Trip Overview
Number of days: 5 or 6
Difficulty: moderate uphill hiking
Total distance: 80 km / 49.7 mi
Average trek time per day: 5.5 – 8.0 hours
Marangu is the most direct and shortest route to the peak of Kilimanjaro. Despite the briefness of the climb, an extra acclimatization day is recommended to allow for adjustment to the high altitude and increase the chance of success to reach Uhuru Peak. An added feature is that accommodation on this trail is in comfortable huts. Your path begins through tropical forests and strange moorlands, then takes you through the night on a challenging final ascent to see a spectacular dawn at the rooftop of Kilimanjaro.
Quick Facts
- The classic trek on the oldest route of Kilimanjaro, it is the most direct and shortest route from the southeast. This is the only route with huts and beds at every camp site.
- Moderate difficulty. Milder inclines, however the fast ascent may be tougher for acclimating to the altitude. An extra acclimatization day is recommended.
- Distance Traveled: 70 km / 43.5 mi
- Average walking time per day: 8 hours
- Average ascent altitude change per day: 1000 m
Itinerary
| DAY | DESCRIPTION |
|---|---|
| Day 1 | Begin ascent – Mandara Hut Enter through Marangu Gate in the morning and begin hiking through tropical forests where you will see tropical flowers and trees indigenous to Kilimanjaro. Sleep at Mandara Hut (2720 m), which is the home of the beautiful Blue Monkey, white & black Colubus Monkey, and also see the Crater of Maundi, just 50 meters away. |
| Day 2 | Horombo Huts Pass through beautiful tropical forests that become heath and moorland. Catch views of tropical birds such as the Malakite Sunbird and Alpine Chat that call this place home. Camp at Horombo Hut (3760 m). |
| Day 3 | Kibo Huts From Horombo Hut you will see breathtaking views of Kilimanjaro and Kibo Peak, and the jagged Mawenzi Peak. Traverse through moorland and get to the alpine desert, and beautiful view of Sado area to Kibo Hut (4730 m). Note: You may request to have an extra acclimatization day added to increase your chances of summiting. |
| Day 4 | Ascent to Summit Rest at Kibo Hut and during the night begin the hike to the summit. It will take 6-7 hours to reach Uhuru Peak. Descend again to Kibo hut, have breakfast then start the descent to the lower altitude. |
| Day 5 | Mandara Gate check out – to hotel Enjoy panoramas of Kilimanjaro from above the clouds back down to the tropical forests. Reach the Mandara Gate for checkout and then transport to hotel for rest and relaxation. |
| Day 6 | Recommended option to add an extra acclimatization day during ascent. |
Pricing estimates
| ACCOMMODATION TYPE | 1 PERSON (PER PERSON) | 2 PERSONS (PP) | 4 PERSONS (PP) | 6 PERSONS (PP) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| STANDARD CAMPING | $1900 | $1710 | $1550 | $1385 |