Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route Overview.

The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier compared to the Machame route. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatisation period. The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation.

Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari Itinerary

Arrival 

You’ll be collected from the airport.

PLEASE NOTE: Accommodation before the tour starts can be arranged for an extra cost.

Day 1: Moshi- marangu-mandara hut

Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara hut (2715m)
Hiking time: 5h
Distance: Approximately 8.1 km
Habitat: Montane forest. On this day of your Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari, Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your lunch pack and extra clothing) with you, as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers.
Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest
Your first night stop, Mandara hut, consisting of a group of wooden A-framed huts in a forest clearing. Each hut features 6-8 sleeping bunks with solar generated lighting. The total capacity of the camp is 60 climbers. Water is piped into the camp from springs above and there are flush toilets behind the main hut. Dinner is prepared by our cook and served in a communal dining mess.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut l

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 2: Mandara hut – Horombo Hut

Mandara hut (2715m) – Horombo hut (3705m)
Hiking time: 6h
Distance: Approximately 11.6 km
Habitat: Moorland
On day 2 of this Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari, you will depart from Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.
Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecia Kilimanjari), which can reach heights of 5m! After about 6 hours trek from here, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have a hot bowl of washing water, rest; an evening meal and overnight.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 3: Horombo acclimatization

Horombo hut (3705m) – Acclimatisation day
Hiking time: 4 ½ h
Distance: Approximately 7 km uphill / 7 km downhill
Habitat: Alpine desert
Horombo hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! Horombo is normally bustling with hikers, guides and porters, with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here.
This extra day and night at Horombo on this Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut (4 310m), passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly! All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest on this day of your Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari.

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 4: Horombo – Kibo hut

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork
Situated in the barren Alpine desert is Kibo hut, a stone build block house which has bunk beds for 60 climbers, but no streams with water nearby. It is however possible to buy mineral water and soft drinks at the camp office. There are platform toilets behind the hut.
The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

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 5: Uhuru peak – horombo hut

You will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. This is probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly.
From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak the highest point in Africa. Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total 14 spent so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last dinner.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Mandara Hut

• Budget mountain hut located in Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

• All meals included
• Non-alcoholic drinks

Day 6: Horombo – Marangu gate

Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)
Hiking time: 6h

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km
After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. Click here for more info on tips. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations Overnight at the Parkview inn hotel moshi.

Main Destination:

Mount Kilimanjaro

Accommodation:

Parkview Inn Moshi

• Mid-range hotel located in or near Mt Kilimanjaro

Meals & Drinks:

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

Day 7: Moshi – kilimanjaro airport

This is the last day of your Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari. This day after you had the breakfast at the hotel you start parking your staff and ready for your transfer toward kilimanjaro airport for your outbound flight or addon for the safari or to beach holiday to zanzibar. This will mark the end of your Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari.

Main Destination:

Kilimanjaro Airport

Accommodation:

No accommodation (End of tour)

Meals & Drinks:

• Breakfast (Lunch & dinner not included)
• Drinking water (Other drinks not included)

End of Kilimanjaro Hike-Marangu Route safari