5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu route

The journey to the Kilimanjaro passes through the village of Marangu, which is located on the lower slopes of the mountain. 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 daypack items (containing at least drinking water, your cameras, other valuables and rain suit) with you as the porters ascend a lot quicker than the hikers.
Our guides will be available to assist with any additional information or needs you might have. You now leave the Park gate and ascend on a cleared ridge trail through the rain forest. The forest, suffused with mist and dripping with beards of moss, is also where most of Kilimanjaro’s animals and birds are found.
Hiking time: 4 hours | Distance: About 8 km’s | Habitat: Montane forest

From Mandara hut the trail passes through a short stretch of forest, then 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 up to the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Summit and Mawenzi peak on a clear day, glimmer in the distance, showing off her majestic glaciers in the morning sun. Once you are in the open moorland you will get the chance to see some of Kilimanjaro’s most spectacular plants – the endemic giant Lobelia which grows up to 3 m in height and the giant groundsel (Senecio Kilimanjari) which can reach heights of 5m. After about 6 hours hike from Mandara, you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have warm washing water, rest, an evening meal and overnight.

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 11 km’s | Habitat: Moorland

From Horombo there are two trails to the “Saddle” (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). After breakfast, start the hike and take the left hand fork as the upper route to the right hand fork will be very longer heading towards Mawenzi peaks but frequently used by hikers with an extra night at Horombo for acclimatization to Zebra rock.

You now continue with your ascent into the Alpine desert habitat to the Saddle and arrive at Kibo hut for dinner and preparation for the summit climb. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and it also passes the last watering point at 4,130m. You will have to fill up your water bottles with all the water you will need until your return to Horombo hut (unless you are willing to buy Mineral water at Kibo hut).

Once again remember to slow down and drink enough water. There are platform toilets behind the hut. The summit is now a further 1,145m 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. To prevent freezing it will be wise to carry your water in a thermal flask. Go to bed at round about 19.00hrs and try to get as much rest as possible.

You will rise around 23.30hr, 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 (5,150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort. Probably the most demanding section of the entire route. From Gillman’s Point you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa.

Total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. 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. 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. The return to Horombo hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening you enjoy your last night on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru – 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: 6 km’s ascent – 21 km’s descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

After breakfast you continue your descent (6 hours), 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 both those climbers who have reached Gillman’s Point (5,681m) and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m).
The lunch will be served and then you drive back to Moshi/Arusha Hotel for an overnight and also for a long overdue hot shower and celebration dinner. Ending your 5 Days Mount Kilimanjaro climbing Marangu route.

Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 19 kms

This program can also be done in 7 days.