebrating your achievement, descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing to Horombo Hut for overnight.

Hiking Details:
Elevation: 4,700m to 5,895m to 3,720m
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10–14 hours
Habitat: Arctic / Moorland.

Main Destination:

Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

Horombo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate - Arusha

On your final day, you’ll descend nearly 20km from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, a journey that takes about 7 hours. By this point, exhaustion sets in, and thoughts of a hot shower and a well-earned rest will keep you going.

At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate, a proud reminder of your achievement. It’s also customary to tip your trekking team in appreciation of their hard work. Afterward, you’ll be driven back to Arusha or onward to your next destination - time to celebrate your incredible journey!

Main Destination:

Marangu Gate (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast & lunch (Dinner not included)
• All drinks (Except for spirits/liquor)

• Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
• You'll be dropped off at the airport.