Marangu Route
This is the most popular and easiest way to the summit. The trail has huts along its route with all the basic necessities. No technical skills are required for this five day trek. The trek can also be taken in 6 days/5 nights to add acclimatization with an extra day at Horombo Hut.
The Journey
Day 0
Pre-trek Briefing
We will pick you up from Kilimanjaro or Arusha airports if you have chosen the optional airport transfers, and we will then drive you to your Moshi accommodation.
On this day, you will receive a briefing at your Moshi hotel before the trip. It is best to schedule your arrival for at least a day before the hike begins. We will spend the day conducting a pre-trek briefing. In addition, we will inspect your equipment and rent any that is required.
Day 1
Hotel to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation
- 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance
- 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time
- 3-4 hours
- Habitat
- Montane Forest
Day 2
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation
- 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance
- 12km/7.5mi
- Hiking Time
- 5-6 hours
- Habitat
- Heathland
Day 3
Rest Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
- Elevation
- 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance
- 0km/0mi
- Hiking Time
- 0 hours
- Habitat
- Heathland
Day 4
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Elevation
- 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- Distance
- 9km/5.5mi
- Hiking Time
- 5-6 hours
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
Day 5
Kibo Hut to Summit to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
- Elevation
- 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to
- 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance
- 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- Hiking Time
- 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- Habitat
- Alpine Desert
Day 6
Horombo Hut to Moshi
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
- Elevation
- 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance
- 20km/12.5mi
- Hiking Time
- 4-5 hours
- Habitat
- Forest
