6-Day Kilimanjaro Hiking Tour via Marangu Route

This package offers an unforgettable Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route, beginning with your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport. You’ll be warmly welcomed by our driver and transferred to Springlands Hotel in Moshi (~900m). At the hotel, you’ll savor a delicious meal and attend a pre-trekking briefing from our expert coordinators, equipping you for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route. The trek starts from Moshi, guiding you through Kilimanjaro’s stunning landscapes, from lush rainforest to higher altitudes as you progress toward the summit. Each day, you’ll acclimatize at comfortable huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo) while our dedicated team ensures your safety and comfort.

The pinnacle of the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route is the ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), where you’ll stand triumphantly at Africa’s highest point. Following this milestone, the descent allows you to revisit Kilimanjaro’s diverse terrain before returning to Springlands Hotel for a well-earned rest. For those eager to extend their adventure, options for a thrilling Tanzanian safari or a relaxing beach getaway in Zanzibar can be included, creating a comprehensive and memorable Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route experience.

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What's Included

What's Not Included

Day 1

Transfer from Kilimanjaro Airport to Moshi Town

After arriving at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you’ll be warmly welcomed by the trekking team and transferred by vehicle (approximately 1 hour) to Springlands Hotel in Moshi (~900m). At the hotel, you’ll enjoy a delicious meal and attend a pre-trekking briefing from experienced coordinators to prepare for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route. You can relax, explore the vibrant town of Moshi, and enjoy views of Mount Kilimanjaro (weather permitting). In the evening, rest early to recharge for the trek ahead.

Day Activities.
Transfer From Jro Airport
Stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro from the airport
Vibrant local markets and street life in Moshi town
Lush greenery and coffee plantations en route
Enjoy a delicious welcome meal at the hotel.
Cultural glimpses of Chagga communities near Moshi
Attend a pre-trekking briefing for the Kilimanjaro climb via Machame Route.

Day 2

Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Springlands Hotel, you’ll travel 1 hour by vehicle to Marangu Gate (1,860m). At Marangu Gate, you’ll register before embarking on a 4-5 hour trek through lush rainforest trails to Mandara Hut (2,700m) for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut accommodations, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 900 m (Moshi) – 1,860 m (Marangu Gate) – 2,700 m
Hiking distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hours

Day Activities.
Transfer by vehicle (~40 km, 1 hour) to Marangu Gate.
Complete registration formalities at Marangu Gate for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route.
Attend a briefing from your guide
Rest and acclimatize in the forest surroundings.
Trek 11 km through rainforest, spotting flora and possibly colobus monkeys.

Day 3

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Mandara Hut, you’ll embark on a 5-6 hour trek through the rainforest and into the moorland zone to Horombo Hut (3,720m) for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route. The trail offers stunning views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the surrounding landscape. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut accommodations, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you can relax until dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s trek.

Altitude: 2,700 m – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Mandara Hut.
Trek 11 km through rainforest and moorland to Horombo Hut for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route.
Admire views of Kilimanjaro’s peaks and the expansive moorland landscape.
Arrive at Horombo Hut and settle into the hut accommodations.
Savor a freshly prepared lunch by the chef.
Attend an evening briefing for the next day’s trek.
Rest and acclimatize, enjoying the open plateau views.

Day 4

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Horombo Hut, you’ll trek 5-6 hours through the moorland and into the alpine desert zone to Kibo Hut (4,700m) for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route. The trail crosses the “Saddle,” offering expansive views of Kilimanjaro’s summit. Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut accommodations, and the chef will prepare lunch. After eating, you’ll rest to prepare for the summit push. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the next day’s summit ascent.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 4,700 m
Hiking distance: 10 km
Hiking time: 5-6 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Horombo Hut.
Trek 10 km through moorland and alpine desert to Kibo Hut for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route.
Arrive at Kibo Hut and settle into the hut accommodations.
Experience acclimatization at Lava Tower with stunning mountain views.
Arrive at Barranco Camp and relax as porters set up tents
Rest and acclimatize while exploring the scenic surroundings
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the next day’s trek.

Day 5

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

After a midnight wake-up and light breakfast at Kibo Hut, you’ll trek 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the summit of the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route, through the arctic zone. After celebrating at the summit, you’ll descend 2-3 hours to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch, then continue 3-4 hours to Horombo Hut (3,720m). Upon arrival, you’ll settle into the hut accommodations, and the chef will prepare dinner. In the evening, your guide will brief you on the final day’s trek.

Altitude: 4,700 m – 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak) – 3,720 m
Hiking distance: 6 km (ascent), 16 km (descent)
Hiking time: 6-8 hours (ascent), 5-7 hours (descent)

Day Activities.
Wake up at midnight for a light breakfast at Kibo Hut.
Trek 6-8 hours to Uhuru Peak through the arctic zone for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route.
Celebrate reaching the summit and enjoy sunrise views.
Descend 2-3 hours to Kibo Hut for a short rest and lunch.
Continue descending 3-4 hours to Horombo Hut through moorland.
Attend an evening briefing with your guide for the next day’s trek.

Day 6

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Transfer to Moshi

After breakfast and a guide briefing at Horombo Hut, you’ll trek 5-7 hours through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate (1,860m) to complete the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route. At the gate, you’ll complete exit formalities and receive your summit certificate (if Uhuru Peak was reached). You’ll then transfer by vehicle (approximately 1 hour) to Springlands Hotel in Moshi to relax and celebrate your achievement.

