Marangu Route 6 Days

Why the Machame Route: This is one of the most popular routes to take when climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. This is because it is a very scenic route while also being more budget friendly than some of the longer hikes. As such, the traffic on this route is denser than others. Known as the whisky route, the journey is a little harder than other routes (such as the Marangu route) however the success rate is higher! Although it is possible to climb this route in 6 days, the extra day give you an even higher chance of summiting, as such it i definitly worth an extra day on the mountain!

The Route: This route takes you through dense rainforest to Shira plateau, past the lava tower and Barranco Hut then onto Barafu before you summit. You will descend via a different route, the Mweka Route.

Accommodation: On the mountain you will be staying overnight at tented campsites. Mauly Tours can organize accommodation for you the night before and after as well as transport to and from your accommodation both days.

DEPARTURE/RETURN LOCATION

Arusha / Moshi

WEAR

Hiking Clothing and Mountain gear.

INCLUDED

Transfer to the park gate	Professional Guides and porters who undergo a first aid training yearly
Kilimanjaro Park entry fees	Camping fees
Safety equipment; pulse oxymeters, oxygen tank & mask	First aid kits (you recommend you bring your own for the most basic needs)
3 meals a day (your cooks choose the ingredients carefully to ensure the food prepared is tasty, has high energy content and is easy to digest at high altitude	Fair wages for mountain crew

NOT INCLUDED

International flights	Hotel accommodation
Airport transfers	Visa fees
Personal gear for the climb	Tipping for mountain crew
Medical insurance and emergency evacuation	Oxygen box
Portable toilets

Day1

1 Marangu gate 1860m – Mandara Hut 2720m

Hiking time: 3-4 hours trek – 7 km

Montane forest zone

Your first day will start at Marangu Gate, where your group will be registered and you will meet your guide and porters who will become your family for the next 6 days! Your guide will lead you through a cleared trail through a dense forest area which will quickly branch off, leading you alongside a stream.

There are two paths you can take once you reach the stream, both will take you to the Mandara Hut in time for dinner and much needed rest!

Day 2

Mandara Hut 2720m – Horombo Hut 3720m

5-6 hours trek – 11 km

Montane forest, heather & moorland zone

Today will be filled with mountain scenery and beautiful landscape. In the morning you will pass through multiple terrains. Starting through the forest and skirting around the base of Maundi Crater, crossing meadows, and a wooded stream before reaching lush grassland. Your path will take you across numerous moorland ravines before reaching Horombo hut, set in a rocky valley amongst giant sceneries or groundsels. This is where you will make camp.

Day 3

Horombo Hut – acclimatization  

Hiking time 3-4 hrs trek 5-8km

Heather, moorland & alpine desert

Today is your acclimatization day, to prepare you for the journey to the top! You will start by taking the ‘upper route’ to Zebra Rocks and then up to the saddle which lies in-between the two major peaks of Kilimanjaro, Kibo and Mawenzi. Here you will have a spectacular view of the Kibo desert. Today you will have reached 3980m.

You will return to Horombo Hut for lunch and relaxation.

Day 4

Horombo Hut 3720m – Kibo Hut 4700m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours trek – 12 km

Heather, moorland & alpine desert zone

Today’s path will take you through the rocky and rugged terrain. You will have to choose between two different routes up to the saddle, where your next camp lies. The fastest route will take you over a rocky and eroded path while the second is lengthier but much smoother.

You will have an early night at Kibo, as you will be up before the sun tomorrow to start your final climb to the summit!

Day 5

Kibo Hut 4700m – Summit Uhuru peak 5895m – Horombo Hut 3720m

Hiking time: 12-16 hours trek – 21 km

Alpine desert, snow, heather & moorland

Today is the day! You will start the climb at 2 am (or earlier). The climb will take you past the final waypoint, Hans Meyer Cave (5888m / 19,318ft) after which you will scramble over rocks to Johannes Notch and Gillman’s Point. From there, the trail continues along the rim past Stella Point until you finally reach the summit of Uhuru Peak! You have finally done it! You have reached the highest point on in Africa at 5895m / 19341 ft! This achievement will be tough to top, that’s for sure.

After a moment of basking in your triumph, you will start your descent down to Kibo Hut for a meal and rest continue to descend to Horombo Hut

Day 6

Horombo Hut 3720m – Marangu gate 1860m

Hiking time: 5-6 hours trek – 12 km

Your decent to the Marangu Gate will seem like a breeze after the day you just had! Now it’s time to say ‘kwaheri’ to your guides and porters. You will be taken to your hotel for dinner and for what will probably feel like the best shower you have ever had!