Home Treks Mount Kilimanjaro Trek – Marangu Route

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, Marangu Route 

After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895m high, it is known as the Roof of Africa. Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before beginning your trek with your team of Guides, Chefs and Porters.

You will ascend through the rainforest on a cleared ridge where many of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife is found. An alternative and more scenic parallel trail follows a stream through the undergrowth and offers the option to re-join the main trail after 1.5 hours of hiking or just before you arrive at Mandara Hut.

You will spend the night at Mandara Hut consisting of A-framed huts offering 6-8 bunk beds with solar power and flush toilets. The total capacity here is 60 climbers and water is piped into the camp from springs.

Starting Point: Marangu Gate 1,860m

End Point: Mandara Hut 2,715m

Walking Time: 4-6 Hours approx.

Overnight – Mandara Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 3: Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route

Today you will continue along a steep ascent through the forest which later opens into high moorland where you will see some of Kilimanjaro’s spectacular flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity to walk to Maundi Crater which offers views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya and, weather permitting, you may get your first glimpse of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks which are two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro

In the early afternoon you will arrive at Horombo Hut where you will rest while your Chef prepares dinner.

Starting Point: Mandara Hut 2,715m

End Point: Horombo Hut 3,720m

Walking Time: 6-8 Hours approx.

Overnight – Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 4: Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route

For clients trekking Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days today is an acclimatisation day. Horombo is usually bustling with hikers, guides, chefs and porters with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement and we highly recommend this additional acclimatisation day and night to give you a greater chance of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Today you will have the opportunity to hike towards to Mawenzi Hut passing the Zebra Rocks which is a 4-5 hour round trip approx.

Today you will continue your ascent into alpine desert and to the Saddle before continuing to Kibo Hut where the summit is only 1,195m above you.

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: Horombo Hut 3,720m

End Point: Kibo Hut 4,703m

Walking Time: 6-8 Hours approx.

Overnight – Kibo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro  

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 5: Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route 

You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning and the first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,510m where you will have the opportunity to have a short rest if required. You will continue along a steep path to Gilman’s Point at 5,681m which is located on the Crater rim and this is the most demanding section of the Marangu route.

From Gilman’s Point it is common to encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak, the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895m high. Here you will watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. After time to enjoy the view you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut where you will have breakfast and some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Starting Point: Kibo Hut 4,703m

Via: Uhuru Point 5,895m

End Point: Horombo Hut 3,720m

Walking Time: 11-14 Hours approx.

Overnight – Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro    

Meals – Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

Day 6: Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu Route 

After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your descent to the Marangu 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: Horombo Hut 4,703m

End Point: Marangu Gate 1,860m

Walking Time: 5-6 Hours approx.

Overnight – Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha   

Meals – Breakfast and Lunch

Day 7: Arusha

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

Meals – Breakfast