7-day Kilimanjaro adventure via the Marangu route
In summary
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Sports
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Duration7 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-Emissions94.68 kg CO2
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Type of stayIndependent traveler
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Languages
French
English
In a few words
Embark on a Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route , the only route equipped with permanent mountain huts for each night. Ideal for those seeking a good level of comfort without sacrificing adventure, this 5-day climb combines spectacular scenery , professional guidance, and a friendly atmosphere at altitude.
From Moshi , where you spend the first night at Chanya Lodge, you'll trek to the Mandara, Horombo , and Kibo mountain huts. Each stage includes hot meals and attentive support from certified guides . The final ascent to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) begins at night, allowing you to reach the summit at sunrise in unforgettable light.
After crossing the rainforest once again, return to Moshi for a final night's rest before your transfer to the airport. An accessible and perfectly organized adventure, allowing you to fulfill your dream of reaching the Roof of Africa safely.
The highlights
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Ascent of Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route with nights in comfortable mountain huts
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Certified guides, hot meals and reassuring support throughout the trek
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Summits at sunrise for a magical arrival on the roof of Africa
Photos
Sport
Level
Hiking / Trekking
In figures
Trekking
- Average duration/day: 7h
- Average distance/day: 15 km
- Average daily elevation gain: 807 m
- Average daily descent: 807 m
- Exposed Passages: Yes
Management
French
English
Julius Philip is a local mountain guide specializing in Kilimanjaro climbs, with 17 years of experience. Julius manages the daily organization, safety, navigation, and especially acclimatization. He conducts regular health checks (oxygen saturation, well-being), adapts the group's pace, and provides clear briefings morning and evening. You will benefit from a calm, attentive, and personal approach from day one until the summit.
Julius Philip is a professional Kilimanjaro guide with extensive experience leading ascents via the Marangu route. He emphasizes safety, pace control, and daily health monitoring to facilitate acclimatization and ensure a successful summit. He leads his groups calmly, communicates clearly, and genuinely cares about each client.
Program
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Arrival in Tanzania + Transfer to Moshi (Chanya Lodge)
- Transportation Minibus - 17h - 45km
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast not included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner included
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) where our team will greet you in the arrivals hall. Comfortable transfer to Moshi and check-in at Chanya Lodge. Depending on your arrival time, you can relax in the garden, freshen up, and meet your guide for a full briefing on the Marangu route, safety procedures, and the climb itinerary. In the evening, enjoy a hot dinner and a good night's rest before the adventure begins.
Day 1 -
Marangu Gate (1,860 m) - Mandara Hut (2,720 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 08h - 35km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 4h
- Distance 8 km
- Positive elevation gain 860 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, we drive from Moshi to Marangu Gate to finalize registrations and meet the support team. The trek begins through lush rainforest, where you might be lucky enough to spot blue monkeys and unique birds. The trail is steady and scenic, making it an ideal first day for acclimatization. Upon arrival at Mandara Hut, you settle in, enjoy a hot meal, and rest up for the next stage of the climb.
Day 2 -
Mandara Hut (2,720 m) - Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 12 km
- Positive elevation gain 1000 m
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today, we leave the rainforest and ascend into the open moorland. The landscape becomes wider and drier, with a vast sky and unobstructed views as we gain altitude. The pace remains steady to facilitate acclimatization, with regular breaks for photos and hydration. Upon arrival at the Horombo refuge, you'll settle in, enjoy a hot meal, and rest in preparation for the higher-altitude days ahead.
Day 3 -
Horombo Hut (3,720 m) - Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 10 km
- Positive elevation gain 980 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Today is a key acclimatization day, as we cross the wide pass between Mawenzi and Kibo. The trail is clear and gradual, with a volcanic desert feel and stunning mountain views. We walk at a steady pace to conserve energy for the night summit attempt, hydrating regularly and taking breaks. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut, you check in, enjoy a hot meal early in the evening, prepare your summit gear, and rest as much as possible before the midnight ascent.
Day 4 -
Summit (Uhuru Peak 5,895 m) + Descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m)
- Transportation Minibus - 14h - 35km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 12h
- Distance 21 km
- Positive elevation gain 1195 m
- Negative elevation 2175 m
- Exposed passages Yes
- Accommodation Refuge
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
Summit day is the biggest and most rewarding challenge of the trek. Around midnight, you begin the final ascent under the stars, gradually passing Stella Point to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), the highest point in Africa. After taking photos and savoring a moment of pride at the summit, you descend to Horombo Refuge (3,720 m) for a well-deserved rest, a hot meal, and welcome recovery.
Day 5 -
Horombo Hut (3,720 m) - Marangu Gate (1,860 m) + Transfer to Moshi (Chanya Lodge)
- Transportation Minibus - 14h - 35km
- Activity Trekking
- Duration of the activity 6h
- Distance 20 km
- Negative elevation 1860 m
- Accommodation 4-star hotel
- Breakfast included
- Lunch included
- Dinner included
After breakfast, you begin your descent through the moors and lush rainforest towards the Marangu Gate (1,870 m). After checking in and receiving your climbing certificates, you return to Moshi and settle into Chanya Lodge to enjoy a hot shower, a comfortable bed, and a relaxing evening to celebrate your achievement.
