7 DAY KILIMANJARO: MARANGU ROUTE
The Marangu route stands out as a well-liked and cost-effective option. It distinguishes itself by offering mountain huts for overnight stays instead of tents. This route follows a direct path to the summit and retraces the same route for the descent. Notably, daily altitude changes are quite substantial, making this route better suited for experienced climbers.
The ascent along the Marangu route typically spans five days. However, it is advisable to include an extra day to facilitate acclimatization to high altitudes. This additional day involves spending an extra night at the Horombo huts on the fourth day, along with an acclimatization hike. This extension significantly enhances your chances of reaching the summit.
We provide a team of professional guides, porters, and a skilled cook to accompany you during your Marangu route ascent. These team members conduct daily health assessments using specialized equipment to monitor your physical and mental well-being. Furthermore, our chefs prepare delectable mountain cuisine, a crucial factor in enhancing your chances of summiting. If you're interested, we'd be more than happy to share our menu with you. When you request a quote for climbing Kilimanjaro via the Marangu route, you'll also receive a set of informative documents to assist in your preparations.
1 NIGHT HOTEL | 5 DAY HIKE
ITINERARY
Day 1:
AIRPORT ARRIVAL
After landing at Kilimanjaro International Airport, one of our drivers will be at your service to transport you to your chosen hotel. Once you've settled in, take some time to unwind and acclimate to the African ambiance. If you wish, you can reserve an additional day of relaxation before commencing your climb, providing you with ample time for acclimatization and recovery following your flight. This extra day significantly boosts your chances of reaching the summit.
Please note that the hotel mentioned below is recommended for your initial and final nights of stay. However, depending on your preferences, we can present a range of accommodation options, spanning from basic to luxurious, ensuring the choice aligns with your desires!
DAY 2:
MARANGU GATE (1,830 M/ 6,000 FT) -
MANDARA HUTS (2,700 M/ 8,858 FT)
Elevation gain: 870 m/2,854 ft | Distance: 11 km | Walking time: 5-7 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: rainforest
In the morning, our guide will transport you from the hotel to Marangu Gate, which marks the beginning of your climb. The initial stretch of the journey guides you through coffee and banana plantations, followed by a venture into pristine rainforests. This segment can be rather humid, so it's advisable to have rain gear handy. The day's hike typically spans from five to seven hours. If you desire to savor the beauty of the forests and picturesque mountain slopes at a leisurely pace, you're welcome to do so. Ultimately, you'll arrive at the first camp, known as the Mandara huts.
For those inclined, there's an option to embark on an afternoon hike to the Maundi crater, a volcanic crater in close proximity to the Mandara Huts. Alternatively, you can choose to rest at the hut and bask in the enchanting natural surroundings.
This is your first day at this altitude. It is therefore strongly recommended to follow the instructions below from here:
1. Drink as much water as possible
2. Take a Diamox pill to relieve the symptoms of altitude sickness if you feel any.
DAY 3:
MANDARA HUTS (2,700 M/ 8,858 FT) -
HOROMBO HUTS (3,720 M/ 12,204 FT)
Elevation gain: 1020 m/ 3,346 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: heather
Starting from the Mandara Huts, the terrain gradually transforms from a cloud forest to grassy plains adorned with heather and other greenery. On a clear day, you'll be treated to a stunning view of Kibo, the highest peak of Kilimanjaro, and a bit further, the second summit, Mawenzi, becomes visible. As you ascend, the vegetation diminishes, and the landscape takes on a lunar-like appearance. Simultaneously, the air grows thinner. Several hours following lunch, you have the opportunity for an acclimatization hike involving a 200-meter ascent. Subsequently, you return to the Horombo Huts for dinner and your overnight stay.
It's important to note that the acclimatization walk is a relatively easy hike, with a gentle gain in altitude, which facilitates the acclimatization process. These acclimatization hikes are strongly recommended as they enhance your prospects of reaching the Kilimanjaro summit while reducing the risk of altitude sickness.
If you opt for the suggested extra acclimatization day, extending the Marangu route to six days instead of five, the sole variation is an additional night's stay at the Horombo Huts. After breakfast, you can embark on another acclimatization hike towards Kibo Huts and return. Following lunch, you have the opportunity to capture the beauty of Mawenzi Volcano through photographs, explore the area, or simply take a well-deserved rest to prepare for the upcoming day.
