8-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with Uhuru Peak

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Challenging pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Admire wonderful views of Kibo, Mount Meru, and Mawenzi
  • 02 Trek through the dense rainforest of Mandara with a chance to spot colobus monkeys
  • 03 Acclimatise at Zebra Rocks, known for its striking black and white stripes
  • 04 Reach Uhuru Peak, the "Roof of Africa," at 5,895 m
  • 05 Take in sweeping views of the Kenyan interior and the border lakes from Maundi Crater

Marangu, also known as the Coca-Cola Route, is one of Kilimanjaro's oldest and most popular paths to the summit. Unique for its permanent huts, it offers extra comfort while leading you through rainforest, moorland, alpine desert, and up to Uhuru Peak. Along the way, enjoy wonderful views of Kibo, Mount Meru, Mawenzi, and the Kenyan interior as you experience the incomparable natural beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro on this 7-day trek.

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days
Tour type Shared
Activity level Challenging
Accommodation Included · Budget
Transport Included
Wheelchair access Not applicable
Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and Transfer to Moshi

  • You will be greeted at Kilimanjaro International Airport by our transfer driver and taken to Lux Palace Hotel in Moshi.

  • The rest of the day is yours to spend as you please. You can choose to relax at the hotel or explore the town of Arusha, which is a short taxi ride away.

  • In the late afternoon, you will be briefed by our team on what to expect during your upcoming trek. The night will be spent at Lux Palace Hotel.

  • Accommodation: B&B

Dinner: Clients pay directly.

2
Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut Through Rainforest

  • After breakfast, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate at 1,840 m.

  • Once the necessary paperwork is completed, your trek begins, and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. If you look up, you may have the chance to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys.

  • After reaching Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and taking some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to Maundi Crater. From here, you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as the gleaming lakes that mark the border between Kenya and Tanzania.

After a few hours of hiking, arrive at Mandara Hut, where you will rest, enjoy dinner, and spend your first night on the mountain.
ELEVATION: 1,870m - 2,700m
HIKING TIME: 4 - 5 hours
DISTANCE: Approximately 8 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate
HABITAT: Montane rainforest
Overnight at Mandara Hut, surrounded by forest sounds and fresh mountain air as your Kilimanjaro journey begins.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

3
Day 03

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut via Heath and Moorland

  • After breakfast at Mandara Hut, continue your ascent through the lush rainforest, gradually transitioning into the heath and moorland zone of Mount Kilimanjaro.

    Along the way, enjoy sweeping views of the mountain slopes and, on clear days, catch your first distant glimpse of Uhuru Peak. The trail becomes more open, with unique vegetation such as giant heathers and lobelias.

    Arrive at Horombo Hut, located in a wide valley with stunning panoramic views. Rest, enjoy a warm meal, and acclimatize for the higher altitude ahead.
    ELEVATION: 2,700m - 3,720m
    HIKING TIME: 5 - 7 hours
    DISTANCE: Approximately 12 km
    DIFFICULTY: Moderate
    HABITAT: Rainforest - Heath & Moorland
    Overnight at Horombo Hut, surrounded by breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro's slopes and alpine scenery.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

4
Day 04

Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut and Zebra Rocks

  • Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today to help your body acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation plays an important role in improving your chances of reaching the summit, and this 2 to 4-hour trek gives you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation.

  • After breakfast, you may take a short optional hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rocks, where you will enjoy stunning views of the volcanic peaks and surrounding moorland landscape. This "climb high, sleep low" approach improves your chances of a successful summit.

    Return to Horombo Hut for lunch, relaxation, and preparation for the next stage of your ascent.
    ELEVATION: 3,720m (Horombo Hut)
    HIKING TIME: 2 - 4 hours (optional hike)
    DISTANCE: 3 - 5 km (optional trek)
    DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
    HABITAT: Moorland Zone
    Overnight at Horombo Hut, surrounded by peaceful mountain scenery as you continue acclimatizing for your Kilimanjaro summit journey.

    Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

5
Day 05

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut Across the Alpine Desert

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, continue your ascent through the vast alpine desert zone of Mount Kilimanjaro. The landscape becomes more rugged and dry, with fewer plants and wide volcanic plains stretching toward the summit.

Along the way, you may pass the famous saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, offering dramatic views of the mountain's volcanic terrain. The air becomes thinner as you approach higher altitude, so a slow and steady pace is essential.

