Tanzania · Trekking

8-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek to Uhuru Peak from Arusha

8 Days Round trip from Arusha Moderate pace

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The journey

Trip highlights

01 Summit Uhuru Peak on Mount Kilimanjaro via the scenic Marangu Route
02 Enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi along the mountain trail
03 Acclimatise with a hike to Mawenzi Hut to improve your summit chances
04 Overnight at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts on the mountain
05 Descend through Kilimanjaro's beautiful cloud forest to Marangu Gate

Embark on an adventurous 8-day trek via the scenic Marangu Route to the famous peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro. Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of Kibo and Mawenzi, overnight at Mandara, Horombo, and Kibo Huts, and acclimatise before your summit push. The journey culminates at Uhuru Peak, where magnificent views and a true sense of achievement await at the top of Africa.

The journey culminates at Uhuru Peak, where magnificent views and a true sense of achievement await at the top of Africa.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 8 Days

Tour type Private

Activity level Moderate

Accommodation Included · Standard

Transport Included

Wheelchair access No

Cities Arusha, Moshi, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu

Languages English, French, German, Italian, Spanish

Day by day

The itinerary

Day 01

Arrival in Arusha and Trek Briefing

You will be picked up from the airport by your tour guide and taken to the hotel in Moshi. The briefing will take place at the hotel.
Our guides will go through all the essential details regarding your trek and inspect your trekking gear to ensure that you have all the equipment needed for your climb the next day.

Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

You will have a chance to get to know your guides, chefs, and porters before departing from the hotel in Moshi. You will begin your journey to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro after completing the gate registration.
Our final destination is Mandara Hut. Once we arrive, you can decide whether you want to relax for the rest of the day or take a leisurely stroll to Maundi Crater.

Day 03

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

After breakfast, we will begin our trek to Horombo Hut. Today's terrain, Kilimanjaro's moorland, is a total contrast to the rainforest, and in the distance you will begin to appreciate the presence of Uhuru Peak and Mawenzi.
When we get to Kambi ya Taanu, we will take a break and enjoy a picnic lunch. Pleasant blue skies will allow you to marvel at the scenic views of Mawenzi and the peaks of Kibo.
We will arrive at Horombo Huts in the afternoon, and you will have the opportunity to unwind for the rest of the day while enjoying the surroundings of Horombo Huts, which are luxury huts.

Day 04

Acclimatisation Hike to Mawenzi Hut

The purpose of day three is to acclimatise and increase your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak. We suggest that you aim to hike all the way to Mawenzi Hut to enable maximum acclimatisation.

A lovely lunch meal will be served, and you can relax for the rest of the day.

Day 05

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

After breakfast, we will continue hiking through the alpine desert of Kilimanjaro's upper altitudes.
After an hour, we will arrive at the Maua River and encounter our first milestone, a small mountain stream.
Once we come across Middle Red Hill, we will take a break and eat lunch.
We will reach Kibo Huts in the afternoon, and it is recommended that you prepare for your midnight climb and rest as early as possible.

Day 06

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Back to Horombo Hut

We will begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak. You will set off into the darkness of the midnight skies with a curious mix of minor fatigue and raw adrenaline that will carry you to the summit. The hike begins with a gruelling five-hour trek to Gillman's Point, located on the perimeter of the crater. This trail is tremendously tricky, irrespective of its being considered the easiest ascent path. It takes approximately two hours to come across the first major rest stop, William's Point. It is positioned at 500 meters, and you will continue for another thirty minutes before encountering the rocky terrain that leads the way to Gillman's Point (5,681 meters). The actual hike to Gillman's does not have a great level of difficulty, but when you combine the trek with the high altitude, it becomes tiring and long.
You will hike for a further two hours before reaching your goal, Uhuru Peak.
Before our descent begins, you can take photos of the landscape and your group. You will realise that the route down from the summit has remarkable views.
We will stop at Kibo Hut to give you a chance to catch your breath.
In the afternoon, we will arrive at Horombo Huts. You can relax and have a look at the surroundings on your last night on the mountain.

Day 07

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha

After enjoying your last breakfast in the dining area, you will start your final trek. The descent to Marangu Gate includes one of the most beautiful sights, Kilimanjaro's cloud forest.
Marvel at the rays of light and mysterious puffs of white that sparkle through the underpass of branches. Please remain alert when you walk, as the path tends to get slippery.
Our vehicles will take you back to Arusha when you arrive at Marangu Gate. You will have the opportunity to purchase sodas and souvenirs that will remind you of your eight-day Marangu Route for years to come.

Day 08

Departure Transfer

A driver will transfer you to Kilimanjaro Airport, from where you will connect to your flight. If you've decided to go on a safari, that's a different adventure, and we'll be thrilled to arrange it for you as well.

Where this trip takes you

Uhuru Peak, Kibo and Mawenzi, Kilimanjaro's cloud forest

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

Transport from/to the park gate and airport transfer
Pre- and post-climb accommodation (B&B) in Arusha
Park, rescue, and hut accommodation fees
Professional English-speaking guide(s), porters, and cook
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, and 5 dinners
Water, tea, and coffee with meals

What's Not Included

Flights
Travel insurance
Visa and passport fees
Increases in park fees where applicable
Personal equipment
Sleeping bag
Tips for guide(s), porters, and cook

What to bring

Head torch
Water bottle (2 pieces)
Warm hat
Sunglasses
Scarf or balaclava
Sun hat
T-shirt (3-4 pieces)
Thermal top and bottom (3-5 pairs)
Fleece (2 pieces)
Down jacket
Waterproof/windproof jacket
Poncho
Waterproof gloves
Glove liners
Hiking trousers (2 pieces)
Waterproof trousers
Hiking socks (1 pair per day plus one extra)
Hiking boots
Camelback water bag
Day pack
Rucksack
Rucksack cover
Sleeping bag
Sleeping bag liner
Hiking poles
Gaiters
Spare batteries
Sun cream lotion

Know before you go

If you experience any flight delays, please contact Furaha Tours by text message or phone call.
If you arrive at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) and do not see the driver, please call the provided numbers. If the numbers are out of coverage, please send a text message as well.
Make sure you travel with your most important items as hand luggage. If your luggage gets lost by the airline, you will still have the most important items with you and can rent less important items. Make sure you wear your boots on the plane.
Make sure you have a lock for your duffel bag, and ensure all items in your duffel bag are packed in small waterproof plastic bags, even if your duffel bag is waterproof.
Bring a separate bag or suitcase so you can store excess luggage at the hotel for the duration of the hike.
If you wish to rent any equipment, please let us know in advance.
Traveller's cheques are not recommended; instead, bring credit cards or cash in USD. Please make sure all USD banknotes are in good condition, with no cuts or damage, and not older than 2001.
During the hike, keep all valuables such as money and passports with you. Do not leave them in the tent. Alternatively, you can leave them with us, as we have a safe place to store clients' valuables to avoid loss or theft.
Most places on Kilimanjaro have mobile coverage. If you bring your mobile phone, make sure you activate international roaming with your service provider. If taking your mobile phone with you on the hike, we recommend switching it off when not in use, as there are no electricity points on the mountain for charging.
When doing the summit attempt, we recommend taking the batteries out of your camera and keeping them close to your body, then only inserting them when you are ready to start taking photos.
If using a camelback, remember to bring an insulating cover for the pipe and remember to blow the water out of the pipe after drinking. This will help prevent the water from freezing during the summit attempt.
If taking snacks, we recommend avoiding any toffee-like energy bars, as they will freeze at high altitude. Instead, bring cereal-based energy bars.
During the summit attempt, cold conditions and wind can make your nose runny. Something like Vicks Vapor can help open your nose.
Use lip balm or Vaseline on your lips. This will help keep them moisturised during the summit attempt.
Sound travels at night and many people snore, so bring some earplugs to sleep with.
The trail is very dusty and a blocked nose is common. Remember to bring a good decongestant spray or tablets.
Hand warmers and even a hot water bottle are a good idea, as hot water is available during meal times. You will encounter minus temperatures from the first night onwards, and this really helps to keep warm in the sleeping bag.
If you start to get blisters, it will help to bring blister plasters, Vaseline, and liner socks.
Don't forget water purification tablets.
During the summit attempt, you will ascend 1 km in altitude in a very short period. Gases in your stomach will expand. Many people drink Imodium just before leaving for the summit attempt.