8-Day Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route
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Price:
$2720.00
Duration
6 Days
People:
21
Tour Overview
The 8-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route offers an incredible journey to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, combining stunning scenery with comfortable hut accommodations along the way. Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” Marangu is the only Kilimanjaro trail that provides dormitory-style huts, making it a popular choice for climbers who prefer extra comfort and shelter compared to camping routes.
This itinerary is carefully designed with an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, greatly increasing your chances of a successful summit. Over the course of the climb, you will trek through dramatically changing landscapes—from lush tropical rainforest and rolling heathlands to the stark alpine desert and, finally, the icy glaciers at the roof of Africa. Along the way, you’ll enjoy the company of experienced mountain guides, delicious hot meals, and the support of a dedicated crew, ensuring your safety and comfort throughout.
The highlight of this trek is, of course, reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa. Standing at the summit as the sun rises over the endless plains below is a moment you will treasure forever. With the extra acclimatization day, this itinerary is well-suited for determined trekkers who want a balanced combination of challenge, comfort, and higher summit success rates.
What Included
All meals while on the Mountain
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
All accommodation
A professional driver/guide
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Clean, purified drinking water
Not included
International flights
Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa
International and domestic flights
Meals not listed in the itinerary
Tour Plan
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Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport – Transfer to Arusha
Your adventure begins the moment you land at Kilimanjaro International Airport, where a Wideland Tanzania Safaris representative will be waiting to greet you. From the airport, you will be transferred to your hotel in Arusha, the gateway to many of Tanzania’s great adventures. Depending on your arrival time, you may have the chance to explore the city or simply relax and recover from your journey. In the evening, your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed briefing on the climb ahead, answer your questions, and check that all your gear is in order. A good night’s rest prepares you for the challenge to come. -
Day 2: Arusha – Marangu Gate – Mandara Hut
After an early breakfast, you will drive through scenic landscapes and villages to Marangu Gate (1,870m), the official starting point of your Kilimanjaro climb. Here, you’ll complete registration and meet the porters and crew who will support you throughout the journey. Once the trek begins, the trail takes you into a lush rainforest alive with exotic plants, playful blue monkeys, and the chance to spot the rare colobus monkey. The air is fresh and humid, and the forest canopy shades the path as you make your way steadily upward. After 4–5 hours of hiking, you will reach Mandara Hut (2,700m), where you’ll settle in for the evening and enjoy a warm meal surrounded by the sounds of the forest. -
Day 3: Mandara Hut – Horombo Hut
Today the climb continues as the dense rainforest gives way to heath and moorland. The change in vegetation is striking—towering trees are replaced by open landscapes with giant heathers, wildflowers, and grasses. As you ascend, breathtaking views open up of Mawenzi Peak in the distance, a rugged volcanic cone rising dramatically from the plain. The air is cooler and drier here, and you’ll begin to feel the effects of higher altitude. After 6–7 hours of trekking, you will arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720m), a bustling overnight stop with wide views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Here, you can enjoy a hearty dinner and settle in for the night, sharing stories with fellow climbers. -
Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut – Excursion to Zebra Rocks
This day is dedicated to helping your body adjust to the altitude—an important step for a successful summit. After breakfast, you will take a short hike up to Zebra Rocks (3,980m), named for the striking black-and-white streaks caused by mineral deposits in the stone. Along the way, your guide will explain how slow, steady hiking helps your body adapt to thinner air. From the ridge, you’ll enjoy wide panoramic views of the plains far below before descending back to Horombo Hut for lunch and rest. The afternoon is yours to relax, enjoy the mountain atmosphere, and prepare mentally and physically for the demanding days ahead. -
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Kibo Hut
The landscape changes once again as you leave behind the moorland and trek into the stark alpine desert. The trail stretches across the Saddle, a vast, windswept expanse between the towering peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. With little vegetation, the scenery feels otherworldly—dry, silent, and dramatic. The trek is steady but demanding due to altitude, so pacing yourself is crucial. After 6–7 hours of walking, you will reach Kibo Hut (4,700m), your base camp for the summit attempt. Here, climbers rest in dormitory-style huts, enjoy an early dinner, and prepare their gear for the long night ahead. By evening, the mood shifts to quiet anticipation, as tomorrow brings the climb to Africa’s highest point. -
Day 6: Kibo Hut – Summit (Uhuru Peak) – Return to Horombo Hut
The most challenging and rewarding day begins just after midnight. Equipped with headlamps and guided by your team, you’ll begin the slow, steady climb up the steep switchbacks of the volcanic slope. The thin air makes every step an effort, but determination drives you forward. After 5–6 hours, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, greeted by the first glow of sunrise painting the sky in brilliant colors. From here, the path continues around the rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the Roof of Africa. Standing at the summit of Kilimanjaro is an unforgettable achievement, with sweeping views over glaciers, crater walls, and the vast plains far below. After celebrating and taking photos, you’ll begin the long descent back to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay. The day is long and demanding—up to 16 hours of trekking—but also the most memorable of your journey. -
Day 7: Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate – Return to Arusha
After breakfast, you’ll retrace your steps down the mountain, passing once more through the heathland and rainforest. The descent takes about 6–7 hours, ending at Marangu Gate, where you will officially sign out of Kilimanjaro National Park and receive your climbing certificate—a proud symbol of your accomplishment. Your driver will then transfer you back to Arusha, where a hot shower, comfortable bed, and celebratory dinner await. -
Day 8: Departure – Kilimanjaro International Airport
Depending on your flight schedule, you may enjoy a relaxed breakfast and some leisure time at your hotel before being transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your journey home. For those with extra time, optional cultural tours or short excursions around Arusha can be arranged to complete your Tanzanian adventure.
