Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania Kilimanjaro International Airport to Arusha

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be met by a professional representative from NK Safaris and transferred to your hotel in Arusha town, approximately 50 kilometers away with a driving time of about 1 hour. Arusha is the main tourism hub of northern Tanzania and the perfect base for Mount Kilimanjaro climbers. This day is reserved for rest, detailed trek briefing, and equipment inspection. Your mountain guide will explain the climbing schedule, safety procedures, altitude awareness, and expectations for the days ahead. The remainder of the day is free for relaxation and preparation.

Extra activities
Arusha city tour
Local market visit
Coffee plantation tour

Day 2: Arusha to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

After an early breakfast, you depart Arusha for Marangu Gate, located on the eastern slopes of Mount Kilimanjaro. The drive covers approximately 130 kilometers and takes around 3 to 4 hours, passing through rural landscapes and coffee plantations. At the gate, registration with Kilimanjaro National Park authorities is completed before beginning the trek. The hike to Mandara Hut covers about 8 kilometers and takes 3 to 4 hours. The trail passes through dense rainforest, home to blue monkeys, colobus monkeys, and a variety of bird species. You arrive at Mandara Hut at an altitude of 2,720 meters, where you enjoy dinner and overnight rest in shared mountain huts.

Extra activities
Short acclimatization walk
Wildlife spotting
Forest photography

Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Today’s hike transitions from rainforest into heath and moorland zone, with vegetation becoming more open and expansive views emerging. The trekking distance is approximately 12 kilometers, taking about 5 to 6 hours. As you ascend, you will enjoy stunning views of Mawenzi Peak and, on clear days, Kibo Peak. The trail is gradual but steadily gains altitude. You arrive at Horombo Hut, located at 3,720 meters, a spacious camp with panoramic mountain views. The afternoon is spent resting and hydrating.

Extra activities
Scenic viewpoint walk
Photography sessions
Relaxation and acclimatization

Day 4: Horombo Hut Acclimatization Day

This day is dedicated entirely to altitude acclimatization, a key factor in summit success on the Marangu Route. You will take a guided acclimatization hike toward Zebra Rocks, reaching approximately 4,000 meters, before descending back to Horombo Hut. This hike takes 3 to 4 hours and helps your body adapt to higher elevation while minimizing the risk of altitude sickness. The remainder of the day is spent resting, eating well, and enjoying views of both Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.

Extra activities
Acclimatization hike
Photography at Zebra Rocks
Rest and recovery time

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

The trek today enters the alpine desert zone, characterized by rocky terrain, thin air, and minimal vegetation. The distance from Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut is approximately 10 kilometers, taking 5 to 6 hours. The trail crosses the saddle, a vast lunar like landscape between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. Upon arrival at Kibo Hut at 4,703 meters, you rest, hydrate, and prepare equipment for the summit attempt. An early dinner is served, followed by a briefing before resting.

Extra activities
Equipment check
Short acclimatization walk
Summit preparation briefing

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Summit day begins around midnight, with a slow ascent toward Gilman’s Point on the crater rim. The climb to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters, takes 6 to 8 hours. After reaching the summit, celebrating, and taking photos, you descend back to Kibo Hut for a short rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut. The total hiking time for the day can reach 12 to 14 hours, making it the most physically demanding day of the trek.

Extra activities
Summit photography
Certificate celebration
Glacier observation

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha

After breakfast, you descend through the rainforest zone to Marangu Gate, covering approximately 20 kilometers in 5 to 6 hours. Upon completion of the trek, you receive your Mount Kilimanjaro summit certificates. You are then transferred back to Arusha, where you enjoy a well deserved shower, rest, and optional celebration dinner.

Extra activities
Celebration dinner
Souvenir shopping
Relaxation time

Day 8: Departure from Arusha

Depending on your flight schedule, NK Safaris will transfer you from Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your onward journey. This marks the end of your Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route adventure.