Tanzania · Trekking

7-Day Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route Trek with Uhuru Peak Summit

7 Days Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd Easy pace

The journey

Trip highlights
  • 01 Summit Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's tallest free-standing mountain, via the Marangu Route
  • 02 Trek through rainforest, high moorland, and alpine desert on the way to Uhuru Peak
  • 03 Enjoy a scenic hike to Maundi Crater with views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya
  • 04 Watch a stunning sunrise from the Roof of Africa at Uhuru Peak, 5,895 metres

Challenge yourself to summit the Roof of Africa on Mount Kilimanjaro, the world's tallest free-standing mountain, via the Marangu Route. This trek takes you through rainforest, high moorland, alpine desert, and up to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 metres. Along the way, experience Kilimanjaro's flora and fauna, enjoy scenic viewpoints such as Maundi Crater, and watch a stunning sunrise from the summit. With an acclimatisation day at Horombo, this itinerary is designed to improve your chances of reaching the top.

Here, you will watch the sunrise from the Roof of Africa - a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

From the itinerary

At a glance

What this trip includes

Duration 7 Days
Tour type Private
Activity level Easy
Accommodation Included · Standard
Transport Included
Cities Arusha, Mount Kilimanjaro, Marangu
Languages English

Day by day

The itinerary

1
Day 01

Arrival in Arusha

  • Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a Benson Safaris Tanzania representative and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure: rest in your room, relax in the manicured gardens with a good book, enjoy a swim in the pool, or explore Arusha and the surrounding areas on one of our day tours - the choice is yours.

Overnight: Outpost Lodge, Arusha

2
Day 02

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

  • After breakfast, you will depart Arusha and drive to Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the world's tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895 metres high, it is known as the Roof of Africa. Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate, you will sign in, complete your registration, and finish the other formalities before beginning your trek with your team of guides, chefs, and porters.
  • You will ascend through the rainforest on a cleared ridge where much of Kilimanjaro's wildlife is found. An alternative and more scenic parallel trail follows a stream through the undergrowth and offers the option to rejoin the main trail after 1.5 hours of hiking or just before you arrive at Mandara Hut.
  • You will spend the night at Mandara Hut, which consists of A-framed huts offering 6-8 bunk beds, with solar power and flush toilets. The total capacity here is 60 climbers, and water is piped into the camp from springs.

Starting Point: Marangu Gate, 1,860m

End Point: Mandara Hut, 2,715m

Walking Time: 4-6 hours, approx.

Overnight: Mandara Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

3
Day 03

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

  • Today, you will continue along a steep ascent through the forest, which later opens into high moorland, where you will see some of Kilimanjaro's spectacular flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity to walk to Maundi Crater, which offers views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya and, weather permitting, you may get your first glimpse of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
  • In the early afternoon, you will arrive at Horombo Hut, where you will rest while your chef prepares dinner.

Starting Point: Mandara Hut, 2,715m

End Point: Horombo Hut, 3,720m

Walking Time: 6-8 hours, approx.

Overnight: Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

4
Day 04

Acclimatisation at Horombo and Trek to Kibo Hut

  • For clients trekking Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days, today is an acclimatisation day. Horombo is usually bustling with hikers, guides, chefs, and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. We highly recommend this additional day and night of acclimatisation to give you a greater chance of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Today, you will have the opportunity to hike towards Mawenzi Hut, passing the Zebra Rocks, which is a 4-5 hour round trip, approx.
  • Today, you will continue your ascent into the alpine desert and to the Saddle before continuing to Kibo Hut, where the summit is only 1,195m above you.
  • Tonight, you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent, where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30 pm, you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.

Starting Point: Horombo Hut, 3,720m

End Point: Kibo Hut, 4,703m

Walking Time: 6-8 hours, approx.

Overnight: Kibo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

5
Day 05

Summit Uhuru Peak and Descend to Horombo Hut

  • You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning, and the first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,510 m, where you will have the opportunity to take a short rest if required. You will continue along a steep path to Gilman's Point at 5,681 m, which is located on the crater rim, and this is the most demanding section of the Marangu Route.
  • From Gilman's Point, it is common to encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak, the summit of the world's tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895 m. Here, you will watch the sunrise from the Roof of Africa - a once-in-a-lifetime experience. After time to enjoy the view, you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut, where you will have breakfast and some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut, where you will spend your final night on the mountain.

