: Marangu gate - Mandara Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles
Walking time: 3-4 hours
Altitude gain: 840 m/270 ft
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Marangu village and proceed to Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register at Kilimanjaro National Park Authority offices and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara hut located at 9,000 ft / 2,740 m. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the atmosphere of the Northern part of Tanzania.
Mandara Hut - Horombo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Walking distance: 12 km/7.2 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
altitude gain: 1000 m/328 ft
In the morning around 8:30 am after breakfast starting trekking to Horombo hut. After about 1 hour, you will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo hut. The view of Kibo summit and Mawenzi are both stunning and shinning in clear days. In most cases giant lobelias and groundsels are found on your way. Horombo hut is a point were most of the climbers uses it for acclimatization whereby they spend an extra day. Spending an extra day give a wide change for successful summit the roof of Africa, remember extra is available on request.
Day 3: Horombo Hut - Kibo Hut
Mount Kilimanjaro - Walking distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1000 m/3280 miles
In the morning after breakfast the trek will take us to the last water point walking Into the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heartland but then disappears into desert like structure. At Kibo you will have your dinner and followed by a nap and then at the middle of the night around 23:30 hour prepares your self for summit climb.
Kibo Hut - Summit and Horombo
Mount Kilimanjaro - Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles
Walking time: 5-6 hours
Altitude gain: 1000 m 3280 ft
Very early in the morning you will be awaken by your guide for a cup of coffee/tea/hot chocolate with some snakes. After a warm up start to the summit of Africa, The trek will take you to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim at 18,640 ft / 5,861 m (4-7 hours). Continuing you now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa: 19,340 ft / 5,895 m (1-2 hours). You will need a flash light, camera, sun glass as well as warm clothes as it gets too cold. While at the summit you will take your pictures and thereafter start descending down to Kibo hut for breakfast and a rest before proceeding to Horombo Hut for dinner and overnight.
Horombo Hut - Mandara Hut - Marangu gate
Mount Kilimanjaro - Walking distance: 20 km/ 12.5 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Altitude gain: 1840 m/ 6040 ft
After breakfast a steady descent takes us down through moorland to Mandara Hut (2,700m / 8,858 ft), the first stopping place of the Marangu route. Continue descending through lovely lush forest on a good path to the National Park gate at Marangu (1,830 m / 6,004 ft). A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Arusha.
- Breakfast
- Lunch
- Dinner
Known as the ‘Coca-Cola’ route, the Marangu route is the oldest and most established path on Kilimanjaro. It’s the only route that features sleeping huts with dormitory-style beds instead of camping facilities. Mandara and Kibo Huts have 60 bunks each, while Horombo Hut has 120. Mattresses and pillows are provided, but guests should bring their own sleeping bags. There are common dining areas and rudimentary washrooms that vary from huts with flushing toilets and running water to huts with drop toilets and water buckets.
Marangu is a favorite among many because it’s the mountain’s easiest route due to its gradual incline and straightforward path. However, the route’s short duration makes acclimatizing to the altitude quite challenging. The Marangu route, which is located southeast of Mount Kilimanjaro, is less scenic than other routes as the ascent and descent follow the same path. It is also the most crowded route.
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
