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$2,217/
Per PersonThis 6 days Mount Kilimanjaro climb via the Marangu route will take you to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro, the Uhuru peak. It might take anything from 5 to 6 days to finish the Marangu trek but we recommend this 6 days itinerary.
Key Points:
Acclimatization: The Marangu Route offers a good acclimatization profile. Though it is shorter than some other routes, it includes a variety of altitudes which helps climbers adjust better to the high altitude.
Scenery: This route is renowned for its breathtaking scenery. Climbers traverse diverse landscapes, including lush rainforest, heather moorland, and the striking alpine desert, before reaching the icy conditions at the summit.
Traffic: The Marangu Route is popular and can be more crowded than other routes, especially during peak seasons. However, its scenic beauty makes it a favorite among many trekkers.
Summit Success Rate: The summit success rate on the Marangu Route is relatively high due to its longer duration and the “climb high, sleep low” strategy that aids in acclimatization.
Included and Excluded
- Park Fees: Entry, camping, and rescue fees.
- Airport transfers and rides to/from the trailhead.
- Hotel stays before & after the climb.
- All meals and drinking water on the mountain.
- Professional guides, porters and a cook.
- Tents, sleeping mats, dining tent with table and chairs.
- Basic medical kit and emergency oxygen.
- Permits: Climbing permits.
- Travel Costs: Flights to/from Tanzania and visa fees.
- Personal Expenses.
- Tips for the crew.
- Extra hotel nights, optional activities.
- Vaccinations and Medications.
Highlights of the Tour
- Begin the journey at Marangu Gate, hike through lush rainforest, and end the day at Mandara Hut.
- Trek through the heathland zone, enjoy views of Mawenzi and Kibo peaks, and reach Horombo Hut by late afternoon.
- Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatisation. Optional hike to Zebra Rocks or towards Mawenzi Hut.
- Cross the Alpine Desert and reach Kibo Hut in the early evening, resting before the summit attempt.
- Start the summit trek at midnight, reach Uhuru Peak by sunrise, celebrate at the summit, descend back to Kibo Hut for a rest, and then continue down to Horombo Hut.
- Descend through the heathland and rainforest, return to Marangu Gate where the trek concludes.
Itinerary - Day by Day
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45-60 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest 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 rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- -- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- -- Distance: 8km/5mi
- -- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- -- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations:Â Mandara Hut
You leave the glades of the rainforest 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 groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- -- Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- -- Distance: 12km/7.5mi
- -- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- -- Habitat: Heathland
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations:Â Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations:Â Horombo Hut
Day 5:Â Hike Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut (BLD) Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with the upper heathland but then disappears into "moonscape". Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
- -- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
- -- Distance: 9km/5.5mi
- -- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
- -- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations:Â Kibo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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 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!
- -- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- -- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- -- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
- -- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
- -- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Accommodations:Â Horombo Hut
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through a 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 (about 1 hour). Don't forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
- -- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- -- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
- -- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
- -- Habitat: Forest
- Meals included:Â Breakfast, Lunch
- Mid-Range Accommodations:Â hotel or Lodge in Moshi
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