Dream Trails Expeditions

Marangu Route

8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Dream Trails Expeditions
8 Day Trek
Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)

From - $1450

Overview

Embark on a classic adventure to the "Roof of Africa" via the historic Marangu Route — the only route that offers hut accommodation on Mount Kilimanjaro. This 8-day itinerary includes an essential acclimatization day for better adaptation and summit success. Known as the "Coca-Cola Route," Marangu provides a comfortable yet challenging path to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), passing through lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert before reaching the icy summit. Dream Trails Expeditions ensures your safety, comfort, and lifelong memories on this incredible trek.

Route: Marangu Route (Mandara → Horombo → Kibo → Summit → Return via Horombo)
Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
Difficulty: Moderate
Accommodation: Mountain huts (Mandara, Horombo, Kibo)
Transport: 4x4 transfers to and from Kilimanjaro National Park Gate
Guide: Experienced, certified mountain guides and porters
Meals: Full board (breakfast, lunch, dinner) during trek
Start / End: Arusha, Tanzania

🌿 Walk through lush rainforest and spot Colobus monkeys
🏞️ Experience diverse zones — from montane forest to alpine desert
🏔️ Summit Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa
🏕️ Stay in warm, comfortable mountain huts along the route
🥾 Extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut for better altitude adaptation
📸 Stunning sunrise views over Mawenzi and Kibo peaks
💬 Friendly interaction with trekkers from around the world

To ensure a successful summit and minimize the risk of altitude sickness, the Marangu Route incorporates:

• Extra Acclimatization Day: A full rest and hike day at Horombo Hut for altitude adjustment.
• Gradual Ascent: The itinerary progresses slowly to allow your body to adapt.
• Hydration & Nutrition: Regular hydration and balanced meals are emphasized.
• Health Monitoring: Guides track your oxygen saturation and overall condition daily.

Arrival & Transfers:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to your hotel in Arusha for rest and a comprehensive trek briefing with our expert mountain team.

What to Pack:

• Breathable trekking clothing and warm layers
• Insulated jacket, hat, and gloves for summit night
• Sturdy hiking boots and gaiters
• Headlamp, sunglasses, and sunscreen
• Reusable water bottles and hydration system

Travel Documents:

• Valid passport (minimum 6 months validity)
• Tanzania tourist visa (available online or on arrival)

Health & Safety:

Our team provides first-aid kits, oxygen cylinders, and pulse oximeters on every climb. Emergency evacuation plans are always in place for your safety.

January – March & June – October: Ideal trekking seasons with clear skies and stable weather conditions.
April – May & November: Rainy seasons — trails are quieter, with lush landscapes but wetter conditions.

✅ Airport transfers (arrival & departure)
✅ Two nights hotel accommodation in Arusha (before & after trek)
✅ All park fees, camping/hut fees, and rescue fees
✅ Professional, certified mountain guides and porters
✅ Full board during trek (breakfast, lunch, dinner)
✅ Clean drinking water throughout the climb
✅ 4x4 transfers to/from park gate
✅ All group camping and cooking equipment
✅ Pre-trek briefing and route orientation

❌ International flights
❌ Tanzania visa fees
❌ Travel and medical insurance
❌ Personal hiking gear (sleeping bag, poles, boots, etc.)
❌ Tips and gratuities for guides & porters
❌ Personal expenses (drinks, snacks, souvenirs, laundry)

🌄 Add an extra day for rest or acclimatization at Horombo Hut
💎 Upgrade pre- and post-trek accommodation in Arusha
📷 Include a professional photographer to document your summit journey
🏞️ Combine with wildlife safari in Serengeti, Ngorongoro, or Tarangire
🚁 Option for scenic helicopter flight over Kilimanjaro after trek

