8 Days Marangu Route (6 Days Hiking)

Tour Type

Mountain Climbing

Tour Duration

8 Days 7 Nights

Minimum number of travellers

1 One

tour price

Price per Adult On Request

The Price Includes

Professional, English-speaking mountain guides, porters, and cooks
Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
Mountain hut accommodations on the trek
All meals during the climb (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
Drinking water throughout the trek
Camping equipment (tables, chairs, cooking facilities)
First aid kit and emergency oxygen
Ground transfers to/from Kilimanjaro Airport and Marangu Gate
Summit certificate upon successful climb

The Price Excludes

International and domestic flights
Travel insurance (highly recommended)
Tanzania visa fees
Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
Personal trekking gear (boots, jackets, sleeping bags)
Additional snacks, drinks, and energy supplements
Accommodation and meals in Arusha before and after the climb (can be arranged separately)

Overview

Embark on the ultimate adventure with Kishapui Africa Adventures as you climb Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak, via the renowned Marangu Route. Often called the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is famous for its gradual ascent, well-maintained trails, and comfortable mountain hut accommodations, making it ideal for first-time climbers and seasoned hikers alike.

This 8-day, 7-night trek takes you through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones, from dense rainforest to moorland and alpine desert, culminating at the icy summit of Uhuru Peak (5,895m / 19,341ft). The route offers a well-paced acclimatization schedule, increasing your chances of summit success, while providing spectacular scenery, unique wildlife encounters, and breathtaking panoramic views.

With expert guides leading every step, this journey balances challenge with comfort, ensuring a safe, memorable, and enriching experience.

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a Kishapui Africa Adventures representative will greet you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha, the gateway to Kilimanjaro. Take time to relax, acclimatize, or explore local markets and cultural sites.

Accommodation Options:
- Budget: Meru House Inn
- Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
- Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Dinner at the hotel
Optional Activities: Visit Maasai Market or Cultural Heritage Centre

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Altitude: 1,870m → 2,720m
Distance: 8 km | Hiking Time: 4–5 hours | Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate (~2 hours). Begin your trek through lush rainforest, spotting blue monkeys and colobus monkeys along the way. Arrive at Mandara Hut, your first mountain hut, and enjoy a short acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater, offering stunning views.

Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast at hotel, lunch en route, dinner at hut
Optional Activities: Acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Altitude: 2,720m → 3,720m
Distance: 12 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Trek through moorland, passing giant groundsels and lobelias. Enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks before arriving at Horombo Hut, your base for acclimatization.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Mandara Hut, lunch en route, dinner at Horombo Hut
Optional Activities: Photography and acclimatization hikes around the hut

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Altitude: 3,720m → 4,000m (optional)
Distance: 5 km round trip | Hiking Time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Moorland

Take a rest day to adjust to higher altitude. Optional hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge offers spectacular scenery and prepares you for the summit.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the hut
Optional Activities: Short acclimatization hikes, rest, and preparation for summit

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Altitude: 3,720m → 4,703m
Distance: 10 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert

Trek across the barren alpine desert to Kibo Hut, passing the Last Water Point. Arrive in time to rest and prepare for the midnight summit attempt.

Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Horombo Hut, lunch en route, dinner at Kibo Hut
Optional Activities: Rest, mental preparation for summit night

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Descent to Horombo Hut

Altitude: 4,703m → 5,895m → 3,720m
Distance: 18 km | Hiking Time: 10–15 hours | Habitat: Arctic → Moorland

Begin the summit climb around midnight. Reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) and continue to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. Celebrate your achievement, then descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest before returning to Horombo Hut.

Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
Meal Plan: Summit snacks, breakfast at Kibo Hut, lunch en route, dinner at Horombo Hut
Optional Activities: Photography and reflection at the summit

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha

Altitude: 3,720m → 1,870m
Distance: 20 km | Hiking Time: 6–8 hours | Habitat: Moorland → Rainforest

Descend through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and transfer back to Arusha for relaxation and celebration.

Accommodation Options: Meru House Inn, Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha Coffee Lodge
Meal Plan: Breakfast at Horombo Hut, lunch en route, dinner in Arusha

Day 8: Departure from Arusha

After breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward flight, taking home unforgettable memories of conquering Africa’s highest peak.

Meal Plan: Breakfast
Optional Activities: Coffee tour or last-minute souvenir shopping

Ready to Begin Your African Adventure?

Kishapui Africa Adventures designs unforgettable safaris, mountain hikes, and cultural experiences tailored to your travel style and budget. Travel with trusted local experts, enjoy seamless planning, and create memories that last a lifetime contact us today and let Africa inspire your next journey.