Arrive at Kibo Hut in the early afternoon. After lunch, rest, hydrate, and receive a detailed briefing from your guide for the midnight summit attempt.
ELEVATION: 3,720m - 4,703m
HIKING TIME: 5 - 7 hours
DISTANCE: Approximately 10 km
DIFFICULTY: Moderate to Challenging
HABITAT: Alpine Desert
Dinner is served early, followed by rest before your midnight ascent to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

6
Day 06

Midnight Summit to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut

Your summit attempt begins around midnight from Kibo Hut. Trek slowly in the dark toward Gilman's Point, then continue along the crater rim to reach the highest point in Africa, Uhuru Peak (5,895m), just in time for sunrise.
At the summit, celebrate your achievement while taking in breathtaking views above the clouds and glaciers of Mount Kilimanjaro.
After photos and a short rest, begin your long descent back to Horombo Hut, passing through Kibo Hut for a brief stop and meal before continuing downward.
ELEVATION: 4,703m - 5,895m - 3,720m
HIKING TIME: 12 - 15 hours
DISTANCE: Approximately 22 km
DIFFICULTY: Challenging
HABITAT: Arctic zone - Alpine desert - Moorland
Overnight at Horombo Hut, where you will rest and recover after successfully summiting Mount Kilimanjaro.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

7
Day 07

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Moshi

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, begin your final descent through the moorland and lush rainforest of Mount Kilimanjaro. The trail is long but gentle, offering a peaceful end to your unforgettable trekking journey.
As you descend, enjoy the changing vegetation zones and fresh mountain air. You may spot colobus monkeys and a variety of bird species along the way. This final stretch gives you time to reflect on your achievement of reaching Uhuru Peak.
Upon arrival at Marangu Gate, you will receive your summit certificate and bid farewell to your trekking crew.
ELEVATION: 3,720m - 1,870m
HIKING TIME: 5 - 7 hours
DISTANCE: Approximately 18 km
DIFFICULTY: Easy to Moderate
HABITAT: Moorland - Rainforest
Transfer back to Lux Palace Hotel in Moshi for rest and celebration after your successful Kilimanjaro adventure.

Meals: Breakfast & Lunch

8
Day 08

Departure and End of Kilimanjaro Adventure

After an unforgettable climb of Mount Kilimanjaro, enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel in Moshi. Take time to rest, reflect on your achievement, and prepare for your journey home.
Depending on your flight schedule, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your departure flight. The team will ensure a smooth and timely transfer, marking the end of your incredible Tanzania trekking experience.

We hope you leave with lifelong memories of your Kilimanjaro journey and look forward to welcoming you again for more Tanzania adventures.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Arusha 4 cities · 8 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • All Mount Kilimanjaro National Park fees

  • Hut accommodation at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo

  • 2 nights' hotel stay before and after the trek at Lux Palace Hotel

  • Professional mountain guide

  • Porters and mountain cook

  • Breakfast, lunch, and dinner during the trek

  • Drinking water during the climb

  • Airport transfers (pick-up and drop-off)

  • Hotel-to-mountain gate transfers

  • Pre-trek briefing

  • Rescue and emergency support

  • Oxygen for emergencies

  • Pulse oximeter

  • Government taxes and 18% VAT

What's Not Included

  • Airline tickets

  • Visa fee

  • Lunch and dinner at the hotel (before and after the ascent)

  • Personal gear rentals

  • Tips for the mountain crew (USD 200-250 per person)

  • Mountaineering insurance

  • Portable toilet

What to bring

  • Keep your main duffel bag generally around 15 kg for porter-carried personal luggage.

  • Use waterproof bags to protect your clothing and sleeping equipment.

  • Avoid buying brand-new hiking boots immediately before your climb.

  • Pack extra warm clothing for summit night.

  • Bring comfortable clothing for relaxing at camp.

  • Keep essential medication and valuables in your daypack.

Know before you go

  • All guides have "Wilderness First Responder" and "Wilderness First Aid" certificates, along with over 7 years of climbing experience.

  • Each participant will be provided with a porter who can carry up to 15 kg of personal baggage.

  • Vegetarian meal options are available upon request.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour start
Arusha, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 8 days finish where they began, in Arusha.

Watch the tourHQ film Watch the film

Create your own adventure

Can't find the perfect tour? Tailor your dream trip.

  • Tell us your destination, dates and group size.
  • Our travel experts and local guides design a tailored itinerary, just for you.
  • Enjoy your trip with peace of mind, knowing everything is taken care of.
Plan my holiday

Say goodbye to travel stress.

Starting from

USD 1,100 /person
Book This Tour

When

Travellers

Total