7-Day Mount 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 breakfast and a final briefing, you'll embark on a 2-3hour drive to Marangu Gate in Kilimanjaro National Park. Upon arrival, you'll complete the registration process before beginning your hike. The trail takes you through a lush montane rainforest, gradually leading you to Mandara Hut. If time and energy permit, a brief detour to Maundi Crater offers stunning panoramic views of Northern Tanzania, stretching all the way into Kenya. Along the way, watch for towering eucalyptus trees, colorful birdlife, and the playful 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 hike takes you out of the rainforest and onto an ascending trail that winds through open moorland, leading you to Horombo Hut. As you progress, you’ll be treated to magnificent views of both Mawenzi and the snow-capped summit of Kibo. The landscape starts to shift, with alpine vegetation like towering lobelias and ancient groundsels becoming more common. At this higher altitude, you may begin to feel the first signs of acclimatization as your body adjusts to the thinning air.

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, allowing your body to adjust to the higher altitude. For those feeling adventurous, there’s an optional hike to Mawenzi Hut (4,600m), which further supports the acclimatization process and rewards you with breathtaking 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 your hike or enjoyed at the hut, depending on your plans for the day.

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 upward, you'll pass the final reliable water point before crossing the vast, barren saddle that stretches between the Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail starts in the upper heathland but soon shifts to a stark, lunar-like alpine desert, an otherworldly landscape with minimal vegetation. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you'll enjoy dinner, rest, and begin preparing for the challenging summit attempt that awaits you.

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 demanding, with loose scree or snow beneath your feet. From Gilman’s Point, you’ll continue toward Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. As the sun begins to rise, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views, creating a truly once-in-a-lifetime experience. Be sure to take a moment to capture a photo at the summit to mark your incredible achievement. After reaching the summit, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief 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 through the heath and moorland down to Mandara Hut. From there, the trail continues through the lush rainforest, eventually leading to the Marangu Gate. As you descend to lower altitudes, expect wetter and muddier conditions—gaiters and trekking poles will be helpful here. The warmer temperatures may allow you to switch to shorts and a t-shirt, but be sure to keep your rain gear and a warm layer handy.

Upon reaching Marangu Gate, a vehicle will be waiting to transfer you back to Arusha, Moshi, or nearby airports. This is also the perfect time to express your appreciation to the mountain crew don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. You’ve completed an incredible journey, and a 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:

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

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