Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route

Jambo! Welcome to Tanzania.

Your adventure begins in Marangu, nestled in the foothills of Mount Kilimanjaro. Your hotel is just a short walk from the lively village market and a selection of great local coffee spots, as well as nearby waterfalls and the historic Chagga caves.
Please plan to arrive by early evening, as your trek officially begins with a detailed briefing and equipment check led by an experienced Kilimanjaro guide. This usually takes place before dinner at around 6 pm. If any travellers are delayed, the meeting may be rescheduled for the following morning.

This journey takes you to high-altitude regions, where altitude sickness can affect anyone — regardless of age or fitness level. We strongly recommend reviewing the ‘Health’ section of the Essential Trip Information for detailed guidance on how to prepare.

It’s essential that you attend the welcome meeting, as we will collect important details such as your insurance information and emergency contact (next of kin). If you expect to be late, please inform your travel agent or notify the hotel reception in advance. You can also check with reception or look for a note in the lobby for details on the meeting location.
If your flight timing doesn’t allow you to arrive on time, we recommend coming a day earlier. Additional accommodation can be arranged upon request (subject to availability).

After a hearty breakfast, head to Marangu Gate — the gateway to Mount Kilimanjaro National Park (1,860 m) — where you’ll meet your guides and porters. Once introductions are complete and equipment is organised, it’s time to begin your trek.
Known as the “Coca-Cola Route,” the Marangu Route is the oldest and one of the most established trails on Kilimanjaro. As you set off, keep an eye out for local wildlife and take in the ever-changing landscapes that unfold along the way.

Today’s hike will take approximately 3–4 hours, covering around 8 km (4.9 mi). You’ll gain about 841 m (2759 ft) in elevation, reaching an overnight altitude of 2,720 m (8,924 ft).
Throughout your trek on Mount Kilimanjaro, you’ll be supported by an experienced team, with one guide for every two climbers. Each traveller is assigned a personal porter to carry the majority of their gear, while additional porters transport shared equipment and supplies — often moving ahead of the group to prepare camp for your arrival.

Your second day on Mount Kilimanjaro brings a longer and slightly steeper trek as you make your way from Mandara to Horombo Hut. Covering around 12 km (5–6 hours), today’s hike takes you beyond the dense rainforest into open alpine landscapes, where rolling meadows are dotted with giant heather trees.
As you leave the forest behind, enjoy your first clear views of Kilimanjaro’s iconic peaks — Kibo and Mawenzi — rising dramatically ahead. Along the way, you’ll cross several scenic ravines before reaching Horombo Hut, set in a rugged valley at 3,720 m.
With ever-changing scenery and diverse vegetation throughout the day, this is one of the most visually rewarding stages of the trek. You’ll spend the next two nights here, allowing time to rest and acclimatise.

Your hiking time will be approximately 5 to 6 hours or 11 km (6.8 mi). You will gain 1000m (3280 ft) of elevation and sleep at 3720 m (12204.7 ft).

After breakfast, set out toward Mawenzi Hut, passing the striking Zebra Rocks along the way. The climb is steep in parts, winding up grassy slopes, but the reward is worth it — incredible views across the landscape toward Kibo.
After taking in the scenery, return to Horombo Hut for lunch. The afternoon is yours to rest and acclimatise, or you can join a short walk nearby with your guides. Make the most of this rest day and stay well hydrated — the next stages of the trek will be more demanding.

• Your hiking time will be approximately 3 to 4 hours or 8 km (4.9 mi), with an elevation gain of 430 m (1,410.7 ft) and a descent of 600 m (1,970 ft)

Today’s trek covers approximately 10 km (5–6 hours) as you make your way from Horombo to Kibo Hut on Mount Kilimanjaro. As you ascend, the landscape becomes increasingly rugged and rocky, and the air noticeably thinner — so the pace slows to help your body adjust to the altitude.
Along the way, pass through sparse moorland dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias, then skirt beneath Mawenzi Peak before crossing the vast, otherworldly expanse known as the Saddle — a stark, lunar-like plateau stretching toward Kibo.
Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,720 m) in the afternoon, where you’ll have time to rest and prepare. An early night is essential here, as you get ready for your summit attempt in the very early hours ahead.

Your hiking time will be approximately 5 to 6 hours or 9 km (5.5 mi). You will gain 1,000 m (3,280.8 ft) of elevation and sleep at 4,720 m (15,485.5 ft).

Your guides will wake you around 11 pm with a warm cup of tea as you prepare for the most challenging — and rewarding — part of your journey on Mount Kilimanjaro: the summit push.
The climb from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak covers approximately 6 km and takes around 6–8 hours, followed by a descent of similar duration back to Horombo. Setting off under a sky full of stars, you’ll slowly zigzag up steep scree slopes, guided by torchlight, toward Gilman’s Point (5,685 m).
If conditions are on your side, you’ll witness an unforgettable sunrise behind Mawenzi Peak — a moment that makes the cold and effort worthwhile. This is the toughest section of the trek, with freezing temperatures and high altitude, so mental determination is key.
For those with energy left, continue along the crater rim for another couple of hours to reach Uhuru Peak — the highest point in Africa. From the summit, take in breathtaking views of the crater, glaciers and endless plains below.
After celebrating your achievement and capturing the moment, begin your descent back to Horombo Hut, where a well-deserved rest awaits.

Your hiking time will be approximately 12 to 14 hours or 12 km (7.4 mi), with an elevation gain of 1,175 m (3,854 ft) and a descent of 2175 m (7,136 ft).

Continue your descent on Mount Kilimanjaro, passing back through alpine meadows and lush rainforest as you make your way to Marangu Gate. The trek covers around 20 km and takes approximately 5–6 hours.
At the gate, your transport will be waiting to take you back to your hotel, where a hot shower will feel especially rewarding after the past few days of adventure. In the evening, come together for a celebratory meal, sharing stories and reliving the unforgettable journey you’ve just completed.

Your hiking time will be approximately 6 to 7 hours or 20 km (12.4 mi), with a descent of 1841 m (6040 ft).

There are no activities or trekking planned for today. A transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport or a shuttle to Nairobi can be arranged locally – please speak to your group leader about this at the welcome meeting.