Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing via Marangu route

Summary

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 acclimatization period.

Itinerary

DAY 1

MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We head to the Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest near the upper edge of the forest line, where we sometimes see playful blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

DAY 2

MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
Our second day on the trail begins with a steep ascent through the forest and opens into high moorland. If the sky is clear, 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 HUT TO MAWENZI HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,160 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
This extra day is used for acclimatization. We hike towards or all the way to Mawenzi Hut and back. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

DAY 4

HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy an early dinner and prepare for summit day.

DAY 5

KIBO HUT TO UHURU POINT TO HOROMBO HUT
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 22 km
Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
Habitat: Arctic
We wake in the middle of the night and begin the final push to reach the Roof of Africa. The trail to Gilman’s Point is very steep and the ascent will be slow and steady. From Gilman’s, it is a traverse along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak. We stay at the summit for a short time, to take photos and enjoy the views, before retracing our steps to all the way back to Horombo Hut.

DAY 6

HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu Gate we pick up our certificate that proves our achievement and catch our vehicle transfer to hotel in Moshi.