Overview

Marangu Route is the most popular of all Kilimanjaro climbing routes. This is the only route offering overnight stays in huts, versus tent camping on all other routes. Huts have a significant impact on the overall cost because with fewer items to carry (especially tents), fewer staff are required in climbing crews, thus reducing the overall cost and making Marangu the most affordable route for climbing Mount Kilimanjaro.

Marangu is offered in two itineraries; 5 or 6 days, with the 5-day option being considerably difficult because of less time to properly adapt to the higher altitude. The 6-day trek is acceptable for reasonably fit hikers and has a more positive successful summit rating.

While all other routes on Kilimanjaro descend via the Mweka get on the Marangu route climbers ascend and descend by the same trail. It is incredibly scenic and you may not mind seeing the same view up and down, but keep in mind you will be passing hikers on the way back down and missing out on the experience of another side of Kilimanjaro.

NOTE: Some of the expedition upgrades (portable showers, portable toilets) are not allowed on Kilimanjaro due to the KINAPA regulations.

Consider Marangu Route for a climb during the rainy season: sleeping in huts is more comfortable and helps climbers avoid a bit of mud when they settle down for the night. Also, if you are limited in time and cannot participate in a 7-day trek, you may consider the Marangu 6-day itinerary. If you have any additional questions, then this article will be useful to you.

  • Parking
  • Concierge service
  • Gift shop
  • Meeting/Banquet facilities
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Restaurant
  • Express check out
  • Air-conditioned
  • Babysitting/child services (surcharge)
More amenties
7 days 6 night age 10+
Destination: Kilimanjaro Climbing
Departure: Flexible (at any time)
Language: English, French, Italian, German and Spanish
Day 1: Arrive
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a Serengeti One Safaris representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a comfortable stay: cozy rooms, hot water, polite staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Note: Check-in starts at 2:00 PM.
Day 2: Trekking From Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
A guide and a mountain support crew will meet you and hold a quick briefing, then transfer you to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats when you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities, pitch the tents, and prepare lunch. Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great alternative to those who do not want to sleep in tents. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on: Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine

Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)

Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning before they start their ascent, to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor before inset of potential allergies.

At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.

ELEVATION 1,860 m to 2,700 m/HIKING TIME 5-7 hours/DISTANCE 11 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
Day 3: Trekking From Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi.

Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.

Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done during the acclimation process. You should take the acclimatization hikes very seriously. They help increase your chances of successfully summiting Kilimanjaro and save you from the consequences of altitude sickness.

Acclimatization hike:

Change in Elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720 m) — Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920 m)

Hiking distance: 2.5 km/Hiking time: 1–2 hours

ELEVATION 2,700 m to 3,720 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Moorland.
Day 4: Trekking From Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
On this day, right after breakfast,t the group will be trekking Kibo Hut (4,700 m). The actual trekking is not very difficult, just remember to stick with an appropriate pace to keep up your strength for the trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit. When you reach the camp you will be served lunch, after which we recommend you sleep as much as you can, avoid any strenuous activity, and drink lots of water.

ELEVATION 3,720 m to 4,700 m/HIKING TIME 4-8 hours/DISTANCE 10 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT Alpine desert
Day 5:Trekking To Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
Night departure from Kibo Hut (4,700 m) and the start of your trekking to Kilimanjaro's summit: Uhuru peak (5,895 m). The trekking will be moderate from a physical standpoint, but the altitude presents a much more serious problem. For the entire length of the trekking, each pair of climbers will be accompanied by their e, who will monitor your stamina and mental resolve. After your successful ascent to Uhuru Peak, you can descend to the nearest glacier if desired. Then you will return to Kibo Camp and after a two-hour rest continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).

Note: Don't forget that 90% of all accidents occur during the descent, including all broken arms and legs. Please pay attention to your feet, as there is a high risk of damaging your toenails.

ELEVATION 4,700 m to 5,895 m5,895 m to 3,720 m/HIKING TIME:9-12 hours/DISTANCE 16 km/DIFFICULTY High/HABITAT
Day 6: Descent from Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate
You will be offered a warm breakfast in the morning, after which we will head for the Kilimanjaro National Park's exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After your descent, the whole group will gather to congratulate you, and then you will have the chance to share your opinions on the trip in the guestbook. Lastly, we will present you with your commemorative certificates (in our office) and provide transfer you to the hotel.

ELEVATION 3,720 m to 1,860 m/HIKING TIME 5-6 hours/DISTANCE 18 km/DIFFICULTY Medium/HABITAT Rainforest.
Day 7: Departure
Rest in the hotel and transfer to the airport.

Note: Hotel check-out is at 11:00 AM. In case you need a late check-out because of an evening flight, there is the option to extend your hotel stay for an extra fee.

Login

Newsletter

Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetuer adipiscing elit. Aenean commodo ligula eget dolor.