5 Days Marangu Route

Mount Kilimanjaro Hiking, Trekking

Overview

Kilimanjaro Marangu route approaches the mount from the southeast. it considers the easiest route among the five climbing routes due to its gradual slope and direct path. It is also the oldest and well established and the only one that offers facilities such as sleeping huts which are dormitory-style, the huts have bunk beds at Mandara, Kibo, and Horombo huts. There are supplies of mattresses and pillows but still, there is a need for sleeping bags to be carried with the guest. Apart from the pillows and mattresses, the huts are also equipped with dining halls and equipped washrooms.

Itinerary
Cost Info
FAQ
Map
Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest 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 rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Distance: 7 km Hiking
- Time: 3 hours
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Overnight: Mandara Hut Camp
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2
Mandara Huts 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.
- Distance: 12 km Hiking
- Time: 6 hours
- Habitat: Moorland
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3
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 heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
- Distance: 10 km Hiking
- Time: 6 - 8 hours
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Overnight: Horombo Hut
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4
Kibo Hut to Summit then to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), 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. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
- Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down Hiking
- Time: 10 - 15 hours
- Habitat: Alpine desert
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha
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 meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
- Distance: 18 km Hiking
- Time: 5- 7 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.

Cost Info

Price includes

Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International
Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees
Government Tax
Transportation to & from the mountain gate
Professional mountain guides, cooks, and porters
3 meals daily while on the mountain
Filtered water throughout the trek
Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
Pre and after Trek accommodation at the hotel, 2 nights at hotel in Moshi with bed & breakfast (BB) meal

Price excludes

Both Local and International Flights
Visa cost which is 50$ except for Canadian and USA passport holders which are 100$
Items of a personal nature
Medical insurance
Laundry Services
A doctor for the group
Tips and gratitude for the mountain crew
A portable flush toilet with a toilet tent is extra (US$100 per toilet + toilet tent)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is Kilimanjaro?
The mountain is in Tanzania, East Africa, about 350km from the equator. The nearest towns are Moshi and Arusha.
- How high is it?
Mount Kilimanjaro is the highest freestanding mountain in the world and the highest mountain in Africa. Its highest point is Uhuru Peak on the Kibo crater at 5895m above sea level.
- What kind of experience do I need?
None, but previous hiking or climbing experience will help. You need to be fit and healthy and have a good pair of worn-in hiking boots. The fitter you are the more you are likely to enjoy it.
- What gear do I need?
You don’t need mountain climbing gear. You can rent most of the clothing and equipment you need in Tanzania, but bringing your own clothes, well worn-in boots and a good sleeping bag is best. You will need a small day pack with enough space for wind and rain clothes, some first aid, 3 liters of water and snacks. Warm clothes (fleece, wind and waterproof layers), good polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and a head lamp should be included in your packing list. You might prefer to use walking sticks and gaiters, but these can be rented from your trekking operator. Even thermal underwear and down jackets can be rented from us. If think you do not have the correct clothing and gear, please contact us for advice.
- Can I shower?
There are no bathrooms on Kili. Warm water will be supplied in a bowl and you will be able to wash your face and hands. For the rest you will use wipes. Toilets are simple, hole-in-the-ground types. Portable showers and toilets can be rented at some cost.
- How long is the hike?
There are at least six routes to the top, Uhuru peak. You will hike between 53 and 73km depending on which route you choose. The shortest and toughest is the 5-day Umbwe route. Allowing extra days will help you to acclimatize better and improve your chances of reaching the summit. The easiest and most popular route is Marangu (can be done in five).
- How much will it cost?
Getting to Tanzania and hiking up Kili is not cheap. But the once in a lifetime experience is worth every penny. Costs (usually quoted in USD) will depend on the tour operator and what you need. Luxuries such as portable toilets and glassware will cost more. Land costs should include transport to and from Kili, full board, porters, guides, cooks, national park fees and permits. Do not choose the cheapest operator, choose an operator who discloses all costs and who offers value for money.
- What will I eat - I am a vegetarian?
You will eat normal food: potatoes, rice, pasta, vegetables, eggs, sandwiches, cheese and fruit. When you book a trek, let your tour operator know about food allergies or medical conditions that require special diets. Non-vegetarians will be served sausages, chicken and meat. Tea, coffee and hot chocolate will be available as well.
- Where does the water come from?
From the mountain. Porters collect water from the streams and it is boiled before use. This water will be used to fill your water canisters. You don’t need to use purification tablets, but it is recommended. Some operators offer bottled water – at extra cost as porters have to carry this up the mountain.
- Do we sleep in hotels?
No. There are no hotels on the mountain and no cable cars to the top. You will most probably sleep in tents, or in basic huts if you take the Marangu route. Tents and sleeping mats are carried and set up by the porters. You do need to bring a very warm sleeping bag or rent it from us.
- What dangers are there on the mountain?
You might experience symptoms of altitude sickness – headaches, nausea, loss of appetite and dizziness. Apart from obvious injuries that can occur when walking in uneven terrain and in very cold conditions, you will not be in danger of mugging, attack by animals or malarial mosquitoes.
- Do we tip the hiking crew?
Yes, it is expected and much appreciated. The amount depends on the amount of days, but can range from $150 and $300 per hiker. Tips are pooled and shared amongst the crew. Bring US dollar bills.
- How old should I be to make it to the top?
No person younger than 10 years is allowed according to Kilimanjaro National Park authorities’ rules. If 10 or older, they may only proceed as high as Horombo Huts (3700m) or Shira Camp (3900m) if they are accompanied by one of their parents. We prefers our climbers to be 14 years and older when they attempt the summit. Climbers older than 70 years are required to show a medical certificate.
- Will I make it to the top of Uhuru peak?
A good level of fitness and a positive, determined attitude will ensure success. Also, you will need good support and the right gear. You have a 50% chance – to make it or not. Of the 40 000 visitors Kili attracts each year, between 50 and 75% turn back before reaching the summit according a report by the International Mountaineering and Climbing Federation. The main reason for this is cold, dehydration and altitude sickness. You will increase your chances by choosing the right route, allow an extra day for acclimatizing to the height, good protection against cold and good guides to help you acclimatize and pace yourself.

Please select date

from $1,380.00

Booking Form
Enquiry Form

Full Name* :

Email* :

Country :

Phone Number :

Number of Adults :

Number of Children :

Message :

5 Days Marangu Route

Overview

Itinerary

Day 1

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Day 2

Mandara Huts to Horombo Hut

Day 3

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Day 4

Kibo Hut to Summit then to Horombo Hut

Day 5

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha

Please select date