The 5 Days Marangu Route in Tanzania tour is the only route tour that goes up and down on the same trail. This makes it the most crowded trail. Because of the crowds, we only guide the Marangu route as a private climb. It is for eight days, which is six days on the mountain. However, just because it isn’t our favorite route, doesn’t mean it isn’t a route you should just ignore. It does have its benefits. We recommend climbing this route if you do not want to sleep in a tent on an inflatable pad. Or if you can only climb during the rainy season. Why is that? Because the Marangu Route is the only route where you’ll sleep in huts. Request a Quote
Itinerary Summary
DAY 1: MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT.
DAY 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
DAY 3: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
DAY 4: SUMMIT DAY THEN DOWN TO HOROMBO HUT
DAY 5: HOROMBO HUT – MOSHI.
Detailed Itinerary.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut.
Take a short drive from Moshi town to the Kilimanjaro Park Gate (1,830 m.) lies at the edge of Marangu, which is an attractive village with many small coffee and banana plantations. After completing the entrance formalities, we climb up through the attractive and unspoiled forest to reach the clearing containing Mandara Hut (2,700 m.). The volcanic remains of Maundi Crater are nearby and make a good afternoon excursion. An alternative is to rest and enjoy the beautiful forest. There is a rich birdlife at the huts and monkeys are often seen as well.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
The first part of the walk is a steep ascent through forest, but the path soon opens out into grassy moorland and, in clear weather, there are good views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. We climb steadily through the moorland zone, containing giant heather and occasional stands of groundsel, to eventually reach Horombo Hut (3,720 m.). Sunrises and sunsets here are often very stunning, the site is close to the glaciated dome of Kibo, and there is a real sense of being above the clouds.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
We climb very gradually towards the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo. The terrain changes to screed and there is a palpable sense of high altitude wilderness. We usually reach Kibo Hut (4,700 m.) at the bottom of the crater wall by midday and the afternoon is free (to contemplate the summit ascent!!). The remainder of the day is spent resting and eating in preparation for the final climb before a very early night!
Day 4: Summit Day then down to Horombo Hut
We will start our ascent by torchlight at about 1 a.m. so that we can be up at Gillman’s Point by sunrise. The initial climb is steep over the loose volcanic screen, but there are some well-graded zigzag and a slow but steady pace will have us up to Gillman’s (5,685 m.) in about five or six hours. We will rest there and spend some time taking in the sunrise. Those who are still feeling strong can make the three hour round trip from here along the crater rim to Uhuru Peak (5,896 m.) passing close to the spectacular glaciers that still occupy most of the summit area. The descent is surprisingly fast and we return to Horombo Hut for the night.
Day 5: Horombo Hut – Moshi
After breakfast, we will start with a pleasant moorland walk to Mandara and then a lovely forest walk to the National Park gates to Moshi town.
The greenness and lushness of the forest is quite a stunning contrast to the summit day, and it really makes you realize how varied the scenery on Kilimanjaro really is.
If you wish for extending this trip to other safaris we can still have all that arranged for you, you can check out on our website for samples of suggested itineraries, and contact us to get going for a safari adventure.
What is included in the 5 Days Marangu Route in Tanzania?
Items that are included in the cost of tour price.
- All Park fees, Picnic lunches. Rescue fees, Camping fees,
- All transfers as indicated in the itinerary above,
- Hotel overnight after the trek in Arusha.
- Accommodations based on double occupancy – Sleeping in the dome tents.
- Meals as per the above itinerary – 3 Meals a day – Vegetarians and Nonvegetarians.
- Naturalist Trekking Guides and assistance guide.
- All baggage handling – Recommended weight for clients’ backpack to be carried up the mountain is 15kgs. Kindly allow 5 kg for personal daypacks including Cameras.
- We will provide 1guide and 1 assistant guide in this trekking. Our guides are licensed and have received training from Mt. Kilimanjaro National Park Instructors.
- Transfers to the gate before and After Trek to Arusha.
- Services of Camping equipment. These are Tents, Sleeping mattress, camping table, and chairs, etc.
What is not included in this tour? Request a Quote
Items that are not included in the cost of 5 Days Marangu Route in Tanzania price.
- Soft drinks, beer, wine and spirits (as well as gifts like local crafts etc)
- Any local and international flights tickets (airline).
- Tips for staff such as guides, porters and the cook staff
- Fees for passport, visas, immunizations and insurance
- Meals and expenses en route to Tanzania
- Laundry, phone and other items of a personal nature
- We advise our clients to bring their own first Aid Kit.