Altitude: 3,720 m – 1,860 m (Marangu Gate) – 900 m (Moshi)
Hiking distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 5-7 hours

Day Activities.
Enjoy a hearty breakfast at Horombo Hut.
Trek 19 km through moorland and rainforest to Marangu Gate for the Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route.
Enjoy scenic views and potential wildlife sightings in the rainforest.
Complete exit formalities at Marangu Gate.
Transfer by vehicle (~40 km, 1 hour) to Springlands Hotel in Moshi.
Relax and celebrate your Kilimanjaro climb via Marangu Route achievement.

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Arusha, Tanzania - September 9, 2021: The street in Arusha city, Tanzania

"Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Lemosho Route was a life-changing adventure! The guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and the porters made every campsite feel like home. The views from the Shira Plateau and the Barranco Wall were breathtaking, and reaching Uhuru Peak at sunrise was unforgettable. The team’s support made all the difference!"

Sarah Mira New York, USA

"This trek was beyond my expectations. The Lemosho Route offered stunning landscapes, from lush rainforests to the arctic summit. The daily briefings and delicious meals kept us energized and motivated. Our guide’s expertise and encouragement helped me conquer the summit. Highly recommend this journey!"

Mathew Lane Milan, Italy

"As a first-time trekker, I was nervous, but the team made the Lemosho Route trek seamless and enjoyable. The gradual ascent helped with acclimatization, and the camaraderie among the group was heartwarming. Standing on Uhuru Peak was a moment of pride I’ll cherish forever!"

Austin Robert Paris, France

"The Lemosho Route is the way to go for Kilimanjaro! The scenery was spectacular, especially at Lava Tower and the summit. The porters and chef went above and beyond, and the organization was flawless. It’s a challenging but rewarding experience I’d do again in a heartbeat!"

Eric Richardson Paris France

1. What is the best route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro?

The best route depends on your preferences. The Lemosho Route (8 days) is scenic and less crowded, with good acclimatization. Marangu Route (5-6 days) offers hut accommodations but is busier. Machame Route (6-7 days) is challenging and popular. Rongai Route (6-7 days) is quieter, approaching from the north. Your fitness, time, and budget will guide your choice.

2. How physically demanding is a Kilimanjaro trek?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is strenuous due to high altitude (up to 5,895m at Uhuru Peak), long hiking days (3-8 hours), and varying terrain. No technical climbing skills are needed, but good physical fitness, endurance, and mental resilience are essential. Pre-trek training (hiking, cardio, strength exercises) is highly recommended.

3. What is the risk of altitude sickness, and how is it managed?

Altitude sickness is a risk due to rapid elevation gain. Routes like Lemosho and Machame include acclimatization days (e.g., Lava Tower on Lemosho Day 5). Guides monitor symptoms, encourage slow pacing (“pole pole”), ensure hydration, and may administer oxygen or descend if needed. Diamox is sometimes used as a preventive medication.

4. What gear and clothing should I bring for the trek?

Pack layered clothing (base layers, fleece, waterproof jacket), sturdy hiking boots, a warm sleeping bag (rated for -10°C or lower), trekking poles, a headlamp, sunglasses, sunscreen, a water bottle, and personal medications. A daypack is needed for daily essentials, as porters carry most gear. Tour operators often provide detailed packing lists.

5. Are meals and accommodations included in Kilimanjaro treks?

Most treks include all meals (breakfast, lunch, dinner) prepared by a chef, designed to be nutritious and energy-rich. Accommodations are typically tents set up by porters, except on the Marangu Route, which uses huts. Treks usually start and end with hotel stays in Moshi or Arusha.

6. How safe is trekking Kilimanjaro, and what support is provided?

Trekking is generally safe with reputable operators. Professional guides monitor health and weather, provide daily briefings, and are trained in first aid. Porters carry gear, and cooks prepare meals. Emergency evacuation plans are in place, and some operators carry oxygen or portable altitude chambers.

7. When is the best time to climb Kilimanjaro?

The best times are the dry seasons: January-March and June-October. These periods offer clearer skies and less rain, improving views and trail conditions. July-September is popular but busier. Avoid the rainy seasons (April-May and November) due to muddy trails and reduced visibility.

8. Do I need a visa or vaccinations for Tanzania?

Most travelers need a visa for Tanzania, obtainable on arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport or online in advance. Check with the Tanzanian embassy for your country’s requirements. Vaccinations like yellow fever (if coming from an endemic area), typhoid, and hepatitis A are recommended. Consult a travel clinic for advice.

9. How much does a Kilimanjaro trek cost, and what does it include?

Costs vary ($1,500-$3,500 USD) depending on the route, duration, group size, and operator. Prices typically include guides, porters, meals, camping equipment, park fees, and transfers to/from Moshi or Arusha. Exclusions may include tips, personal gear, and international flights.

10. What happens if I can’t reach the summit?

Safety is prioritized. If you experience altitude sickness, fatigue, or other issues, guides will assess your condition and may descend to a lower altitude. You’ll receive a certificate for the highest point reached (e.g., Stella Point at 5,739m). Guides and porters ensure a safe return to the gate.