6 DAYS MARANGU ROUTE CLIMB

Day 1: Marangu Gate (1860m) – Mandara hut (2715m)

The drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once you reach the park gate, all hikers are requested to sign in at the Park office and make their final preparations for the climb. Porters will be seen arranging and loading their packs, containing the food, water, cooking gas as well as most of your equipment. Make sure that you have all your day pack items.

Day 2: Mandara hut (2715m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, skirts the base of the Maundi Crater and then emerges into the transition from rain forest to moorland. It is well worth a short detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. On a clear day, Kibo will glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun.

Day 3: Horombo hut (3705m) – Acclimatisation day

This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatisation. A hike towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatisation. 

Day 4: Horombo hut (3705m) – Kibo hut (4730m)

After breakfast you now continue your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). 

The summit is now a further 1195m up and you will make your final ascent the same night. Prepare your equipment, ski-stick and thermal clothing for your summit bid. This should include the replacement of your headlamp and camera batteries and make sure you have a spare set available as well. Go to bed at round about 19h00 and try to get as much rest and sleep as possible.

Day 5: Kibo hut (4730m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3705m)

you will rise around 23h20, and after some tea and biscuits you shuffle off into the night, and this is where the going really gets tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5 681m)

From Gillmans Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5895m), the highest point in Africa. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo hut (3 hours) for your overnight. 

Day 6: Horombo hut (3705m) – Marangu Gate (1860m)

After breakfast you continue your descent passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. You now drive back to your hotel

Day 7: Departure