Starting Point: Kibo Hut, 4,703m

Via: Uhuru Point, 5,895m

End Point: Horombo Hut, 3,720m

Walking Time: 11-14 hours, approx.

Overnight: Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro; Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner

6
Day 06

Descend to Marangu Gate and Return to Arusha

  • After a leisurely breakfast, you will continue your descent to Marangu Gate, where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha, where the remainder of the day is at leisure.

Starting Point: Horombo Hut, 4,703m

End Point: Marangu Gate, 1,860m

Walking Time: 5-6 hours, approx.

Overnight: Outpost Lodge, Arusha; Meals: Breakfast and Lunch

7
Day 07

Departure Transfer

  • Today, you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.

Meals: Breakfast

The route

Where you'll travel

Tour route map
Round trip from Kilimanjaro Airport Rd 3 cities · 7 Days

The fine print

Trip details

What's Included

  • Arrival transfer from Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport to the hotel
  • Pre-trip accommodation at the Outpost Lodge in Arusha
  • Return transport from Arusha to Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Guide, assistant guide, chef, and porters
  • Hut-style accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro
  • Meals as specified and drinking water
  • All national park entry and climbing fees
  • Rescue fee
  • Post-trip accommodation at the Outpost Lodge in Arusha
  • Departure transfer from the hotel to Kilimanjaro/Arusha Airport
  • All current government taxes and surcharges

What's Not Included

  • Drinks at hotels, lodges, and tented camps unless otherwise stated
  • Tips: Tipping is an expected, though not compulsory, component of any African safari. We are often asked for tipping guidelines, and we recommend USD 10-15 per guide, per person, per day. For porters and the chef, we recommend USD 10 per person, per day. It is one of the most direct ways that you can have a positive economic impact on the East African community. Although it may not be customary for you, it is of considerable significance to the people who will take care of you during your travels, as it is an important source of income for those in the tourism industry.

What to bring

Clothing:

  • Moisture-wicking base layers (tops and bottoms)
  • Insulating layers (fleece jacket, down jacket)
  • Waterproof and windproof outer shell jacket and pants
  • Comfortable hiking pants (convertible pants are versatile)
  • Synthetic or wool hiking socks (several pairs)
  • Warm hats and gloves
  • Sun hat with a wide brim
  • Bandanas or buffs for sun protection

Footwear:

  • Sturdy and broken-in hiking boots with ankle support
  • Camp shoes or sandals for wearing in the evenings

Equipment:

  • Backpack (preferably a comfortable, well-fitting daypack or multi-day pack)
  • Sleeping bag suitable for cold temperatures (check the expected temperatures for the time of year)
  • Headlamp or flashlight with spare batteries
  • Trekking poles for stability and reducing strain on knees

Personal Items:

  • Sunscreen with high SPF
  • Lip balm with SPF
  • Personal toiletries (travel-sized items are convenient)
  • Wet wipes or hand sanitiser
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Personal medications and first aid kit
  • Insect repellent (consider one with DEET for effectiveness)
  • Personal snacks for energy along the trek (e.g., trail mix, energy bars)

Miscellaneous:

  • Camera or smartphone for capturing memorable moments
  • Power bank for recharging electronic devices
  • Travel adapter for charging electronics (Tanzania uses Type D and Type G plugs)
  • Travel insurance (including coverage for high-altitude trekking)
  • Cash for tipping guides, porters, and staff (if not included in the tour package)

Know before you go

RECOMMENDED PACKING LIST:

CLOTHING:

  • Shorts, mid-thigh or longer
  • Lightweight, breathable pants
  • Undergarments, socks
  • Sports bra for women (roads can be bumpy)
  • Sun hat with brim and chin strap
  • Bandana (for dust, washing, etc.)
  • Short-sleeved shirts, cool and breathable
  • Belt
  • Pyjamas
  • Long-sleeved shirt or sweater for the evening
  • Rain jacket and pants or rain poncho
  • Gloves
  • Warm head protection
  • Waterproof jackets

