Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route (Extended)
Guaranteed Availability:
1st June - 31st March 2025/26
1st June - 31st March 2026/27
1st June - 31st March 2027/28
Duration: 6 Days
Adult Price: £2422.00
Child Price: £1926.00
Deposit: £250.00
View DetailsThe Pathway Events / Kilimanjaro Trips / Kilimanjaro Hiking Marangu Route (Extended)
Trip Details
Marangu Route 6 Days – Marangu Route is also known as the “Coca-Cola” or “tourist” route. It is the easiest and shortest route to the summit. This is also the only route with the comforts of sleeping huts at every campsite with solar lights and comfortable beds. The huts are communal, and the bunks have a sponge mattress and pillow.
There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Men’s and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp but are very basic.
All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere.
This route is usually done in 5 days but can be done in 6 days for better acclimatization. The extra day can be spent resting at Horombo or climbing the small peak of Mawenzi.
The main tourist route and by far the most popular route and some claim the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. The 5-day option, which is available on this route, makes it the least expensive route on the mountain. A 6-day option with an extra day of acclimatization is however also available. This is the only route, which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every campsite. Mineral water, soft drinks, beer, and chocolates are also sold at every camp.
Highlights
- Only route with permanent huts for sleeping.
- Budget-friendly with the option of a shorter 5-day itinerary.
- Budget-conscious adventurers looking for an efficient yet rewarding Kilimanjaro experience.
- Those seeking a comfortable trekking experience with communal facilities.
- Extra day at Horombo Hut for rest or a trek to Mawenzi Peak for added adventure.
- Usually completed in 5 days, with a 6-day option for improved acclimatization.
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Itinerary
Day 01: Arrival
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Migration Venture Africa representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cosy rooms, hot water, a swimming pool and internet access.
In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 02: Lemosho Glades (2385m) to Big Tree Camp (2780m)
You will be picked up at your hotel at around 08:00 am and transferred to the Lemosho gate located on the western side of Kilimanjaro. After the registration process, you will still start your climb steadily through the forests of the Lemosho glades to reach Big Tree camp where you will be spending the night.
Distance covered: 7km / 4.3mi
Approx. time taken: 4 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 03: Big Tree Camp (2780m) to Shira 1 Camp (3500m)
Today you will trek across a plateau of grassy moorland and heather scattered with volcanic rock formations. Our destination for today is the Shira 1 Camp from where there are often views of Kibo Peak floating on the clouds. We gain a reasonable amount of altitude today and parts of the route are fairly steep.
Distance covered: 8.5km / 5.3mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 04: Shira 1 Camp (3500m) to Shira 2 Camp (3900m)
Today you will get the chance to view the Northern Ice fields from the western side of the mountain with some unusual views of Kibo. Our steady climb across the moorland of the Shira Plateau will help with acclimatization and we enjoy great panoramic views. Our destination today is the Shira 2 Camp. In the afternoon you will take an acclimatization walk then head back to camp for dinner and overnight.
Distance covered: 8km / 5mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 05: Shira 2 Camp (3900m) to Barranco Camp (3960m)
Your trek starts with an ascent with far-reaching panoramic views, walking into the climatic zone of the upland desert and on the lava ridges beneath the glaciers of the Western Breach. You will reach the distinct pinnacle of the Lava Tower (4640 m), our high point for the day and a great place to enjoy your lunch. In the afternoon we make a steep descent to our camp for the night, located at the base of the Great Barranco Valley (3960 m), sheltered by towering cliffs but with extensive views of the plains below.
Distance covered: 10km / 6.2mi
Approx. time taken: 7 hrs
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 06: Barranco Camp (3960m) to Karanga Camp (3963m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 07: Karanga Camp (3963m) to Barafu Camp (4640m)
Our day starts by descending into the start of the Great Barranco, a huge ravine. We then exit steeply, up the Great Barranco Wall, which divides us from the southeastern slopes of Kibo. It’s a climb over rock, not technical but long and tiring. Passing underneath the Heim and Kersten glaciers, we head towards the Karanga valley. From here we have a steep climb up from Karanga valley to our night’s camp at Karanga camp, set at 3963m. For those feeling strong, we will go for a mid-afternoon acclimatization trek up to around 4200m before descending back to camp for the night.
