8 Days Climbing Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route in 5 Days
Exploring all that Tanzania has to offer is a dream for many. From epic Tanzania safari adventures spotting Africa’s Big Five, to climbing Kilimanjaro or relaxing on the paradise beaches of Zanzibar: Tanzania has it all. Good news: We can build a custom made itinerary that suits all your wishes.
Our most popular itineraries can help you find some inspiration. Most of our clients love to end their exciting safari with a few days of relaxation on one of Zanzibar’s most stunning beaches. Would you like that as well?
Whether you choose one of our popular Tanzania itineraries or prefer to customize your journey, we are here to assist you. Come aboard and get ready to explore Tanzania at your own pace, exactly the way you like it!
Itinerary
DAY 1
Arrival at Kilimanjaro Int. Airport for your climb
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our guide will be there waiting for you. He will drop you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You will meet your guide before the beginning of your climb. He will brief you and give you details, like what to wear, what to put in your backpack and other important tips to make the climb as comfortable as possible for you.
DAY 2
Marangu Route 5 days, day 1: Marangu Gate (1,830 m/ 6,000 ft) - Mandara Huts (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft)
The first morning, your guide will bring you from the hotel to Marangu Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then you cross some untouched rainforest. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara huts.
In the afternoon you have the option to go to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts or you can just rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. This is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!
DAY 3
Marangu Route 5 days, day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forests to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape.
The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.
DAY 4
Marangu Route 5 days, day 3: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft)
Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The hike is heavy and takes you through open landscapes with less shelter.
You will arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead! Remember to rest well and drink plenty of water.
DAY 5
Marangu Route 5 days, day 4: Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
In the middle of the night, you start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, with your flashlight. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb until you reach Gilman's Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far away, and relatively easy to climb. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height!
Celebrate at the top, and then you start your descent through the Kibo Huts down to the Horombo huts for dinner and overnight. In total you will be on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard but rewarding day!
DAY 6
Marangu Route 5 days, day 5: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,139 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,830 m/ 6,003 ft) - Hotel
On this final day on the mountain, you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six-hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.
DAY 7 & 8
Flight home from Kilimanjaro (JRO) after the climb
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!