The Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations.
The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro using the Marangu route.
The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
We departed Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rainforest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
- Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
- Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
- Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
- Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
- Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
- Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
- Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
- Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.
TOUR INCLUDES
Airport pick-up and drop-off
Transportation to & from the Mt. Kilimanjaro gate
Park entry fees
Accommodation fees for on the mountain
Rescue fees
18% VAT on tour fees & services
Accommodation on the mountain in tents (mattresses and sleeping bags are included)
Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Drinking water throughout the trek
Hot water for washing
Government taxes
Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
Emergency first-aid kit
TOUR EXCLUDES
Accommodation before and after your mountain trek
Travel insurance
Flights
Laundry Service
Personal items and toiletries
Tips for guides, porters and cook (see our tipping guidelines for more information)