Day 6 -
Chanya Lodge (Moshi) - Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO)
- Transportation Minibus - 12h - 45km
- Breakfast included
- Lunch not included
- Dinner not included
After breakfast at Chanya Lodge, our driver will take you to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your flight. Depending on your flight time, you can spend a relaxing morning at the lodge before your departure.
Day 7
Accommodation
Chanya Lodge is a comfortable and welcoming accommodation located in Moshi, ideal before and after your Kilimanjaro climb. Enjoy a clean private room, a hot shower, and a relaxing garden to rest and recover. Dinner and breakfast are served at the lodge, and our team is available to help you check your equipment at the last minute and provide information before your climb.
The Marangu route uses mountain huts with dormitory-style shared rooms (bunk beds). The huts are located at Mandara Hut, Horombo Hut, and Kibo Hut along the trail. The facilities are basic and designed for high-altitude trekking, with communal dining areas and shared bathrooms. Warm clothing is essential, especially at Kibo Hut before the summit ascent.
Access
Airport transfers to and from the JRO (Moshi) are included. Our driver-guide will be waiting for you in the arrivals hall of Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) with a sign bearing your name. Please provide us with your flight details in advance so we can confirm the exact pick-up time. On the day of departure, pick-up from Chanya Lodge is usually at the hotel's departure time (12:00 PM), depending on your flight schedule.
Go to the starting point
Price details
The price includes
- 5-day ascent via the Marangu route with 4 nights in mountain huts
- 1 night in a hotel before and 1 night in a hotel after at Chanya Lodge (Moshi)
- JRO - Moshi transfers (airport pick-up and drop-off)
- Certified professional mountain guides, porters and cooks
- Park entrance fees, rescue fees, and shelter accommodation fees
- All meals in the mountains (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and drinking water
- Safety equipment and daily health monitoring (oxygen checks)
- Team salaries and logistical support
The price does not include
- International flights and visa
- Tips for guides, porters, and cooks
- Personal trekking equipment (sleeping bag, poles, clothing, etc.)
- Drinks and personal expenses at the hotel (laundry, minibar, etc.)
- Mandatory NIC Inbound Travel Insurance: USD 44 (approx. €39) per adult
Options
- Daypack rental (20-30L) : CHF27.44 / person
- Soft travel bag rental : CHF15.55 / person
- Walking pole rental (1 pair) : CHF8.23 / person
- Sleeping bag rental : CHF20.13 / person
- Warm down jacket rental : CHF15.55 / person
- Flex fare and insurance
Practical information
Specific formalities
Specifics
Before your departure, check with the embassy or consulate regarding the entry and stay requirements for your destination country. You can also find this information on the France Diplomatie website ( https://www.diplomatie.gouv.fr/fr/dossiers-pays/ ).
In the case of flights with stopovers operated by different airlines, also check the entry requirements of the countries you are transiting through.
It is your responsibility to ensure you are in compliance, particularly regarding the validity of your identity documents (for example, some countries require your passport to be valid for at least six months after your return) , visa requirements, necessary vaccinations, and health recommendations. And don't forget to consider any customs restrictions and other potential requirements of your destination or transit country.
ℹ️ Information may change up to the departure date, remember to regularly check official websites.
Equipment
Equipment provided on site
- Group camping equipment (sleeping tents and camp setup)
- Mess tent (dining area) with chairs
- Kitchen equipment and meal preparation (shared equipment)
- Private portable toilets available throughout the ascent
- Water supplied daily and treated by the team
- Supervision by professional guide(s) and support team
- Emergency procedures and daily monitoring (health checks)
Equipment to bring
- Daypack 20-30L (you carry it every day)
- Soft travel bag (duffel) for the wearer
- Recommended weight: 15 to 17.5 kg
- Maximum allowed: 20 kg
- Water bottle(s) or hydration pack: total capacity 2 to 3L
- Headlamp + spare batteries
- Walking sticks (highly recommended)
- Small personal first-aid kit: blisters, plasters, painkillers
- Sunscreen SPF 30+ + lip balm
- Wipes + toilet paper (in the day bag)
- Waterproof bags (dry bags) or rain cover
- Personal medications (including menstrual products if needed)
Important: disposable plastic bottles and plastic bags are not allowed in the park.
Clothing to bring
- Hiking boots that have already been broken in (good ankle support)
- Breathable technical underwear (avoid cotton)
- Layers for cold weather: base layer + fleece + down jacket (synthetic or down)
- Waterproof and windproof jacket + rain pants
- Warm trekking pants
- Technical T-shirts with long and short sleeves
- Thermal tights or trousers for cold nights
- Warm hat + gloves (bring very warm gloves for the night at the summit)
- Neck warmer / buff / balaclava (optional but useful)
- Non-cotton hiking socks + warm socks
- Cap or hat + sunglasses (UV)
(Layering is essential on Kilimanjaro, with sometimes hot days and very cold nights.)
