Marangu Route

– Shortest route to the summit

  – Ascent and descent on same route

  – Only route up Kilimanjaro with dormitory style accommodation

DETAILED ITINERARY:

DAY1: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT

Elevation (m): 1800m to 2700m,

Distance: 7km,

Time: 3 hours.

Habitat: Montane Forest.

Transfer from your hotel to Marangu Gate for registration. Our porters will prepare and pack your supplies and luggage before we start our trekking through a cleared ridge trail through the rainforest. The forest is covered with mist and dripping with beards of moss, this is where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found. Your first night will be spent at Mandara Hut in a cluster of wooden A- roofed huts. Provision of basic necessities such as piped water drawn straight from springs above and flush toilets are available enroute.

DAY2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT

Elevation (m): 2700m to 3720m,

Distance: 12km,

Time: 6 hours.

Habitat: Moorland.

From Mandara Hut the trail pass through a short stretch of forest, skirting the base of the Maundi Crater emerging into the transition zone from rain forest to moorland. After 6 hours one arrives at Horombo Hut.

DAY3: HOROMBO HUT (ACCLIMATISATION)

Elevation (m): 3720m,

Habitat: Alpine desert

This extra day and a night at Horombo is ideal for acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.

DAY4: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT

Elevation (m): 3720m to 4700m,

Distance: 9.5km,

Time: 5 hours.

Habitat: Alpine desert.

The trail will continue to ascent into the Alpine desert zone passing the last water point available at 4130m. From Kibo Hut, the summit is now a further 1195m of ascent. Sleeping early is advisable for maximum rest as possible in preparation for ascending to the summit at nigh time.

DAY5: KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT TO HOROMBO HUT

Elevation (m): 4700m to 5895mto 3720m,

Distance: 21 km,

Time: 6-7 hours ascent, 6hours descent.

Habitat: Stone screed and ice-capped summit

Trekkers are expected to wake up at around 23:30hours, after serving a light meal of tea and biscuits, the voyage kicks 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 point (5250m), which is also a good resting point. The path then transcend up to Gillman’s point (5681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of rocks which requires a lot of physical and mental effort.

From Gillman’s Point there is presence of snow to Uhuru peak (5895m), the roof top of Africa. Weather condition will determine time to be spent photographing the mesmerizing sceneries and other wonderment, before the descending to Horombo Hut via Kibo Hut for last mountaineering dinner.

DAY6: HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE

Elevation (m): 3720m to 1980m,

Distance: 18 km,

Time: 6 hours

Habitat: Montane Forest.

This is the final day on the trek, departing shortly after breakfast, the voyage descends 1740m to Marangu gate to collect an awarded summit certificates from the Park Headquarters as a testimony on ones achievement in climbing the highest mountain in Africa. Transfer to your hotel.