Distance covered: 5.5km / 3.4mi
Approx. time taken: 5 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 08: Barafu Camp (4640m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Millennium Camp (3790m)
We start at around midnight and walk steeply upwards to the summit glaciers. We will be climbing scree for 4 to 5 hours but gain incredible height over a short distance. The views are spectacular. We should be on the crater rim at Stella Point (5739m) as the first rays of the sun hit us. Spectacular ice cliffs within the crater surround us and the views to the jagged Mawenzi peak and beyond are breathtaking. Another hour’s walking takes us to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m).
We begin our descent by returning to Stella Point and then descending on a steep slope and track back to Barafu Camp for breakfast, before finally heading down to Millennium Camp for a long well-earned rest.
Distance covered: 13.4km / 8.3mi
Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
Day 09: Trek Millennium Camp (3790m) to Mweka Gate (1630m)
A gentle trek takes us down through the rainforest to Mweka Gate, where we complete park formalities and receive certificates, which you can hang up with pride! We are then met by our vehicles and return to the hotel in Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a hot welcome shower.
Distance covered: 12.1km / 7.5mi
Approx. time taken: 6 hours
- Accommodation: Mountain Camping Tent Stay
- Meals: Breakfast + Lunch + Dinner
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Frequently Asked Questions
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (which can be done in five), but we use six days for this route.
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travelers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
On most routes, you’ll trek 4-7 hours most days. On certain routes you’ll trek as many as 10-15 hours on the longest days.
Prior to the climb, you’ll enjoy an acclimatization day with wildlife viewing and nature walks. Trekking through the rain forest, you’re likely to spot black-and-white Colobus monkeys, tropical birds and more.
Highly-trained chefs prepare three hot nutritious meals daily, as well as trail snacks and afternoon tea each day. You’ll eat all your meals in a solar-lit dining tent with your fellow trekkers and head guide. Delicious vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and other specialty meals can be provided (with advance request). We’re happy to send you a sample menu—just ask!
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, celiac, lactose-free, or if you have any allergies, just give us a heads up and you will be catered to
Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.Your mountain camps are set up and broken down each day by expert camp porters. You’ll stay in double occupancy all-weather tents with full-ground pads to keep you and your gear dry. Private toilet tents, solar-lit dining tents with tables and chairs, and basins of hot water for washing are provided in every camp. Grand Traverse treks include upgraded solar-lit walk-in-height sleeping tents with mountaineering beds and mattresses for additional comfort.
In the individual trip pages there is a detailed section on what is included and excluded.
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the number of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
Mount Kilimanjaro can be climbed anytime throughout the year. Most travellers prefer climbing during the dry seasons: December to March, June to October. Many consider the best months to climb Kilimanjaro to be January, February, and September.
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The Pathway Support Package
The Pathway Support Package is what makes the difference. This isn’t just a booking – it’s a complete preparation experience designed to remove uncertainty and set you up for success. From the moment you commit, we guide you through every step.
You’ll receive detailed training plans, packing lists, travel tips and practical guidance to make sure nothing is left to chance. On top of that, you’ll get three tailored coaching sessions with endurance specialist Doug White and one mindset session with Stevie Kidd.
Our team becomes your team - committed to helping you reach the summit and enjoy every moment of the journey along the way.
✅ Trip Essentials
- How To Apply For a Visa
- Travel Insurance Information
- Transfer Information
- Accommodation Details
- Health & Hygiene
✅ Equipment Lists
- Gear List
- Clothing
- Sleeping & Other Equipment
- Toiletries & Medicine
- Technical Equipment
✅ Coaching
- Not sure where to start, don't worry we will provide you with everything you need
- Detailed training plans
- Checklists
- Coaching Calls
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Gallery
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Useful Info
Tips for a Successful Climb
BE PROPERLY EQUIPPED
An essential part of your preparation will be to ensure that you are well equipped for your summit attempt. Print our final Packing List and mark it off, to ensure that you are. Click on Packing List to get to this very important step in your preparation.
BE PHYSICALLY PREPARED
It is important that your body is adequately prepared for the physical challenges of Mount Kilimanjaro. Develop your fitness and get your body in shape for your Kilimanjaro summit expedition.
MENTAL PREPARATION
It is possible to summit Kilimanjaro successfully. Many before you have succeeded. This should be topmost in your mind when preparing for the summit attempt. You should always remain in a positive state of mind, but not overly arrogant. Try to anticipate various different scenarios, which you may possibly encounter on the mountain and try to work out the most suitable course of action, mentally by yourself or even as a group. Your mental stamina will, without a doubt, make the really difficult sections, like from Kibo to Uhuru or from Barafu to Uhuru, easier to complete. Remember if you are properly equipped, you have taken everything as indicated on the Packing List, you are physically prepared and have all the knowledge gained from guide – you will be mentally confident for the physical part of Kilimanjaro.
