Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

Privately guided

Ascend Kilimanjaro with experienced local guides who bring unparalleled knowledge of the mountain and its ecosystems. Their expertise ensures a safe, rewarding journey to the summit, along with insights into the culture and history of the region. The support team are the absolute highlight of a Kili climb.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable, dormitory-style huts along the Marangu Route. These unique accommodations offer beds, mattresses and a communal dining area, providing a more comfortable alternative to camping. In Moshi, unwind at a welcoming lodge before and after your trek.

Challenge level

This trek is challenging but achievable, involving long days of hiking, steep ascents and a high-altitude summit attempt at 5,895m. It’s perfect for adventurous trekkers with good fitness levels and a desire to reach the roof of Africa.

Season

• Jan
• Feb
• Mar
• Apr
• May
• Jun
• Jul
• Aug
• Sep
• Oct
• Nov
• Dec

Meeting point

Kilimanjaro International Airport - KIA (JRO)
Kilimanjaro Airport Road
Makao Mapya
Tanzania

Begin your journey in Moshi, Tanzania, accessible via Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO).

Airport transfers to and from Moshi are included, ensuring a seamless experience. After conquering Kilimanjaro, consider extending your adventure with a safari in Serengeti or a relaxing stay on Zanzibar’s beaches.

Itinerary

• Day 1 | Arrival in Moshi

  Welcome to Tanzania! Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our team will meet you and transfer you to your lodge in Moshi. Nestled at the base of Kilimanjaro, this vibrant town is the perfect place to prepare for your adventure. In the evening, enjoy a welcome dinner, meet your guide, and review your gear for the climb ahead.

• Day 2 | Trek to Mandara Hut

  After breakfast, we’ll drive to Marangu Gate (1,860m), the starting point of your trek. Begin your ascent through lush rainforests, alive with the sounds of birds and monkeys. After 4-5 hours of trekking, covering approximately 8km, you’ll reach Mandara Hut (2,720m). Settle in, explore the nearby Maundi Crater for stunning views, or simply relax at camp.

• Day 3 | Trek to Horombo Hut

  Leaving the forest behind, the trail opens into a scenic moorland dotted with giant heather and other unique flora. As you climb, the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi come into view. Today’s trek covers about 12km and takes 5-6 hours, leading you to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Enjoy a warm meal and rest as you acclimatise to the altitude.

• Day 4 | Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

  Acclimatisation is crucial for a successful summit, so today we’ll take a short trek to Zebra Rocks (4,000m), a striking rock formation. The hike is relatively easy, allowing your body to adjust while enjoying the panoramic views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks. Afterward, return to Horombo Hut for a relaxed afternoon.

• Day 5 | Trek to Kibo Hut

  Today’s trek takes you through the alpine desert, crossing the dramatic Saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The barren, otherworldly landscape offers stunning views and a sense of anticipation as you approach Kibo Hut (4,703m). After 5-6 hours and 10km of trekking, you’ll arrive at camp. Rest up and prepare for the summit attempt later tonight.

• Day 6 | Summit Day and Descent to Horombo Hut

  It’s summit day! Starting at midnight, we’ll make our way up the steep trail to Gilman’s Point (5,685m). From here, the final push to Uhuru Peak (5,895m) is both challenging and exhilarating. Witness a spectacular sunrise at the roof of Africa before descending back to Kibo Hut for a rest. Afterward, continue down to Horombo Hut for a well-earned night’s sleep. This is a long day, with up to 15 hours of trekking.

• Day 7 | Descent to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

  After breakfast, begin your descent through the moorlands and rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m). Covering approximately 20km over 5-6 hours, this final trek is a chance to reflect on your incredible journey. At the gate, you’ll receive your summit certificate before transferring back to Moshi for a celebratory dinner.

• Day 8 | Departure from Moshi

  Spend the morning relaxing at your lodge or exploring Moshi before transferring to the airport for your flight home. If you’re not ready to say goodbye, extend your trip with a safari in Serengeti or Ngorongoro Crater and a beach escape in Zanzibar. After all, you deserve a spot of R&R after an epic climb!

Included

• Airport transfers and private local transport
• 2 nights in hotels in Moshi
• 5 nights in mountain huts on Kilimanjaro
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek
• All National Park fees and permits
• Qualified mountain guides, porters, and cooks
• Summit certificate upon successful completion
• Drinking water during the trek

Not Included

• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Soft drinks, alcohol or drinking water
• Tips for guides
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Souvenirs

This trip is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your presence positively contributes to the people, communities and environments you encounter.

• Carbon Footprint

  This trip emits approximately 618 kg of carbon per person, including transport, accommodation, food and activities. This is roughly equivalent to driving a petrol car 1,950 miles or heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for 26 days. This trip measures the footprint so you can make informed decisions about how travel fits into your overall footprint and what steps, if any, you'd like to take to offset it.

• Responsible Travel Practices

  This trip recognises the impact of international travel but believes in creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By working with local guides, staying in locally-owned accommodations and visiting community projects along the way, it aims to minimise its footprint while focusing on the positive impact that tourism can have on developing economies.

• Supporting Local Communities

  From employing local staff to sourcing food and supplies from community-based businesses, this trip directly supports the economies of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey helps preserve local traditions and fosters sustainable tourism growth.

• Caring for the Environment

  This trip follows the Leave No Trace principle and is a proud supporter of initiatives like Travellers Against Plastic, encouraging minimal waste on all trips. It's an area constantly being looking to make further improvements to.

• The Commitment

  This trip handpicks partners who share its strong values for sustainability and responsible tourism. Together, all partners strive to leave destinations better than when found, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.

Costs

This trip is designed with sustainability in mind, ensuring that your presence positively contributes to the people, communities and environments you encounter.

• Carbon Footprint

  This trip emits approximately 618 kg of carbon per person, including transport, accommodation, food and activities. This is roughly equivalent to driving a petrol car 1,950 miles or heating an average UK home with a gas boiler for 26 days. This trip measures the footprint so you can make informed decisions about how travel fits into your overall footprint and what steps, if any, you'd like to take to offset it.

• Responsible Travel Practices

  This trip recognises the impact of international travel but believes in creating meaningful connections that benefit local communities and ecosystems. By working with local guides, staying in locally-owned accommodations and visiting community projects along the way, it aims to minimise its footprint while focusing on the positive impact that tourism can have on developing economies.

• Supporting Local Communities

  From employing local staff to sourcing food and supplies from community-based businesses, this trip directly supports the economies of Nepal and Bhutan. Your journey helps preserve local traditions and fosters sustainable tourism growth.

• Caring for the Environment

  This trip follows the Leave No Trace principle and is a proud supporter of initiatives like Travellers Against Plastic, encouraging minimal waste on all trips. It's an area constantly being looking to make further improvements to.

• The Commitment

  This trip handpicks partners who share its strong values for sustainability and responsible tourism. Together, all partners strive to leave destinations better than when found, creating unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural beauty of the Himalayas.