Kilimanjaro marangu route

9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Marangu Route with huts

From $2163 USD* / Park fees / 9 days

*Price p.p. incl. transfers, accommodation, food, drinks, guides, tents and park fees. Excl. International flight (based on six persons)

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9-day trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 6-day Marangu Route with huts

The Marangu route might be one of the cheapest and quickest routes to the summit, but it still has plenty of wow moments in store for you. You still get to dive into the mountain’s nature on different trails and enjoy the view from the top.

The downside: it can be quite busy, especially during peak season, you have less time to get used to the altitude and you take the same route for your descent which is why you get to see less of the spectacular scenery.

However, if you’re not too much into camping, you’ll be happy to hear that this route offers hut accomodation. And one last fun fact: it’s also called the “Coca-Cola” route… just in case you want to impress your fellow hikers and guides 😉

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? 

*If you would like to see the menu, we can send it in advance.

How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route?

Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.

  1. It’s important you take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize.
  2. Prepare. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple day hikes are excellent training. But also running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation.
  3. Add an extra day. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. By adding one extra day to your climb, you will reduce this risk. Since you spread the climb over more days and your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do really advice to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top.

If you like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us or read our blog How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

Itinerary

  • Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
  • Day 2: Marangu Route (1/6) | Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft)
  • Day 3: Marangu Route (2/6) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 4: Marangu Route (3/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 5: Marangu Route (4/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)
  • Day 6: Marangu Route (5/6) | Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)
  • Day 7: Marangu Route (6/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel
  • Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb

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.

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

In the early morning, your guide takes you from the hotel to Marangu Gate at 1,860 m. The initial part of the trek takes you through coffee and banana plantations, as well as untouched rainforest. Take this opportunity to admire the stunning views of lush vegetation and diverse wildlife along the way. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara Huts. In the afternoon, you can choose to visit the Maundi Crater, a volcanic crater near the huts, or simply relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!

Day 3: Marangu Route (2/6) | Mandara Huts (2,720 m/8,923 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes. You trek through picturesque landscapes, encounter unique flora and fauna, and immerse yourself in the majestic beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air also grows thinner with altitude. Experience the thrill of ascending higher, as you make your way to the cozy and comfortable Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Marangu Route (3/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

Today is your additional acclimatization day. After breakfast, you go for a hike towards Kibo Huts and back. This gives your body ample time to get used to the altitude. After lunch, you have the opportunity to take some pictures of the Mawenzi Volcano, discover the area or just rest. Have a good night's sleep at the Horombo Huts again to be ready for the next day.

Day 5: Marangu Route (4/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft)

Witness the dramatic landscape change as your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The landscape here is more open and bare and offers less shelter. The hike is challenging, but the thrill of approaching the majestic summit of Mount Kilimanjaro drives you to keep going. You arrive at Kibo Huts Camp for lunch. Don't forget to drink plenty of water and make sure you relax for the big day ahead!

Day 6: Marangu Route (5/6) | Kibo Huts Camp (4,720 m/15,485 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft)

At night you start your ascent to conquer the majestic Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa! The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb, until you reach Gilman's Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far away, and relatively easy to climb. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! You descend through the Kibo Huts Camp down to the Horombo Huts, where you have dinner and overnight. You are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare for a challenging but rewarding day!

Day 7: Marangu Route (6/6) | Horombo Huts (3,720 m/12,204 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m/6,102 ft) - hotel

Your incredible journey comes to an end as you descend to Marangu Gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This wonderful five to six-hour walk takes you through beautiful forests. Once at Marangu Gate, your guide drives you back to the hotel for a well-deserved rest and a celebration of your remarkable achievement. Unforgettable memories, breathtaking views, and a true sense of accomplishment await and will stay with you forever!

Day 8 - 9: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb

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!

Make your dream trip come true with Tanzania Specialist

At Tanzania Specialist, you can customize your trip. Our sample itineraries are adjustable to your preferences. Our specialists work together with you to create your dream journey!

Request this trip now

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  • 100% specialized in Tanzania
  • Skilled travel consultants living in Tanzania
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  • Competitive rates
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