5-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the Marangu route and 3-day safari
In summary
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Sports
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Duration8 days
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LevelAdvance
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DestinationTanzania / Kilimanjaro
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AgeFrom 16 - 80 years
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CO₂-Emissions112.86 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
English
French
In a few words
This exceptional trip combines the ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route and a 3-day safari in northern Tanzania , offering a complete immersion between high-altitude adventure and the discovery of African wildlife.
The 5-day ascent via the Marangu route, the only one with permanent mountain huts , traverses diverse landscapes ranging from lush rainforest to alpine moorland and high-altitude desert. The itinerary is designed to promote proper acclimatization and culminates at Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) , the highest point in Africa. Accompanied by an experienced mountain team, you progress at a suitable pace, with close monitoring of your health and daily briefings.
After the climb, it's time for a safari. You'll explore Tarangire National Park , renowned for its large herds of elephants and iconic baobab trees, followed by the spectacular Ngorongoro Crater , a UNESCO World Heritage Site and home to an exceptional density of wildlife, including the black rhinoceros. The trip concludes at Lake Manyara National Park , known for its tree-climbing lions, hippos, and lush rainforest.
This tour is ideal for travellers wishing to experience a complete adventure , combining sporting challenge, magnificent landscapes and quality safari, with professional services and careful organisation.
The highlights
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Marangu Route: the historic route and the only one with mountain huts and dormitories
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Spectacular landscapes and a 3-day safari
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Tarangire National Park, Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara National Park
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
The expert's opinion
This trek is of moderate to demanding difficulty . A good level of fitness and prior hiking experience are recommended. The ascent progresses gradually to 5,895 meters , allowing for better acclimatization to the altitude. Participants should be able to walk 4 to 6 hours per day on varied mountain trails.
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 5h
- Average distance/day: 9 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 795 m
- Average daily descent: 445 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Explor Game
- Average duration/day: 8h
Management
The trip is led by a professional local guide for the hike in Marangu and by a certified driver-guide for the safari. Support is provided from the beginning to the end of the trip to ensure comfort, safety, and well-organized activities.
Program
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Marangu Gate - Mandara Refuge
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 90km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 5h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 830 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, transfer from Arusha or Moshi to the Marangu Gate for registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities. You will meet your mountain team and receive a full safety and equipment briefing before beginning the ascent.
The hike begins through a lush rainforest , rich in flora and fauna, where colobus monkeys and blue monkeys are frequently spotted. The trail is well-maintained and climbs gradually, providing an excellent introduction to the ascent.
You will arrive at the Mandara refuge in the afternoon. Depending on your fitness level, a short acclimatization walk to the Maundi crater is possible, offering beautiful views towards Kenya.
Altitude: Starting point 1,870 m | Finishing point 2,700 m
Day 1 -
Mandara Refuge - Horombo Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 1030 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, the hike continues, gradually leaving the forest and entering the moorland and heathland area . The landscape opens up and, on a clear day, you will enjoy superb views of Mawenzi Peak and Kibo Summit .
The walking pace remains moderate to promote good acclimatization. Your guide will monitor your general condition throughout the day.
You will reach the Horombo refuge in the afternoon. The rest of the day is dedicated to rest, hydration, and admiring the alpine scenery.
Altitude: Starting point 2,700 m | Finishing point 3,720 m
Day 2 -
Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 7h
- Distance 4 km
- Positive elevation gain 980 m
- Negative elevation 50 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you leave Mandara Hut and head to Horombo Hut. The trail gradually winds through the rainforest into the alpine moorland zone. The vegetation changes, giving way to giant heather and vast open landscapes.
This day allows for better acclimatization to the altitude thanks to a gradual ascent. On a clear day, you can admire spectacular views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Your mountain guide monitors the group's pace and regularly checks your physical condition to ensure a safe ascent.
Upon arrival at Horombo Hut, you will have time to rest, hydrate, and enjoy the view of the Kilimanjaro massif. Hot dinner and overnight stay at the refuge.
Day 3 -
Day of the ascent: Kibo Refuge - Uhuru Peak - Horombo Refuge
- Activity Trekking
- Distance 5 km
- Positive elevation gain 1135 m
- Negative elevation 2173 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
You continue your ascent towards Kibo Hut, crossing the famous alpine desert known as the "Saddle," located between the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. The landscape becomes more mineral and arid, offering a high mountain impression.
The hike is steady but more demanding due to the altitude. Your guide will adjust the pace to promote acclimatization and minimize fatigue. Once you arrive at Kibo Hut, you'll have a light meal and rest in preparation for the overnight summit ascent.
The guide briefed us on the ascent to the summit, checked our equipment, and rested before the night climb.
Day 4 -
Horombo Refuge - Marangu Gate - Summit Lodge (Rest Day)
- Transportation Minibus - 14h09 - 95km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 16 km
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
We depart around midnight for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The climb is slow and gradual up volcanic slopes, in the silence and cool of the night. The goal is to reach the summit at sunrise to enjoy an unforgettable view of the glaciers and the African plains.
After taking photos at the summit, you'll descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue down to the park entrance. Transfer to your lodge in Moshi (Summit Lodge / Farm of Dreams) for a full day of rest and relaxation.
This day is the most physically demanding but also the most rewarding, marking the culmination of your Kilimanjaro adventure.