ADEQUATE TRAVEL INSURANCE
Make sure that you have adequate travel and medical insurance, which will also provide you with cover for the climb up Kilimanjaro.
ON THE MOUNTAIN
GO SLOWLY
Go slowly – “Pole Pole” as they say in Swahili! This is also very important during your first days of climbing. Even if you feel well, slow down and enjoy the scenery. The biggest cause of altitude sickness is ascending too high too fast! The slower you hike to more time you give your body to acclimatise.
DRINK ENOUGH WATER
Make sure that you drink at least 3 – 4 litres of liquid a day – preferably water. For your first day it is recommended that you take along fresh water, which may be purchased at the hotel in Moshi before your climb. Try to get the bottles with the screw tops, this way you will also have containers in which to take water further up the mountain. Running water on the mountain is safe to drink from day-2 onwards, but care should still be taken. If you are not used to fresh water in nature, prevent any inconvenience by using water purification tablets.
REMEMBER! A functioning “body water balance” is one of the keys to a successful climb!
WALK HIGH – SLEEP LOW
If possible and especially on your acclimatization day “walk high – sleep low” Try to do a short evening stroll to a higher altitude and then descend to sleep at the camp at a lower altitude. This is essential on your acclimatization day.
TAKE A WALKING POLE
A walking pole is essential. Use of ski poles reduces external and internal loads on the knee joint by up to 20%. Using 1 ski pole is a must, but 2 poles are recommended.
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Travel Info
For Entry into Tanzania
Passport
Your passport must have at least six months of validity from the date of entry. Additionally, Tanzania requires that there should be a minimum of one blank page in your passport for a visa stamp upon arrival.
Visa
Most travellers visiting Tanzania require a visa for entry. You can determine your eligibility and apply for an e-visa by visiting the official website. The standard cost for a visa is $50 USD and processing time is around 2 weeks.
Travel insurance
Insurance is not a requirement to enter Tanzania, but in my opinion, travel insurance is a must – especially when going on safari. It provides peace of mind, covering unforeseen circumstances such as health emergencies, accidents, and loss of belongings.
Yellow Fever Vaccine*
Travelers aged 1 year and older arriving from countries at risk for yellow fever virus transmission must provide proof of yellow fever vaccination. This requirement also applies to layovers exceeding 12 hours in countries with a risk of yellow fever virus transmission. If you’re considering a layover in Addis Ababa or another place with yellow fever risk, keep this in mind.
Travel tip
Store your important paperwork securely in a waterproof and sealable bag to protect them from humidity and unexpected downpours. It’s also a good idea to make scanned copies of essential documents and store them in a separate location from the originals. This ensures a backup in case of loss or theft.
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Terms & Conditions
What You Need to Know
Your Deposit is Non-Refundable
As soon as you book, we begin preparing your journey – reserving your space, tailoring your support package, and getting vital logistics in motion. For that reason, deposits are non-refundable.
Full Payment is Due 90 Days Before Departure
To finalise your trip, full payment is required at least 90 days before your departure date. If you book within 90 days of departure, full payment will be due immediately.
Trip Forms Are Required Before We Can Proceed
Once your deposit is received, we’ll send you essential trip information, including forms for each participant. These must be completed before we can release further details about your trip – they’re crucial for us to tailor your experience properly and keep everything running smoothly.
Your Hosts in Tanzania
Your Kilimanjaro expedition will be hosted by our trusted partners, Migration Venture Africa. They are responsible for your on-the-ground experience from arrival in Tanzania through to your summit and return. We’ve built a long-standing, highly collaborative relationship with them to ensure everything meets the high standards we promise.
Flights Are Not Included
Please note that your package does not include international flights to or from Tanzania. However, we’re happy to advise on travel options if needed.
Coaching & Support Calls
You will receive video coaching sessions with Doug White (our endurance specialist) and Stevie Kidd as part of your package. These are delivered via video call. If you’d like to arrange additional coaching before or after your trip, we’re happy to organise that – just let us know (fees apply).
Need to Speak to Us?
We’re here to help. You can reach us any time on:
📞 +44 (0) 330 311 2413
📧 inspire@steviekidd.co.uk
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