This route is the oldest, most well-established route on Kilimanjaro. As the climb is steady and gradual, many climbers favor Marangu. However, the short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. Marangu route has the benefit of huts along the entire route, which shield you from the cold better than a tent. Pickup and drop off from Moshi.
After breakfast and briefing, you'll drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and start the climb. You will walk through the rainforest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Distance: 8km/5mi
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Habitat: Montane Forest
Meals: Lunch and Dinner.
You will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. You will see amazing views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 12km/7.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Heathland
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
You will ascend, passing the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into a “moonscape”. You will have dinner, rest, and prepare for the summit climb.
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Distance: 9km/5.5mi
Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2:00 am), you will commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s Point located on the crater rim. You will continue, ascending to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. You can have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here, you will descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Meals: Breakfast, lunch and dinner.
After breakfast, a steady descent will take you down through the moorland to the Mandara Hut. You will continue descending through a lush forest path to the national park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will be waiting for you at Marangu Gate to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi (about 1 hour).
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Forest
Meals: Breakfast and lunch.
