The Marangu route is a well-known and affordable option. It is the only route that provides mountain huts for overnight stays rather than tents. The path goes directly to the summit and follows the same route back down. Due to significant daily altitude changes, the Marangu route is best suited for experienced climbers.

The journey to the summit via the Marangu route typically takes five days. However, adding an extra day is advised to help your body acclimatize to the high altitude. If you choose this option, you can spend an additional night at Horombo Huts on the fourth day and take an acclimatization hike. This extra day greatly enhances your chances of successfully reaching the summit.

Itinerary

Day 1: Pre-trek Briefing

If you have opted for the optional airport transfers, we will pick you up from Kilimanjaro Airport or Arusha Airport and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi.

Pre-trek briefing at your Moshi hotel. You should plan to arrive at least one day before the start of the trek. Today, we will have a pre-trek briefing, review your equipment, and rent any necessary gear.

Day 2: Hotel to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register, and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater offers scenic views, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, birdlife, and Colobus monkeys.

 Elevation: 1860m/6100ft → 2700m/8875ft

 Distance: 8km/5mi

 Hiking Time: 3-4 hours

 Habitat: Montane Forest

 Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

You leave the glades of the rainforest, following an ascending path on the open moorlands to Horombo Hut. Enjoy amazing views of Mawenzi and Kibo. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. After a short break at Horombo, continue ascending past the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but disappears into a moonscape. Dinner, rest, and preparation for the summit climb at Kibo Hut.

 Elevation: 2700m/8875ft → 3700m/12,200ft → 4700m/15,500ft

 Distance: 21km/13mi

 Hiking Time: 8-10 hours

 Habitat: Heathland → Alpine Desert

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) to Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 AM), commence the final ascent to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point, located on the crater rim. From there, continue to Uhuru Peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. Unbelievable views at every turn—have your photo taken at the summit to commemorate the achievement!

From here, descend back to Kibo Hut for lunch and rest, then continue descending to Horombo Hut for overnight.

 Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft → 5895m/19,340ft → 3700m/12,200ft

 Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down

 Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 6-8 hours down

 Habitat: Alpine Desert

 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi

After breakfast, a steady descent takes you down through moorland to Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the Marangu Gate. At lower elevations, the trail can be wet and muddy—gaiters and trekking poles are useful.

A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate for the drive back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).

 Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft → 1700m/5500ft

 Distance: 20km/12.5mi

 Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

 Habitat: Forest

 Meals: Breakfast