The Marangu route is a popular route and also the cheapest. It is the only route that offers mountain huts instead of tents for the overnight stays. The route leads straight up to the summit and down again via the same route. Altitude changes per day are significant, which is why this route is only suitable for experienced climbers.
The ascent via the Marangu route takes a total of five days. However, it is recommended to add an extra day to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. If you choose to do so, you can stay an extra night in Horombo huts on the fourth day and make an acclimatization hike. This extra day significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit.
How fit do you need to be to climb Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route?
Climbing Kilimanjaro is a real challenge due to the altitude, rate of ascent and different temperatures. During an average climbing day you will walk six to seven hours per day. If you are healthy and fit it is absolutely within reach. There are many things you can do to increase your chances to reach the summit and to make sure you enjoy the trek.
- It’s important you take your time. Don’t hike too fast so your body has time to adapt and acclimatize.
- Prepare. Being in good shape also makes the climb much easier. Go hiking a few months before the climb, especially multiple day hikes are excellent training. But also running and aerobic exercise are a good preparation.
- Add an extra day. It is always difficult to predict who will be affected by altitude sickness. By adding one extra day to your climb, you will reduce this risk. Since you spread the climb over more days and your body gets more time to get used to the higher altitude. We do really advice to do this to increase the chance of making it to the top.
If you like advice on how to prepare yourself for climbing Kilimanjaro, you can always contact us or read our blog How to prepare for climbing Kilimanjaro?
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
- Day 2: Marangu Route 5 days, day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/ 6,100 ft) – Mandara Huts (2,720 m/ 8,920 ft)
- Day 3: Marangu Route 5 days, day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
- Day 4: Marangu Route 5 days, day 3: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft) – Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft)
- Day 5: Marangu Route 5 days, day 4: Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) – Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
- Day 6: Marangu Route 5 days, day 5: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,139 ft) – Marangu Gate (1,830 m/ 6,003 ft) – Hotel
- Day 7 – 8: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
Included/Excluded
- Specialized bilingual guide
- Private Transport
- Box lunch water, banana apple and chocolate
- Departure Taxes
- Entry Fees
Tour Plan
Day 1: Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
When you arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport our guides is there waiting for you. He then drops you off at your hotel, where you can relax from your flight.
Preparation for your climb: You meet your guide before the start of your climb, where he briefs you and offers advice on what to wear, what to pack, and other important tips to make your climb as comfortable as possible.
Day 2: Marangu Route 5 days, day 1: Marangu Gate (1,860 m/ 6,100 ft) - Mandara Huts (2,720 m/ 8,920 ft
The first morning, your guide takes you from the hotel to Marangu Gate. The first part leads you through coffee and banana plantations and then you cross some untouched rainforest. After a seven-hour hike, you reach the Mandara huts. In the afternoon you have the option to go to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater near the Mandara Huts or you can just rest and enjoy the beautiful surroundings. As this is your first day at this altitude, remember to drink plenty of water!
Day 3: Marangu Route 5 days, day 2: Mandara Huts (2,700 m/ 8,858 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
From Mandara Huts, the landscape slowly changes from cloud forests to grass plains with some heather and other vegetation. The higher you go, the less vegetation can be seen and the more it starts to look like a lunar landscape. The air is also becoming thinner now. A few hours after lunch you can make an acclimatization hike with an ascent of 200 meters and then return to Horombo Huts for dinner and overnight.
Day 4: Marangu Route 5 days, day 3: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft) - Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft)
Today your hike leads through a kind of Alpine desert to a point between the two famous mountain peaks Kibo and Mawenzi. The hike is heavy and takes you through open landscapes with less shelter. You arrive at Kibo camp for lunch, after which you can relax in preparation for the big day ahead!
Day 5: Marangu Route 5 days, day 4: Kibo Huts (4,700 m/ 15,419 ft) - Uhuru Peak (5,895 m/ 19,340 ft) - Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,204 ft)
In the middle of the night, you start your ascent to Uhuru Peak, with your flashlight. The biggest challenge lies in the first part of this climb until you reach Gilman's Point. From here, Uhuru Peak is not far and is relatively easy to reach. Once at the summit, enjoy a beautiful sunrise, which is quite impressive at this height! After celebrating this achievement at the top, your descent begins through the Kibo Huts down to the Horombo huts for dinner and overnight. In total, you are on your feet for about twelve hours today, so prepare yourself for a hard but rewarding day!
Day 6: Marangu Route 5 days, day 5: Horombo Huts (3,720 m/ 12,139 ft) - Marangu Gate (1,830 m/ 6,003 ft) - Hotel
On this final day on the mountain, you descend to Marangu gate, the exit of Kilimanjaro National Park. This is a wonderful five to six-hour walk through the beautiful forests of Kilimanjaro. Your guide then takes you to your hotel, where you get a well-deserved rest.
Day 7 - 8: Flight home from Kilimanjaro International Airport after the climb
Sadly, this is the end of your holiday and the time to go home has arrived. Enjoy your last hours in Tanzania before our driver comes to pick you up and takes you to Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight home. Still longing for more? It's also possible to add a few days of safari or a beach holiday to your Kilimanjaro adventure!
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