Marangu route

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The only route with huts accommodation

The Marangu route’s hut accommodation and the availability of basic supplies make it a popular choice for climbers seeking a less rugged trekking experience on Kilimanjaro. However, it’s worth noting that despite its reputation as the easiest route, it still presents a significant challenge due to altitude and terrain.

Sleep in Huts:

The main feature of the route is the huts accommodation which come with beds and toilets.

Same route, up and down:

The trails you take on your way up will be used on your way down.

Minimum trekking days:

You can do it in 5 days. However, we recommend you do it in 6 days to allow your body to acclimatize well.

Most Popular:

it is considered the easiest and it is the cheapest route on the mountain hence many people choose this route.

6 days Marangu Route

Rain Forest

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1,970 meters) to Mandara Hut (2,700 meters)

We depart Moshi town to Marangu Gate for the necessary procedures before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest where you can see Colobus monkey ,dik dik and tree hyrax. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

  • Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.
  • Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft.
  • Distance: 8 km/5 miles.
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

Day 2: Mandara Hut (2,700 meters) to Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)

The day start and 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 popular volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

  • Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
  • Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
  • Distance: 12 km/7 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
Horombo Hut

Day 3: Acclimatization day: Hike up Zebra rocks (4,020 meters) then back to Horombo Hut (4,010 meters)

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique scenery offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge

  • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 2-3 hours

Habitat: Heath

  • Mawenzi Ridge to HoromboHut
  • Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205
  • Distance: 5 km/3 miles
  • Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
  • Habitat: Heath

Day 4: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Kibo Hut (4,720 meters)

In the morning we climb slowly, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. The camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Arriving here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

  • Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
  • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
  • Distance: 10 km/6 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Alpine Desert
Uhuru Peak

Day 5: Kibo Hut (4,720 meters) to Uhuru Peak (5,895 meters) and then Horombo Hut (3,720 meters)

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our thrust 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. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point of the Kilimanjaro and the entire continent of Africa. People will enjoy their accomplishment by taking photos etc.

After spending a few moments taking on the roof of Africa enjoying your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-deserved sleep.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak

  • Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
  • Distance: 6 km/4 miles
  • Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
  • Habitat: Arctic

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

  • Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
  • Distance: 16 km/10 miles
  • Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
  • Habitat: Heath
Horombo to Zebra Rock

Day 6: Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) to Marangu Gate (1,970 meters)

This is our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. After attainment at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we will be awarded and collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

Horombo Hut to MaranguGate

  • Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
  • Distance: 20 km/12 miles
  • Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
  • Habitat: Rain Forest

That will be the end of our Climb.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • itineraries are flexible and we customize them according to your needs. 
  • Airport pick up and drop off are optional, meaning if you are already in Moshi or Arusha or you can arrange your own airport transfers, we can take them out of the price for this tour.
  • Pre- and post-climb accommodations are optional.
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Trekking Packages

We'd love to answer your questions!

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Inquire Marangu route trek

Marangu treks start at $1,800 per person. Inquire for a quote below.