Destination

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Duration
8 Days
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Tour Type
Private Tour
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Group Size
100
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Tour Guide
5
Tanzaia

8-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 5-day Marangu Route with huts

The Marangu route is a popular route and also the cheapest. It is the only route that offers mountain huts instead of tents for the overnight stays. The route leads straight up to the summit and down again via the same route. Altitude changes per day are significant, which is why this route is only suitable for experienced climbers.

The ascent via the Marangu route takes a total of five days. However, it is recommended to add an extra day to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. If you choose to do so, you can stay an extra night in Horombo huts on the fourth day and make an acclimatization hike. This extra day significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit.

Tanzania Specialist offers a unique service throughout the climb

Climbing Kilimanjaro is the ultimate challenge! Little details can make a world of difference, which is why with us, you climb with professional guides, porters, and a cook. They take care of you during your ascent via the Marangu route, by checking your health twice a day and serving you delicious food. Sounds like a bit much? Not if you want to reach the top! Because we know that altitude sickness can creep up on you unnoticed and that proper nutrition* is essential to keep you going during a strenuous climb.

Besides, we offer a comprehensive information package to help you prepare for your climb via the Marangu route. It gives information about Tanzania and Mount Kilimanjaro, how to best prepare and what materials to buy or rent. And did we mention that we are a partner of the Kilimanjaro Responsible Travel Organisation (KRTO)? That means we take care of our crew and the mountain during our climb, making sure you can climb with a clear conscience. Are you ready for an unforgettable experience?

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

Day 2: Marangu Route (1/5) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)

Day 3: Marangu Route (2/5) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

Day 4: Marangu Route (3/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

Day 5: Marangu Route (4/5) | Kibo Huts (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

Day 6: Marangu Route (5/5) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) – hotel

Day 7: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Destination Kilimanjaro
Depature Yes Required
Included Park fees

7 days

Pickup and transfer airport

Porters who carry your luggage

Private cook speaking fluently English

Private guide speaking fluently English

Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner

High quality tents (including dinner-tent)

Rescue fee (up to 11.483 feet above sea level by car)

Excluded Visas

Travel insurance

International flights (can be booked for you on request)

Accommodation on day of arrival and departure

Tips for guides, porters and cooks

Travel With Bus

Details

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: Tanzania Specialist 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!

  • When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our Tanzania Specialist guide is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
  • The first morning, your guide takes 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. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!

  • 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.

  • 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 arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead!

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 and is relatively easy to reach. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After celebrating this achievement at the top, your descent begins through the Kibo Huts Camp down to the Horombo huts for dinner and overnight. In total, you are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard but rewarding day!
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.
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!

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