Itinerary
DAY 1: DEPART UK
You will depart the UK for the trip of a lifetime! If you have booked flights with us (option available for Bucket Lister + trips only), we’ll provide all the information you’ll need to meet your guide.
If you are arranging your own flights, have a safe journey!
DAY 2: ARRIVE IN TANZANIA
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you’ll make your way to the accommodation. If you have booked transfers through us, we’ll send you the necessary details before your trip.
You will have some free time to relax and explore Moshi before the adventure begins.
Welcome Briefing: Your welcome briefing will be at 6 pm at the hotel.
DAY 3: A CHANCE TO EXPLORE
Today you will have the opportunity to head into Moshi Town for a tour in the morning.
Before dinner, you will have your trek briefing with your guides.
DAY 4: DRIVE TO MARANGU PARK GATE, VISIT MAUNDI CRATER
After breakfast on the first day of the trek, we’ll load up the kit, and you’ll be driven to Marangu Park Gate. Fingers crossed we’ll get to see the Colobus Monkeys as we journey upwards! Generally, the walk takes about half a day. Visit Maundi Crater where there are some brilliant wildflowers and superb views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
Distance covered: 8.3km / 5.2 mi Approx. time taken: 5 hours
DAY 5: TREK TO HOROMBO HUTS
We’ll start moving out of the forest and before too long we’ll notice the Kifinika Hill on our left and also intermittent views of Mawenzi and Kibo. We’ll stop for a picnic lunch at Kambi Ya Taabu. We’ll arrive at Horombo Huts in the middle of the afternoon, spend some time chilling out, and then have dinner together.
Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8 mi Approx. time taken: 9 hours
DAY 6: ACCLIMATISATION DAY AT HOROMBO
On the third day of the climb, we have an acclimatisation day. Generally, we recommend the ‘saddle walk’ – the views of Kibo and Mawenzi are amazing and the ascent and descent to Zebra Rock is just what your body needs.
If we set off nice and early we’ll still have the rest of the afternoon to relax and sort out kit. Remember to bring a book for this day!
Distance covered: 5km / 3.1 mi Approx. time taken: 4 hours
DAY 7: TREK TO KIBO HUT
Climbing through the moorland forest and then alpine desert you will reach ‘the saddle’ between the twin peaks of Mawnzi and Kibo. Before Kibo you will come to Jiwe la ukoyo’.
From here you will walk for about an hour to reach Kibo Hut (4703m). Take a well-earned rest to recharge your batteries ahead of the night’s summit attempt. Purify your water, put new batteries in your camera and head torch, pack your snacks and get ready.
Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9 mi Approx. time taken: 7 hours
DAY 8: KILIMANJARO SUMMIT DAY!
On the fifth day of the climb, it’s time to get serious. You’ll be woken at midnight, and we’ll be trekking through the night. It gives us time to try and reach the summit and still descend in the daylight. Remember to layer up – it WILL be cold, but you’ll need to remove layers later in the day.
The first half of this ascent is on steep winding rocky path. We’ll maintain a very slow, but steady pace to reach the summit. As we near the crater rim, the sun will rise. We recommend that you pause to enjoy what many people consider the finest sunrise on earth.
From Gilman’s Point, it takes another 1½ to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5895m), although the gradients are much gentler and terrain easier. Standing on the summit will have made the last 10-12 hours worthwhile!
Today will probably have been the longest day of your life but quite possibly the best! After hitting the summit, we head back down to Horombo Hut for a well-earned rest!
Distance covered: 22km / 13.7 mi Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours
DAY 9: RETURN TO MARANGU PARK GATE
Day six of the climb is the final day on the mountain. We head from Horombo back to the Marangu Park Gate. We take the short drive back to the hotel for a well-earned HOT shower and celebratory evening meal.
Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9 mi Approx. time taken: 8 hours
DAY 10: REST DAY
Today is a rest day. Take your time to relax or explore the town.
DAY 11: RETURN FLIGHTS TO THE UK
This marks the end of our Tanzanian adventure.
If you haven’t had enough you can continue with a Safari or a trip to Zanzibar!
Food & Accommodation
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Day 1 FlightBreakfast
Lunch Dinner -
Day 2 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 3 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 4 Mandara HutBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 5 Horombo HutBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 6 Horombo HutBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 7 Kibo HutBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 8 Horombo HutBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 9 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 10 3* Lodge - Twin roomBreakfast Lunch Dinner
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Day 11 FlightBreakfast Lunch Dinner
What’s the Food Like on the Marangu route?
Food on the Marangu Route is simple, filling and designed to fuel long days of trekking. As the only Kilimanjaro route with mountain huts, meals are prepared in hut kitchens, adding a bit of extra comfort.
You’ll have three meals a day, with breakfasts like porridge, eggs and toast, lighter lunches on the trail, and hearty evening meals such as soups, pasta, rice, vegetables and meat or vegetarian options. Meals are freshly prepared by your mountain crew and special dietary requirements can usually be catered for.
