7 Days Kilimanjaro Route Exploring Hut Trek

7 Days Kilimanjaro Route Exploring Hut Trek Overview

On this 7 Days Kilimanjaro Route Exploring Hut Trek, the Marangu Route, Kilimanjaro’s oldest and one of the most favored, stands out for being the sole trail equipped with huts for hikers. There are huts with 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 at Horombo Hut. This route entails a 6-day trek, although it’s advisable to allocate an extra day for acclimatization at Horombo Hut.

Day 1: Arrival in Arusha for 7 Days Kilimanjaro Route Exploring Hut Trek

Once you land at either Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) or Arusha Airport (ARK), your personal driver-guide or representative will be there to greet you. They’ll escort you to your lodging in Arusha for an overnight stay, as you eagerly await the start of your upcoming adventures the next dayMain Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: Ilboru Safari Lodge

Mid-range lodge located in or near Arusha

Meals & Drinks:

Lunch & dinner (Breakfast not included)
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2: Marangu Gate

In the early morning hours, we embark on a roughly 3-hour drive to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Marangu Gate at an elevation of 1,840 meters. While our guide handles the necessary registration forms, we have the opportunity to observe our mountain team preparing for the climb and organizing their belongings. Once the registration process concludes and the team is ready, our thrilling Kilimanjaro adventure commences as we venture into the dense rainforest.

Along the way, we might even be fortunate enough to catch glimpses of black and white colobus monkeys as they forage amidst the lush vegetation. After an enjoyable and leisurely 4-hour hike through the splendid rainforest, we arrive at the picturesque Mandara Hut.

Following a well-deserved rest, our guide leads us to the Maundi crater, treating us to a breathtaking panoramic view of the Kenyan interior. Our overnight stay takes place at the Mandara Hut, providing a tranquil setting for rejuvenation.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Mandara Hut

Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3: Mandara Hut

The day starts with an early breakfast, followed by leaving the Mandara Hut. As we continue, the landscape transforms from vegetation to heather bushes at the tree line. Our hike takes us through a stunning moor landscape across hills adorned with unique flora.

After approximately 6 hours, we catch sight of the Horombo Hut, situated at an altitude of around 3,700 m. The huts provide an incredible vantage point for observing the Mawenzi, the second-highest peak in the Kilimanjaro massif, along with the Kibo peak and the expansive plains below. Kilimanjaro comprises three dormant conical volcanoes: Kibo (5,895 m), Mawenzi (5,148 m), and Shira (3,962 m). We spend the night at the Horombo Hut.Main Destination:Mount KilimanjaroAccommodation:Horombo Hut

Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 4: Zebra Rock

An acclimatization day serves to help our bodies adjust to high altitudes, which is why we strongly advise it to aid in acclimatization. Following a leisurely breakfast, we embark on a 2 to 4-hour hike to reach the Zebra Rocks at an altitude of 3,980 meters.

The unique black and white stripes of the rock formation are what lend it its name. After our hike, a hearty lunch awaits us back at the Horombo Hut. The afternoon offers a chance for relaxation and recharging before the upcoming day’s hike. Rest overnight at the Horombo Hut.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 5: Horombo Hut

Today’s stage may be lengthy and challenging, though it lacks steep climbs. The altitude and thin air will be noticeable, offering constant views of the Mawenzi and Kibo summits. This vegetation-scarce plateau connects Kibo’s summit with Mawenzi. Our goal for the day is to reach Kibo Hut, a journey estimated to take 5 to 6 hours.

Following a rejuvenating lunch, there’s time to unwind before a 5:00 p.m. dinner and retiring by 7:00 p.m. Rest is crucial as the midnight ascent to the summit awaits. Given the slightly longer ascent from this route, proper nourishment and hydration are vital for the summit’s demanding day. Remember to have at least 3 liters of warm drinking water prepared by the crew. The night will be spent at Kibo Hut.

Main Destination: Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation: Kibo Hut

Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 6: Kibo Hut

Today marks the pivotal moment of the summit stage. Following a light breakfast and hot tea, our journey commences at midnight when the frozen lava ash provides a walkable surface. Guided by the glow of our headlamps, we ascend towards the summit. By sunrise, we reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the rim of the crater. Anticipate strong winds during the ascent. About an hour later, we arrive at Stella Point (5,756 m).

Another 1 to 2 hours of ascent along the crater ridge lead us to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m), where Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking beauty unfolds before us, offering a 360° sunrise panorama. This moment places us on the “roof of Africa.” Following a lunch break at Kibo Hut, we retrace our steps back to Horombo Hut (3,700 m) after a warm meal and a one-hour rest. The night is spent at Horombo Hut.

Main Destination: Uhuru Peak (Mt Kilimanjaro)

Accommodation: Horombo Hut

Budget mountain hut located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

All meals included
Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 7: Mandara Hut to Arusha

The final leg takes you through the heather and moor area, leading to Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where the last lunch during our mountain journey awaits. On day seven, the route from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate covers nearly 20 km and typically takes about 7 hours to finish.
At Marangu Gate, you’ll receive a certificate, either for reaching Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak, depending on your progress. Following that, you’ll be transported to Moshi or Arusha, marking the conclusion of your trip.

Main Destination: Arusha (City)

Accommodation: No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks: