6 Days Marangu Route

The Marangu route is where the Headquarters of Mt. Kilimanjaro national park is located. Is the only route with overnight stays in huts and regarded as the most comfortable and easiest way to reach the summit. It has well-developed paths with developed gentle ascent nicknamed ‘Coca-Cola route’. The ascent and descent takes place on the same route. This route is the oldest route and the most popular way to the summit. Accommodation is located in simple alpine huts in the mountain with all the essential requirements such as mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags should be brought along. The ascent is more gradual with gentle slope and no specialized equipment is required. There are 60 wooden beds each (for 60 people each) at Mandara Hut (2700m) and Kibo Hut (4700m), and 120 wooden beds (for 120 people) at Horombo Hut (3720m) which is also used for descent. There are shared dining halls, washrooms and toilets.

MARANGU 6 DAYS

Itinerary

Day 1: Transfer from the hotel to Marangu Gate (1879m) - Mandara Hut (2720m)

After breakfast and briefing (including a check of your equipment) we drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary formalities are completed, your hike through the dense rainforest can begin. Besides the impressive vegetation, you have the opportunity to observe black and white colobus monkeys, blue monkeys and various bird species. After about 3-4 hours, you will reach at your destination - the Mandara Hut (2720m). After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you for a short walk (20 minutes) to Maundi crater and with some luck in worth good weather you can have a closer magnificent view of the highest peak in Africa: Uhuru peak (5895m) and the third highest peak in Africa: Mawenzi Peak (5149m). You can also see Shira plateau (3962m), a stunning view of Lake Jipe and the plains of Pare and Usambara mountains. When you are done you will descend back to Mandara hut for dinner and overnight stay.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2720m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)

After breakfast, follow the ascending path through the alpine – meadow then enter the heath and moorland zone. The altitude begins to change and slowdown your pace while enjoying the flora and the view of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks. After a 5-6 hour hike, you will reach the Horombo Hut, which is located at 3720 meters. Dinner and overnight at Horombo hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 3: Horombo Hut (3700m) - Zebra Rocks (3980m) - Horombo Hut (3700m) - (Acclimatization Day)

Today walk serves as an acclimatization day walking towards Mawenzi Huts passing the Zebra Rock (3980m) with outstanding black-and-white stripes gives the rock formation its name. We recommend drinking enough water and walking slowly! All meals for the day are provided. This should not be underestimated and will greatly improve your chances of success in reaching the summit. On your return to Horombo hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. In the afternoon, you can rest and gather your strength for the next day hike. Dinner and overnight at the Horombo hut.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) - Kibo Hut (4700m)

Today’s stage is long and tough with rugged and rocky landscape while observing beautiful Lobelias. The well-built trail passes the “Last Water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi.  Here you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night as the night will be short.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included 

Day 5:  SUMMIT DAY  - Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3720m)

Today is the great day - Summit day! This begins at night because the lava ash is still frozen and so the ascent is easier. Your guide wakes you around 11pm, and an hour later the long and strenuous way to the summit begins. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely ascends. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m), most difficult and tiring part at the crater rim of Kilimanjaro (19,344ft).  – where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. So you will quickly forget the coldness of the night and will reach the Uhuru Peak at 5895 meters after another 1-2 hours. Congratulations! You‘ve made it to the "Roof of Africa". Enjoy this moment. The route back down follows the same path; the lava ash will now have thawed, which allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can regain your strength. After a 1-2 hour rest, you will descent to Horombo Hut (3720m) where you will arrive in the afternoon for overnight stay. After an evening meal, most mountain conquerors understandably retire early to bed!

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1879m) – Transfer to the hotel

The final stage leads through heath and moorland to Mandara Hut (2720m), where a warm lunch will be provided there. Then you will once again pass through the tropical rainforest, and after a total time of 6 hours trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1879m). After leaving your mountain team, you will be transferred to your hotel. Here you can finally enjoy a hot and relaxing shower and celebrate your summit success.

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Included

Services included: 

  • Kilimanjaro trekking according to the itinerary
  • Professional, English-speaking guide
  • Mountain crew (cook & porters)
  • Overnight stays in mountain huts
  • Meals according to the itinerary
  • Drinking water, tea & coffee
  • All national park fees
  • Transfer from the hotel to the National park gate and back

Not included services:

  • Alcohol and soft drinks
  • Personal trekking equipment such as sleeping bags, hiking boots, clothes etc. (available for renting)
  • Flights
  • Visa fees
  • Tips
  • Personal spending money for souvenirs etc.
  • Travel insurance
  • Laundry Services
Day Hut accommodation Hours   Kilometers
1 Marangu Gate (1879m) - Mandara Hut (2720m) 3-4h 8
2 Mandara Hut (2700m) - Horombo Hut (3720m) 5-6h 12
3 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Zebra Rocks (3980m) - Horombo Hut (3700m) 3h  5
4 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Kibo Hut (4700m) 5-6h 10
5 Kibo Hut (4700m) - Uhuru Peak (5895m) - Horombo Hut (3700m) 12-14h 20
6 Horombo Hut (3700m) - Marangu Gate (1860m) 4-6h  19

Note: Single accommodation is not possible on this tour, as the overnight stays take place in mountain huts with multiple occupancy.

Trip Map

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