Local Expertise: Guided by certified Tanzanian mountain professionals
🏕️ Comfort & Safety: Accommodation in comfortable huts and full logistical support
🥾 Acclimatization Advantage: Extra day built into the itinerary for increased summit success
💬 Personalized Care: Comprehensive pre-climb briefing and attentive service throughout
🌍 Ethical Trekking: Fair wages and welfare standards for porters and staff
📸 Unforgettable Memories: Capture breathtaking moments from rainforest to rooftop of Africa

8 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climb – Marangu Route

Day 1 — Arrival in Arusha

Route: Kilimanjaro International Airport → Arusha

Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive
Habitat: Urban / Highland

Experience:

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet your Dream Trails Expeditions representative.
Transfer to your lodge in Arusha for check-in and relaxation after your journey.
Receive a pre-climb briefing and equipment check with your mountain guide.
Dinner and overnight stay in Arusha.

Overnight: Arusha (Standard Lodge / Hotel)

Day 2 — Arusha → Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut

Route: Arusha → Marangu Gate (1,840 m) → Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

Distance / Time: 8 km | 3–4 hours trekking
Habitat: Montane forest

Experience:

After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate for registration and the start of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Hike through dense rainforest filled with birdlife, tree ferns, and playful blue monkeys.
Reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon and take a short acclimatization walk to Maundi Crater.

Overnight: Mandara Hut (2,700 m)

Day 3 — Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut

Route: Mandara (2,700 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Distance / Time: 11 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Habitat: Heath and moorland

Experience:

Trek gradually through the forest edge into moorland, with striking views of both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Encounter giant groundsels and everlasting flowers along the trail.
Arrive at Horombo Hut for dinner and rest.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Day 4 — Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut

Route: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) → Mawenzi Ridge (4,400 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Distance / Time: 4–5 hours round trip
Habitat: Moorland / Alpine

Experience:

Spend a full day at Horombo to acclimatize — a crucial day for summit success.
Hike to Mawenzi Ridge, offering stunning views of Mawenzi's jagged spires and the saddle below.
Return to Horombo for lunch, rest, and preparation for the next stage.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Day 5 — Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut

Route: Horombo (3,720 m) → Kibo Hut (4,703 m)

Distance / Time: 10 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Habitat: Alpine desert

Experience:

Follow the trail past the Last Water Point, then cross the desolate saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi.
The landscape changes dramatically — dry, rocky, and silent except for the wind.
Arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, rest, and have an early dinner before the midnight summit push.

Overnight: Kibo Hut (4,703 m)

Day 6 — Summit Day (Kibo Hut → Uhuru Peak → Horombo Hut)

Route: Kibo Hut (4,703 m) → Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) → Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Distance / Time: 18 km | 10–14 hours total trekking
Habitat: Arctic summit zone → moorland

Experience:

Wake at midnight and begin your climb under a sky full of stars.
Ascend slowly along zigzag trails to Gilman's Point (5,681 m) and continue along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the roof of Africa!
Celebrate your incredible achievement with photos at the summit before descending to Kibo for a short rest, then onward to Horombo Hut for a warm meal and overnight.

Overnight: Horombo Hut (3,720 m)

Day 7 — Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate → Arusha

Route: Horombo (3,720 m) → Marangu Gate (1,840 m) → Arusha

Distance / Time: 20 km | 5–6 hours trekking
Habitat: Moorland to rainforest

Experience:

Enjoy your final breakfast on the mountain.
Descend gradually through moorland and forest zones, arriving at Marangu Gate by mid-afternoon.
Receive your summit certificates and bid farewell to your mountain crew.
Transfer back to Arusha for a well-deserved hot shower and rest.

Overnight: Arusha (Hotel / Lodge)

Day 8 — Departure from Arusha

Route: Hotel → Kilimanjaro International Airport

Distance / Time: ~1 hour drive

Experience:

Have a relaxed morning with breakfast at your hotel.
Depending on flight time, you may explore Arusha for souvenirs before airport transfer.
Depart with lasting memories of your Kilimanjaro adventure.

End of Tour ✨