Kichaos Hiking safari Marangu Route 5 days

The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes to the summit of Kilimanjaro. This could be as a result of the fact that the Marangu is the least expensive route. And probably because with this route you can reach in 5 days the top. This is not always the best way, due to a shorter acclimatization period.

Day 1

Marangu Gate (1.860 m) – Mandara hut (2.715 m)

Hiking time: 5 hours

Distance: Approximately 8.1 km

Habitat: Montane forest

The drive from Moshi to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, takes about 50 minutes. The journey passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. You will meet the guide for the briefing, register and start hiking from Marangu Gate (1.800 m). Hike through a fascinating rain forest to Mandara Hut (2.700 m). The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals are found, blue monkeys are sometimes seen and look for a tiny flower called Impatiens Kilimanjaris; endemic to Kilimanjaro. You have a picnic lunch en route and hike to Maundi Crater (45 min) or rest upon arrival at Mandara Hut. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Weather: warm and humid. Wear T-shirt, shorts and lighter shoes.

Water: available the whole time from a river along the route.

Day 2

Mandara hut (2.715 m) – Horombo hut (3.705 m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 11.6 km

Habitat: Moorland

After breakfast start hiking to Horombo Hut (3.700 m). Leave the last glade of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Today’s hike takes 5 to 7 hours and you will have a picnic lunch en route.

The altitude begins to make itself felt cautioning you to walk slowly. “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and long view. The spectacular plants Senecios stands tall along the path which can reach heights of 5 meter. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day.

In the afternoon you reach the Horombo Hut and enjoy an afternoon tea, dinner and overnight .

Weather: warm in the morning but cooler in the afternoon when clouds gather. Wear shorts, T-shirt and hiking boots. Carry a long sleeved shirt in the day path for the cool winds.

Water: fill water bottles at Mandara Hut. There is a stream half way to

Horombo Hut.

Day 3

Horombo hut (3.705 m) – Kibo hut (4.730 m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 9.6 km

Habitat: Alpine desert

After breakfast hike slowly (6 hours) to Kibo Hut. Today we leave moorland and enter the alpine desert past giant lobelia and walk on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Pack lunch along the way. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Weather: It is cooler as the altitude has increased. Wear trousers and long sleeved shirt. Thin jacket or jumper in the day pack.

Water: fill up bottles at Horombo Hut. 2 hours from Horombo Hut is the last water sign. The porters will bring water for tea and the hike in the early morning.

Day 4

Kibo hut (4.730 m) – Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) – Horombo hut (3.705 m)

Hiking time: 7 to 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak, 6 to 8 hours to descend to Horombo

Distance: Approximately 5.4 km ascent and 15 km descent

Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit

You will wake-up at midnight and start hiking around 2 am. so you will reaching Gillman’s Point (5.685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa to reach Uhuru Peak (5.895 m). Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut and Horombo Hut. Meals and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Weather: cold; effects of high altitude is felt. Wear everything you brought.

Water: the porters have carried extra water to Kibo. Ask them and the will fill your bottles.

Day 5

Horombo hut (3.705 m) – Marangu Gate (1.860 m)

Hiking time: 6 hours

Distance: Approximately 19.7 km

Habitat: Moorland and Montane forest

After breakfast you continue your descent to Marangu Gate passing the Mandara hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. It is easier to go down than up. Packed lunch on way down, transfer to Moshi/Arusha.

At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5.685 m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5.895 m) receive gold certificates. You now drive back to Moshi for a long overdue hot shower and celebrate your victory!

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