7 Days Marangu Route

It is referred to as the tourist route because of the services available on the way to the summit. Unlike other routes, it is relatively easy and has a low success rate because many unfit people attempt the Kili trek via this route and fail, it is a popular route and accommodation is in huts. It is preferred by many trekkers. It is also beautiful. It is the easiest and shortest route. Ascent and descent are done on the same path.

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport, pick up, and transferred to the Springlands Hotel or similar for overnight bed and breakfast.

Leave Moshi town and drive for about 45 minutes to Marangu Gate on the eastern side of Kilimanjaro. Do the necessary paperwork at the park gate such as registrations. Begin hiking through the rainforest from the park gate to Mandara Hut. Stop halfway for lunch. A side trip to Maundi Crater (about 15 minutes away) is a good way to see the surroundings as well as views of Kenya and Northern Tanzania. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Wake to breakfast and pack for the next leg. Hike to Horombo Huts. You travel through lower heath land with small shrubs being the main vegetation. Stop halfway for lunch. Views of Mawenzi are amazing. The summit of Kibo can be seen from Horombo Huts. Arrive at Horombo Huts, unpack and prepare for dinner. Bathrooms are available with running water.

Wake to breakfast as usual (if you wake before sunup you can get some great photos of the sunrise). Pack and begin the hike to Kibo Hut. The first half of the day’s hike traverses the upper heath land while the second half crosses the vast saddle that connects Mawenzi and Kibo. The saddle is an alpine desert that resembles a lunar landscape. Be careful to notice signs of altitude sickness. No running water at Kibo Huts.

Wake at around midnight to a light breakfast, and then prepare for the summit ascent. This part of the hike is carried out during the early morning before dawn so that the climbers reach Uhuru Peak at around sunrise. Leave at about 1:00 am and reach Gilman’s Point at about 7:00 am. The climbers are met with views of the crater from Gilman’s Point because it is on the Crater Rim. Another 2 hours of hiking brings the climber to Uhuru Peak, the summit. From there you will descend back to Kibo Hut, collect your things and cross the saddle again at Horombo Hut where you will spend the night. Enjoy dinner and get some well-deserved sleep.

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend to Mandara Hut. Take lunch there and continue on to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. Continue on to the park gate where you will be met by your transport back to Moshi. Overnight in Springlands hotel. Tips are recommended and highly appreciated and can be given to the Guide at Springlands Hotel. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Stella Point (5685m) are issued green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5895m) receive gold certificates.

After an early breakfast, transfer to Kilimanjaro airport for your departure flight back home. End of service.

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