Marangu Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our team and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. Take this time to relax, recover from your flight, and prepare for your upcoming Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trek.

The Marangu Route begins on the southeastern side of Kilimanjaro at Marangu Gate (1,870m). After park registration and introductions to your crew, start your 5–7 hour hike through the dense rainforest. You may spot blue monkeys and colorful birds as you ascend to Mandara Hut (2,700m), where you’ll spend the night in A-frame huts with solar generated lighting, bunk beds, and flush toilets. If you are a light sleeper, we suggest bringing ear plugs!

After an early breakfast, continue your ascent through lush forest toward the Maundi Crater, then climb into the moorland zone filled with unique plant life, including giant lobelias. If the weather is clear, detour to the crater rim for your first panoramic view of Kibo Peak. After a 6–8 hour hike, settle in at Horombo Hut (3,720m) for dinner and overnight.

Today is an important rest and adjustment day. You’ll take a short hike toward Mawenzi Peak or explore surrounding ridges before returning to camp. This extra day allows your body to acclimate properly, improving your chances of a safe and successful summit.

Begin a steady climb through alpine desert as you make your way to Kibo Hut (4,700m). Along the way, pass the last water point at 4,130m—make sure to refill your bottles as you will not find another watering point until you get back to Horombo Hut from the summit (you are able to buy bottled mineral water at Kibo Hut). Once at Kibo, you’ll eat an early dinner and get some rest before your summit attempt.

Summit day begins at 11:30 PM with tea and biscuits before heading out into the dark. The trail climbs steeply to Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), then zigzags to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. After a brief rest and snack to refuel, push onward to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. After soaking in your achievement, descend back to Kibo for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for the night. Expect 12–16 hours of total trekking. Here’s the good news, beers can be bought at Horombo!

Trek 20km downhill through moorland and rainforest, returning to Marangu Gate. Here, you’ll receive your summit certificate—green for Gilman’s Point or gold for Uhuru Peak. After tipping your hardworking crew, transfer back to Arusha for a celebratory shower and meal.

After breakfast, you’ll be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport for your return flight or onward adventure. For those wanting more, we offer safari extensions across Tanzania’s top parks.