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!

TRIP TYPE

Group

DURATION

+1 Days

OFFER PERIOD

All year

FITNESS LEVEL

high

SKILL LEVEL

Intermediate

PAYMENT METHODS

Credit Card, Wire Transfer and more!

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.

Secure your spot with just 25% payment

48-hour free cancellation with 30-day advance booking

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

Southern Sun Dar es Salaam Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

Hotel Slipway Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

Golden Tulip Dar Es Salaam Dar es Salaam Tanzania

See rooms

About the guide: Orongai

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

Request more information

What people are saying about Explore-Share

Kumari

5.00

I’m extremely happy with the ease with which I could book via your site reliable and experienced guide. Thank you so very much, and I’ve started to recommend your site to my friends. Dimitris is not only an awesome guide, but a wonderful person who was always looking out to give me the best experience I can have when he found out how much I love climbing! He is the Best!

Niklas

5.00

I am very pleased with Explore-Share! This was my first international climb, and the communication and response time were great. Herbie is a very skilled guide and very efficient. The entire booking process & payment was smooth. I will definitely use Explore-Share again. Thank you.

Greg

5.00

I was looking for a local guide for a hike I was planning and came across Explore-Share. They seemed to have good reviews and so decided to give them a try. The experience was very positive and completely happy with their service. I will be using them again for next trip.

Colin

5.00

Easy to set up and find the perfect trip. Informative site that is easy to use. Guides are all great to work with and communicate all arrangements needed. As simple as can be!

Lesley

4.00

Thank you explore-share for a wonderful via feratta experience. We have been wanting to learn for a long time but don't have the facilities in Scotland. The guide Mitja was extremely helpful and knowledgeable, answering all my many questions and providing advice. On the day head to take another group but he quickly arranged another guide Borut, who was brilliant. We had a fantastic morning learning via ferrata at Hvadnik in the gorge. It gave us the confidence to later hire our own equipment and go out in Mojstrana. Altogether a five star + experience. Thank you.