Address: Kiligolf B26 Arusha, 10155

Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Marangu Route

At a Glance:

  • This tour is a private trek and run exclusively just for you and can depart any day.
  • This tour offers mid-range lodge accommodation in Arusha and non-participation, full service camping on the trek
  • This tour can be customised to suit your needs perfectly.
  • This tour starts and ends in Arusha. Alternatively this tour can start and end in Dar es Salaam in Tanzania or Nairobi in Kenya and we can book internal flights and additional accommodation upon request.

Trip Highlights:

  • Challenge yourself and summit the Roof of Africa atop world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro

Day by Day Itinerary:

Day 1: Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport you will be met by a Adventure Makers Tanzania representative and transferred to your hotel where the remainder of the day is at leisure – rest in your room, relax in the manicured gardens with a good book, enjoy a swim in the pool or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours, the choice is yours.

Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha

Day 2: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route

After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the Londorossi Gate located inside the Kilimanjaro National Park where you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before driving a further one hour to the Lemosho Trailhead where you will enjoy a picnic lunch before commencing your trek up the world’s tallest free-standing mountain. The road to the Lemosho Trailhead can become very muddy and at certain times of the year may be impossible for vehicles to pass. In this instance, you will complete the walk on foot.  Today you will also be accompanied by an Armed Ranger as elephant and buffalo can be seen on this stretch of the mountain as well as the black and white colobus monkey and many exotic birds.

The trail offers a gradual ascent and slight descent into the Lemosho Glades before entering the rainforest before arriving at the Mti Mkubwa (Big Tree) Camp located within the upper reaches of the montane forest zone.

Starting Point: Londorossi Gate 2,100m

End Point: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,650m

Walking Time: 3-4 Hours approx.

Overnight – Mti Mkubwa Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro 

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route 

You will continue your gradual hike through the rainforest and then the trail gets steeper as you approach the low alpine moorland zone. You will ascend through the lush rolling hills and several streams before reaching the Shira Ridge before descending gently down to Shira Camp 1 where you will spend the night. The view of Kibo from across the plateau is breathtaking.

Starting Point: Mti Mkubwa Camp 2,650m

End Point: Shira Camp 1 3,609m

Walking Time: 5-6 Hours approx.

Overnight – Shira Camp 1, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route 

Today is an acclimatisation day where you will explore the Shira plateau as you hike east towards Kibo’s peak which leads to Shira Camp 2 and is located by a river on the moorland. You will ascend gently through the lower alpine moorland which is notable for its beautiful wild flowers and plants and continue to Moir Hut where you will have the opportunity to enjoy a variety of walks.

Your camp tonight is more exposed and will be windier and colder with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

Starting Point: Shira Camp 1 3,609m

End Point: Moir Camp 3,849m

Walking Time: 5-7 Hours approx.

Overnight – Moir Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route

The trail today becomes increasingly challenging and steep and from the Shira Plateau you will continue east, along a ridge, passing the junction towards to peak of Kibo. You will then change direction and trek south east towards the Lava Tower also known as the Shark’s Tooth at 4,600m, and then on to Arrow Glacier and the Great Barranco Valley. Here you can enjoy the beautiful landscape and the Breech Wall which surrounds the camp on 3 sides. The area has an amazing view of the hanging glaciers and Kibo and climbing high and sleeping low will help your body further acclimatise and prepare for the summit.

Starting Point: Moir Camp 3,849m

End Point: Barranco Camp 3,948m

Walking Time: 4-6 Hours approx.

Overnight – Barranco Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route

Today is an acclimatisation day and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles.

Starting Point: Barranco Camp 3,948m

End Point: Karanga Camp 3,995m

Walking Time: 3-5 Hours approx.

Overnight – Karanga, Mount Kilimanjaro    

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 7: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route

You will follow the dry and barren trail through the alpine desert before reaching Barafu Camp which offers spectacular views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks and you can appreciate just how beautiful Kilimanjaro really is and from now, all eyes are on the summit.

Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.

Starting Point: Karanga Camp 3,995

End Point: Barafu Camp 4,600m

Walking Time: 4-5 Hours approx.

Overnight – Barafu Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 8: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route 

You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning as you follow the trail between the Rebmann and Ratzel Glaciers to Stella Point at 5,756m which is located on the Crater rim in time to watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. Here you will rest and take in the magnificent beauty around you. You will continue along the snow covered trail to Uhuru Peak, the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m. Temperatures near the summit can range from -23 degrees Celsius in the morning to just below freezing during the night. Upon arrival at the summit you will have the opportunity for a short rest and celebrate a successful climb. Note: faster climbers will see the sun rise from the summit at Uhuru Peak.

After time to enjoy the beauty around you, you will begin your descent towards Barafu Camp where you will enjoy a short rest before continuing to the Mweka Camp situated in the upper forest. You can expect mist or rain in the afternoon and you will spend your final night here on the mountain.

Starting Point: Barafu Camp 4,600m

Via: Uhuru Peak 5,895m

End Point:  Mweka Camp 3,068m

Walking Time: 11-14 Hours approx.

Overnight – Mweka Camp, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 9: Mount Kilimanjaro, Lemosho Route 

After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Starting Point: Mweka Camp 3,068m

End Point:  Mweka Gate 1,640m

Walking Time: 3-5 Hours approx.

Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha     

Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Day 10: Arusha  

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals – Breakfast

You Trek Includes:

  • Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to hotel
  • Pre trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Return transport from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Guide, Assistant Guide, Chef and Porters
  • Non participation, full service camping on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Meals as specified and drinking water
  • All national park entry and climbing fees
  • Rescue fee
  • Post trek accommodation at the Ilboru Safari Lodge in Arusha
  • Departure transfer from hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
  • All current Government taxes and surcharges

Price:

Please contact us for a tailor-made itinerary and price.

Upgrade Your Accommodation:

We also offer accommodation located in the heart of Arusha as well as at coffee lodges and 5-star hotels. Upgrade to one of our 5-start hotels – The Arusha Hotel or the Mount Meru Hotel for just $35 per person, per night. If you would like to upgrade your pre or post safari accommodation in Arusha please ask us for recommendations and availability.

Enhance Your Safari Experience:

A Tanzanian holiday is a dream come true and a once in a lifetime experience for most of our clients. We understand that every traveller is different and we are proud to offer a range of optional activities to enhance your safari experience.

Arusha Day Tours

We offer Arusha City Tours (half or full day), Coffee Farm Tours, Night Tours with Dinner or visit the Lengo Football Academy with Village Walk. Please ask us for a detailed tour description and prices.

Your Safari Excludes:

  • Drinks at lodge in Arusha.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Tips (tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines and we recommend $15-20 USD for your Guide, $10-15 for your Assistant Guide, Chef and Porters per person per day. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact within the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as an important source of income for those in the tourism industry. The number of Guides, Assistant Guides, Chefs and Porters varies for each route so please ask us for a detailed list).