Day 5 -
Tarangire National Park
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 6km
- Activity Explor Game
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, departure in a 4x4 safari vehicle to Tarangire National Park. This park is renowned for its large herds of elephants, its giant baobab trees, and the Tarangire River, a source of life for many animals.
Daytime safari in search of lions, giraffes, zebras, wildebeest, buffalo and numerous bird species.
Picnic lunch in the park.
In the late afternoon, drive to your lodge or camp for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 6 -
Ngorongoro Crater
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 4km
- Activity Explor Game
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Accommodation 3-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, departure towards the Ngorongoro Conservation Area and descent into the famous crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
You'll enjoy an exceptional safari in search of the Big Five: lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and black rhinoceros. You'll also see hippos, flamingos, and many other herbivores.
Picnic lunch at the bottom of the crater, near a water source.
In the afternoon, ascend the crater and drive to your lodge for dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 -
Lake Manyara National Park - End of stay
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 28km
- Activity Explor Game
- Duration of the activity 8h
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast, departure for Lake Manyara National Park. This park is known for its diverse landscapes: tropical forest, open plains and the shores of the alkaline lake.
Safari in search of the famous tree-roaming lions, elephants, giraffes, baboons and numerous bird species, including flamingos.
After lunch, a final safari followed by a transfer to Arusha, Moshi or the airport according to your program, marking the end of your Tanzanian adventure between mountains and safari.
Day 8
Note
The program can be adjusted according to weather conditions, the pace of the group and the health of the participants in order to ensure the safety and comfort of all.
The ascent of Kilimanjaro is led by a certified mountain guide, accompanied by a local team (porters and cook). Daily physical checks are carried out during the trek.
The order of the safari parks (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara) may be changed according to traffic conditions or tourist numbers, without reducing the quality of wildlife viewing.
The walking times indicated are approximate and may vary depending on the physical condition of the group and the weather.
Accommodation
Kibo Hut is the last refuge before the ascent of Uhuru Peak. Located in a desert alpine zone, it serves as a base camp for the night of the summit attempt.
Shared dormitories with bunk beds. Cold temperatures at night. Warm sleeping bags essential.
Bunk beds with mattresses, shared bathrooms, limited lighting, simple dining room, water point.
Light dinner and very early breakfast served before the ascent. Meals adapted to the altitude (soups, porridge, hot tea).
Summit Lodge is a comfortable hotel located near Moshi, surrounded by tropical gardens. It is ideal for relaxing after climbing Kilimanjaro and enjoying a peaceful environment.
Double or twin rooms with comfortable beds, mosquito nets, private bathroom and storage space.
Rooms with private bathroom, hot water, Wi-Fi, garden, terrace, 24-hour reception, laundry service.
On-site restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner. Local and international cuisine, vegetarian options available.
Farm of Dreams Lodge is a comfortable lodge located near Karatu, surrounded by plantations and verdant landscapes. It is an ideal base for exploring Tarangire National Park, the Ngorongoro Crater, and Lake Manyara National Park.
Spacious and comfortable rooms with double or twin beds, mosquito nets, private bathroom, terrace or balcony.
Swimming pool, garden, terrace, Wi-Fi in common areas, rooms with private bathroom, hot water, electricity, reception.
On-site restaurant offering breakfast, lunch and dinner in buffet or set menu format. Local and international cuisine with vegetarian options.
Access
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- Airport transfers and transport during the safari in a 4x4 vehicle.
- Certified guide for trekking and porters on Kilimanjaro.
- Entrance fees for all parks (Tarangire, Ngorongoro, Manyara).
- Accommodation on the trek (refuges or tents) and Farm of Dreams for the rest.
- Meals during the trek and safari as per the itinerary.
- Drinking water and hot drinks during the trek.
- Liability insurance for trekking and safaris.
The price does not include
- International flights to and from Tanzania.
- Visa for Tanzania.
- Tips for guides, porters, drivers.
- Additional drinks not included in the program.
- Personal expenses (souvenirs, purchases, extras).
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
- Passport valid for at least 6 months after the return date.
- Visa for Tanzania (required for certain nationalities, to be obtained online or on arrival).
- Travel insurance covering high-altitude trekking and safaris.
- Vaccination record (COVID certificate recommended, yellow fever mandatory depending on nationality).
- Photocopies of important documents (passport, insurance, visas).
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Tents or shelters with mattresses (depending on accommodation on the trek).
- Meals and hot drinks during the trek.
- Certified guides, porters, and support team for the trek.
- Safari vehicle with driver and guide for the parks.
- Safety equipment for mountain trekking (ropes, first aid kits).
Equipment to bring
- Trekking backpack with support belt.
- Water bottle or hydration system.
- Headlamp and spare batteries.
- Walking poles (optional but recommended for the summit).
- Camera, binoculars, and chargers.
- Sunscreen and SPF lip balm.
Clothing to bring
For trekking: hiking pants, shorts, breathable t-shirts, thermal underwear.
Warm and windproof jacket (mandatory for the summit).
Fleece or light down jacket for cold nights at altitude.
Hat, gloves, thick socks and sturdy trekking shoes.
For safari: light, neutral-coloured clothing, hat, sunglasses.
- Swimsuit and light clothing for Zanzibar (if included in the extension).
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