Marangu route 6 days is the easiest route to trek up Mount Kilimanjaro’s summit – KIBO. The Marangu route is the only route with comfortable beds at each camp. The Marangu route is well-developed since the route offers accommodation in huts and the climb is constant and moderate. The summit approach is slightly difficult compared to other Kilimanjaro trekking routes as it needs commitment. The accommodation on Marangu route is in Simple Mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
You will be met on time of your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport by our transferring drive who will you will
welcome and escort you to the waiting vehicle then drive to Hotel in Arusha for the rest of the day your trek
will start the next day morning. The rest of the day will be spent at the pool relaxing at the hotel or
explore. Your mountain guide will meet you in the evening for briefing on the next morning trek.
After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Marangu Kilimanjaro National Park gate 1,840 meter. Once the
necessary paper work has been obtained, your trek will begin and you will soon be trekking through the
dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys
scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 4 hours later, you will reach your first day’s camp on
the mountain for the rest of the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-deserved rest, your guide will take you to
the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views of the Kenyan interior.
The day starts with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the tree
line were vegetation changes to shrubs. Just about 4 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight at
an altitude of about 3,720 meters. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo
peak and the Masai steppe.
Today’s hiking is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called
“saddle”. This nearly plant less plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo
Hut and it may be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight, is an early night to get enough rest, since you will
be woken up at approximately 23:00 hours.
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still
frozen and walking on it is easier. You will start the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark.
Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 meters, the hike slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will
reach Gilman’s Point 5,715 meter on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and
after another 1 to 2 hours; you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters. Now you are standing on the “Roof of
Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have melted encouraging a fast descent. On
your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After 1
to 2 hours break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut 3,700 meter where you will arrive in the
afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut 2,700 meter where a cooked lunch
awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 hours of trekking, you
will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate 1,860 meter. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew, you
will be transferred to Hotel in Arusha and after a warm shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax
at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
After breakfast, you will be transferred on time to Kilimanjaro Airport or alternatively you can extend your
trip in Tanzania and go on safari or Zanzibar.