Kilimanjaro trekking tour 2025 / 9 days

armeniangeographic

2 years ago

On February 15-23, 2025, Armenian Geographic will organize the second ascent to Kilimanjaro, to the roof of Africa (5895 m).

For the climb we have chosen the shortest and most comfortable route – Marangu with the duration of 6 days, during which, unlike other routes, overnight stays will be spent in special mountain huts.

Kilimanjaro trekking tour

The Marangu Route also known as the “Coca-Cola Route” is the oldest and most well established trekking route on Mount Kilimanjaro, and it remains extremely popular mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has hut accommodation for trekkers.

The Marangu route provides a relatively quiet hike, but the seriousness of the climb should not be underestimated.

Journey duration: 9 days

Level of difficulty: moderate

Climbing details by day:

Marangu route itinerary

Day 1: Arrival in Tanzania

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2. Marangu Gate (1830m) – Mandara Hut (2720m)

Duration of the hike: 3-4 hours
Length of the route: 9 km
Altitude gain: 890 m
Climate zone: rainforest

Kilimanjaro trekking tour / Mandara Hut

After breakfast at the hotel we will drive to Marangu Gate. The drive will take about 1,5 hour. After check-in we will get ready for the climb, and before that the porters will collect and arrange things to bring them to the camp.

After about 3-4 hours of walking through the rainforest we will reach our first camp – the Mandara Hut.

Dinner and overnight in the huts.

Day 3. Mandara Hut (2720 m) – Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Hiking duration: 5-6 hours
Length of the route: 13 km
Altitude gain: 1000 m
Climate zone: heath / moorland

Kilimanjaro trekking tour / Horombo Hut

After breakfast we will leave the forest area and go up to the moorland area. We will enjoy a beautiful view of the volcanic cone of Mawenzi along the way. After about 6-7 hours of climbing we will reach the second camp, from where we will enjoy a beautiful view of Kibo Summit.

During the trek you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude.

Dinner and overnight in the huts.

Day 4. Acclimatization ascent to Zebra Rocks (4010m)

Duration of the hike: 4 hours
Length of the route: 10 km
Altitude gain: 310 m
Climate zone: moorland

Kilimanjaro trekking tour / Zebra Rocks

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and will be spend it by hiking to Zebra Rocks. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. After spending some time exploring the area we’ll head back to Horombo Hut.

Day 5. Horombo Hut (3720 m) – Kibo Hut (4720 m)

Duration of the hike: 6-7 hours
Length of the route: 10 km
Altitude gain: 1000 m
Climate zone: alpine desert

Kilimanjaro trekking tour

After breakfast we will hike up to our third camp, which is located at an area called “The Saddle”, which is located between Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. From here we can clearly see the trail leading to the summit.

At Kibo Hut you will be served an early dinner and should try get to bed before 19:00 as you will be awoken around 23:30 to start your 1,175 meter ascent to Uhuru Peak. Make sure that you have all your gear ready for a prompt departure, including insulated water, snacks, your headlamp, etc.

Day 6. Kibo Camp (4720 m) – Mount Kilimanjaro (Uhuru) (5895 m)

Duration of the hike: 7-8 hours
Length of the route: 6 km
Altitude gain: 1175 m
Climate zone: Glacier, high alpine zone

Kilimanjaro trekking tour / Uhuru Peak

We will wake up at midnight and start climbing after having a light snack. We will follow the rocky route to Gilman’s point (5681 m). After walking for an additional hour or two we will reach the highest point of Africa, the Uhuru peak.

Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Horombo Hut (3720 m)

Climbing duration: 4-5 hours
Route length: 16 km
Climate zone: heather-moorland

Kilimanjaro trekking tour / Sunrise of Mawenzi peak

After resting and taking pictures at the top, we will start our descent. After about 3 hours of walking down we will reach Kibo Hut, where we will rest, have some snacks and continue our descent to Horombo Hut.

Dinner and overnight in the huts.

Day 7. Horombo Hut (3720 m) – Marangu Gate (1830 m) – Arusha

After breakfast in the morning we will start the descent to the Maragu gate, on the way we will stop at the Mandara hut for lunch. At the checkpoint we will get our Kilimanjaro certificates and head to our hotel.

Kilimanjaro trekking tour

By the way, the certificate receiving ceremony is so fun that you cannot help yourself from dancing and having fun.

In the video below you can see our Kilimanjaro 2023 certificate receiving ceremony.

Day 8. Safari tour to Tarangire National Park

After breakfast in the morning we will drive to Tarangire National Park and take a safari tour in the area of the park. It is rich in flora and fauna. During the tour you can see zebras, rhinos, lions, elephants, buffalo, etc.

Safari tour in Tarangire

At the beginning of the day we will visit the famous Maasai tribe and get acquainted with their culture and lifestyle. Dressed in bright red robes, spear in hand, Maasai warriors are an impressive sight to behold. Calm and courageous in dangerous situations, this tribe is renowned for its remarkable trackers with generations of knowledge of their lands and its wildlife. As semi-nomadic pastoralists, they still live by herding cattle and goats.