Marangu Route

Day 0: arrival

After checking in at the airport (JRO) you will meet your driver who will take you to the hotel in Moshi. For the rest of your day, you can do anything you want such as relaxing by the pool or you can explore more of Moshi. Your guide will meet with you in the evening and they will check all of your equipment as well as giving you a briefing about the climb.

Day 1: ascent from Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Marangu Hut (2,700m)

Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

After having had breakfast in the hotel, we will take you to the Kilimanjaro National Park and to the Marangu Gate which is 1,860 metres above sea level. After completing the paperwork that is necessary for you to fill in so that you can climb, your ascent can begin. In the first section, you will walk through a rainforest where you may be able to see monkeys and animals in the vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later you will arrive at the first camp, Marangu Hut. After resting, if you choose to go your guide can take you on a short walk to Maundi Crater, where there are beautiful views of the Kilimanjaro mountain range.

Day 2: ascent from Marangu Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,700m)

Distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6-7 hours

After an early breakfast, you will start climbing and shortly after the environment around you will change to a bushy, leafy forest. Around 4-6 hours, you will be able to see Horombo Hut which is around 3,720m above sea level. From Horombo Hut, there are stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Peak, two smaller mountains in the Kilimanjaro mountain range.

Day 3: acclimatisation day at Horombo Hut (3,700m)

Distance: 3 km
Hiking time: 2-4 hours

Day 3 is for acclimatisation. This is important because it will significantly increase your chances of successfully climbing to the peak while being able to avoid mountain sickness. If you choose to do so, then after breakfast you can set out on a 2-4 hour hiking tour to Zebra Rocks which is 3,980m above sea level. It was given its name due to the dark and light stripes engraved on the mountain. When you return to Horombo Hut, there will be a hot lunch waiting for you. In the afternoon, you can relax so that you are ready for the coming days.

Day 4: ascent from Horombo Hut (3,700m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)

Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 3-4 hours

There will be a longer hike awaiting you today. When you get higher, there will be barely any greenery and it will be almost like an alpine desert. Around 5-6 hours later, you will arrive at Kibo Hut where you can rest all afternoon so that you are ready to climb to the peak tomorrow. The climb will start in the early hours of the morning, when it is still dark.

Day 5: ascent from Kibo Hut (4,700m) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) and down to Horombo Hut (3,700 m)

Distance: 21 km
Hiking time: 12-14 hours

Day 5 is the day where you will ascend to Uhuru Peak- the tallest peak on Mt. Kilimanjaro. We will wake you up just before midnight and shortly after you will have a small snack before the summit push. At this hour, the volcanic ash is frozen which means that it is a little bit easier to climb up it. You await a night-time trek in the cold heights, where there is a lack of oxygen. Even though it may be difficult, there is a high chance that you will make it to the peak with us. At sunrise you will reach Stella Point, on the rim of the crater, from where the path isn’t so steep but due to the thin air it is still tiring and requires a slow pace of walking. After sunrise, it will get significantly warmer. After another 1-2 hours you will reach your goal- Uhuru Peak which is 5,895m above sea level. This is the highest point in Africa. Enjoy this moment and don’t forget to take a photo with the iconic sign signifying the peak of Kilimanjaro in the background! Our guides will be more than happy to take your picture.

The first part of the descent is down the same path as earlier. The volcanic ash, which has probably melted by now may be slightly slippery. After returning to Kibo Hut, you will be given a hot meal as well as 1-2 hours to rest and then you will continue your descent to Horombo Hut which is 3,700 m above sea level. In this height, there is more oxygen so that you can rest better after the long climb. After dinner, you can go to sleep.

Day 6: descent from Horombo Hut (3,700m) to Marangu Gate (1,860m)

Distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 6–7 hours

After the first part of your hike today, you will be having lunch at Mandara Hut. Then you will walk down to the entrance to Kilimanjaro National Park. After saying goodbye to your team, you will be driven to the hotel in Moshi where you can collect your things that you left before your journey you will spend your last night there.

Departure day: It is your final day. You’ll have breakfast in your hotel and then after checking out, we’ll transfer you to the airport.

Board: breakfast