The Marangu Route

Accommodation in wooden huts

Marangu Route Overview

The Marangu Route is one of the shortest and unlike any other route accommodation is in huts instead of tents. The reputation of being the easy way to the summit is not true and inexperienced trekkers should be aware that the route offers less of a chance to acclimatise than some of the so called harder routes.

The Marangu route begins at Marangu gate and ascends through forest to the Mandara Huts which are named after the fearsome Chagga chief of Moshi. Hut accommodation is in dormitory style and for those that have an aversion to camping the huts offer the best option to trekking on Kilimanjaro.

The Marangu Route ascends through moorland to Horombo Huts where two nights are spent for acclimatisation reasons. The Marangu route then ascends to Kibo Hut through alpine desert and the last water point on the route. From Kibo Hut the route ascends to Uhuru Peak via Gilman’s Point. Descent of the mountain is a re-trace of the route with another night spent at Horombo Hut.

Key Points:
  • Difficulty rating: ++
  • Approximate length: 64km
  • of Days: 5 or 6 (+2 nights accommodation in Hotel)
  • Only route on Mt. Kilimanjaro which offers accommodation in huts
  • Shortest route to the summit – unfortunately lower success rate
  • Ascent and descent on the same route
The Marangu Route
Accommodation in huts
from $1999
per person sharing

The Marangu Route Day-to-Day Itinerary

DAY 1 - KILIMANAJRO AIRPORT TO YOUR LODGE IN ARUSHA

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) and transfer to hotel

Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be greeted by one of our team and then driven to your lodge in Arusha where you can freshen up and relax into Tanzania.

DAY 2 - MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUTS
Altitude      1800m - 2700m
Distance     8km
Time           (approx.) 3-4 hours
 
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate you'll take your first step toward your goal - the roof of Africa. You'll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimajari. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub's Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. After reaching Mandara Hut you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
DAY 3 - MANDARA HUTS to HOROMBO HUT
Altitude     2700m - 3700m
Distance    12.5km
Time          (approx.) 6 hours
 
Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you'll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the  fairy-tale like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You'll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that's the really big one that you'll be scaling in a few days.
DAY 4 - ACCLIMATISATION DAY HOROMBO HUT
Altitude     3700m - 3700m
Distance    8km
Time         (approx.) 5 hours
 
No need to pack you bags today as you'll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you'll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.
DAY 5 - HOROMBO HUTS to KIBO HUTS
Altitude   3700m - 4700m
Distance  10km
Time        (approx.) 6 hours
 
Today you'll trek up into the barren high altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid - preparing your kit, eating and resting. 
DAY 6 - KIBO HUT to SUMMIT to HOROMBO HUTS
Altitude    4700m - 5895m - 3700m
Distance  20km
Time         (approx.) 7-9 hours ascent 6 hours descent
 
The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak ! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise you'll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi. You'll probably be around Gilman's Point (5685m) at this time so it's time for a much needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you'll retrace  your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You'll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long nights sleep.
DAY 7 - HOROMBO HUTS to MARANGU GATE
Altitude     3700m - 1800m
Distance    18km
Time        (approx.) 6 hours
 
Your last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.
DAY 8 - DEPARTURE

If your time in Africa ends today our transfer team will drive you back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure. If you have booked with KCC for a safari or a few days to dissolve into the pristine sandy beaches and tropical waters of Zanzibar, we will be there to help you comfortably transition from your climb into your next Tanzanian adventure.

What's Included

  • Return airport transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your hotel
  • Two nights bed and breakfast hotel accommodation
  • An expedition briefing prior to leaving for the mountain
  • Kilimanjaro park entry permits
  • Kilimanjaro park camping permits
  • Mountain rescue permit
  • Helicopter evacuation registration fee
  • Bilingual guides
  • Expedition porters and cooks
  • Expedition food to include a hot breakfast,packed lunch, a hot evening meal and snack food available at camp + hot drinks.
  • Staff transport, meals & wages
  • Accomodation in wooden huts
  • Mess tent with tables and chairs
  • Safety equipment to include short wave radios, a satellite phone, oxymeters, oxygen cylinder, large expedition first aid kit and means of evacuation.
  • Uhuru or Stella Point certificate of achievement

What's Not Included

  • Return flights to/from Kilimanjaro International Airport
  • Entry Visa ($50 Europe/ $ 100 USA) can be obtained on entry
  • Personal travel INSURANCE (specific to high altitude trekking and travel in rural Africa)
  • Gratuities
  • Vaccinations for travel to region