Mount Kilimanjaro

Kilimanjaro Marangu Route

The oldest and one of the most iconic paths to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. Experience Africa's highest mountain through the classic Marangu Route, with comfortable mountain hut accommodation and carefully planned acclimatization.

Starting From $2,149 / PERSON
Expedition Data

Quick Facts

Starting Point

Marangu Gate

Southeastern entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park.

Tour Duration

6 Days

5 nights on Mount Kilimanjaro.

Hiking Distance

37 KM ↑ / 34 KM ↓

Estimated route distance.

Elevation Gain

4,016 M

From starting point toward the summit.

Highest Point

5,895 M

Uhuru Peak — the Roof of Africa.

Difficulty

Moderate

Gradual ascent with acclimatization opportunities.

Popularity

Most Popular

Suitable for trekkers of different experience levels.

Accommodation

Mountain Huts

Shared huts with bunk beds and private portable toilets.

* ALL ESTIMATED PRICES ARE PER PERSON, BASED ON A 2 PERSON TREK.

Route Intelligence

The
Marangu
Route

Marangu is the oldest and one of the most iconic routes to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit. Unlike camping routes, Marangu provides hut accommodation throughout the mountain journey.

Expedition Cost
$2,149 /PERSON
01. ENTRY

Marangu Gate

Entry point and registration at Kilimanjaro National Park.

02. RAINFOREST

Mandara Hut

Lush rainforest, wildlife opportunities and Maundi Crater.

03. MOORLAND

Horombo Hut

Moorland terrain and acclimatization zone.

04. HIGH ALTITUDE

Kibo Hut

The base camp for the final summit push.

05. SUMMIT

Uhuru Peak

5,895 metres — the highest point in Africa.

Expedition Log

Day-to-Day Itinerary

These itineraries are a starting point for planning your Arena Africa adventure. We specialize in creating tailor-made tours and personalized adventures designed around your schedule, preferences and travel goals.

DAY 00

Arrival

Arrival & Transfer to Arusha

  • Begin your Kilimanjaro adventure with a professional transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your selected accommodation in Arusha.
  • Meet your experienced Kilimanjaro guide for a pre-climb briefing and gear check.
  • Enjoy dinner and take time to rest before your ascent.
DAY 01

Mandara

Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut

After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate at 1,879 m. Register and acquire permits before beginning the trek through the lush rainforest toward Mandara Hut.

Visit Maundi Crater for panoramic views of Kenya and Tanzania, then enjoy dinner and an overnight stay at Mandara Hut.

Altitude

1,879 → 2,720 M

Distance

8 KM

Duration

3–4 HRS

DAY 02

Horombo

Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut

Wake early and trek from Mandara Hut at 2,720 m toward Horombo Hut at 3,720 m. The rainforest gives way to moorland as you gain significant altitude.

Altitude

2,720 → 3,720 M

Distance

11 KM

Duration

5–6 HRS

DAY 03

Acclimatize

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

A dedicated acclimatization day prepares your body for the high-altitude climb ahead.

Rest at Horombo Hut or take a short hike to Zebra Rocks at 3,980 m before returning to Horombo for dinner and rest.

An acclimatization hike involves a gentle trek with a slight altitude gain, helping the body adjust to higher elevations.

Altitude

3,720 → 3,980 → 3,720 M

Distance

3 KM

Duration

2 HRS

DAY 04

Kibo

Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut

Trek toward Kibo Hut at 4,720 m, crossing the Saddle, a high-altitude desert characterised by cold and windy conditions.

The landscape becomes increasingly rocky and barren as you gain altitude. Rest and prepare for the summit push.

Altitude

3,720 → 4,720 M

Distance

9 KM

Duration

6–7 HRS

5895
Summit Operation

Uhuru
Peak

5,895 METRES. AFRICA'S HIGHEST POINT

Summit Night

Depart Kibo Hut around midnight for the final push. Hike through the night toward Gilman's Point at 5,685 m before continuing to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m.

Celebrate reaching the highest point in Africa and take in views across the glaciers and plains below.

Altitude

4,720 → 5,685 → 5,895 M

Distance

6 KM

Duration

6–8 HRS

DAY 05

Descent to Horombo

Descend back to Kibo Hut for a brief rest and refreshments, then continue toward Horombo Hut.

ALTITUDE 5,895 → 4,720 → 3,720 M
DISTANCE 15 KM
DURATION 6–8 HRS
DAY 06

Final Descent

Descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate, celebrate your Kilimanjaro achievement and receive your commemorative certificate.

Continue with a transfer back to your selected hotel in Arusha to relax and unwind.

ALTITUDE 3,720 → 1,879 M
DISTANCE 19 KM
DURATION 5–7 HRS
Included

Your Expedition Includes

  • + All entrance fees including government taxes.
  • + All activities unless indicated as optional.
  • + All accommodation mentioned in the itinerary.
  • + Professional driver and mountain guide.
  • + Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
  • + Unlimited bottles of drinking water.
  • + Transportation to and from the mountain.
  • + Airport pick-up and drop-off.
  • + Camping equipment and porter services.
  • + Official KINAPA certificates.
Excluded

Not Included

  • × International and/or domestic flights.
  • × Tips.
  • × Tanzania visa — USD 50.
  • × Medical and travel insurance.
  • × Local SIM card.
  • × Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • × Alcoholic beverages and soft drinks.
  • × Climbing gear, unless rented.
  • × Medical evacuation by helicopter.
  • × Government-initiated increases in taxes or park fees.
ARENA AFRICA SAFARIS

LET THE WILD CLAIM
YOUR STORY.

The thundering herds of the plains, the frozen snow-lines of the peaks, and the pristine quiet of hidden archipelagos are ready.

Don't leave your definitive African odyssey to chance, co-design it alongside the architects at Arena Africa Safaris.