Tour Overview

This 8-day adventure includes 6 days on the Marangu Route—one of Mount Kilimanjaro’s most popular and well-established trekking paths. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only route that offers sleeping huts instead of tents, making it a good choice for those seeking added comfort during their climb. This route provides a gradual ascent and is suitable for trekkers with moderate fitness levels.
The Marangu Route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast and passes through lush rainforest, heathland, and alpine desert before reaching the arctic zone at the summit. An extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut is included to increase summit success rates and reduce the risk of altitude sickness.
You will be guided by certified local mountain guides, accompanied by experienced porters and a camp cook who will ensure you are well-fed and comfortable throughout your trek.

Duration: 8 Days (6 Days on the mountain)
Route: Marangu Route
Group Size: Minimum 1 person
Starts/Ends: Arusha, Kilimanjaro Region
Best Time to Climb: January – March and June – October

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania – Transfer to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha. After check-in, you will meet your mountain guide for a detailed trek briefing, equipment check, and final preparation. Any missing gear can be rented locally.

• Accommodation: Lodge or similar (Mid-range lodge in Arusha)

• Meals: None (dinner available at the lodge)

Day 2: Marangu Gate (1,860 m) to Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

After breakfast at your lodge, you will be driven to Marangu Gate, where you will complete park registration formalities. Begin your trek through lush rainforest, walking on a well-maintained trail surrounded by towering trees, ferns, and wildlife such as blue monkeys and Colobus monkeys. You will reach Mandara Hut, your first overnight stop.

• Hiking Duration: 3 to 4 hours

• Distance: 8 kilometers

• Altitude Gain: +840 meters

• Habitat: Montane forest

• Accommodation: Mandara Hut (dormitory-style wooden hut)

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

After breakfast, continue your ascent as the vegetation transitions from rainforest to heath and moorland. The trail offers impressive views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, as well as unique plants such as giant groundsels and lobelias. You will arrive at Horombo Hut, your second overnight stay.

• Hiking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

• Distance: 12 kilometers

• Altitude Gain: +1,020 meters

• Habitat: Heath and moorland

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Today is a critical day for acclimatization. After breakfast, you will take a side hike towards Mawenzi Hut, reaching an altitude of about 4,400 meters before returning to Horombo for lunch. This hike helps your body adapt to the high altitude and improves your chances of reaching the summit. The afternoon is free for rest and hydration.

• Hiking Duration: 4 to 5 hours (optional)

• Distance: Varies (approx. 6–8 km)

• Altitude Gain: Up to 680 meters (optional hike)

• Habitat: Alpine moorland

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (4,700 m)

Today you cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, entering the alpine desert zone. The trail is long, dry, and dusty, with minimal vegetation. Upon reaching Kibo Hut, you will rest, eat an early dinner, and sleep until midnight when the summit push begins.

• Hiking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

• Distance: 9 kilometers

• Altitude Gain: +980 meters

• Habitat: Alpine desert

• Accommodation: Kibo Hut

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), Descend to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

The summit climb starts around midnight. Trek slowly on switchback trails across loose volcanic scree, reaching Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) at sunrise. From there, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After a brief celebration and photo session, descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue downhill to Horombo Hut for your final night on the mountain.

• Hiking Duration: 12 to 16 hours total

• Distance: 6 km up, 15 km down (21 kilometers total)

• Altitude Gain/Loss: +1,195 meters / –2,175 meters

• Habitat: Arctic zone to moorland

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, Drive to Arusha

After breakfast, continue your descent through the heath and rainforest zones to Marangu Gate, where you will sign out and receive your climbing certificate. Your driver will meet you at the gate and transfer you back to your hotel in Arusha for a well-deserved shower and rest.

• Hiking Duration: 5 to 6 hours

• Distance: 20 kilometers

• Altitude Loss: –1,860 meters

• Habitat: Moorland and forest

• Accommodation: Lodge or similar

• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Day 8: Departure or Safari Extension

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. Alternatively, continue your adventure with one of our wildlife safaris in Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, or Tarangire National Park.

• Meals: Breakfast