Climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route in 8 days

After breakfast at Chanya Lodge, a private vehicle will take you to the Marangu Gate . Here, you will complete the registration formalities with Kilimanjaro National Park before officially beginning your ascent. Your trek starts in the heart of a dense rainforest , where you will hike along a well-maintained trail amidst lush vegetation . To aid your acclimatization to the altitude , you will maintain a slow and steady pace . The trek ends at Mandara Hut , the first refuge on the Marangu route , where you will spend the night.

After breakfast at Mandara Hut, you resume your ascent as the rainforest gradually gives way to moorland and heathland . The trail becomes more open, offering changing vegetation and sweeping views of the slopes of Kilimanjaro. On a clear day, you can already see the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi ahead. To maximize your acclimatization to the altitude , you maintain a slow and steady pace throughout the climb. Your day ends at Horombo Hut , one of the key huts on the Marangu Route , where you settle in for dinner and the night.

This full day at Horombo Hut is entirely dedicated to your altitude acclimatization , an essential step before ascending to Kibo Hut and attempting the summit. After breakfast, you'll set off on a guided hike towards Zebra Rocks , a striking volcanic geological formation with black and white stripes. This hiking principle, which involves climbing high and sleeping low , allows your body to adapt gradually. You'll then descend back to Horombo Hut for lunch. The afternoon is reserved for rest, proper hydration , and preparations for the next leg of your climb, before dinner and a second night at the hut.

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you resume your trek towards Kibo Hut . You cross the Asphodel Saddle , a high-altitude alpine desert area nestled between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. As you ascend, the landscape becomes drier, colder, and completely exposed. You maintain a slow pace to acclimatize and conserve energy for the night at the summit. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut , you enjoy an early dinner before settling in for the night. You carefully prepare your warm clothing , headlamps , and backpacks before the long journey to Uhuru Peak , scheduled for around midnight.

Around midnight, the most demanding stage of the Marangu route begins: the final ascent of Kilimanjaro . By the light of your headlamps , you climb slowly through the cold night towards Gilman's Point , located on the crater rim. You then continue your ascent to Uhuru Peak , Africa's highest summit at 5,895 meters . After a memorable break to celebrate your achievement and take photos, you begin the descent to Kibo Hut for a short rest. You then continue your descent to Horombo Hut . This very long day of trekking requires patience, a steady pace, and close monitoring by your guides from start to finish.

After breakfast at Horombo Hut, you begin the final descent through moorland and rainforest towards the Marangu Gate . The trail, mostly downhill, takes you through the familiar landscapes of the beginning of your adventure and gives you time to reflect on your Kilimanjaro achievement. Upon arrival at the park gate, the team completes the paperwork and you receive your official summit certificate . A private vehicle then takes you back to Chanya Lodge in Moshi . There, you can enjoy a well-deserved hot shower, a delicious dinner, and a restful night with half-board accommodation.

After breakfast at Chanya Lodge, you will check out of your room and enjoy a private transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your return flight. Depending on your flight schedule, you may have some time to relax at the lodge before your departure. This final day marks the end of your 8-day Marangu Route adventure, which includes a preparatory night, 6 days of hut-to-hut trekking on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, and a final night of rest at the lodge.