Marangu Route

Marangu Route Detailed Itinerary

The Marangu Route offers a comprehensive 5-night/6-day climb up Kilimanjaro. Skip the Acclimatization Day’s night and hike directly from the Horombo Huts to the Kibo Huts in one day to cut your trip down to five days.

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

• Distance: ~8km / 5 miles
• Trekking time: 4-6 hours
• Zone: Rainforest

Once you have finished your breakfast, depart Arusha and travel to the southeast gate of Kilimanjaro National Park, also known as Marangu Gate. You will be given time to check in and register when you arrive at Marangu Gate. This is where your Kilimanjaro climb begins. The first leg of your journey takes you into the forests and rainforest, where you may see eucalyptus trees and a variety of bird species. If you are lucky, you could catch a glimpse of a Colobus monkey.  Because the low altitudes might result in damp, muddy soil, ensure you have the proper equipment and footwear.

Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

• Distance: ~12km / 7 miles
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours
• Zone: Rainforest / Low Alpine Zone

Day 2 will begin with exploring the final stretch of woodland before the massive length of moorland opens up right in front of your eyes. On your trek, you may see the craggy peaks of Mawenzi that rise into the African heavens. At high altitudes, it is usual for people to suffer altitude sickness. It’s important to pay attention to how you feel and communicate with your guide when you see any signs of illness. Before dinner, you’ll have time to unpack and take in the view of Kibo from the Horombo Huts.

Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Huts

• Distance: 0
• Trekking time: 0
• Zone: High alpine zone

 You will stay at the Horombo Huts for an extra day to help your body to adjust to the higher altitude. If you have any signs of illness or are especially tired, you must remain at camp and relax. If you are feeling well-acclimatized to the altitude, though, you can stroll up to Mawenzi Hut and take in the breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi. Maintain a steady pace while you walk the path and take in the breathtaking scenery. Instead, you might travel to the amazing Zebra Rocks. This requires a 310-meter climb.

Day 4: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

• Distance: ~10km / 6 miles
• Trekking time: 5-7 hours
• Zone: High alpine zone

On day 4, you will walk through various landscapes, all of which are incredibly beautiful. Between Mawenzi and Kibo, you will first continue on the heath, gradually developing into the arid, bleak mountains. The landscape is filled with large and small volcanic boulders, serving as a reminder of former volcanic activity. The last stretch to the Kibo Huts is quite steep and physically challenging.

Once you have arrived at the Kibo Huts, it’s time to get your warm clothes and equipment ready for tomorrow’s climb to the summit. Keep any water you plan to bring in a thermos to prevent freezing. Get a decent night’s rest because the next day’s trek will require a full night’s rest. You are about to take on Kilimanjaro’s most difficult challenge.

Day 5: Kibo Huts to Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

• Distance: ~5.5km / 3 miles hike and then 15km / 8 mile descent
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours to the peak and then 5-8 hours to Horombo Hut
• Zone: High alpine zone, Glacial zone, and low alpine zone

You have just enough time to eat a small meal before starting your nightly hike when you wake up around midnight. The rough terrain, which is scattered with loose rocks, is considered by many hikers to be the most challenging section of the climb. The goal is to arrive at Gilman’s Point before sunrise. This will ensure that you arrive at Uhuru, Kibo’s highest point, shortly after sunrise. There will be a short pause at Gilman’s Point to take in the breathtaking scenery. After then, you will continue along the crater’s edge to Uhuru, which is the final stretch of the journey and has a steady incline.

Depending on when you travel, the final section of the trail to the Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point and the summit of Kilimanjaro, may be covered in snow. You can celebrate yourself as you reach the peak, 5,895 meters above sea level, and take a picture in front of the Uhuru Peak Sign.

Now it’s time to head back to the Kibo Huts, and you will notice that this section goes incredibly quickly. You will take a break at the Kibo Huts to relax and have a well-deserved lunch before continuing to the Horombo Huts for a well-deserved full night’s rest.

Day 6: From Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate to Arusha

• Distance: ~20km / 12.5 miles
• Trekking time: 6-8 hours
•  Zone: Low alpine zone and rainforest

 You will have lunch and say goodbyes to the mountain crew as you make your final descent through the rainforest to the Marangu Gate. Following that, you will depart Mount Kilimanjaro National Park and return to Arusha for a much-needed shower and a farewell dinner.