5 days - Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing marangu route

5 days - Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing marangu route

The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could partly be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route, but more so, perhaps the fact that it is possible to do the Marangu route in 5 days, thereby getting to the summit one day earlier compared to the Machame route. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatisation period.

The Marangu route does however offer you the option of spending an extra acclimatisation day on the mountain. This extends the route into a 6-day trek, greatly increasing your chances of success. Shared hut accommodation on the Marangu route forms one of the main differences, compared to the other routes. It offers you the relative luxury of being able to sleep in huts along the entire route. Mineral water, soft drinks, chocolates and beers are also sold at all the camps on this route. All your equipment and supplies are portered and a cook prepares all your meals.

Day 00: Arrival day:

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the Airport and transferred to the hotel/Lodge in Arusha or Moshi for your overnight and briefing by our mountain guide. You can start your trek any day of the year!

 

Day 1: Arusha/Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Huts

Elevation: (915 m/3,000 ft) to (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to (2,740 m/9,000 ft) 

Distance: 7 km 

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours 

Habitat: Montane Forest 

Meal Plan: Full Board

 Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Huts

Elevation: (2,740 m/9,000 ft) to (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 

Distance: 11 km 

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours 

habitat: Heathland 

You may start to feel the effects of altitude here, and to aid your acclimatization, you can choose to spend an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.

Meal Plan: Full Board

 Day 3: Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts

Elevation: (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to (4,695 m/15,400 ft) 

Distance: 10 km 

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

Wake to breakfast as usual, but if you wake early you can get some great photos of the sunrise. The first part of the day’s hike climbs through the dwindling heathland that blends into a moonscape as you enter the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo. When you stop for lunch, and later when you cross this surprisingly large saddle, you can examine the summit climb up Kibo that you will be starting in just a few hours. Be careful to notice any signs of altitude sickness. There is no running water at the Kibo Huts.

Meal Plan: Full Board

 Day 4: Summit Day! "Kibo Huts to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Huts

Elevation: (4,695 m/15,400 ft) to (5,895 m/19,340 ft) to (3,690 m/12,100 ft) 

Distance: 4 km up, 14 km down 

Hiking Time: 10-15 hours 

Habitat: Alpine Desert 

You do the beginning of this climb in the dark with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is, by far, the most difficult part of the trek. Slowly slowly, or, pole pole, and an optimistic attitude will get you there!

Meal Plan: Full Board

Day 5: Horombo Huts to Marangu Gate then proceed to Moshi/Arusha

Elevation: (3,690 m/12,100 ft) to (1,830 m/6,000 ft) to (890 m/2,920 ft) 

Distance: 18 km 

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours 

Wake as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to the Hotel in Moshi/Arusha, where it is definitely time for celebration!