7 Days Machame Route
Itinerary Summary
The 7-day Marangu Route is a scenic and comfortable trek to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, featuring hut accommodations and a gradual ascent. This extended itinerary includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, increasing your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m) successfully.
Full Itinerary Overview
The 7-day Marangu Route is the only Kilimanjaro route with hut accommodations and is perfect for trekkers looking for a more comfortable, gradual ascent. This extended version includes an extra acclimatization day at Horombo Hut, greatly improving your chances of a successful summit. Over the course of 7 days, you will pass through five distinct ecological zones—from rainforest to alpine desert culminating in a breathtaking sunrise at Uhuru Peak (5,895m). With scenic trails, expert guides, and well-paced days, this itinerary is ideal for first-time climbers seeking both comfort and success.
DAY 1 : Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Your Kilimanjaro journey starts with a drive from Arusha or Moshi to Marangu Gate, where registration and briefings take place. The hike begins through a beautiful stretch of montane rainforest, home to monkeys and tropical birds. After 3–4 hours of steady trekking through shaded forest trails, you’ll reach Mandara Hut, where you’ll rest for the night. An optional short walk to Maundi Crater offers stunning views of the Kenyan border and Mawenzi Peak.
Overnight: Mandara Hut | Meals: Lunch, Dinner
DAY 2 : Mandara Hut (2,700m) to Horombo Hut (3,720m)
After a hearty breakfast, you’ll leave the forest and enter the moorland zone, characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and giant heather. You’ll enjoy panoramic views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks as you ascend. This 12 km trek takes about 6–7 hours and ends at Horombo Hut, a scenic rest point with shared bunkhouse accommodations.
Overnight: Horombo Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 3 : Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut (3,720m)
To aid acclimatization, you’ll spend an extra day at Horombo. After breakfast, you’ll take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,000m), named for their distinctive black and white stripes caused by mineral deposits. This short climb and descent help your body adjust to the altitude. Spend the rest of the day resting and hydrating back at the hut.
Overnight: Horombo Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 4 : Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Today, you’ll trek through the stark and dry alpine desert zone, passing the Last Water Point and crossing the wide saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. This 17 km journey takes around 6–8 hours. You’ll arrive at Kibo Hut, located at the base of the summit, in the early afternoon. Rest early, as your summit attempt begins just after midnight.
Overnight: Kibo Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 5 : Kibo Hut – Uhuru Peak (5,895m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
At around midnight, you begin the final ascent to Uhuru Peak, trekking over steep switchbacks and volcanic scree. The first major milestone is Gilman’s Point (5,685m), followed by a trek along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. After sunrise celebrations and photos, you descend to Kibo Hut for a short rest, then continue back down to Horombo Hut for your overnight stay. The total trekking time is 12–14 hours, covering about 22 km.
Overnight: Horombo Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 6 : Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)
Begin your descent through the moorland, passing back into the rainforest zone. The trail is peaceful, with plenty of opportunities to spot wildlife and reflect on your summit success. After about 5 hours, you’ll arrive at Mandara Hut, where you’ll spend your final night on the mountain.
Overnight: Mandara Hut | Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7 : Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate (1,860m) – Return to Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, continue your descent through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, a journey of 3–4 hours. Upon arrival, you’ll receive your official summit certificate. After some refreshments and group photos, a vehicle will transfer you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha for a well-earned rest.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch
Take the scenic and comfortable path to Africa’s highest peak with the 7-day Marangu Route. Featuring cozy mountain huts, stunning landscapes, and a vital extra acclimatization day, this route gives you the best chance to reach Uhuru Peak (5,895m) safely and successfully. Ideal for first-timers and anyone seeking a rewarding, well-paced adventure
INCLUDED
- Full board (breakfast, lunch & dinner) accommodation.
- All game drives viewing in a custom built 4×4 Safari Land Cruiser
- All park and entrance fees
- Transportation with 4×4 vehicles with viewing roofs
- Professional English-speaking driver/guide or other language as specified during the safari.
- Bottled water in safari vehicles
- Current Government taxes and levies
- 24-Hour support during the safari
NOT INCLUDED
- Internal or International flights
- Transfers to and from the airport
- Balloon excursion (US$600 pp)
- Entry visa to Tanzania.
- Travel and health insurance
- Gratuities to your guide, hotel staff, and porters
- Meals, drinks, and excursions not described in the itinerary
- Any other items of a personal nature, laundry, telephone and postage
- Item of personal Nature
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