A header image, featuring a stunning sunrise atop Mount Kilimanjaro.

Kilimanjaro: Marangu Route

The Marangu Route is known as the "Coca-Cola" route of Mount Kilimanjaro, due to its relative comfort and availability of hut accommodations along the way. It is the oldest and most popular path to the summit, offering a gradual ascent including an acclimatization day, increasing your chances of a successful and enjoyable Kilimanjaro climb.

Starting Point:
Total Duration:

Hiking Distance:

Elevation Gain:

Facilities:

Popularity:

Marangu Gate, a southeastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

7 days (5 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro)

37 km (ascend), 34 km (descend)

4,016 m

Private portable toilets and shared huts with bunk beds.

Difficulty:

Itinerary

Keep in mind that these itineraries are just examples and the first step in preparing yourself for your Stunning Kilimanjaro adventure.
We offer tailor-made Tours & Holidays that are fully customized, based on the hiking experience and preferences of our clients.

Arrival

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), a professional transfer service will be ready to transport you to your selected accommodation in Arusha. This marks the start of your unforgettable Kilimanjaro adventure.
After settling in, meet your experienced Kilimanjaro guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check. This essential meeting ensures that you’re fully prepared for the upcoming trek to the Roof of Africa.
End the day with a delicious dinner, relax, and rest up for your Mount Kilimanjaro climb.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast, your mountain support crew will drive you to Kilimanjaro National Park's main entrance: Marangu Gate (1,879 m).
After registrations and acquiring permits, you start your trekking by heading towards Mandara Hut (2,720 m).
A raincoat is essential today, as you'll be trekking through the lush rainforest, where the chance of rain is high, and you may also encounter various wildlife along the way.
Dinner and overnight awaits at Mandara Hut.

Altitude: 1,879 m - 2,720 m

Hiking distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 3-4 hours

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

An early wake up, breakfast at Mandara Hut (2,720 m), and you will continue the ascent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m), whereby you will gain significant altitude.
Walk through the rainforest, eventually emerging into the moorland.
Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Altitude: 2,720 m - 3,720 m

Hiking distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Acclimatization Day

This day is reserved for acclimatization.
You can choose to rest at Horombo Hut or take a day hike to Zebra Rocks (3,980 m).
These activities help your body adjust to the altitude.
Return to Horombo Hut (3,720 m) for dinner and overnight.

Altitude: 3,720 m - 3,980 m - 3,720 m

Hiking distance: 3 km

Hiking time: 2 hours

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Today's trek leads you to Kibo Hut (4,720m), the base camp for your summit push.
First you'll cross the "Saddle", a high-altitude desert, which can be cold and windy.
The terrain becomes slowly more barren and rocky as you gain altitude.
Rest and prepare for your summit attempt.

Altitude: 3,720 m - 4,720 m

Hiking distance: 9 km

Hiking time: 6-7 hours

Uhuru Peak (5,895m)

Around midnight, start your last ascend and head for the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.
Hike to Gillman's Point (5,685m), the rim of the crater, as the sun rises.
Continue to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.
Celebrate your triumph and take in the breathtaking views of the surrounding glaciers and plains far below.

Descend to Kibo Hut (4,720 m) for a short and well-deserved rest and for refreshments.
You will spend the rest of the day descending to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Descending goes a lot faster, but the trail can be steep and challenging, especially given the long morning of hiking.

Altitude: 4,720 m - 5,685 m - 5,895 m

Hiking distance: 6 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Altitude: 5,895 m - 4,720 m - 3,720 m

Hiking distance: 15 km

Hiking time: 6-8 hours

Congratulations!

Descend from Horombo Hut (3,720 m) to Marangu Gate (1,879 m).
There we can celebrate your successful Kilimanjaro climb and we will present you with your commemorative certificates.
At last we provide you a transfer back to your chosen hotel in Arusha for a relaxing shower, dinner and overnight.
Depending on your flight schedule or if you're going to add a Safari or a Zanzibar Beach holiday, this marks the end of your Kilimanjaro adventure with us.

Altitude: 3.720 m - 1,879 m

Hiking distance: 19 km

Hiking time: 5-7 hours

All entrance fees including government taxes.
All activities (unless indicated as optional).
All accommodations as mentioned in the itinerary.
A professional driver and mountain guide.
3 meals per day: breakfast, lunch, and dinner.
Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
Transportation to and from the base of the mountain.
Pick-up and drop-off by airport.
Camping equipment.
Porter services.

International or domestic flights.
Tips (for your crew).
Visa (50 USD for Tanzania).
Medical and/or travel insurance.
Local SIM card.
Personal expenses and/or items, such as souvenirs.
Government-imposed increases in taxes and/or park fees.
Alcoholic beverages or soft drinks.
Meals not specified as included.
Climbing gear (can be rented upon request).
Medical evacuation by helicopter.

Now it's Time to Tailor Your Adventure

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