Kilimanjaro Marangu Route 6 Days

Embark on an unforgettable journey with the Marangu Route, a trail that gently guides you through Kilimanjaro’s breathtaking landscapes. From majestic glaciers and rugged cliffs to lush afro-alpine moorlands and vibrant forests, each step reveals a new world of wonder. This path is the most accessible way to conquer Africa’s highest peak, Kilimanjaro, with its awe-inspiring summits: the craggy Mawenzi at 5,149m and the glaciated, flat-topped Kibo at 5,896m. A vast, high-altitude semi-desert known as “The Saddle” stretches 5 km between these towering giants. As you ascend, the frozen scree offers a smoother climb, and the dawn views from the crater rim are nothing short of spectacular.

Rest in the cozy mountain huts, ensuring you bring a sleeping bag for comfort. Consider spending an extra day at Horombo to acclimatize and fully absorb the stunning surroundings. From Horombo, a variety of scenic walks await, each offering a unique glimpse into the beauty of this remarkable ascent.

Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport
Welcome to your adventure! Upon arrival, you will meet your director and be transferred to your lodge. This will be a great opportunity for your guide to provide a brief overview of your itinerary, and address any questions you might have.

Day 2: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts
Distance: 7 km
Hiking Time: 3 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Your adventure begins with a morning pick-up from your hotel and a drive to the Mount Kilimanjaro National Park Gate. After completing registration and final preparations, you’ll start your ascent on a cleared ridge trail that winds through the lush rainforest.

Your first night will be spent at Mandara Hut, a cozy camp nestled in a forest clearing. The camp features a group of wooden A-framed huts, and convenient flush toilets behind the main hut. Enjoy the tranquility of the forest as you settle into your first night on the mountain, surrounded by the sounds of nature and the excitement of the journey ahead.

Day 3: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Moorland

Morning:
Departure from Mandara Huts
Trek through a short stretch of forest
Circumnavigate the base of Maundi Crater
Afternoon:
Arrive at Horombo Huts
Overnight stay at Horombo Huts

Day 4: Acclimatization at Horombo Hut
This day offers a perfect opportunity to gradually acclimatize to the altitude. You can explore several scenic walks around the hut, with the most popular being a trek to the base of Mawenzi Peak, Kilimanjaro’s striking eastern summit. This round trip takes four to five hours, reaching an altitude of 4,048 meters before returning to the hut, which will be beneficial for the days ahead. Enjoy an overnight stay at Horombo Hut with breakfast, lunch, and dinner provided.

Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Distance: 10km
Hiking Time: 5 hours
Habitat: Alpine desert

Today, we continue our ascent into the Alpine desert zone, making our way to Kibo Hut.
This afternoon, we’ll have an early dinner to fuel up, followed by preparations for the summit trek. Get some rest, as our journey to the summit begins around midnight.

Day 6: Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Distance: 21 km
Hiking Time: 6 -7 hours
Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit, Moorland

Note: This final push to the summit is the most challenging part of the climb, but reaching the top and standing on the highest point in Africa is an unforgettable experience. Make sure to pace yourself, stay hydrated, and take in the breathtaking views along the way.

23:30 PM – Wake-Up, and Breakfast:
You will be woken up around 23:30 PM
Enjoy a hot breakfast to fuel up for the final ascent.

Summit Ascent:
The hike begins with a rocky path leading to Hans Meyer Point (5,250m).The trail then zigzags up to Gillman’s Point (5,681m) on the crater rim, which is steep with a lot of scree.
From Gillman’s Point, we may encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru Peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Uhuru Peak:
Upon reaching Uhuru Peak, take time to capture photos, and enjoy the stunning views from the summit.

Descent to Kibo Hut:
After taking photos at the summit, we start the 3-hour descent back to Kibo Hut.
Take a short rest at Kibo Hut, and pack up all your personal gear.

Trek to Horombo Hut:
Continue the trek down to Horombo Hut, which takes about 3 hours.
Tonight is our last night on the mountain, so take time to rest and reflect on your incredible journey.

Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Distance: 18 km
Hiking Time: 6 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest

This morning marks the final leg of our journey as we descend to Marangu Gate, where our adventure began. After arriving, you’ll enjoy a celebratory lunch and receive your summit certificate, a testament to your remarkable achievement. We will then drive you back to your hotel, where we will bid you a fond farewell.
Accommodation at the lodge

Day 8: Departure / End of Services
Breakfast, and Departure

Unfortunately the journey has come to an end, we hope you enjoyed the adventure filled with great memories.

Package Includes:

• Transfers: Arrival, and departure transfers in Tanzania.
• Accommodations: Lodging with Half Board (HB) in Lodges.
• Fees: All lodge levy fees, and taxes covered
• Transportation: Transport to, and from the mountain.
• Crew: Includes guides, assistant guides, porters, cooks, and assistant cooks.
• Salaries: Crew salaries as per Kilimanjaro National Park regulations.
• Guides: English-speaking, licensed Kilimanjaro guides.
• Entrance Fees: All Kilimanjaro National Park entrance fees.
• Government Fees: All government fees included.
• Meals: Three full meals daily, with packed water bottles.
• Mountain Accommodation: Huts on the mountain.
• Certificates and Fees: Certificate of summit accomplishment and Kilimanjaro National Park rescue fees.

Exclusions:

• International flights
• Visas
• Personal items
• Phone calls
• Laundry
• Trekking gear (can be rented on arrival)
• Day trip on the second day
• Alcohol
• Gratuities for guides in the mountain
• Portable toilet
• Travel insurance (highly recommended)
• Anything else mentioned in the itinerary