6 Days Kilimanjaro Trekking-Marangu Route

introduction

Many favor Marangu because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. However the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult.

Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut

Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: LD

Budget Lodging: Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 2 hours), register and commence the trek. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara Huts. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours Habitat: Heath land
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo Huts. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km.
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km
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: Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Kibo Hut

Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.

Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut

Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: BLD
Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut

Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo Huts. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Arusha

Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: B

After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy). Our vehicle will meet you at Marangu gate and drive you back to your booked hotel for overnight.

PRICE $ 1,550 PER PERSON

Rates Includes

Flight ticket to and from Dar es Salaam.
Accommodation on Full board course (breakfast, lunch and dinner)
All parks entrance fees and applicable fees
Friendly and experienced English speaking guide/driver
Transportation in 4x4 vehicle with pop up roof for easy
viewing and photos taking
Drinking bottled water
All Meals are included