Arrival in Tanzania

Kilimanjaro International Airport - Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), Hilbas representatives will greet you, provide transportation to the hotel for refreshing showers, comfortable accommodations, a briefing, and gear checks. Any necessary equipment can be arranged for hire.

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1830m/6039ft to 2720m/8976ft

Distance: 8 km

Hiking time: 4 hours

Vegetation Zone: Rainforest.

The driver will collect you from the hotel and take you to Marangu Gate for registration, while guides and porters prepare the equipment. The climb begins through a stunning tropical rainforest to Mandara Hut, surrounded by Eucalyptus trees, various bird species, impatiens Kilimanjarii, Colobus Monkeys, Blue Monkeys, and other fascinating sights. Throughout the Marangu route, nights will be spent in special huts. After enjoying coffee or tea at Mandara Hut, there is an opportunity to visit the Maundi Crater, offering breathtaking views of northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2720m/8976ft to 3720m/12276ft

Distance: 11 km

Hiking time: 6 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland

This is a long day. After breakfast, the hike continues through rainforest glades, ascending through heathland into open moorlands with sparse vegetation and small shrubs. A stop for lunch and a short rest allows for views of two volcanoes: Kibo and Mawenzi. The day concludes at the camp with dinner and an overnight stay.

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3720m/12276ft to 4720m/15576ft

Distance: 9 km

Hiking time: 6 hours

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert

After breakfast, the hike to Kibo Hut begins, passing the last watering point and traversing Kilimanjaro’s saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Upon reaching the camp, lunch is served. It’s important to monitor for any signs of altitude sickness and inform the guide. An early dinner is served at Kibo Hut before resting for the night.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4720m/15576ft to 5895m/19453ft to 3720m/12276ft

Distance: 21 km

Hiking time: 15 hours

Vegetation Zone: Alpine Desert/Arctic zone/Moorland.

This is a special day when dreams come true. The guide will wake you around 11:00 pm for tea and biscuits, with the summit attempt beginning at midnight. The path follows a switchback up a volcanic scree slope, passing William Point (5000m/15000ft) to Hans Meyer Cave (5200m/17000ft), an ideal resting spot for refreshments. After a brief pause, the journey continues to Gillman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. This steep section requires both physical and mental effort. From Gillman’s Point, the sunrise above the cloud line offers an incredible view of the plains below. A short distance further around the crater leads to the ultimate goal, Uhuru Peak (5895m/19453ft), the highest point in Africa.

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation: 3720m/12276ft to 2720m/8976ft

Distance: 19 km

Hiking time: 8 hours

Vegetation Zone: Moorland/Rainforest.

This is another significant day. After an early breakfast, the descent begins, passing through Mandara Hut before reaching Marangu Gate. The route traverses moorland into the rainforest, where many birds, tall trees, flowers, and other interesting sights can be observed. The journey concludes at Marangu Gate, where all hikers must sign out to receive completion certificates. A Hilbas tours driver will transport you back to the hotel, passing through coffee and banana farms around Marangu villages.

Departure from Tanzania

Chanya Lodge - Relax at the hotel before being transferred to the airport.

• 3 standard meals a day on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
• All our guides hold Wilderness First Aid certifications
• Accommodation in huts on Kilimanjaro (minimum 4 client sharing)
• Transportation from the hotel to Kilimanjaro National Park and back to the hotel
• Medical kits
• All drinks on the hike (Coffee, tea, Milo tea, water, etc.)
• Dedicated support crew (assistant guides, camp masters, porters, cooks, etc.)
• Vegetarian, vegan, lactose-free, gluten-free, halal, and other meal plans are available
• Two nights in the hotel, before and after climbing, - 2 guests per room (except for solo climbs)
• Guides, porters, waiters, cook’s accommodation, Entry fees on the mountain and Salaries
• Transportation from JRO (Kilimanjaro International Airport) for pick-up and drop-off
• All park fees collected by the Kilimanjaro National Park, -Camping fees, Vehicle fees, Rescue fees
• Oxygen cylinders and Oximeters
• Professional / Experienced English-speaking Mountain guides, licensed by –Kilimanjaro National Park

• Flight Tickets.
• Tanzania visa and travel insurance
• Personal gear (hiking clothes and footwear, sleeping bags, etc.)
• Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, souvenir money)
• Tips for the crew.

Marangu Route also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well-established route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and is also the only route offering comfortable sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are shared by all climbers and the bunks have sponge mattresses and pillows so require fewer supplies.

The Marangu Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. It is, unfortunately, less scenic than other routes because the ascent and descent are on the same path. Compared to other routes, it offers relative luxury.

Our professional climbing crews will take care of your safety and comfort. Our expert local team will surprise you with their cooking skills and a porter will carry all mountain equipment. The guides will be leading the route and sharing their knowledge of the mountains, culture and history of Tanzania.
Our cost includes pre and post-climb accommodation and airport transfer.

If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.