Climb Africa’s highest peak via the iconic Marangu Route, staying in mountain huts along the way. A classic Kilimanjaro journey combining dramatic landscapes, steady acclimatization and the challenge of reaching Uhuru Peak.
The Marangu Route is one of Kilimanjaro’s most established climbing routes and the only major route offering overnight accommodation in permanent mountain huts rather than tents. Its gradual approach, well-defined trail and hut-based accommodation make it an appealing option for climbers who prefer a more structured mountain experience.
Our six-day Marangu itinerary includes a dedicated acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, giving your body additional time to adjust to the increasing altitude before continuing toward Kibo and the summit. This extra day is an important part of the itinerary and allows the climb to be approached at a more measured pace.
The journey takes you through several of Kilimanjaro’s distinct ecological zones — beginning in lush montane rainforest, continuing through open moorland and alpine desert, before reaching the high-altitude summit environment of Kibo.
Throughout the climb, you will be supported by an experienced mountain team including professional guides, porters and cooks. Your guide will manage the trekking pace, monitor how you are responding to altitude and brief you each day on the route ahead.
The ultimate goal is Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Reaching the summit is physically demanding, but with proper preparation, responsible acclimatization and an experienced support team, the Marangu Route offers a classic and rewarding way to experience Kilimanjaro.
Stand on the Roof of Africa at the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the African continent.
Stay in permanent mountain huts throughout the climb a distinctive feature of the Marangu Route and an alternative to tent-based trekking.
Spend an additional day at Horombo Hut to help your body adjust to the altitude before progressing higher.
Climb with experienced guides, porters and cooks, with your pace, wellbeing and altitude response monitored throughout the journey.
Elevation: 1,860m to 2,700m | Distance: approx. 8km | Hiking time: 3–4 hours | Habitat: Rainforest
After breakfast, transfer to Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro’s southeastern side for park registration and final preparations. Here, you meet your mountain crew before beginning the climb.
The trail starts gently through dense montane rainforest, with towering trees, moss-covered vegetation and a rich variety of birdlife. Colobus monkeys and blue monkeys are sometimes seen in this section of the mountain.
You arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon, giving you time to settle in, rest and receive a briefing from your guide about the following day. Tonight is your first experience of Marangu’s hut accommodation.
Highlights
• Registration and final preparations at Marangu Gate
• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s lush rainforest
• Possible sightings of colobus and blue monkeys
• Introduction to the Marangu hut system
• Overnight at Mandara Hut
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Elevation: 2,700m to 3,720m | Distance: approx. 12km | Hiking time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Moorland
After breakfast, continue upward as the rainforest gradually gives way to open moorland. The change in vegetation is noticeable, with giant heathers and increasingly expansive views across the mountain.
On a clear day, you may begin to see Mawenzi Peak and the upper slopes of Kibo. Your guide maintains a steady, controlled pace as the altitude increases.
You reach Horombo Hut in the afternoon and spend the evening resting and preparing for the following day’s acclimatization walk.
Highlights
• Transition from rainforest into moorland
• Expansive views across Kilimanjaro
• Possible views of Mawenzi and Kibo
• Gradual increase in altitude
• Overnight at Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Elevation: Horombo Hut approx. 3,720m, with acclimatization walk to higher elevation | Hiking time: approx. 3–5 hours depending on route | Habitat: Moorland / Alpine transition
Today is dedicated to acclimatization, an important part of this six-day Marangu itinerary.
After breakfast, your guide leads you on a controlled walk to a higher elevation, commonly in the direction of Zebra Rocks or another suitable acclimatization point depending on conditions and your guide’s assessment.
The principle is simple: climb higher during the day, then return to sleep lower at Horombo Hut. This gives your body additional time to adjust before continuing toward Kibo.
The afternoon is spent resting, hydrating and preparing for the higher-altitude section of the climb.
