7-Day Trekking To Mount Kilimanjaro Peak Via Marangu Route

Views from Uhuru Peak of Mount Kilimanjaro

Summint Mount Kilimajaro via Marangu Route

On the way to summit Mount Kilimajaro

Sunrise on Mount Kilimanjaro

View of Mount Kilimanjaro

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Highlights

Stand on the "Roof of Africa" at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa

Trek through the lush rainforests, spotting exotic wildlife like Colobus monkeys

View the stunning peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi

Experience the breathtaking sunrise over Kilimanjaro

Moshi, Arusha, Marangu, Mount Kilimanjaro

mountaineering, trekking, Wildlife

Private Tour

7 Days

Medium

English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Description

Embark on a thrilling adventure to summit Africa's highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, on this 7-day trek. Experience the breathtaking views of Northern Tanzania from Maundi Crater. Marvel at the stunning Kibo and Mawenzi peaks on your way to Horombo Hut before pushing for the final ascent to the Uhuru Peak. Trek through dense rainforests, spotting wildlife like Colobus monkeys and rich plant life.

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania
- Destination: Moshi/Arusha
- Activity: Arrival and transfer to hotel AT Karibu Heritage House/ Park View Hotel in Moshi based on bed and breakfast.
- Briefing: Meet your trekking guide for a briefing about the climb.
- Rest: Prepare for the trek and rest before the start of the journey.
Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Register at Marangu Gate.
- Begin the trek through dense rainforests, encountering wildlife like Colobus monkeys.
- Arrive at Mandara Hut and take a short walk to Maundi Crater for views of Northern Tanzania.
Elevation: 1,860 m (6,100 ft) to 2,700 m (8,860 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
Habitat: Rainforest
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Pass from the lush forest into the moorlands.
- See the views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Stay overnight at Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 2,700 m (8,860 ft) to 3,720 m (12,200 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
Habitat: Moorland
Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
- Resting and acclimatising for the day will help with altitude.
- (Optional) Go for a short hike to Zebra Rocks or Mawenzi Ridge for better acclimatization.
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,200 ft)
Hiking Time: Optional 4-5 hour hike for acclimatization
Distance: Optional 5-10 km (3-6 miles)
Habitat: Moorland
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Trek across the Saddle, a barren, lunar-like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
- Reach Kibo Hut and rest early in preparation for the midnight summit push.
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,200 ft) to 4,703 m (15,430 ft)
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
Habitat: Alpine desert
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Start at midnight for the summit attempt.
- Pass Gilman’s Point (5,685 m) and Stella Point (5,756 m).
- Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa.
- After the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue down to Horombo Hut.
Elevation: 4,703 m (15,430 ft) to 5,895 m (19,341 ft at Uhuru Peak), then descend to 3,720 m (12,200 ft)
Hiking Time: 10-15 hours (6-8 hours ascent, 4-7 hours descent)
Distance: ~20 km (12.4 miles)
Habitat: Arctic (Uhuru Peak), Alpine desert (Kibo), Moorland (Horombo)
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Final descent through the moorland and lush rainforest.
- Return to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers can sign the logbook and receive a certificate.
- Transfer back to your hotel for rest and celebration.
Elevation: 3,720 m (12,200 ft) to 1,860 m (6,100 ft)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
Habitat: Moorland, Rainforest

What's Included

One-night hotel stay before the trek (usually in Moshi or Arusha)

Hut accommodation on the mountain (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo huts)

Three meals a day during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)

Dinner on arrival day and breakfast on departure day

Boiled drinking water while on the mountain

Experienced, English-speaking professional guide(s) certified by the Kilimanjaro National Park

Porters to carry your equipment and supplies

Cook to prepare meals on the mountain

Kilimanjaro National Park entry fees

Hut fees for the Marangu Route

Camping fees (if applicable for overnight stays at campsites along the route)

Rescue fees (for emergency situations during the climb)

Transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park (Marangu Gate)

Airport transfers on arrival and departure

Dining tent and utensils

Sleeping huts with mattresses and pillows

Oxygen cylinder and pulse oximeter for altitude monitoring

Climbing permits

Certificate of achievement (green for reaching Gilman’s Point, gold for Uhuru Peak)

What's Excluded

International flights

Personal trekking gear (sleeping bags, trekking poles, clothing, etc.)

Travel insurance (mandatory, covering high-altitude trekking)

Tips for guides, porters, and cooks (typically $200-300 per climber for the entire team)

Extra accommodation and meals before or after the climb (beyond the included nights)

Know Before You Go

Fitness Level: Although the Marangu Route is considered less technical, it still demands good physical fitness due to the high altitude and long hiking days

Training: Start training at least 2-3 months before the climb. Focus on cardio, strength training (especially for legs), and hiking on inclines with a weighted backpack

Altitude: Kilimanjaro’s highest point, Uhuru Peak, stands at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), where altitude sickness is a serious risk

Acclimatization: Choose the 7-day itinerary over shorter options to improve acclimatization and increase your chances of reaching the summit

Symptoms: Common symptoms of altitude sickness include headaches, nausea, dizziness, and shortness of breath. Knowing these symptoms is essential for monitoring your health

Prevention: Consider using Diamox (Acetazolamide), a medication to help prevent altitude sickness, after consulting your doctor

