The shortest and lowest-cost way to climb Kilimanjaro, sleeping in huts. Best for experienced high-altitude hikers.
The 5-day Marangu climb is the quickest way to the summit of Kilimanjaro, on a gentle trail with hut accommodation all the way.
Because it climbs fast, it gives your body little time to adapt, so it suits experienced hikers who have been at high altitude recently. If this is your first big mountain, we recommend the 6-day version. A hotel night before and after the climb is included.
After registration at Marangu Gate, walk a wide, well-kept path through the rainforest to Mandara Hut. In the afternoon, take a short walk to Maundi Crater for views over the plains. About 8 km, 3–4 hours.
Leave the forest and cross open moorland dotted with giant groundsels and lobelias, with Kibo and Mawenzi ahead. About 12 km, 6–7 hours.
Cross the Saddle, a wide high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, to Kibo Hut at the foot of the summit cone. Early dinner and rest before the summit attempt. About 10 km, 6–7 hours.
Start around midnight and climb the steep scree path by headlamp to Gilman's Point on the crater rim (5,685 m), then follow the rim to Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, as the sun comes up over Mawenzi. Walk back down to Kibo Hut for a rest and a meal, then continue to Horombo Hut. About 21 km, 11–14 hours.
Walk down through the moorland and the rainforest to Marangu Gate, receive your summit certificate and drive back to your hotel. About 20 km, 5–6 hours.
Marangu is the only route with huts: simple shared dormitories with bunk beds and mattresses, plus a dining hall. Bring a warm sleeping bag; the huts are not heated.
Per person, it costs $1,700 for 1 person, $1,585 each for 2–4 people, $1,485 each for 5–7 people and $1,460 each for 8 or more people. The final price depends on your travel dates, so ask us for an exact quote.
2 nights in a hotel in Arusha or Moshi, before and after the climb, All nights on the mountain, in the mountain huts, Professional, experienced mountain guides, Guides', porters' and cook's salaries, All park fees and rescue fees, All meals on the mountain: large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food, Clean, purified drinking water, Arrival and departure transfers and Fair and ethical treatment of porters.
International flights, Tanzania visa fees, Travel insurance that covers trekking up to 6,000 m and helicopter evacuation, Tips for your guides, cook and porters, Personal climbing gear (sleeping bags, poles and warm jackets can be rented) and Alcoholic drinks and personal expenses.
All year. The huts keep you dry, so Marangu is a good choice in the rainy months too.
It starts and ends in Moshi or Arusha.
Yes. Every itinerary can be adjusted to your pace and interests: add a night, swap a lodge, or combine it with Kilimanjaro or Zanzibar. Just ask.
The classic Machame route in six days, for fit hikers or anyone who has been at high altitude recently.
The only Kilimanjaro route with huts instead of tents, with an extra acclimatisation day at Horombo for a better summit chance.
The quiet northern route in six days: drier, gentler and with few other climbers. Best for fit hikers.
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