Overview
The 6 day Marangu route might be the easiest and perhaps most comfortable way to Kili’s summit as you will overnight in rustic huts. An advantage as the nights on the mountain can be very cold. The route is well developed and the climb is constant and moderate. It follows the same trail up and down. Climbs depart every Friday, except in rainy season (April & May)
Itinerary
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport, our transfer driver will be waiting for you. He will take you to the Meru View Lodge, where the rest of the day is at leisure. You might want to explore the town of Arusha (taxi required) or just relax at the lodge. In the evening you will be briefed by our team on site in preparation of the upcoming trekking tour. You will spend the night at Meru View Lodge.
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Mandara Hut.
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the tree line where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 5 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest for the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken up at around 11pm.
Today is your big day. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave (5220m), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5681m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”! The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After a break of 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
The final leg of your amazing adventure begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. Then a gentle 2 to 3 hours descent through the rainforest continues to Mweka Gate, where your driver will be waiting for you. He will take you back to the Meru View Lodge and after a hot shower, the rest of the day is free to rest, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement.
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively, you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean.