Climbing Kilimanjaro in 6 days via the Marangu Route

Join the certified guides at Orongai Africa Safaris and enjoy a unique Kilimanjaro ascent via the famous Marangu Route. Catch sight of blue monkeys, discover the amazing Kibo crater and stand at the highest point of Africa on this unforgettable mountaineering adventure!

Group

+1 Days

All year

High

Intermediate

Highlights

Climb to the top of Africa's highest summit.
Explore the famous Marangu route on the way to the top of Kilimanjaro.
Enjoy the amazing flora and fauna of Tanzania.

Description

Would you like to climb to the top of the highest mountain in Africa? Then join us on this unique 6-day Marangu route ascent of the breathtaking Kilimanjaro.

At 5,895 m (19,341 ft), Kilimanjaro is the highest mountain in Africa, and therefore one of the seven summits. It is a popular mountaineering feat with many routes to reach its breathtaking top. On this 6-day adventure, we will climb the acclaimed Marangu Route, also known informally as the “coca-cola route” because the mountain huts on the way sell the famous soft drink.

Marangu is considered the easiest route to climb Kilimanjaro. Furthermore, it is the only route with mountain huts along the way. Join us via this route and we will make sure you are comfortable and safe every step of the way, and that you have the adventure of a lifetime.

So, are you ready to climb Kilimanjaro? Then book your place now and start planning an unforgettable mountaineering experience!

We also offer options to climb Kili via some of the other routes, which are also quite stunning!

Price includes

Accommodation included
Guiding fee
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Transportation start and back
Clean drinkable water

Price details

Price listed is on a shared tent basis. Solo tents are also available and trip price is $1,750 in this case.

Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel).

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

Meals & Drinks

All meals included
Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of tour

Additional accommodation can be arranged for an extra cost.
You’ll be dropped off at the airport (or hotel).

FAQs

What experience and how fit do I need to be to climb this mountain? Is this program suitable for children or older people?

This is for fit and people over 18 years old.

How far in advance should I start training and what kind of training do you suggest?

Training for maximum 6 months.

Will I need to bring any technical equipment of my own? Is it possible to rent equipment, and if so, what would be the approximate cost of that?

You can rent all the equipment at approximate $100.

Will there be porters to help to carry group and personal equipment?

Yes, the porters are there.

How will accommodation and meals be handled on the mountain?

There is a cook who takes care of that.

What happens in the event of bad weather?

The situation is well manageable due to experience.

Are there any other special requirements such as permits/insurance/vaccines that we need to consider before the tour?

Vaccines for Covid-19 and yellow fever.

What is the guide-to-client ratio to climb this mountain?

The ratio is 10/10.

What is the best time of the year to climb this mountain?

May and April, although you can have this trip during all the year.

Can I join a group?

Yes.

What are some recommended accommodations near our adventure location?

We understand that finding the perfect place to stay is an essential part of your adventure experience. To help you with this, we’ve curated a list of three highly recommended hotels that offer comfort, convenience, and a touch of local charm. These accommodations are well-suited for adventurers looking to relax and rejuvenate after an exciting day of exploration

Golden Tulip Dar Es Salaam Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

Hotel Slipway Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

About the guide

Orongai

Tour Operator

Welcome to Orongai African Safaris, our company, located right in the heart of Arusha, has a team of experienced, professional and dedicated guides. The whole team and entire staff at Orongai African Safaris is made up of natives who know Africa, Tanzania in particular by their fingertips. They have taken naturalist courses and are excellent game spotters. In addition they speak excellent English and some of them speak a couple of foreign languages.

All our 4×4 safari vehicles are custom-made for the rugged terrain of African roads in order to withstand the harsh terrain while offering game-viewing comfort. In addition they are fitted with HF radio communications and all passengers are guaranteed comfortable window seats.

Languages

German | French | English | Chinese

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What people are saying about Explore-Share

Man

Climbing with guide Guillaume was absolutely a highlight of my 2-week Europe vacation. Originally, we were planning on climbing in the Calanques, but the park was closed due to wind and fire danger. Guillaume chose another amazing location (Pic de Bretagne) based on my climbing abilities and preferences and kindly offered train station pick-up and hotel drop off, which I appreciated very much. The multi-pitch route we did was not only fun but also the right amount of challenge, which I thoroughly enjoyed. The communication from the team (Gauthier) was prompt and clear—highly recommend!

Maxine

Luis Silva was a great climbing guide and belayer! He taught me how to do moves that were difficult and encouraged me to try routes that were challenging for me! Because of his encouragement, I managed to complete these routes! I really enjoyed the climbs and completed 8 routes in the Sesimbra/Azoia area. The weather was perfect, no direct sun and cool enough to enjoy the climbs. Explore-Share made booking an outdoor climbing experience in Lisbon extremely easy. Luis, our guide, was fantastic, and the platform’s organization was flawless.

Valeriya

You’re simply the best!!! :))) Explore-Share made everything easy and stress-free. Will definitely use again.

Joshua

We had Léo as a guide for our day climb in Fonty. We were blessed with a knowledgeable, warm, and instructive guide. Communication with Léo and Ivan was smooth and swift. Explore-Share was excellent in arranging everything for our day climb. The communication was quick, and the platform was easy to use, making our adventure stress-free.

Cami

Patrick was a great guide. He took us on an intermediate Via Ferrata at Passo Sella. Renato was quick to respond with any outreach on the Explore-Share platform. The booking process was straightforward, and once Patrick was confirmed, all went well. It was a wonderful experience, and I’d highly recommend the platform.

4.8