7-Day Mt Kilimanjaro Hike via Marangu Route

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

Pick-up from the Airport

Upon your arrival at either Kilimanjaro or Arusha Airport, you'll be met and transferred to Arusha Farm House. After checking in and getting settled, your guide will meet with you for a detailed briefing about the upcoming hike covering what to expect each day and ensuring you have all the essential gear needed for the journey.

Main Destination:

Arusha (City)

Accommodation:

Arusha Farm House

• Mid-range lodge located in Arusha (City)

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Meals & Drinks:

• Dinner (Breakfast & lunch not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Marangu gate to Mandara Hut

After enjoying breakfast and a final briefing, you'll depart for the Kilimanjaro National Park's Marangu Gate approximately a 2-hour drive. Upon arrival, you'll complete the registration process and begin your trek. The trail leads you through lush montane rainforest as you make your way to Mandara Hut. If time and energy allow, a short detour to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and even into Kenya. Along the way, keep an eye out for towering eucalyptus trees, vibrant bird species, and black-and-white Colobus monkeys.

Elevation Gain: 1,860m (6,100ft) to 2,700m (8,875ft)
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount 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

Today’s trek takes you out of the rainforest glades and onto an ascending trail through open moorland, leading to Horombo Hut. Along the way, you’ll be treated to striking views of both Mawenzi and the snow-capped summit of Kibo. The landscape begins to change noticeably, with unique alpine vegetation such as giant lobelias and groundsels dotting the terrain. At this altitude, you may start to notice the first signs of acclimatization.

Elevation Gain: 2,700m (8,875ft) to 3,700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Heathland.

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)

Horombo Hut (3720m) – Acclimatization

Today is dedicated to acclimatization at Horombo Hut, giving your body time to adjust to the higher altitude. For those feeling up to it, there’s an optional day hike to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m), which further aids the acclimatization process and offers stunning views of the surrounding peaks. Meals will be provided at the hut breakfast and dinner are served on-site, while lunch can either be packed for the hike or enjoyed at the hut, depending on your day's plan and preference.

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

As you continue your ascent, you'll pass the final reliable water point before crossing the wide, barren saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail begins in upper heathland but soon transitions into a stark, lunar-like alpine desert an otherworldly landscape with minimal vegetation. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll have dinner, rest, and begin preparations for the challenging summit attempt ahead.

Elevation Gain: 3,700m (12,200ft) to 4,700m (15,500ft)
Distance: 9 km (5.5 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

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 to Summit/ Summit to Kibo Hut

In the early hours of the morning—between midnight and 2 a.m. You’ll begin your final ascent to the summit. The trail to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim is steep and challenging, with loose scree or snow underfoot. From Gilman’s, you’ll press on toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point on the African continent. As the sun rises, you'll be rewarded with breathtaking views in every direction truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be sure to capture a photo at the summit to commemorate your achievement. After reaching the summit, you'll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch before continuing down to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay.

Elevation Gain: 4,700m (15,500ft) to 5,895m (19,340ft)
Descent: Down to 3,700m (12,200ft)
Distance: 6 km (4 miles) up / 15 km (9 miles) down
Estimated Hiking Time: 6–8 hours up / 4–5 hours down
Habitat: Alpine Desert.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Kibo Hut

• Budget mountain hut located on Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Horombo Hut to Trailhead

After breakfast, you'll begin your final descent a steady trek down through the heath and moorland to Mandara Hut. From there, the trail continues through the lush rainforest, eventually leading you to the Marangu Gate. As you descend into lower altitudes, expect wetter and muddier conditions gaiters and trekking poles are useful here. The warmer temperatures may allow for shorts and t-shirts, but it's wise to keep your rain gear and a warm layer accessible.

Once you arrive at the Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, Moshi, or nearby airports. This is also the time to show appreciation to your mountain crew don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. You’ve completed an incredible journey celebration is well deserved!

Elevation Loss: 3,700m (12,200ft) to 1,700m (5,500ft)
Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
Estimated Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
Habitat: Forest.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

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

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