6 Days Marangu
Route Map, Itinerary, Altitude, Distance & Time
The Marangu Route 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. The climbers have to bring mattresses and pillows for the hike as well as the sleeping bags.
The hiking distance on the Marangu Route from gate to gate is about 82km or 51 miles The Marangu route can be completed in 5 days; however, it is recommended that climbers take an extra day to acclimatize 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 to see compared to other routes. It also means that the route can get very crowded The Marangu Route success rate also tends to be lower as it is usually chosen by inexperienced and unprepared trekkers who are misled to believe it is the easiest route.
Day 1
We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our 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.
| From Marangu Gate | To Mandara Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 1,843m = 6,046ft |
2,670m = 8,858 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
8 km = 5 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
Day 2
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.
| From Mandara Hut | To Horombo Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 2,670m = 8,858ft |
3,720m = 12,205 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
12 km = 7 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
6-8 hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Day 3
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.
| Horombo Hut | Mawenzi Ridge | Horombo Hut |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 3720m = 12,205 ft |
4,389m = 14,400 ft |
3,720m = 12,205 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
5 km = 3 miles |
5 km = 3 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
2-3 hours |
1-2 hours |
|
Habitat |
Heath |
Heath |
Day 4
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.
| From Horombo Hut | To Kibo Hut |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,720m = 12,205ft |
4,703m = 15,430 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
10 km/6 mile |
|
Hiking Time |
6-8 hours |
|
Habitat |
Alpine Desert |
Day 5
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. Near Stella Point (18,900 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.
From the summit, we now make our descent continuing straight down to the Mweka Hut camp site, stopping at Barafu for lunch. The trail is very rocky and can be quite hard on the knees; trekking poles are helpful. Mweka Camp is situated in the upper forest and mist or rain can be expected in the late afternoon. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
| From Kibo Hut | To Uhuru Peak | Horombo Hut |
|---|---|---|
|
Elevation 4,703m = 19341ft |
5,895m = 19,341 ft |
3,720m = 12,205 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
6 km = 4 miles |
16 km = 10 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
6-8 hours |
4-5 hours |
|
Habitat |
Arctic |
Heath |
Day 6
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rain-forest. 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.
| From Horombo Hut | To Marangu Gate |
|---|---|
|
Elevation 3,720m = 12,205ft |
1,843m = 6,046 ft |
|
Distance Covered |
20 km = 12 miles |
|
Hiking Time |
5-7 hours |
|
Habitat |
Rain Forest |
NOTE:
The price includes:
- All park entry fees, tour charges and respective taxes as per itinerary,
- Camping Equipment (i.e. tents, chairs, mattresses),
- Food – 3 meals a day and refreshments,
- Trained Personal Cook,
- Trained and licensed English Speaking Mountain Guide,
- Mountain Porters,
- Transportation to/from the mountain,
- Airport transfers,
- Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation in Moshi before and after climbing,
- Air and ground ambulance cover for medical evacuation services,
However, the price excludes:
- Crews tip,
- Climbing gears – e.g. sleeping bag, walking poles, rainy and warm stuff, etc,
- Personal expenses, such as visa fee, airport taxes, insurance policy, etc.