Marangu Route Itinerary
Trip at a Glance
Highlights
Hike Kilimanjaro’s most famous trail — the Marangu Route
Sleep in comfortable mountain huts with beds & solar lighting
Climb through 5 distinct ecological zones
Summit the legendary Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
Experience lush rainforest, giant groundsels, and alpine desert
Led by IntelSafari’s certified expert guides
Includes private transfers, gear check, & summit success support
Why Book This Trip
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where your IntelSafari representative will greet you and transfer you to your hotel in Moshi. Rest, relax, and meet your expert Kilimanjaro guide for a full trek briefing and gear check.
Journey Time: ~1 hour / 40 km
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge or similar
After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate (1,879 m) to complete registration and meet your porter and guide team. Begin your trek through lush montane rainforest, home to blue monkeys and exotic flora. Enjoy a picnic lunch en route and reach Mandara Hut (2,720 m) by afternoon.
Distance: ~8 km / 5 miles
Elevation Gain: +841 m
Hiking Time: 3.5–4 hours
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Dormitory Beds)
Leave the rainforest and enter heath and moorland with stunning views. Pass Maundi Crater, giant groundsels, and towering lobelias. If clear, catch your first sight of Kibo’s snowy peak. Reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m) in the late afternoon.
Distance: ~11 km / 7 miles
Elevation Gain: +1,000 m
Hiking Time: 5.5–6 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Dormitory Beds)
Enjoy a full acclimatization day to boost your summit success chances. Hike to the famous Zebra Rocks (4,100 m) — striped rock formations with panoramic views — then return to Horombo Hut for rest and relaxation.
Distance: ~4 km round-trip
Elevation Gain: +380 m
Hiking Time: 2–3 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Dormitory Beds)
Climb steadily across alpine desert, passing the last water point at the Maua River. Traverse the barren Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks. Arrive at Kibo Hut (4,703 m) in the afternoon and prepare for your midnight summit attempt.
Distance: ~9 km / 6 miles
Elevation Gain: +983 m
Hiking Time: 5–6 hours
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Dormitory Beds)
Begin your summit push at midnight. Climb via William’s Point, Hans Meyer Cave, and Gilman’s Point. Witness sunrise from Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) — the Roof of Africa! Descend to Kibo Hut for rest, then continue to Horombo Hut for overnight.
Distance: ~22 km / 14 miles
Elevation Gain: +1,192 m to summit
Elevation Loss: -2,175 m to Horombo
Hiking Time: 11–13 hours
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Dormitory Beds)
Descend through moorland and rainforest. Enjoy a hot lunch at Mandara Hut and continue to Marangu Gate (1,879 m). Receive your official Kilimanjaro Certificate and transfer back to Moshi for a night of well-earned relaxation.
Distance: ~20 km / 12 miles
Elevation Loss: -1,841 m
Hiking Time: 6.5–7 hours
Accommodation: Chanya Lodge or similar
After a final breakfast, check out and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home — or continue on an IntelSafari safari adventure if booked.
Meals: Bed & Breakfast
Airport Transfer Included
Safari Snapshots
Cancellation Policy
At Intel Safaris, we understand that travel plans may change. Our cancellation policy is designed to be fair and transparent while covering the costs involved in preparing your trip.
1. General Terms
- All cancellation requests must be made in writing via email to Intel Safaris.
- Refunds (if applicable) will be processed within 14 business days.
- Bank charges, service fees, or third-party booking fees are non-refundable.
2. Cancellation Charges
- 60 days or more before departure – Full refund, less a 10% administrative fee.
- 45 – 59 days before departure – 25% of the tour cost will be charged.
- 30 – 44 days before departure – 50% of the tour cost will be charged.
- 15 – 29 days before departure – 75% of the tour cost will be charged.
- 14 days or less / No Show – 100% of the tour cost will be charged.
3. Special Considerations
Certain hotels, lodges, or flights may have stricter cancellation rules. In such cases, the vendor’s policy will apply in addition to Intel Safaris’ policy. No refunds will be provided for unused services or early departures once the tour has commenced.
4. Amendments & Date Changes
Changes made 45 days or more prior to departure are subject to availability and may incur an administrative fee. Less than 45 days, changes will be treated as cancellations and re-bookings.
5. Force Majeure
In case of unforeseen events beyond our control (natural disasters, pandemics, political unrest, etc.), Intel Safaris reserves the right to reschedule or cancel tours. In such situations, we will provide credit vouchers or refunds as per our discretion and supplier policies.