Varied Climate Zones: Kilimanjaro has five distinct climate zones, from tropical rainforest at the base to the arctic conditions at the summit. You will experience both hot and freezing temperatures during the trek

Temperature Range: Daytime temperatures can be mild, but at night, especially at higher elevations, it can drop to -20°C (-4°F) or lower

Rain: The Marangu Route can be rainy, especially during the wet season (March-May and November). The best times to climb are January to mid-March and June to October, when conditions are drier and more favorable

Layering: Bring versatile layers to handle the changing conditions. You’ll need gear for both warm and freezing conditions, and rain protection is essential

Porters: Porters will carry most of your gear (up to 15 kg), but you’ll need to carry a daypack with essentials such as water, snacks, and extra layers

Hut Accommodation: The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations, providing basic shelters (Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts) with shared dormitory-style rooms

No Camping: This is a non-camping route, which means no tents. Hut accommodation makes it a popular choice for those seeking a little more comfort compared to other routes

Scenery: While the Marangu Route is less scenic than other routes like the Machame or Lemosho routes, it offers beautiful views of the moorland, alpine desert, and surrounding peaks

Kilimanjaro National Park fees, including park entry, rescue fees, and hut accommodation fees, are typically included in the price of the trek. These fees are set by the government and are non-negotiable

Tipping: It is customary to tip your guides, porters, and cook after the trek. On average, each climber should budget about $200-$300 to tip the entire crew. Guides, porters, and cooks rely heavily on tips as part of their income

Tipping Breakdown: Usually, guides receive the largest portion, followed by the cook and porters

Vaccinations: Ensure you're up-to-date on routine vaccinations, and consider specific vaccines such as yellow fever (if coming from or transiting through a yellow fever zone), typhoid, and hepatitis

Malaria: While the risk of malaria on the mountain is low, there is still a risk in the lower regions. Consider taking antimalarial medication if you're spending time in lowland areas

Travel Insurance: It’s mandatory to have travel insurance that covers high-altitude trekking (up to 6,000 meters) and emergency evacuation. Make sure your policy includes mountain rescue services

Local Customs: Respect the local culture and customs in Tanzania. The country is predominantly Christian and Muslim, so modest clothing and polite behavior are appreciated, especially in urban areas

Swahili Phrases: Learning a few basic Swahili phrases can go a long way in engaging with your porters and guides (e.g., "Jambo" for hello and "Asante" for thank you)

Mental Toughness: Summit night (Day 6) is extremely challenging, with cold temperatures, high altitude, and steep inclines. Be mentally prepared for the long ascent and focus on taking one step at a time

Positive Mindset: Mental preparation is just as important as physical fitness. The key to success is pacing yourself, staying positive, and trusting your guides

What To Bring

Moisture-wicking thermal tops and bottoms

Long-sleeve shirts and leggings (for layering and warmth)

Fleece jacket or pullover

Insulating pants (for colder days and summit night)

Waterproof and windproof jacket (Gore-Tex or similar)

Waterproof hiking pants

Insulated down or synthetic jacket (for summit night)

Lightweight, quick-dry t-shirts

Convertible hiking pants/shorts

Sun hat and neck gaiter/buff

Sturdy, waterproof hiking boots (well broken in)

Comfortable camp shoes or sandals

Warm hiking socks (wool or synthetic) and liner socks

Gaiters (to protect from mud and scree)

Warm beanie or wool hat

Sun hat with a wide brim

Sunglasses (UV-protective, preferably polarized)

Warm, insulated gloves and lightweight liner gloves

Daypack (30-40L) for carrying personal items, water, and snacks during daily hikes

Duffel Bag (to be carried by porters) typically 15 kg limit for the porters to carry

Sleeping Bag rated for -10°C to -15°C (14°F to 5°F), suitable for high-altitude conditions

Trekking poles: adjustable and collapsible for support on rough terrain and descents

Hydration bladder (2-3 liters) and/or water bottles

Water purification tablets or filters (optional but useful)

Headlamp with extra batteries for early morning or nighttime trekking (especially on summit night)

High-energy snacks for quick fuel (nuts, energy bars, chocolate)

Insulated Water Bottle (for summit day) to prevent water from freezing at high altitudes

Wet wipes, biodegradable soap, and toilet paper

Sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher), lip balm with SPF

Hand sanitiser and towel

Basic personal medications (pain relievers, blister treatment, altitude sickness medication)

Diamox (for altitude sickness prevention, consult your doctor)

Passport, visa, and travel insurance details

Cash for tips and extras

Camera/phone for photos and a power bank or solar charger

Earplugs for sleeping in the communal huts

Notebook and pen to journal your experience

Camera, if you prefer a dedicated one for better photos

Meeting Point

Kilimanjaro International Airport, Kilimanjaro Airport Road, Tanzania

Cancellation Policy

For cancellations upto 2 days before the tour -

Refund of 80% of the tour price.

Price

Adult
1 to 50	/person
Child
1 to 4	/person
This is a private tour

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7-Day Trekking To Mount Kilimanjaro Peak Via Marangu Route

Highlights

Locations Covered

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

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7-Day Trekking To Mount Kilimanjaro Peak Via Marangu Route

Highlights

Locations Covered

Languages

Description

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 4: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

What's Included

What's Excluded

Know Before You Go

What To Bring

Meeting Point

Cancellation Policy

Price

Check Availability Hide

Starting from

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Create your own adventure!

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