Embark on the ultimate adventure to the summit of Africa’s highest peak, Mount Kilimanjaro, via the Marangu Route, a well-established trail known for its gradual ascent and comfortable hut accommodations. Often referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, Marangu is the only path that offers overnight stays in mountain huts, providing trekkers with the comfort of proper beds, dining halls, and protection from the elements. This 8-day, 7-night journey is ideal for both first-time climbers and experienced hikers, offering a steady and manageable approach through Kilimanjaro’s diverse ecological zones, from the dense rainforest to the breathtaking alpine desert and finally the icy summit at Uhuru Peak.

With its well-paced acclimatization schedule, the Marangu Route boasts a high success rate, making it a preferred choice for those seeking a balance between challenge and comfort. Our experienced guides at Unique Tanzania Voyages ensure that your climb is not only successful but also enriching, providing insights into the mountain’s geology, flora, and fauna. Throughout the trek, you will witness dramatic changes in scenery, encounter unique wildlife, and be rewarded with panoramic views that stretch beyond imagination. As you stand atop Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,341 feet), you will experience an overwhelming sense of achievement—conquering the Roof of Africa is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

DAY 1: ARRIVAL IN TANZANIA – WELCOME TO ARUSHA
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, a representative from Unique Tanzania Voyages will warmly welcome you and transfer you to your accommodation in Arusha, the gateway to Kilimanjaro. This vibrant town offers a perfect environment to rest and prepare for your climb. Depending on your arrival time, you may explore the local markets, visit cultural sites, or simply relax at your hotel.

• Accommodation Options:
  • Budget: Meru House Inn
  • Midrange: Mount Meru Hotel
  • Luxury: Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Dinner at the hotel
• Optional Activities: Local market visit, Cultural Heritage Centre tour

DAY 2: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

• Altitude: 1,870m (6,135ft) to 2,720m (8,923ft)
• Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
• Habitat: Rainforest

After breakfast, you will be transferred to Marangu Gate (about a two-hour drive from Arusha), where you will complete registration and begin your trek. The first section of the route takes you through a lush rainforest, where you might spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys. The well-maintained trail gently ascends to Mandara Hut, a comfortable mountain hut surrounded by towering trees. Upon arrival, you can take a short walk to Maundi Crater, which offers stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.

• Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Mountain Hut)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at hotel, Lunch en route, Dinner at Mandara Hut
• Optional Activities: Acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater

DAY 3: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

• Altitude: 2,720m (8,923ft) to 3,720m (12,204ft)
• Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Leaving the rainforest behind, the trail gradually ascends into the moorland zone, where the landscape becomes more open and dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias. As you hike, you’ll have spectacular views of Mawenzi and Kibo, the two main peaks of Kilimanjaro. After a long but rewarding trek, you will arrive at Horombo Hut, which offers a stunning panoramic view of the mountain.

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Mandara Hut, Lunch en route, Dinner at Horombo Hut
• Optional Activities: Photography, acclimatization hike around the hut

DAY 4: ACCLIMATIZATION DAY AT HOROMBO HUT

• Altitude: 3,720m (12,204ft) to 4,000m (13,123ft) (optional acclimatization hike)
• Distance: 5 km (3 miles) round trip
• Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
• Habitat: Moorland

Acclimatization is essential for summit success, and today is a rest day to allow your body to adjust. You can take a short hike to Zebra Rocks, a unique geological formation, or trek higher towards Mawenzi Ridge for breathtaking views before returning to Horombo Hut for relaxation.

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner at Horombo Hut
• Optional Activities: Zebra Rocks hike, relaxation, and preparation for higher altitudes

DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

• Altitude: 3,720m (12,204ft) to 4,703m (15,430ft)
• Distance: 10 km (6 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today’s trek takes you across the barren alpine desert, where vegetation is sparse, and the air is noticeably thinner. You will pass the Last Water Point before arriving at Kibo Hut, your final base before the summit attempt. After an early dinner, you’ll rest before the midnight ascent.

• Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Mountain Hut)
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Horombo Hut, Lunch en route, Dinner at Kibo Hut
• Optional Activities: Rest and mental preparation for summit night

DAY 6: KIBO HUT TO UHURU PEAK TO HOROMBO HUT

• Altitude: 4,703m (15,430ft) to 5,895m (19,341ft) to 3,720m (12,204ft)
• Distance: 18 km (11 miles)
• Hiking Time: 10-15 hours
• Habitat: Arctic to Moorland

Summit night begins around midnight, with a steep ascent to Gilman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim. From here, you will push forward to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating your achievement, you’ll descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut.

• Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Mountain Hut)
• Meal Plan: Summit snacks, Breakfast at Kibo Hut, Lunch en route, Dinner at Horombo Hut
• Optional Activities: Reflection and photography at the summit

DAY 7: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE – RETURN TO ARUSHA

• Altitude: 3,720m (12,204ft) to 1,870m (6,135ft)
• Distance: 20 km (12.5 miles)
• Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
• Habitat: Moorland to Rainforest

A gentle descent through the rainforest leads you back to Marangu Gate, where you’ll receive your summit certificate. You’ll then be transferred back to Arusha for a much-needed rest.

• Accommodation Options: Meru House Inn, Mount Meru Hotel, Arusha Coffee Lodge
• Meal Plan: Breakfast at Horombo Hut, Lunch en route, Dinner in Arusha

DAY 8: DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we will transfer you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home, concluding your unforgettable journey.

• Meal Plan: Breakfast
• Optional Activities: Coffee tour, last-minute souvenir shopping

This 8-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Climb with Unique Tanzania Voyages is designed to offer an unforgettable, well-paced adventure to the Roof of Africa!

Package Inclusions:

• Professional, experienced, English-speaking mountain guides
• Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees
• Hut accommodations on the mountain
• All meals during the trek (breakfast, lunch, and dinner)
• Drinking water throughout the climb
• Camping equipment (tables, chairs, cooking facilities)
• First aid kit and emergency oxygen
• All ground transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to the hotel and back
• Transport to and from Marangu Gate
• Summit certificate upon successful completion
• Porters and cook for carrying supplies

Package Exclusions:

• International and domestic flights
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Tanzania visa fees
• Tips for guides, porters, and cook 
• Personal trekking gear (e.g., boots, jackets, sleeping bags)
• Additional snacks, drinks, and energy supplements
• Accommodation and meals in Arusha before and after the climb (can be arranged separately)

Why Choose Unique Tanzania Voyages for Your Kilimanjaro Climb?

• Expert Guides – Our highly trained and certified guides have years of experience leading climbers to Uhuru Peak with a high success rate.
• Safety First – We monitor climbers’ health at every stage of the climb and provide emergency evacuation if needed.
• Comfortable Hut Accommodations – The Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route with permanent mountain huts, ensuring a warm and safe place to sleep.
• Well-Planned Acclimatization – Our itinerary includes an extra day at Horombo Hut to maximize your chances of a successful summit.
• Memorable Experience – From stunning landscapes to local cultural insights, we provide an enriching journey beyond just reaching the summit.

Join us for an unforgettable adventure and conquer Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route—the classic trek to Africa’s highest peak.