Summary of Itinerary

Day 1: Pick from your hotel then transfer to Marangu Gate then to Mandara Hut

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge back to Horombo Hut

Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 5: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) then down to Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Transfer to the hotel in Arusha ready for safari or Transfer to the hotel in Moshi

 

 

Highlights

Marangu route

Summit Uhuru Peak

Marangu gate

 

General Info

Marangu route also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest route to summit the mountain.  This is because of its more gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. We can include accommodation either side of your hike (this is standard) and also a safari after or a visit to Zanzibar afterwards should you wish, just let us know. It is important for you to train before you attempt to climb Mt kilimanjaro as this is a challenging hike.  We also suggest you contact your doctor regarding mountain sickness and the possible medication options.

 

START/RETURN LOCATION Arusha or Moshi
START DETAILS Before the climb you’ll be picked up from the hotel in Arusha or Moshi
END DETAILS You’ll return to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi or Transfer to Kilimanjaro Airport for departure or on to a safari or your visit to Zanzibar.
WEAR Comfortable athletic clothing, sensible shoes, hat, jacket and sunscreen. A full kit list we be sent to
INCLUDED
2 guides, 1 cook plus 4 porters per person 3 meals a day served on the mountain, drinking water and tea/coffee
All park fees payable by KINAPA Transport to and from the mountain
Rescue Fee All bedding
NOT INCLUDED
items o a personal nature like sodas and alcoholic drinks
Tips

 

Additional information

Duration7 Days

Day 1: Pick up from the hotel then transfer to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation 1,843m / 6,046 ft to 2,700m / 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast you will drive for about 40 kms or 25 miles to Marangu gate. At the gate you will register yourself before beginning your trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. 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

Elevation 2,700 m / 8,858 ft to 3,720 m / 12,205 ft

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 back to Horombo

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation 3,720m / 12,205 ft to 4,389 m 14,400 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

Elevation 4,389 m / 14,400 ft to 3720m / 12,205 ft

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

Habitat: Heath

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent for hiking to Mawenzi Ridge and then back to Horombo. 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

Elevation 3,720 m /12,205 ft to 4,703 m / 15,430 ft

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 Summit (Uhuru Peak) then down to Horombo Hut

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

Elevation 4,703 m / 15,430 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation 5,895m / 19,341 ft to 3,720 m / 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), you 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. You ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft / 5669 m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. You will hike for additional two hours and finally, you arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments of celebrations taking photographs you descend to Horombo Hut site.

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – Transfer to Moshi or Arusha

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, you have a long trek mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our certificates for reaching at either The Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak. A vehicle will meet you at the gate and drive back to the hotel in Moshi or Arusha ready for safari (Accommodation in Moshi or Arusha is not included).

Kilimanjaro Forest hiking
Kilimanjaro Trekking