6-DAY - MARANGU ROUTE

Soon after breakfast at the lodge/hotel, our driver will take you to Marangu gate. Thereafter, paperwork for clearance will be done ready to start enjoying nature through the dense rainforest. The Marangu Route begins at Marangu Gate 1905m/6250ft on the South-East side of Mount Kilimanjaro. While hiking if lucky enough you might have a glimpse of black and white colobus monkeys. The hiking might take up to 4 hours before you get to the first destination of the day, the Mandara Hut 2723m/8934ft. Expect a total walking time of approximately 4 to 5 hours, covering just over 8.3 km. The walk starts in mid-morning and pause for a picnic lunch at 1:00 PM. Continue your journey until you reach the hut by 4:00 PM. Dinner is served at 6:30 PM. Although the terrain is uphill, today’s walk is enjoyable, offering opportunities to spot blue monkeys and admire the lush rainforest vegetation along the way.

Distance: 3km | 4-5 hrs. | Rainforest
Elevation: 1905m/6250ft to 2723m/8934ft
Altitude gained: 818m

After an early breakfast the team will leave the short forest stretch, cross a meadow and a wooded stream, and emerge into grassland. The trek continues across numerous moorland ravines before reaching Horombo Hut at an elevation of 3721m/12,208ft. The climb from Mandara to Horombo takes 6 to 8 hours, covering a distance of 12.5 kilometers with an altitude gain of 998 meters. The journey begins around the base of Maundi Crater, a beautiful spot and the remnant of a volcanic vent, where lush Tussock grasses and glorious views abound. Heading northwest, the crew will follow the trail through alpine meadows, crossing a stream to reach grassland and eventually entering the moorland. Along the way, our client may catch their first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of Kilimanjaro’s three volcanic summits. Lunch will be a picnic consisting of the choice of our client. The team will spend overnight at Horombo Hut, located in a rocky valley that offers clear-day views of Moshi town below and often rewards hikers with a magnificent sunset at the end of the day.

Distance: 5km | 6-8hrs | Mooreland
Elevation: 2723m/8934ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 998m.

This day is dedicated to acclimatization. Acclimatization day during hiking is crucial to prevents altitude sickness, improves your physical efficiency, and increases the chances of successfully reaching the summit without severe health issues. So, after breakfast, the hike will hike to Mawenzi Hut (4600m) and Zebra Rocks for a 3-hour acclimatization walk before returning to Horombo Huts (3721m) for lunch and resting until the next day. It’s a relaxing day at Horombo Hut with a short hike and a return. This extra day is meant for acclimatization and can include a day hike on Mawenzi Ridge, offering unique views of Kibo and Mawenzi.

Distance: 5km | 2-3hrs | Mooreland
Elevation: 3721m/12,208ft to 4,020m/13,189ft to 3721m/12,208ft
Altitude gained: 300

This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek covering an average of 6km. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. The ascent starts in the midnight darkness around 01h00 which takes an average of 3 hours to Hans Meyer Cave where the hiker and the team will take a short rest. After this follow a steeper ascent of about 3 hours to Ratzel Glacier, Johannes Notch and Gilman’s Point, located along the crater rim, the hiker will be rewarded with a magnificent sunrise over Mawenzi Peak. Congratulations, you are now standing on the Roof of Africa! Finally, the team will arrive at Uhuru Peak (5895m/19,340ft), the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa. The views from Uhuru Peak are breathtaking. Have your picture taken at the summit to share with friends and family. The weather will dictate how long you can stay at the summit, generally around 5-15 minutes

Distance: 6km | 7-8hrs | Semi Desert
Elevation: 4703m/15,285ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Altitude gained: 1192m.

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

After spending a few moments taking pictures on the roof of Africa and hiker enjoying their accomplishment the team will start descending journey. From the Uhuru Peak the team will trek for about 3 hours down to Kibo for at least for rest and lunch. Soon after lunch the trekkers and the team will continue their descent for 3-5 hours to the Horombo encampment.

Distance: 10km |3-4hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 5,895m/19,341ft to 3,721m (12,205ft Altitude lost: 2,175m.

After breakfast, the team will begin their descent from Horombo Hut through the rainforest to Marangu Gate, covering a distance of 20km in about 6-7 hours. Upon arrival at the gate 1905m/6250ft, you will receive a certificate if you made it to the summit. Thereafter, the crew, climber and some member from the office will meet at the gate for a brief celebration and lunch with a brief reflection of the adventure. Thereafter, A car will then drive you back to your hotel in Arusha town, where you can enjoy a hot shower, rest, and conclude your climb. The client will then enjoy dinner as they spend their night at Lodge / Hotel in Arusha.

Distance: 20km |6-7hrs | Rainforest
Elevation: 3721m/12,208 to 1905m/6250ft
Altitude lost: 1816m.