COLD WEATHER CLOTHING

  • Long underwear
  • Fleece jacket or wool sweater
  • Fleece pants
  • Mittens and/or gloves (waterproof, one thin pair, one thick pair that can be layered)
  • Wool or pile hat
  • Balaclava or neck gaiter
  • Hand and foot warmers (chemically activated)
  • Down jacket or parka (for temperatures below freezing plus wind)

FOOTWEAR - Be sure to break in your shoes before the hike

  • Trekking shoes for hiking during the day, preferably warm, waterproof, and with ankle support (not too light and not too heavy)
  • Tennis shoes or sandals for lounging in the evening
  • Hiking socks for warmer conditions
  • Wool socks for colder conditions
  • Sock liners to wick away moisture
  • Gaiter (for mud)
  • Snow cleats (optional)

BAGGAGE:

  • Large duffel bag or backpack with rain cover for porters to carry
  • Day pack and rain cover for you to carry
  • Waterproof plastic bags for storing clothing and gear (zip locks are great)
  • Bottled water is also available for purchase on safari
  • Sun hat with a brim
  • Money
  • Bandana (for dust, etc.)
  • Maps, guidebooks

ELECTRONICS - Store electronics in sealed waterproof bags (double-bagged if possible)

  • Headlamp
  • Camera, lenses, filters, memory disks
  • Video camera, tapes/disks
  • Tripod
  • Cell phone
  • Batteries
  • GPS - (for Geocaching)

TOILETRIES

  • Soap
  • Shampoo, conditioner
  • Shaving supplies
  • Nail clippers, file, brush
  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, floss
  • Deodorant
  • Moist hand wipes
  • Hand sanitiser
  • Lotion (Badger foot balm is also helpful)
  • Hairbrush, comb, mirror
  • Small towel and washcloth
  • Toilet paper
  • Facial tissue
  • Sunscreen
  • Lip balm with sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Q-tips
  • Sewing kit
  • Feminine products
  • Cosmetics

FIRST AID - You really only need one first aid kit in your travel group, so coordinate with your travel companions.

  • Ibuprofen, Acetaminophen
  • Band-Aids/plasters
  • Disinfectant, antiseptic cream, antibiotic ointment
  • Gauze bandages and tape
  • Throat lozenges
  • Vitamins
  • Diarrhoea medicine
  • Antihistamines
  • Ace bandage
  • Melatonin, Acetaz Acetazolamide, or other sleep aid
  • Malaria pills (talk to a doctor)
  • Antibiotics (talk to a doctor)
  • Prescription drugs (talk to a doctor)
  • Diamox for altitude (talk to a doctor)
  • Ginger and Gingko can be helpful for stomach problems

OTHER

  • Sunglasses with straps
  • Eyeglasses, contacts, solution
  • Binoculars
  • Pocket knife
  • Notebook, pencil, and pen
  • Playing cards, games, crossword puzzles, books, frisbee, football, kite
  • Energy bars, hard candy, snacks, and comfort foods
  • Duct tape (can be wrapped around a water bottle)
  • Matches or lighter
  • Energy bars (also nice to share with other climbers, guides, and porters)
  • Gatorade or other drink mix helps with taste and minerals.
  • A plastic syrup bottle with a handle and spout makes a good water bottle. Put a rope or lanyard through the handle, and it fits nicely under your jacket.
  • Write your name on your bottles and bladders to easily identify whose is whose.

SUMMIT DAY - A few more packing tips for summit day:

  • Keep your camera and water bottle inside your jacket
  • Don't forget to put on sunscreen when the sun comes out -- on your lips, too!
  • Keep drinking water.
  • Wear layers that you can remove and won't be embarrassed to be seen in (maybe wear shorts over your long underwear)
  • To prevent water from freezing on summit day, keep your water and tube inside your jacket. For Camelbacks, blow air back into the bladder after each sip and drink often.

Logistics

Meeting & route

Meeting point
Kilimanjaro International Airport
Tour start
Kilimanjaro Airport Rd, Tanzania
Tour ends at the same location as the start point.
End of the journey

Your 7 days finish where they began, in Kilimanjaro Airport Rd.

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 1,900 /person
Book This Tour

Estimated room rates

Single Room $1,900.00 — $2,350.00
Double Sharing $1,900.00 — $2,100.00

When

Travellers

Total