Mt Kilimanjaro Climbing via Marangu Route
Mountain Kilimanjaro (Marangu Route)
6 Days
English, Swahili
Adventure Tour
Price: Depends on group size and Nationality
Tour Descriptions
Embark on an unforgettable journey climbing Mount Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Gate to Mandara Camp. This popular route offers a scenic and accessible path for climbers of all levels. Starting at Marangu Gate (1,870m), trekkers traverse lush rainforests, spotting diverse wildlife and vibrant flora. After a steady ascent, you’ll reach Mandara Camp (2,720m) nestled in a forest clearing. Enjoy the serene atmosphere and breathtaking views before settling in for the night. This day trek is perfect for acclimatization, providing a taste of Kilimanjaro’s beauty and the adventure that lies ahead.
DAY 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Camp
- Elevation: 1,843m / 6,046 ft to 2,700m / 8,858 ft, Distance: 8 km/5 miles
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast we will drive from Moshi for about 40 kms or 25 miles to Marangu gate. At the gate we will register ourselves before beginning your trek. You will need to produce your passport for registration purpose. After registration the hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, you will have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until you reach Mandara Hut.
DAY 2: Mandara Camp to Horombo Camp
- Elevation: 2,700 m / 8,858 ft to 3,720 m / 12,205 ft, Distance: 12 km/7 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Heath
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.
DAY 3: Horombo Camp to Mawenzi Ridge back to Horombo (Acclimatization Day)
Horombo Camp to Mawenzi Ridge
- Elevation: 3,720m / 12,205 ft to 4,389 m 14,400 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 2-3 hours, Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo camp
- Elevation: 4,389 m / 14,400 ft to 3720m / 12,205 ft, Distance: 5 km/3 miles
- Hiking Time: 1-2 hours, Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent for hiking to Mawenzi Ridge and then back to Horombo. 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: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Elevation: 3,720 m /12,205 ft to 4,703 m / 15,430 ft, Distance: 10 km/6 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Alpine Desert
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.
DAY 5: Kibo Hut to Summit (Uhuru Peak) then down to Horombo Hut
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
- Elevation: 4,703 m / 15,430 ft to 5,895 m / 19,341 ft, Distance: 6 km/4 miles
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours, Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo camp
- Elevation: 5,895m / 19,341 ft to 3,720 m / 12,250 ft, Distance: 16 km/10 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), you begin our ascent 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. You ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft / 5669 m), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. You will hike for additional two hours and finally, you arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. After spending a few moments of celebrations taking photographs you descend to Horombo Camp site.
DAY 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft, Distance: 20 km/12 miles
- Hiking Time: 5-7 hours, Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, you have a long trek mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our certificates for reaching at either The Gilman’s Point or Uhuru Peak. A vehicle will meet us at the gate and drive back to the hotel in Moshi.
- All park entry fees
- Conservations fees
- Driver’s allowances
- Government taxes
- All accommodations are on full board
- 1.5 liters of bottled pure drinking water pp. per day
- 4wd transport with Unlimited game drives (charging system installed & Fridge)
- Airport pick up
- All VISA’s
- Health requirement
- International and local flights
- Items of a personal nature
- Optional travel Insurance
- Tipping