Kilimanjaro Climb – 8 Days via Marangu Route

Fly into Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where our driver will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. In the evening (or early the following morning), you’ll meet your local Kandoo representative for a full trek briefing and gear check.

Transport: Private transfer

Accommodation: Hotel

Calendar & Prices

Details

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel and driven to Marangu Gate for registration. Once the porters have packed supplies, the trek begins along a forest trail draped in moss and mist. This rainforest zone is home to much of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife. The night will be spent at Mandara Hut, a group of A-frame wooden huts in a forest clearing.
Hiking time: 3–4 hours
Ascent: 720 metres
Maximum altitude: 2,700 metres
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The path continues through forest and past the base of Maundi Crater before opening into moorland. After a steady climb of about six hours, you will reach Horombo Hut, set on a plateau with wide views of the mountain.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Ascent: 1,020 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,720 metres
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

This day is set aside for acclimatisation. A recommended hike takes you towards Mawenzi Peak, passing the striking Zebra Rocks along the way. The walk lasts around three hours up and one and a half hours down, before returning to Horombo Hut for the night.
Hiking time: 4–5 hours
Ascent: 300 metres
Descent: 300 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,020 metres
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

The trail climbs steadily into the alpine desert zone, passing the last water point at 4,130 metres. By late afternoon you will arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit ridge. The evening is for rest and preparation for the summit push beginning just before midnight.
Hiking time: 5–6 hours
Ascent: 980 metres
Maximum altitude: 4,700 metres
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Shortly before midnight, you will wake for tea and biscuits before beginning the toughest part of the climb. The route follows a rocky trail to Hans Meyer Point at 5,250 metres, then zigzags up steep scree slopes to Gilman’s Point at 5,681 metres on the crater rim. From here, the path continues through snow and ice to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. After photographs at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest, and then continue down to Horombo Hut for the night.
Hiking time: 12–14 hours
Ascent: 1,195 metres
Descent: 2,175 metres
Maximum altitude: 5,895 metres
Accommodation: Hut
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast, begin the final descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. At the park headquarters, climbers who reached the summit will receive their certificates. A private transfer will take you back to your hotel for a hot shower and celebration.
Hiking time: 6–7 hours
Descent: 1,740 metres
Maximum altitude: 3,720 metres
Accommodation: Hotel
Meals included: Breakfast

After a well-earned night’s rest, it is time to depart. If you have arranged airport transfers, or extended your journey with a safari or Zanzibar holiday, we will collect you in the morning for your onward travel.
Transport: Private transfer
Meals included: Breakfast