While not gourmet, the food is nutritious, warming and ideal for trekking at altitude.
What Makes Our Trip Different?
How Difficult Is It?
How Difficult Is the Marangu Route
The Marangu Route is graded Challenge Rating 3, meaning it’s a moderately challenging trek that requires a good level of fitness, endurance and preparation. While it doesn’t involve technical climbing, you’ll be walking for multiple hours each day over varied terrain, from rainforest and moorland to rocky high-altitude slopes. The real test comes from the length of the days and the altitude, especially as you get closer to the summit.
This route’s hut-based accommodation can make logistics simpler, but altitude and sustained walking remain the biggest physical demands. Many walkers find the climb rewarding but tough, particularly on summit night and the final push to Uhuru Peak.
For a deeper breakdown of what to expect and how to prepare, check out our guide: How difficult is it to climb Kilimanjaro?
What's Included?
What’s Included on the Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route
Your Kilimanjaro Marangu Route adventure includes everything you need for a fully supported climb to Africa’s highest peak. Here’s exactly what’s covered:
All accommodation throughout the trip, including hotels in Moshi and hut-based accommodation on the mountain.
All transport within Tanzania as outlined in the itinerary (this excludes international airport arrival & departure transfers – unless added to your booking, or if you have added Group Flights to a BL+ trips)
All meals on the mountain, freshly prepared by experienced cooks, plus selected meals in Moshi as detailed in the itinerary.
Experienced local mountain guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters to support you throughout the climb.
All essential group safety equipment, including emergency oxygen and medical kits.
All park fees, hut fees and conservation fees for Kilimanjaro National Park.
Support from The Bucket List Company team before and during your trip
A fully planned itinerary, following the Marangu Route with structured acclimatisation and a summit attempt at Uhuru Peak.
What's Not Included?
What’s not Included on the Kilimanjaro - Marangu Route
Travel insurance
Comprehensive travel insurance is compulsory. It must also cover high-altitude trekking up to 6,000m and emergency helicopter evacuation.
Visas
Visa fees (if applicable) are not included.
Tips
Tips are not included – trip-specific guidance will be provided.
International flights
Flights to and from Tanzania re not included in the base trip cost. These can be added on Bucket Lister Plus trips if you’d like us to arrange everything for you.
Airport Arrival & Departure transfersThese are excluded from the base cost of your trip but can be added to your booking. If you are booking Group Flights with us on a BL+ trip, then these transfers are included automatically.
Meals not listed
Any meals not specified in the itinerary.
Personal expenses
Please budget for personal spending such as snacks, drinks, souvenirs, laundry, optional activities and any additional items you may wish to purchase.
UK Leaders on BL Trips
BL trips will not have a UK Bucket List Company Leader present.
Reviews
Add-ons
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a visa to enter Tanzania?
Because entry requirements can and do change, and because we have clients of many nationalities, we always recommend checking this with your own government’s website. Be sure to allow enough time to apply for any visas or permits required; don’t leave your checks until the day before!
What vaccinations do I need?
These change, so it is important that you check with either a travel health clinic or your doctor’s surgery. You should allow plenty of time for this process, as some vaccines need multiple doses. The TravelHealthPro website is another useful source of information – https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/countries
How can I avoid roaming charges but still use my phone?
Your mobile provider might have reasonably-priced roaming add-ons, so it is worth exploring these. Or you could buy an eSim; these are often much cheaper than add-ons and are easy to activate and use. See our article for more information – https://thebucketlistcompany.co.uk/unlock-seamless-connectivity-with-esims-the-ultimate-travel-companion/
Do I have to take all of my luggage up the mountain?
No, you can leave any items not needed at the lodge in Moshi. They will be stored safely until you return. It is worth bringing an extra bag you can decant such items into.
Are there toilets on the Marangu route?
There are frequent, sheltered toilet huts on this route
Can I hire equipment for my trip?
We can arrange this for some equipment; please contact us to discuss and arrange in plenty of time before your trip. Equipment hire is charged on arrival in Tanzania.
Do the guides carry/provide oxygen if needed?
Oximeters are carried, plus guides carry supplementary oxygen as a safety measure.
What is your summit success rate?
We have an excellent success rate on this route – in 2025 it was 100%!
Can you cater for different diets?
When you book you will receive a link to your portal, where you can fill in your passenger information, including dietary and medical requirements. These will be shared with our guides and providers (including airlines if you have also booked flights). Please provide this information as quickly as possible, so we can make any necessary arrangements for you.
Whilst we do our utmost to ensure your needs are met, in some locations options for very specific diets may be extremely limited; we therefore suggest bringing some suitable snacks.
If you have a severe food allergy please ensure you carry your medication at all times, and that we are made aware. We will pass this information on, but a conversation with your in-country guide on arrival will help them give you the best possible guidance regarding suitability or otherwise of foods.
If you have specific concerns we always suggest contacting us to discuss before booking.
