Marangu Route

Route

Marangu Route

Number of Days

6days/5nights

Max. Group Size

10 Persons

Difficulty Level

Easy

Speciality

Only Route with Hut Accomodation

THE ONLY ROUTE WITH HUT ACCOMMODATION

High Level Facts About this Route

This is the oldest on Kilimanjaro and is also one of the most popular – mainly because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers.
There are 60 bunk beds each at Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut.
Most tour operators provide mattresses and pillows for climbers (sleeping bags however, need to be brought separately by trekkers).
It can be completed in 5 days , but it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatise at Horombo Hut.
The main setback on the Marangu Route is that the ascent is exactly the same as the descent and therefore there is not as much variety in settings compared to other routes.
It route is usually more crowded as compared to other routes.
The Marangu Route success rate is low compared with other routes as it is usually chosen by inexperienced and unprepared trekkers who are misled to believe it is the easiest route.

DAYWISE BREAKUP

MARANGU ROUTE ITINERARY

The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate (1,870 meters) on the South-East side of Mount Kilimanjaro. Typically you will be driven to the gate from Moshi, which takes approximately an hour and passes through the village of Marangu.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

After breakfast, you will be collected from your lodge in Moshi and taken to the Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek can begin and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. Alongside the impressive vegetation, you will have the chance to catch a glimpse of some primates as you head to the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide can take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy the wonderful view of the Kenyan interior.

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m) Horombo Hut (3700m)

The day begins with an early breakfast. Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the timberline and then enter the heath and moor zone. Approximately 4 – 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight, standing at an altitude of 3700m. From the hut, you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo and the wide plain of the Masai steppe. Distance covered: 12.5km / 7.8mi Approx. time taken: 9 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5 – 6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. Distance covered: 9.5km / 5.9mi Approx. time taken: 7 hours Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

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 Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 5: Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

The last stage passes through the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is waiting for you. Soon, you will once again pass the tropical rainforest and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m). After saying goodbye to your mountain guides, a short transfer follows to take you back to your hotel in Moshi. Once there, you can take a warm and relaxing shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of the Kilimanjaro. Distance covered: 20.8km / 12.9mi Approx. time taken: 8 hours Meals: Breakfast & Lunch Included

Day 6: End of Service for this Trip

This day left for your next destination. If you have safari, then might be used to beginning your safari or fly to Zanzibar or fly back home. Our vehicle will be ready to take you to the airport at your time. Meals: Breakfast Included