6 Days
Adventure
10-20 People
Any Language
A steady and gradual ascent, with huts available along the way for accommodation, characterizes the Marangu Route up Mount Kilimanjaro. This makes it one of the most popular and oldest routes to the summit. Many travelers say that the rainforest part of the walk is the most picturesque of all the routes. It is the easiest of the seven ways to get to the top of the mountain; therefore, it's an excellent climb for anyone who isn't sure of themselves. It is also the only means of getting to sleeping huts along the road.
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the trek. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into moonscape. Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman's point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo Huts.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly (pole pole) and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
Bestday Safaris vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel.
Experience Africa’s highest peak with guided climbs, breathtaking views, and rewarding challenges that inspire adventure, resilience, and lifelong memories.
Before taking on Kilimanjaro, knowing the details makes all the difference. Our FAQs cover routes, weather, and preparation, guiding you toward a safer, smoother, and unforgettable climb up Africa’s tallest mountain.
The length of the Marangu Route on Kilimanjaro is around 82 kilometres (50 miles).
It takes around 5 to 6 days to complete climbing Kilimanjaro when you choose the Marangu Route. Yes, you can complete the climb in 5 days, but some itineraries extend their climb to an additional day to allow for better acclimatization (the body’s natural way to adapt to high altitude).
BestDay Safaris offers Kilimanjaro Climbs via both 5-day and 6-day routes. For more details on preparation for the climb, refer to our Kilimanjaro Travel Guides.
The Marangu Route is a challenging route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. Its high difficulty level is attributed to its short duration and the limited time spent on the mountain, which can make it difficult for climbers to acclimatize properly.
The varied terrain, unpredictable Kilimanjaro Weather, and reduced oxygen levels at higher elevations are additional factors that make this route more demanding.
If something goes wrong, our trained guides and support personnel at BestDay Safaris will do everything possible to ensure your safety and well-being.
They carry first aid equipment and can provide basic medical assistance when needed. If necessary, they will follow the official Kilimanjaro Rescue methods to ensure a safe evacuation.
Guests Remember UsWhen someone says a trip changed them, we listen. Many guests have written about moments that stayed long after they left, wildlife, culture, and friendships. Their voices give you a glimpse of the Tanzania we’re proud to show.
I can’t thank best day safari enough for the incredible journey they planned for us.Climbing Kilimanjaro was a dream come true & the guides and the support team made us feel safe.
Bestday Safaris designed this fantastic safari to meet our needs. There were eight of us, two families of friends, split between two jeeps with the fantastic guides Tuma and Emanuel.
These were days we will never forget. The organization by Bestdays Safari was flawless in every way.Yuna is a truly special person – she fulfilled every single request of mine.
Whether you are ready for Tanzania Safari Dream or Kilimanjaro Adventure or Beach Relaxation for a few days or a few weeks long, our experts will create an itinerary from scratch, fully tailored to your wishes. Want to visit a beautiful destination or start an adventure to reach the top, or relax in a paradise, we will make it happen.
