8 Day Kilimanjaro Epic (Marangu Route)

You begin your journey upon your arrival at the Kilimanjaro Airport. You will be welcomed by the transfer driver and taken to your accommodation for that evening. The rest of the day is free to relax at the hotel of explore the town of Arusha. A briefing will take place this evening in preparation for the adventure ahead.

Following a hearty breakfast, we travel to the eastern side of Kilimanjaro to begin our journey. Marungu Gate is situated 1860 metres above sea level and it is our starting point. It is approximately a 7 kilometre trek through dense rainforest to the Mandara Huts (3 – 4 hours). If you are still energised following this portion of the hike, you can take a stroll through to Maundi Crater for some incredible views of both Kenya and Tanzania, and on clear days, Kibo Crater. We then have dinner and stay the evening in a Mandara Hut.

Following an evening of good slumber, we indulge in a wholesome breakfast prior to hiking through the forest and moorland to the Horombo Huts. The distance we cover today is around 11 kilometres (5 – 6 hrs) and en route we will spot some of the most fascinating plant life of Tanzania, like the enormous lobelia and groundsel. Halfway through our journey we make a stop-off for lunch while we overlook fantastic views of Mawenzi, on the peaks of Kilimanjaro. This evening we reside in the Horombo Hut.

We spend today teaching ourselves to adapt to our environment and climate. This is crucial and largely enhances your chances of making it to the top of the Mountain. We embark on a 4 to 5 hour hike to Zebra Rocks, named due to their characteristic black and white stripes. A hot lunch will be ready once we make our way back to the hut, where an afternoon of unwinding prepares us for the next day.

We awake at dawn, and following breakfast we make our way to the Kibo Huts (4700 m). Todays stage is long and hard and is approximately another 12 kilometres (5 to 6 hrs) to our destination. We hike through the upper heath land during the first half of today’s journey, whilst the second half comprises of us crossing the enormous saddle that joins Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle of Kilimanjaro is alpine desert and caution must be exercised when travelling on this rough landscape. Following dinner, we have an early evening in preparation for the early start. You will be woken up at 11 pm when you will start in the middle of the night.

Today is the ‘summit stage’ of our journey – this is the big day where we get to reach the very top of the Mountain. At 11pm you will begin the start of the long and strenuous last hike to the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro. When the sun rises we arrive at Gillman’s Point, which is the crater edge of Kilimanjaro, where the sun leisurely warms up the land.

Following another 2 hour trek to Uhuru Peak, we celebrate us arriving at the ‘Roof of Africa’. All the pain, fatigue and coldness will slowly disappear and you will realise it was all worth it. The path back down is quicker than climbing up, and a hot meal waits for us at the Kibo Hut.

Later in the day we carry on to the Horombo Hut where majority of the mountain conquerors will be happy to have an early evening’s sleep.

Conclude your incredible journey with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Enjoy a gentle 2-3 hour descent through the lush rainforest, arriving at Mweka Gate where your driver will be waiting. Return to Meru View Lodge and celebrate your triumphant ascent with a refreshing shower. Spend the rest of the day relaxing by the pool, reflecting on your remarkable achievement

Following breakfast, conclude your unforgettable Tanzanian adventure with a transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. Alternatively, extend your journey and embark on a thrilling safari adventure or relax on the pristine beaches of the Indian Ocean