Marangu is the most popular route for Mt Kilimanjaro hiking. Medium acclimatization transition. Ascent and descent is by the same trail. Recommended for climbers with high-altitude mountaineering experience.5 and 6-day climbs. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) (Google Map)
Arusha Airport (ARK) (Google Map)
2 Hours Before Flight Time
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet an African Wanderlust Adventure representative, and transfer to the hotel under the rate. The hotel will provide all the essentials for a contented stay: comfortable rooms, hot water, courteous staff, a swimming pool, and Internet access. In the evening there will be a briefing with our expert managers, who will also make sure you are ready to begin the climb.
Our guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, followed by transfer by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park’s Eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After the quick procedure of acquiring hiking permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white Colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only extra clothes, but also your raincoats. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the requirements, and prepare lunch.
All the way through the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. They offer a great substitute to those who do not prefer sleeping in tents.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
This marks your first day at this altitude, we strongly recommended you pay attention to 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, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case 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.
Distance: marangu gate to Mandara Hut – 11 km
Change in elevation: marangu gate (1,860m) – mandara Hut (2,700m)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
The day begins with an early breakfast followed by the group depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). Shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs,). 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.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Note: The acclimatization hike is an easy trek with a slight gain in altitude done in order to speed up the acclimatization 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.
Distance: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut – 10 km
Change in elevation: Mandara Hut (2,700m) – Horombo Hut (3,720m)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
ACCLIMATIZATION:
Distance: 2.5 km
Change in elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Destination point en route to Kibo Hut (3,920m)
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
After breakfast you will go for acclimatization hike towards Kibo Hut and back. After lunch you have the opportunity to walk around the surrounding area, take pictures of Mawenzi Volcano or just sleep before the upcoming trekking to Kibo Hut.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Acclimatization
Distance: Horombo Hut – Destination point en route to Kibo covers 5-8 km
Change in elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720m) to Destination en route to Kibo Hut (4,500m)
Hiking time: 3-4 hours
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi). 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.
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Distance: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut – 10 km
Change in elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Kibo Hut (4,700m)
Hiking Time: 4-8 hours
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start long and strenuous trek to the summit in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. The trekking continues 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 own guide, who will be monitoring 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 hours rest continue your descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m).
Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
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.
Distance: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – 16 km
Change in elevation: Kibo Hut (4,700m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895m)
Hiking Time: 9-12 hours
Next morning after a warm breakfast, we will be heading to Kilimanjaro National Park’s exit: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). At the gate, 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 appreciation certificates at our office and provide you a transfer back to the hotel.
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Distance: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate – 18 km
Change in elevation: Horombo Hut (3,720m) – Marangu gate (1,860m)
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Spend some time resting in the hotel and later on 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.
