7 Days Marangu Route (5-Day Trek + 2 Nights in Arusha)

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our Pita Safaris representative and transferred to your comfortable hotel in Arusha. After check-in, spend the remainder of the day relaxing and preparing for your upcoming Mount Kilimanjaro adventure. Your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed climb briefing, equipment check and final preparations, including an overview of the Marangu Route, altitude considerations and what to expect during the trek.

Elevation: Approx. 1,400 m / 4,593 ft

Distance: Airport transfer only

Hiking Time: None

Habitat: Arusha highland environment

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

Meals: Dinner

After breakfast, depart Arusha and drive towards Marangu Gate, the starting point of your Kilimanjaro trek. After completing park registration and meeting your mountain crew, begin your ascent through the lush tropical rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail winds beneath towering trees and dense vegetation, with opportunities to see colourful birds, monkeys and other forest wildlife. Continue gradually uphill towards Mandara Hut, where you will settle into your mountain accommodation and enjoy dinner surrounded by the peaceful forest environment.

Start Elevation: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft

End Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

Distance: Approx. 8 km / 5 miles

Hiking Time: 4–5 hours

Habitat: Montane rainforest

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

After breakfast, continue your Marangu Route Kilimanjaro trek as the landscape changes from rainforest to open moorland. The vegetation becomes lower and more dramatic, revealing expansive views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo, the two principal volcanic cones of Mount Kilimanjaro. Walk at a steady pace with your experienced mountain guide, allowing your body to adjust gradually to the increasing altitude. Arrive at Horombo Hut, your overnight base with impressive mountain scenery and time to rest and enjoy the high-altitude environment.

Start Elevation: 2,720 m / 8,924 ft

End Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft

Distance: Approx. 12 km / 7.5 miles

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Habitat: Moorland and heath zone

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

After breakfast, leave Horombo Hut and continue across the high-altitude landscape towards Kibo Hut, the final overnight camp before your summit attempt. The trail crosses the distinctive alpine desert, with increasingly sparse vegetation and dramatic views of Kibo's summit cone ahead. Your guide will maintain a careful pace and monitor your wellbeing as you gain altitude. Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you will have an early dinner and rest before the demanding summit ascent that begins during the night.

Start Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft

End Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft

Distance: Approx. 9–10 km / 5.5–6.2 miles

Hiking Time: 5–6 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Wake shortly after midnight for the most challenging and rewarding stage of your Mount Kilimanjaro climb. Begin the slow ascent through the darkness towards Gilman's Point, continuing along the crater rim towards Stella Point and, conditions permitting, onward to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres, the highest point in Africa. Reach the summit around sunrise and celebrate this extraordinary achievement while taking in breathtaking views across the surrounding African landscape.

After spending time at the summit, begin your long descent towards Kibo Hut before continuing to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest and overnight stay.

Start Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft

Summit Elevation: 5,895 m / 19,341 ft

End Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft

Distance: Approx. 15–17 km / 9–10.5 miles

Hiking Time: Approx. 11–15 hours

Habitat: Alpine desert, arctic summit zone and high-altitude moorland

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

After breakfast, begin your final descent through the beautiful moorland and rainforest zones of Mount Kilimanjaro. Continue down towards Marangu Gate, where you will complete the park exit formalities and say farewell to your mountain crew. After the trek, transfer back to Arusha for a comfortable evening at your hotel. The remainder of the day is dedicated to relaxation and recovery following your summit achievement.

Start Elevation: 3,720 m / 12,205 ft

End Elevation: 1,860 m / 6,102 ft

Distance: Approx. 20 km / 12.4 miles

Hiking Time: 6–7 hours

Habitat: Moorland, heath and montane rainforest

Accommodation: Arusha Planet Lodge

After breakfast, enjoy your final morning in Arusha before your scheduled transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) for your flight home or onward journey.

Depending on your travel plans, you may continue to another destination in Tanzania. Travellers looking to unwind after their mountain adventure can extend their journey with a relaxing Tanzania beach holiday in Zanzibar or along the mainland coast, combining the challenge of Kilimanjaro with time to rest beside the Indian Ocean.

You can also extend your adventure with a Tanzania wildlife safari, creating a memorable combination of mountain, wildlife and beach experiences.

Departure: Arusha

Destination: Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA) or onward destination

Transfer: Private road transfer

Accommodation: Optional Arusha Planet Lodge