6 Days Kilimanjaro Trek via Marangu Route
6 Days Kilimanjaro hike using Marangu route
Are you a hiker and planning your trip to the East African section? Kilimanjaro mountain also called a stratovolcano is the best destination one can opt for. Located in the Kilimanjaro region of Tanzania, the mountain is known as the highest mountain n on the African continent and the highest single free-standing mountain above the sea-level in the world.
While on a safari to the magnificent mountains, you will use several routes to the reach the summit that elevates to 5,895 meters. Among the routes to use include – Marangu Route also known as the most scenic on the mountain. During the hike, cross 6 ecological zones from lush rainforest to the harsh, beautiful arctic zone. You will Follow the expert African guides, full of knowledge of the mountain and its environs and spend your nights in the spacious, comfortable tents as you enjoy amazing meals and more!
Summary of the trip
Day 0: Arrival in Arusha
Day 1: Hike from Marangu gate to Mandara hut
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Detailed itinerary for the trip
Day 0: Arrive in Arusha
Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport where you are met after passing through customs. Transfer to Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge and have a comprehensive briefing and equipment check with your climbing manager and your guide. Overnight at Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Dinner
Day 1 of the trek: Arusha to Marangu gate – Mandara Hut
Altitude gain:6,046 ft to 8,858’ ft; Hiking time: 4-5 hours, 5 miles
After registering at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate, you’ll take your first step toward your goal – the roof of Africa. You’ll be hiking through the montane forest, a lush, biodiverse zone, and home to the endemic flower Impatiens Kilimanjaro. Keep an eye out for blue and colobus monkeys and listen to the birdsong, the avifauna here is prolific. You may even catch a glimpse of Hartlaub’s Turaco, a stunning brightly coloured resident. After reaching Mandara Hut you could take a walk over to the Maundi crater or just relax and enjoy the scenery.
Overnight: Mandara Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 2 of the trek: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut Shira Camp
8,858 ft to 12,205 ft: Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 7 miles
Today your hike will take you out of the forest and into the heathland where giant heathers grow, and as you climb higher, into the moorland. Here you’ll see two of the most unusual plants on Kilimanjaro, the fairy-tale like giant groundsel and the giant lobelias. You’ll also have your first views of the peaks, Mawenzi and Kibo, that’s the really big one that you’ll be scaling in a few days.
Accommodations: Horombo Hut Shira Camp
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 of the trek: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
12,205 ft to 14,400 ft: Hiking time: 2-3 hours, 3 miles
No need to pack you bags today as you’ll stay a second night at Horombo. Your guide will take you on an acclimatisation walk to Zebra rocks and the base of Mawenzi peak where you’ll have glorious views of Kibo looming over the saddle. The rest of the day be spent at camp where you can put your feet up and catch up on some rest.
Overnight at Horombo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 of the hike: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
12,205 ft to 15,430 ft: Hiking time: 6-8 hours, 6 miles
Today you’ll trek up into the barren high-altitude desert, crossing the boulder strewn saddle that connects Kibo and Mawenzi. You may be lucky and see a buzzard or even a lammergeyer soaring on the thermals above. After reaching the camp the rest of the day is devoted to preparing for your summit bid – preparing your kit, eating and resting.
Overnight at Kibo Hut
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 of the hike: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak Summit to Horombo Hut
15,430 ft to 19,341 ft to12,205 ft, 4 miles ascent, 10 miles descent, 6-8 hours ascent, 4-6 hours descent
The push for the final ascent to Uhuru Peak! You will be woken at around 11:30pm to make a start just after midnight. This is where your grit and determination will be called upon but your reward is possibly the most amazing sunrise, you’ll ever see on the horizon behind Mawenzi.
You’ll probably be around Gilman’s Point (5685m) at this time so it’s time for a much-needed breather before walking around the top of the crater rim, passing Stella Point and finally reaching Uhuru. Take some time to enjoy the views of the crater and glaciers then you’ll retrace your steps back to Kibo for breakfast and a rest. You’ll then descend back down to Horombo hut which will feel oxygen rich after the summit and a long night’s sleep.
Accommodations: Kilimanjaro Mountain Huts
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 of the hike: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
12,205 ft to 6,046 ft: Hiking time: 5-7 hours, 12 miles
Our last day on the mountain will start after breakfast and thanking your crew its time to head back down to the forest stopping for lunch at Mandara Hut and then on to Marangu gate. Your guide will arrange your certificates and our driver will meet you to transfer you to your hotel for a long hot shower and a celebration.
Accommodations: Ngare Sero Mountain Lodge
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Included in this Trek:
- Professional, experienced, mountain guides:
- All Park fees Airport transfers Rescue fees
- All meals while on the Mountain
- Guides, Porters, cook salaries and park fees
- Large portions of fresh, healthy nutritious food
- Clean, purified drinking water
- Oximeter
- Medical Kit
- Emergency oxygen
- Crisis management and safety procedures
- Fair and ethical treatment of porters
- Accommodation in Arusha
- Portable toilet
Items not included:
- Flights
- Alcoholic and soft drinks
- Visa fees
- Tips Personal spending monies for souvenirs etc.
- Travel insurance