Ascent of Kilimanjaro, via Marangu Route
The progressive ascent to the roof of Africa via the historic Marangu route, between tropical forests and high-altitude deserts.
Duration
7 days
Ideal seasons
Jan, Feb, Jun, Jul, Aug, Sep
Style
Expeditions
Comfort
rustique
Travelers
Solo, With friends, Couple
The spirit of travel
Climbing Kilimanjaro is an adventure that leaves a lasting mark. This circuit in Tanzania invites you to experience a progressive and supervised altitude trek, on the famous Marangu route. Accompanied by an experienced local team, you traverse landscapes that evolve as you climb: tropical forest populated with monkeys, highland moorlands dominated by giant groundsels, then vast volcanic expanses at the foot of the massif.
At the pace of walking and stages in mountain huts, you take time to acclimatize and observe the reliefs of Kilimanjaro, between Mount Mawenzi and Kibo volcano. The final ascent, at night, takes you to the Uhuru summit, the highest point in Africa at 5,895 meters. At sunrise, the panorama opens onto the immensity of Tanzanian landscapes.
This adventure trip to Tanzania combines mountain trekking, immersion in nature and attentive human support, to fully experience the Kilimanjaro adventure.
The stages of your journey
Highlights
Day-by-day itinerary
Welcome and transfer to the hotel
Kilimanjaro International Airport → Marangu
The Galago team welcomes you at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. After this arrival, you are transferred to your hotel in Marangu.
Rest of the day free.
Depending on your arrival time, you can take this moment to settle in quietly and rest after the journey. You can also discover the surroundings of Marangu, a small locality located on the slopes of Kilimanjaro, or simply enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of your accommodation before the start of your adventure in Tanzanie.
On the way to Mandara Hut
You head towards the Marangu Gate, located at 1,970 meters above sea level. The journey takes around ten minutes. Upon arrival, the team composed of guides and porters awaits you with all the equipment and provisions necessary for the proper execution of your Ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro. You then proceed with registration formalities before departure.
The first stage consists of crossing a dense forest, where giant ferns and lichens carpet the forest floor. The roots of the trees have been cut to form steps that facilitate progress on the path. Along the way, it is not uncommon to spot a few monkeys moving through the vegetation.
The hike leads you to the Mandara Hut campsite, set in the heart of the forest.
Above the Clouds
You have breakfast while the team takes care of loading. Gradually, you leave the forest to reach the senecio fields. The landscape, dotted with streams and small waterfalls, opens up little by little, with the Kibo summit in the background.
You arrive at Horombo refuge, located at high altitude, above the clouds. The atmosphere there is lively with the regular passage of hikers.
Acclimatization Day
This day is dedicated to acclimatization to the altitude, in an environment where vegetation becomes rarer. Lobelias and groundsels now dominate the landscape. This stage plays an important role in preparing you for the final ascent.
You will hike for 5 to 6 hours towards Mount Mawenzi, with an ascent that can reach 4,500 meters in altitude.
After this acclimatization walk, you descend back to the Horombo site, where you spend the night.
At the foot of Kibo volcano
You continue your progression through a high-altitude desert, where vegetation has given way to a vast landscape of gravel and rocks. You cross the Saddle site, a plateau that stretches at the foot of the Kibo volcano. From this open space, you can already make out the trail leading to the summit.
You stop at Kibo Hut for the night. After dinner, you head to your sleeping quarters early, as the night is short. The departure for the final ascent is planned for around 1 a.m.
During the 6 to 7 hours of walking ahead, you may experience the effects of altitude.
Final ascent!
Today, you begin the longest and most demanding part of the climb up Kilimanjaro. You leave Kibo refuge very early in the morning heading towards the Uhuru summit.
During the night, you gradually gain altitude by climbing a steep slope. The pace is steady and your breathing is tested as you climb.
After approximately 5 hours of walking, you reach Gilman's Point, located at 5,685 meters altitude. A short break allows you to observe the crater, in a setting where sky and earth seem to meet.
One final section remains to reach Uhuru peak. After approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of additional walking, you arrive at the summit of Africa, at 5,895 meters altitude. This moment marks the culmination of the ascent and offers the opportunity to take time to admire the panorama that stretches out around you.
After this stage, you begin the descent towards Kibo refuge, where a revitalizing snack awaits you.
You then continue your walk to the Horombo site, where you spend the night.
Back to Civilization
Muscle soreness may be felt after this mountain adventure. Once the equipment is loaded by the porters, you begin the gradual descent by first crossing the heather, then the forest. You pass by Mandara Hut refuge before continuing on towards the Marangu gate.
Before returning to civilization, a certificate is presented to you to commemorate your adventure on Kilimanjaro. The team then arranges your transfer to the hotel for a day of rest, and then accompanies you to the airport for your return flight. Alternatively, you can be transferred to the city of Moshi.
Price per person
Indicative price per person, based on double room. Each trip is customized according to your preferences.
This trip can be tailored to your preferences
This itinerary provides an excellent foundation for discovery, but it can be fully customized. Our local advisors build each trip tailored to your budget, dates and preferences.
Not included
- Visa
- Beverages and personal extras
- Park entrance fees: $930 (to be paid in full)
- Single supplement: $50
- Dinner D1
- SUPPLEMENT (if delayed arrival):
- Tips (per client): 2 to 4 pax: $210, 4 to 7 pax: $190, 8 to 10 pax: $160
Included
- Airport, hotel and mountain transfers
- 1 night in J1 hotel on BB
- 1 day room J7 (max 3 per room)
- 5 nights in shared shelters
- Full board from breakfast on day 2 to lunch on day 7
- Tanzanian guides, assistant guides, cooks and porters
- English-speaking guidance
- Presence of a hyperbaric chamber (up to the last refuge) + oxygen bottles (up to the summit).
