9-Day Kilimanjaro Marangu Route & Safari Adventure

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), you will be warmly welcomed by our Aim 2 Goal Safaris representative and transferred to your hotel in Moshi. Your mountain guide will meet you for a detailed briefing, gear check, and final preparations for your climb. Enjoy dinner and relax as you get ready for the adventure ahead.

After breakfast, drive to Marangu Gate, the starting point of your Kilimanjaro trek. Following registration and introductions to your trekking crew, begin the ascent through the lush rainforest, where you might spot blue monkeys and colobus monkeys along the way. Arrive at Mandara Hut in the afternoon and, if time allows, take a short hike to Maundi Crater for panoramic views.

Elevation (ft): 8,860ft to 12,340ft / Distance: 10 miles Hiking Time: 5-7 hours / Habitat: Moorland Our destination today is Horombo Hut at 12,340′. It takes a good 5-6 hours to cover the 10mile journey – altitude will slow the group down, and the trail is strenuous but not technical. Be sure you’re drinking lots of water (no less than 2 liters per day). We often get our first views of the Kibo summit today far in the distance as we pass from forest into high moorland. In addition, we pass beneath the impressive, rocky southern face of Mawenzi – one of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Today’s stage presents one of the most demanding yet rewarding sections of the Marangu Route. The well-defined trail gradually ascends past the “Last Water Point,” marking the final reliable source of water before reaching the summit. From here, the path continues across the “Saddle,” a vast and starkly beautiful alpine desert that stretches between Mawenzi and Kibo, offering striking views of both peaks. Your destination today is Kibo Hut (4,703m), strategically located at the base of Kibo Crater. The trek typically takes 5–6 hours, covering approximately 9.5 kilometers (5.9 miles). Upon arrival, you will be served an early evening meal before retiring for the night to prepare for the early morning summit attempt. Rest is crucial, as tomorrow’s ascent to Uhuru Peak begins before dawn.

Today is “The Big Day” - the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1 - 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1 - 2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut. Distance covered: 22km / 13.7mi Approx. time taken: 12 – 15 hours.

Another long hike is in store for us today, but it is essentially all downhill, and our spirits are boosted by the satisfaction of yesterday’s climb. Back at Marangu gate, at the park headquarters, we pick up our certificates attesting our success and bid farewell to many of our porters and guides. We transfer then to our hotel in Moshi, where it’s a welcome treat to take a hot shower, drink a tall cold one and commemorate the climb with a celebration dinner. After Ceremony we will begin our journey heading to Arusha For An Overnight.

After breakfast, your safari guide will pick you up from your accommodation and transfer you to Tarangire National Park. The park is named after the Tarangire River, the area’s only permanent water source, which attracts abundant wildlife throughout the year. Tarangire is renowned for its large elephant herds and is home to over 550 species of birds, as well as buffalo, zebra, and wildebeest. Predators such as lions and leopards also roam the park, creating exciting wildlife encounters. The landscape is a striking mix of baobab trees, acacia woodlands, tall grasses, and seasonal swamps, best appreciated from the open roof of your safari vehicle. Lunch is served in a scenic picnic area with a river-view observatory, offering the chance to witness wildlife in action, sometimes even a hunt, while enjoying your meal. In the afternoon, you’ll continue on a game drive before heading to your accommodation for the evening.

After breakfast, you will embark on a scenic en route game drive through the Serengeti, where you have the opportunity to encounter the “Big Five”—lion, elephant, buffalo, leopard, and rhinoceros—alongside a variety of other wildlife. Following this, your journey continues to the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage site formed millions of years ago. This spectacular natural wonder spans approximately 260 square kilometers and descends 600 meters to the crater floor, which is covered in rich grassy pastures that support diverse grazing animals including zebras, gazelles, buffalo, and warthogs. The crater also serves as a protected sanctuary for endangered black rhinos, providing a rare opportunity to observe these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. After enjoying lunch and a full afternoon of wildlife exploration inside the crater, you will transfer to your accommodation for dinner and an overnight stay.

After breakfast, you will depart for Kilimanjaro International Airport to catch your onward departure. Kindly ensure that all your personal belongings are with you as you prepare for departure. We extend our heartfelt gratitude for choosing Aim 2 Goal Safaris and trust that your journey with us has been an unforgettable experience. Wishing you safe travels and wonderful memories to cherish!