Route Overview
It is the oldest and most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. Many favor Marangu due to its gradual slope and direct path. In this route, treks begin and ending at the Marangu gate, which is located in the south-east area of Kilimanjaro.
It requires only 5 days to summit the mountain if one follows this route, which is one day less than on the Machame route. However, this is not always the best as it offers a shorter acclimatization period. But an extra day for better acclimatization can be arranged on this route, which will increase the chances of summiting Kilimanjaro successfully.
Route Highlights
Trek Duration
6 Days, 5 Nights
Difficulty
Medium
Trafic
High
Start & End
Moshi - Kilimanjaro
Trekking Itinerary
DAY 1: Marangu Gate (6,046ft/1830m) to Mandara hut (8,858ft/2,680m)
Distance: 8 km/5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast at the hotel in Moshi, followed by a 1 hour drive to Marangu gate. The drive passes through the village of Marangu which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. Registration and then leave the park gate; walk through the dense rainforest on a winding trail up a ridge until we reach the Mandara hut (2,680m/8,858ft) , porters and cook arrive at the station before clients; prepare boil water for drinking and washing, enjoy some snack before dinner and overnight.
DAY 2: Mandara Hut (8,858ft/2,680m) to Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m)
Distance: 12 km/7 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
The ascent begins out of the rainforest and into the heathen moorland, passes the Maundi Crater and climb up to its rim for a spectacular view of the Kibo Crater. In the moorland, exotic plants can be spotted, including giant lobelia and groundsel. Arrive after 5-6 hours; Horombo Hut is located on a small plateau. Similar to the first night, the porters and cook arrive at the station before clients; prepare boil water for drinking and washing. Then a snack before dinner, temperatures’ at night drop below freezing.
DAY 3: Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m) to Mawenzi Ridge (14,400ft/4,370m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge (14,400ft/4,370m) to Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m)
Distance: 5 km/3 miles
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
Spend this extra day of acclimatisation by hiking to Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area the head back to Horombo Hut for lunch, dinner and overnight.
DAY 4: Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m) to Kibo Hut (15, 430 ft/4,670m)
Distance: 10 km/6 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Wake up early, following with an early morning breakfast, then continue ascent into the alpine desert habitat. Kibo Hut is located in the “Saddle,” which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo in an alpine desert. There is no water at this camp, but the porters carry water for cooking and drinking from the last water point, few meters from Horombo hut. Early dinner then rest before attempting the summit at mid night.
DAY 5: Kibo Hut (15, 430 ft/4,670m) to (Uhuru Peak 19,341 ft/5,895m)
Distance: 6 km/4 miles
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak (19,341 ft/5,875m) to Horombo Hut (12,205ft/3,695m)
Distance: 16 km/10 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Wake up around midnight for tea and biscuits, then begin summit attempt. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m). Then continue ascent to Gillman’s point (5681m). Reaching this section is an impressive achievement as the trail is steep, rocky, and at high altitude on the crater rim. Continue to the summit, Uhuru Peak (5895m). Reaching the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro is a lifetime accomplishment! Spend a short time on the summit taking photographs before start descent back to Kibo Hut, which takes about 3 hours.
At Kibo Hut, rest the wake up for a branch and continue descending down to Horombo Hut (3720m) for dinner, wash, and overnight.
DAY 6: Mawenzi Tarn Hut (14,225 ft/4,310m) – Kibo Hut (15,510ft/4700m)
Distance: 20 km/12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After a well-deserved breakfast, followed with a big celebration from the mountain crew, full of dancing and singing. It is here on the mountain that tips will be presented to the mountain crew (guide, assistant guides, chef(s), and porters). After celebration, descend for 6 hours back to Marangu Gate (1980m) via Mandara hut (8,858ft/2,680m) Arrive at the gate, sign out and receive certificates of completion. Those reached Gillman’s Point (5681m) receive green certificates and those reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates. After sign out then drive back to the hotel accommodation in Moshi for long overdue showers and more celebrations.
Inquire about this Trek:
Price Includes:
- All Entrance fees and Government taxes
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Fair wages for the mountain crew.
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Rescue Fees and all taxes.
- Salaries for Porters, Cook, and Guides
- Oxygen Tanks, Pulse Oximeter, and First Aid Kit
- Airport Transfers (upon Arrival and Departure)
- Transfers from Hotel to Kilimanjaro entrance gate and from Kilimanjaro exit gate to the hotel
Price does not Include:
- International and local airfare.
- Yellow fever vaccinations
- Passport, Visa, and Travelers Insurance
- Tips for the support team
- Private Toilet and hot shower tent
- Bed, Sleeping Bag, and walking Poles.
- Personal expenses eg. beverages, etc.
- Local transportation before and after the climb.