Marangu Route

Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Start your adventure with breakfast and a briefing from your guide. You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Moshi or the airport and driven to Marangu Gate about an hour away.

After completing the necessary registration with Kilimanjaro National Park, your trek begins! Enjoy a gradual ascent through the lush **Kilimanjaro rainforest**, where you can spot towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and monkeys. Due to wet and muddy conditions, trekking poles are recommended for stability.

Arrival at Mandara Hut

Reach Mandara Hut in the afternoon to relax and enjoy dinner with fellow trekkers, sharing stories about your first day on this incredible journey.

Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Day two on the Marangu Route starts early with breakfast, aiming to depart by 08:30. The trek begins through the rainforest, then circles the base of Maundi Crater, transitioning quickly into the low alpine moorland zone.

If the weather permits, take the opportunity to scramble up Maundi Crater for your first stunning view of Kibo. Along the way, you’ll encounter unique giant lobelias dotting the landscape at this altitude.

Arrive at Horombo Hut (3,720 m) in the afternoon, where you’ll enjoy dinner and settle into your sleeping quarters for the night.

Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

On Day 3, you’ll begin your ascent by passing the last watering point, continuing onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. The vegetation transitions from upper heathland to a stark “moonscape” as you gain elevation. After approximately 5-6 hours of trekking, you’ll arrive at Kibo Hut (4,700 m). Here, you’ll enjoy dinner, rest, and prepare for the challenging summit climb ahead.

Day 4: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak and Descent to Horombo Hut
On Day 4 of your Kilimanjaro trek, start your ascent from Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest point at 5895m (19,340ft), between midnight and 2 AM. This challenging climb involves steep scree and switchbacks, so remember to go “pole pole.” After enjoying the breathtaking views and capturing photos at the summit, descend to Kibo Hut for lunch, then continue down to Horombo Hut at 3700m (12,200ft). This day covers 6 km (4 mi) up and 15 km (9 mi) down, taking 6-8 hours up and 5-7 hours down. Dress warmly and use headlamps to navigate the stunning alpine desert!

Day 5: Hike to Trailhead and Drive to Moshi
After breakfast, descend from Horombo Hut through moorland and lush forest to the Marangu National Park gate. Expect muddy conditions; gaiters and trekking poles are helpful. Dress in shorts but keep rain gear handy. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters before heading back to Moshi to celebrate! This 20 km (12.5 mi) hike takes about 4-5 hours, descending from 3700m (12,200ft) to 1700m (5,500ft).

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
On Day 6, pack up and descend from Horombo Hut through moorland to Mandara Huts for lunch. Continue your celebratory descent through lush forest to the Marangu Gate, arriving around 2 or 3 PM. Don’t forget to tip your guides, cooks, and porters before heading back to Moshi for a well-deserved celebration! This hike covers approximately 27 kilometers and takes about 6 hours, with breakfast provided. If staying in Moshi, you’ll return to the same hotel before departing for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania.