The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes
Marangu gate
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our representative will be waiting for you. He will take you to the hotel in Arusha, where the rest of the day is at leisure. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour.
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut.
Marangu Gate(1,860m)
Mandara Hut(2,700m)
Altitude: ↑840m
Walking time: 3-4h
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 5 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Start: MandaraHut (2,700m)
Finish: HoromboHut (3,700m)
Altitude: ↑1,000m
Walking time: 5-6h
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest for the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken at around 11pm
Start: HoromboHut(3,700m)
Finish: KiboHut(4,700m)
Altitude: ↑1,000m
Walking time: 5-6h
Today is your big day. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave (5,220 m), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After a break of 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
Start: Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Finish: UhuruPeak(5,895m)–HoromboHut(3,700m)
Altitude: ↑1,195m↓2,195m
Walking time: 12-14h
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the Tulia hotel . At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night at the hotel
Start: HoromboHut(3,700m)
Finish: MaranguGate(1,860m)
Altitude: ↓1,840m
Walking time: 6-7h
The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Arusha town and grab some souvenirs before heading to the airport.
*Safari, Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania
