8-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 5-day Marangu Route

Route Desciption

The Marangu route is a popular route and also the cheapest. It is the only route that offers mountain huts instead of tents for the overnight stays. The route leads straight up to the summit and down again via the same route. Altitude changes per day are significant, which is why this route is only suitable for experienced climbers.

The ascent via the Marangu route takes a total of five days. However, it is recommended to add an extra day to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. If you choose to do so, you can stay an extra night in Horombo huts on the fourth day and make an acclimatization hike. This extra day significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit.

Plan Itenary
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible

Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)

The first morning, your guide takes you from the hotel to Marangu Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then you cross some untouched rainforest. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara huts. In the afternoon you have the option to go to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts or you can just rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!

Marangu Route (2/5) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forests to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.

Marangu Route (3/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The hike is heavy and takes you through open landscapes with less shelter. You arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead!

Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Mandara

Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The hike is heavy and takes you through open landscapes with less shelter. You arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead!

Marangu Route (5/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – hotel

On this final day on the mountain, you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six-hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.

Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It’s also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!

Why choose us

FAQ

Absolutely yes. We will arrange all airport transfers for you from and to the airport so that you don’t have to worry about how to get to your hotel. One of our drivers or guides will come to pick you up and take you back to the airport. This is already included in our offers and services.

A private departure can be arranged at any time according to your individual travel dates for highest flexibility. A group departure has a planned schedule on a specific date and let you share some costs while travelling. So if you are on a budget and want to meet friends from all over the world you can join one of our groups.

Absolutely yes. Our handpicked hotels all offer you to safely store your luggage during your climb. In this way you can leave all gear that you won’t need during your climb at the hotel. That is very convenient if you are planning to go on a safari or to Zanzibar after your hike.

Tanzania Horizon Safaris has worked out a very transparent cancellation policy. In most cases we can offer a voucher if you have  to postpone your travel. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. Please note that deposits are non-refundable as they have to be used for making reservations for your hotel and transport.

*If a booking is cancelled the client is subject to a cancellation fee as follows:

  • until 4 weeks prior to departure – 30% Cancellation Fee
  • 4-2 weeks prior to departure – 50% Cancellation Fee
  • 2-1 weeks prior to departure – 75% Cancellation Fee
  • less then 1 week prior to departure – 100% Cancellation Fee: The company reserves the right to cancel any tour at its sole and absolute discretion, without prior notification in instances where this is unavoidable. However, in that case the company agrees to refund all money that has already been paid by the client. This shall be the company’s sole responsibility to the client and no claim for any damages, howsoever arising, shall accrue against the company.