- Mineral water + filtered water
Practical Information
Registration is considered firm and final after payment of a deposit of 30% of the total price and acceptance of the specific terms of sale.
The balance must be paid no later than 45 days before the departure date.
See our specific terms of sale for full details.
In the event of cancellation by the traveller, the following fees apply:
- More than 60 days before departure: 40% of the total price (deposit retained)
- Between 60 and 30 days before departure: 50% of the total price
- Less than 30 days before departure: 100% of the total price
We strongly recommend taking out cancellation insurance. See our specific terms of sale for full details.
The information below concerns entry requirements for Tanzania for tourist stays. Entry regulations may change, so we recommend verifying information with the official authorities before your departure.
Passport
To enter Tanzania, your passport must be valid for at least six months after your date of entry into the country and must have at least two blank pages for immigration stamps.
The document must be in good condition (no damaged, torn or altered pages).
Visa
A visa is required to enter Tanzania.
This visa can be obtained in two ways:
online, via the official Tanzanian government portal (eVisa), before departure — strongly recommended solution,
on arrival at certain entry points (visa on arrival), although this option is subject to conditions and may change.
The tourist visa generally permits a stay of up to 90 days. Visa fees are applicable and must be paid when applying.
Authorities may request:
an outbound travel document (return or onward flight),
proof of sufficient financial resources for the duration of your stay,
an accommodation reservation.
Health and vaccinations
No vaccinations are officially mandatory to enter Tanzania, except yellow fever vaccination if you are arriving from a country where this disease is endemic. In this case, the international vaccination certificate (yellow booklet) will be required upon entry.
Additionally, several vaccinations and preventive measures are strongly recommended:
antimalarial prophylaxis: Tanzania is an area at risk of malaria, preventive treatment is advised,
vaccinations against hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid and tetanus,
vaccination against rabies recommended if you will be active in rural areas or in contact with animals.
Consult a doctor or international vaccination centre before your departure.
Travelling with children
Minors must hold their own valid passport covering the duration of the stay, as well as their own visa.
In some countries, when a minor travels without one of their parents, an exit authorisation may be required according to the regulations of the country of residence.
Entry requirements by nationality
Entry conditions may vary depending on your nationality. Travelers should verify the specific requirements with the Tanzanian embassy or consulate in their country of residence.
To participate in our trips, it is strongly advised to be covered by repatriation assistance and medical expenses insurance abroad.
Your local agency encourages you to familiarize yourself with the specific contract developed with our partner CHAPKA ASSURANCES and AXA ASSISTANCE.
To subscribe to insurance, learn about coverage and rates, follow the link below.
CAP EXPLORER: The comprehensive insurance solution designed to travel with peace of mind!
Choose the plan that best suits you:
Explorer'Multirisk
Explorer'Cancellation
Explorer'Assistance
Explorer'Bank Card Supplement
Specific to our trips, we strongly recommend subscribing to them.
If you choose to subscribe to one of these plans, the policy detailing all coverage and the procedures for declaring a claim are available on the insurer's website.
Your local agency will be aware of it, but only the participant is responsible for complying with the procedures for declaring any claim. The participant must therefore keep this policy with them throughout their trip.
Chapka — Cap Explorer
Our insurance partnerTravel with peace of mind with our partner Chapka. Cancellation, repatriation, medical expenses, baggage… All the coverage for a worry-free trip.
Travel with peace of mind — I'll handle the insuranceFrequently asked questions
A tourist visa is required. It can be obtained online (e-visa, approximately 50 USD) or on arrival at major airports (50 USD, cash required). Your passport must be valid for at least 6 months after entry and have blank pages. Before booking, check the rules applicable to your nationality with the consular authorities of the destination.
Go to the My Trips section to find all your projects.
You can send a message to your host directly from the Tea Lounge.
For a tailor-made quality trip, budget between 280 and 500 euros per day per person, including accommodation, meals, 4x4 safaris, domestic flights and activities. International flights (800–1,300 euros round trip) are additional. Mobile camps in the Serengeti represent a major cost item.
Your documents are accessible in the Documents tab of your trip.
Absolutely. We adapt each itinerary to our travelers' profiles. For families, we prioritize relaxed paces, family-friendly accommodations, educational and entertaining activities, and comfortable private transfers. Our English-speaking local guides know how to capture children's attention with age-appropriate anecdotes.
It's simple. You exchange with our local team to define your wishes, budget and dates. You receive a detailed itinerary proposal within 48 hours. You refine every detail together until it's perfect. You confirm and travel with complete peace of mind. Your local agency remains available 7 days a week throughout your trip.
In case of emergency, contact your local agency immediately.
Payment is generally made in two installments.
Our agency is part of the Nomadays network, registered in France. You benefit from APST (Association Professionnelle de Solidarité du Tourisme) guarantee which covers 100% of your funds. Secure payment, repatriation insurance included, and English-speaking assistance 24/7 on the ground throughout your stay.
Let's talk about your adventure — Kilimanjaro
Explorer of Tanzanian savannas, based in Arusha
A safari doesn't begin when you spot a lion. It begins much earlier, in the morning light, the dust on the trail, and the attention paid to every smallest movement.
— Fred