Highlights
• Dedicated altitude-acclimatization day
• Guided hike above Horombo Hut
• Opportunity to visit the Zebra Rocks area, conditions permitting
• Return to sleep at lower elevation
• Additional rest before progressing toward Kibo
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to approx. 4,700m | Distance: approx. 10km | Hiking time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Alpine Desert
After breakfast, continue toward Kibo Hut as the vegetation becomes increasingly sparse and the landscape takes on a much more rugged, high-altitude character.
The route crosses the broad saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, one of the most striking sections of the Marangu Route. The terrain is open, dry and dramatic, with little vegetation.
Your guide deliberately keeps the pace slow to reduce unnecessary exertion as you approach 4,700 metres.
You arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon. After an early dinner, your guide conducts the final summit briefing and checks your clothing and equipment. You then rest before the midnight summit attempt.
Highlights
• Trek through Kilimanjaro’s alpine desert
• Cross the saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo
• Reach Kibo Hut at approximately 4,700m
• Final summit preparation and briefing
• Early rest before the summit attempt
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut
Elevation: approx. 4,700m to 5,895m, descending to 3,720m | Distance: approx. 6km ascent + 15km descent | Hiking time: approx. 12–16 hours total | Habitat: Arctic Summit / Alpine Desert / Moorland
Summit day begins around midnight.
After a light meal, you start the slow ascent toward the crater rim. This is the most physically demanding section of the climb, and your guide carefully controls the pace while monitoring how you are responding to the altitude.
The trail climbs steadily through steep scree toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim at approximately 5,685 metres.
From here, those continuing toward the summit follow the crater rim toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres — the highest point in Africa.
After reaching the summit, there is time for photographs and to take in the moment before beginning the descent.
You return to Kibo Hut for a short rest and meal before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where you spend the final night on the mountain.
Highlights
• Midnight start for the summit attempt
• Reach Gilman’s Point on the crater rim
• Continue toward Uhuru Peak at 5,895m
• Stand at the highest point in Africa
• Long descent to Horombo Hut for recovery
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Elevation: 3,720m to 1,860m | Distance: approx. 20km | Hiking time: 5–7 hours | Habitat: Moorland / Rainforest
After breakfast, begin the final descent through Kilimanjaro’s moorland and back into the rainforest.
As you lose altitude, the air becomes warmer and the vegetation becomes noticeably denser.
You eventually arrive at Marangu Gate, where the climb officially comes to an end. After completing the final park formalities, eligible climbers receive their Kilimanjaro summit certificate.
Your Explora V team will then transfer you back to your hotel for a well-earned shower, rest and celebration.
Highlights
• Final descent through moorland and rainforest
• Return to Marangu Gate
• Completion of the Kilimanjaro climb
• Summit certificate for eligible climbers
• Transfer back to your hotel
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Included
• Airport transfers to and from Kilimanjaro International Airport
• Accommodation before and after the climb, as specified in your itinerary
• All Kilimanjaro National Park entry, camping/hut, rescue and conservation fees
• Marangu Route mountain hut accommodation throughout the climb
• Professional, licensed Kilimanjaro mountain guide
• Assistant guides where required based on group size
• Experienced mountain porters and cooks
• All meals while on the mountain as stated in the itinerary
• Drinking water during the climb
• Daily health and altitude monitoring by your mountain guide
• Pre-climb briefing and equipment check
• Transfers between your hotel and Marangu Gate
• Summit certificate for eligible climbers
• All government taxes and applicable operational charges
• 24/7 ground support from Explora V Tanzania during your trip
Not Included
• International and domestic flights
• Tanzania visa fees
• Travel, medical and emergency evacuation insurance
• Mandatory inbound travel insurance where applicable
• Personal trekking clothing and equipment
• Sleeping bag and other personal gear unless specifically included in your quotation
• Alcoholic beverages, soft drinks and personal snacks
• Laundry and other personal expenses
• Tips for mountain guides, porters and cooks
• Additional accommodation, meals or transfers outside the confirmed itinerary
• Costs resulting from itinerary changes caused by personal circumstances, illness, weather or other circumstances beyond our control
Ready to climb Kilimanjaro? Share your preferred travel dates and group size, and our team will help you plan your climb from start to summit.
