Marangu Gate To Mandara Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Following breakfast and a briefing from the guide, depart Moshi at 8 AM for a 45-minute drive to the Marangu Gate on Kilimanjaro’s eastern side. Register with the national park and commence hiking at 10:30 AM. In the rainforest, observe the towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.

In these lower elevations, conditions can be wet and muddy, so gaiters and trekking poles are beneficial. Shorts and t-shirts are usually adequate, but keep rain gear and warmer clothing accessible. Pause halfway for lunch, and arrive at the Mandara Huts by 2 or 3 PM. Unpack, relax, and enjoy some tea or coffee. A 15-minute side trip to Maundy Crater offers a great view of the surroundings.

Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Rise at 7:30 AM for breakfast, and pack for the next trek. Break camp by 8:30 AM, hike for an hour through rainforest glades, then follow an ascending path through heathland where giant lobelias and groundsels can be spotted. Continue into open moorlands where small shrubs dominate the landscape. Stop halfway for lunch, enjoying stunning views of Mawenzi.

Arrive at the Horombo Huts by 3 PM, where Kibo summit is visible. Rest, unpack, and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms with running water are available. Altitude effects may begin here, and to assist acclimatization, consider spending an extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a base camp below Kibo sub-peak Mawenzi.

Acclimatization Trek Zebra Rocks To Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Begin the day with breakfast, and if up early, capture beautiful sunrise photos. The initial part of the hike ascends through diminishing heathland, transitioning into a moonscape as the sweeping saddle connecting Mawenzi and Kibo is entered. During lunch and while crossing this surprisingly large saddle, examine the summit climb up Kibo that will commence in a few hours. Be vigilant for any signs of altitude sickness. There is no running water at the Kibo Huts.

Horombo Hut To Kibo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Alpine Desert Wake up at midnight for a light breakfast, then prepare for the summit ascent. The aim is to climb before dawn to reach Uhuru Peak shortly after sunrise.

Ensure to capture a photo at the summit to share with friends. After the summit visit, descend back to the Kibo Huts, enjoy lunch, rest, gather belongings, and re-cross the saddle to the Horombo Huts. Have dinner and enjoy a well-deserved rest! The initial climb is done in darkness with headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until descent begins, so all warm layers are necessary. This is the most challenging part of the trek. Slowly - slowly, or, pole pole, and a positive attitude will lead to success!

Kibo Hut To Uhuru Peak & Down To Horombo Hut

Mount Kilimanjaro - Today marks “The Big Day” – the summit stage. The final ascent begins around midnight and is long and demanding. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb steadily progresses upwards. At sunrise, Gillman’s Point (5681m) – the crater rim of Kilimanjaro – is reached, where the sun gradually warms the land. The cold of the night will soon be forgotten, and after an additional 1 – 2 hours of hiking, Uhuru Peak at 5895m is reached.

Upon returning to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits, followed by a 1 – 2 hour break before continuing back down to Horombo Hut.

Horombo Hut To Marangu Gate

Mount Kilimanjaro - The final stage traverses the heath and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2700m) where a warm lunch is ready. Soon, the tropical rainforest is passed once more, and after a total of 6 hours of trekking, the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1860m) is reached. After bidding farewell to the mountain guides, a short transfer returns you to the hotel in Moshi. There, a warm and relaxing shower awaits, along with the celebration of the successful Kilimanjaro summit.

• Breakfast
• Lunch
• Dinner

Marangu Route:

Referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a timeless trekking path on Mount Kilimanjaro. It has a reputation as the oldest and most prominent route. The Marangu route is popular as it is deemed to be the most effortless trail up the mountain, thanks to its gentle slope. It stands out as it is the only route providing dormitory style huts for overnight stays.

For this route, a minimum of five days is recommended, but your chances of reaching the summit within this time frame are not high. It is strongly suggested to have an additional day on the mountain for better acclimatization when attempting the Marangu route on Kilimanjaro.

Regardless of its significant reputation, we suggest not setting out on the Marangu route. The route lacks scenic diversity compared to others, since the climb up and down follows the same path, and it tends to be the most crowded. The Marangu route is only recommended during the rainy season when the convenience of hut accommodations is appreciated.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.