DAY 4:
HOROMBO HUTS (3,720 M/ 12,204 FT) -
KIBO HUTS (4,700 M/ 15,419 FT)
Elevation gain: 1,020 m/ 3,346 ft | Distance: 10 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: heather
Starting from the Mandara Huts, the landscape gradually undergoes a transformation, transitioning from a cloud forest to grassy plains adorned with heather and other vegetation. On a clear day, you'll be treated to a magnificent view of Kibo, Kilimanjaro's highest peak, and a bit further along, the second summit, Mawenzi, becomes visible. With increasing altitude, the greenery dwindles, and the terrain takes on an increasingly lunar-like appearance, accompanied by a thinning of the air. A few hours after lunch, you have the option to engage in an acclimatization hike that involves a 200-meter ascent before returning to the Horombo Huts for dinner and your overnight stay.
It's worth noting that the acclimatization walk is a relatively easy hike with a mild increase in altitude, designed to expedite the acclimatization process. These acclimatization hikes come highly recommended, as they significantly bolster your chances of successfully reaching Kilimanjaro's summit while diminishing the risk of altitude sickness.
Should you decide to incorporate the recommended additional acclimatization day, thus extending the Marangu route to six days instead of five, the sole distinction is an extra night spent at the Horombo Huts. Following breakfast, you have the opportunity to embark on another acclimatization hike towards Kibo Huts and back. Post lunch, you can take the chance to capture the beauty of Mawenzi Volcano through photography, explore the surroundings, or simply take a well-deserved rest to prepare for the following day.
DAY 5:
KIBO HUTS (4,700 M/ 15,419 FT) -
UHURU PEAK HUTS (5,895 M/ 19,340 FT) -
HOROMBO HUTS (3,720 M/ 12,204 FT)
Ascend to greater altitudes on the fourth day as you hike from Kibo Huts at an elevation of 4,700 meters (15,419 feet) to the breathtaking Uhuru Peak at 5,895 meters (19,340 feet), followed by a descent to Horombo Huts at 3,720 meters (12,204 feet). Conquer Africa's highest summit and marvel at the stunning landscapes throughout the expedition. Embark on this unforgettable adventure and savor the thrill of a lifetime.
DAY 6:
HOROMBO HUTS (3,720 M/ 12,139 FT) -
MARANGU GATE (1,830 M/ 6,003 FT)
Elevation loss: 1890 m/ 6,200 ft | Distance: 18 km | Walking time: 5-6 hours | Difficulty: medium | Environment: rainforest
Today, you make your way down to the Marangu Gate, serving as the exit point of Kilimanjaro National Park. This marks a delightful five to six-hour hike through the picturesque forests of Kilimanjaro.
Following the descent, the entire group gathers to extend mutual congratulations and celebrate the accomplishment.
Hotel accommodations for the last night are not included in this package. Assistance can be provided in selecting a hotel to suit your preferences!
HOW FIT DO YOU NEED TO BE TO CLIMB
KILIMANJARO VIA THE MARANGU ROUTE?
Hiking Kilimanjaro presents a challenge due to the high altitude, rapid ascent, and varying temperatures. A typical climbing day entails 6-7 hours of walking. For individuals who are in good health and physical condition, this endeavor is entirely achievable. To enhance your chances of summiting and ensure an enjoyable trek, several measures can be taken.
It's crucial to adopt a deliberate pace, refraining from hiking too swiftly, to grant your body the necessary time to adapt and acclimatize to the elevation. Maintaining excellent physical fitness significantly eases the climb. Engaging in activities such as hiking, especially multi-day hikes, is excellent preparatory training. Additionally, running and aerobic exercises contribute to suitable readiness.
Predicting who may be susceptible to altitude sickness is always challenging. To guard against altitude sickness, you can opt for an additional day of adjustment, typically between day 3 and day 4. Spending an extra day at the Horombo Hut allows your body more time to acclimatize, thereby increasing the likelihood of a successful summit. Please ask us about our price for an additional day.
INCLUDED
- Pick up Kilimanjaro Airport, transfer to lodge/hotel
- Transfer lodge/hotel to Kilimanjaro Airport
- Private guide speaking fluently English
- Private cook speaking fluently English
- Park Fees for national park
- Porters who carry your luggage
- High quality tents
- Chairs and tables for breakfast, lunch and dinner
- Dinner-tent
- Rescue fee
- Portable toilet
EXCLUDED
- International flight tickets and tourist visa
- Accommodation on day of arrival and departure
- Insurances (travel, flying doctors etc)