6 Days Marangu Trek & 2 Days Safari

Tour Overview

In this adventure, you will conquer Africa’s highest peak via the Marangu Route, known as the “Coca-Cola” Route, followed by an exciting 2-day safari through Tarangire National Park and Ngorongoro Crater.

The 6-day Marangu Route is the only route with hut accommodations, offering a comfortable trek with stunning scenery along the way. You will hike through lush rainforests, scenic moorlands, and the dramatic alpine desert, finally reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa! This route is perfect for those who prefer a shorter climb with a well-defined path, while still experiencing the thrill of standing on the Roof of Africa.

After the climb, your safari adventure begins! First, you will explore Tarangire National Park, famous for its huge elephant herds, baobab trees, and diverse wildlife. The following day, you will visit the Ngorongoro Crater, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you can spot lions, rhinos, hippos, and a variety of other animals in a breathtaking natural setting.

With experienced guides, seamless logistics, and a spirit of adventure, this once-in-a-lifetime journey takes you from the peak of Kilimanjaro to the heart of Tanzania’s wildlife paradise.

What to Expect

  • A scenic and well-paced 6-day trek on the Marangu Route, featuring comfortable hut accommodations and a direct path to Kilimanjaro’s summit.
    • Expert high-altitude guides with years of experience leading successful Kilimanjaro expeditions.
    • Diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests and charming moorlands to the dramatic alpine desert culminating at Uhuru Peak.
    • An exciting 2-day safari, starting with a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park and a half-day excursion in the Ngorongoro Crater, where you can see iconic wildlife up close.
    • Comfortable lodges during the safari, offering a relaxing retreat after days of trekking and thrilling game drives.
    • Seamless logistics that ensure a safe, stress-free adventure—from conquering Kilimanjaro’s heights to exploring Tanzania’s remarkable wildlife destinations.

6 Days Marangu Route Itinerary

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860m) to Mandara Hut (2,700m)

Your journey starts at Marangu Gate, where you will register with Kilimanjaro National Park. The trek begins through a beautiful rainforest, filled with tall trees, ferns, and colobus monkeys. You will walk on a well-maintained path, making it an easy start to your adventure.

  • Elevation Gain: 840 meters
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Distance: 8 km (5 miles)
  • Habitat: Rainforest
  • Key Highlights:
    • Walking through a lush rainforest filled with wildlife
    • Seeing blue monkeys and black-and-white colobus monkeys
    • Arriving at Mandara Hut, your first overnight stay

Today, you leave the rainforest behind and enter the moorland zone, where the trees become shorter and the air feels cooler. You will pass by Maundi Crater, a great spot for photos and breathtaking views of Mawenzi Peak. As you continue, you will see giant lobelias and senecios, unique plants found only in high-altitude areas.

  • Elevation Gain: 1,020 meters
  • Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
  • Distance: 12 km (7.5 miles)
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Visiting Maundi Crater for stunning views
    • Seeing Kibo and Mawenzi Peaks in the distance
    • Staying at Horombo Hut, where you might meet climbers descending from the summit

Today is an important acclimatization day to help your body adjust to the altitude. You will take a short hike to Zebra Rocks (4,020m), named after its black-and-white striped rock formations. This helps improve your chances of reaching the summit.

  • Elevation Gain: 300 meters (to Zebra Rocks), then return to Horombo Hut
  • Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
  • Distance: 5 km (3.1 miles)
  • Habitat: Moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Learning how your body adapts to high altitude
    • Exploring the Zebra Rocks, a famous geological feature
    • Enjoying extra rest and drinking lots of water to stay hydrated

The landscape changes today as you enter the alpine desert—a dry, rocky area with little vegetation. The air gets thinner, and the hike becomes more challenging, but your goal is near! You will pass through the Saddle, a vast, open area between Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks, before arriving at Kibo Hut, the final stop before the summit attempt.

  • Elevation Gain: 983 meters
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: 10 km (6.2 miles)
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
  • Key Highlights:
    • Walking through The Saddle, a surreal, Mars-like landscape
    • Preparing mentally and physically for summit night
    • Sleeping early at Kibo Hut, ready for the big climb

This is the toughest and most rewarding day! You will wake up around midnight and start climbing in the freezing cold. The trail is steep and challenging, but your determination will push you forward. After about 6-7 hours, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) on the crater rim. From there, you continue for another 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895m)—the highest point in Africa!

After celebrating your achievement, you will descend to Horombo Hut for a well-deserved rest.

  • Elevation Gain: 1,192 meters to Uhuru Peak; descent of 2,175 meters to Horombo Hut
  • Hiking Time: Ascent: 6-8 hours; Descent: 6-8 hours
  • Distance: Ascent: 6 km (3.7 miles); Descent: 16 km (9.9 miles)
  • Habitat: Arctic at the summit; descending through alpine desert and moorland
  • Key Highlights:
    • Reaching the Roof of Africa! Standing at Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
    • Watching the sunrise over Tanzania from the summit

Feeling a huge sense of achievement after conquering Kilimanjaro!

Your final day is a relaxing walk back down through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, where you will receive your summit certificate. After celebrating, you will say goodbye to your guides and porters before heading back to your hotel.

  • Elevation Loss: 1,860 meters
  • Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
  • Distance: 20 km (12.4 miles)
  • Habitat: Moorland and rainforest
  • Key Highlights:
    • Enjoying the last moments on Kilimanjaro
    • Receiving your official summit certificate at the gate
    • Saying asante sana (thank you) to your mountain crew

2 Days Safari Itinerary

Day 1: Full-Day Game Drive in Tarangire National Park:

You will begin your safari adventure with a full-day game drive in Tarangire National Park, renowned for its dense elephant populations and majestic baobab trees. The park’s varied ecosystems, including river valleys, swamps, and acacia woodlands, support a wide array of wildlife. During the dry season (June to November), animals such as zebras, wildebeests, and buffaloes congregate near the Tarangire River, the park’s lifeline. Predators like lions, leopards, and cheetahs are also prevalent. Bird enthusiasts can delight in over 550 bird species, making Tarangire a premier bird-watching destination.

Key highlights:

  • Observing large elephant herds in their natural habitat.
  • Exploring diverse landscapes adorned with ancient baobab trees.
  • Spotting a variety of wildlife, including giraffes, buffaloes, and numerous bird species.

After breakfast in Karatu town, journey to the Ngorongoro Crater, the world’s largest intact volcanic caldera. This UNESCO World Heritage Site hosts a dense population of wildlife, including the Big Five: lions, elephants, buffaloes, leopards, and rhinoceroses. Notably, giraffes are absent from the crater due to its steep walls. The crater’s diverse habitats also support a multitude of bird species. After a picnic lunch, we will transfer you to the airport for your departure or we will take you to Arusha city/Moshi town for further activities on your travel plan.

Key highlights:

  • Descending into the Ngorongoro Crater to witness its unique ecosystem.
  • Encountering the Big Five in a relatively confined area.
  • Enjoying panoramic views of the crater’s expansive landscape.

Why Choose This Tour?

  • Achieve a Life Goal – Summiting Kilimanjaro is an extraordinary personal accomplishment.
  • Unwind in Nature – A safari is the perfect reward after the trek, allowing you to relax while still experiencing adventure.
  • Best of Both Worlds – This package combines the thrill of climbing and the serenity of wildlife exploration.
  • Experienced Operators – With 20+ years in the industry, we ensure a professional and unforgettable journey.
  • Tailored for Success – The 7-day Machame route optimizes acclimatization, and the 5-day safari maximizes wildlife encounters.

If you wish to do these tours separately, check options below:

Tour Price: Ask for a quote

Our 6 Days Marangu Trek and 2 Days Safari tour offers flexibility to suit your desires. Contact us for a quote, and we can discuss your budget and specific requirements.

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