Marangu Route

Arrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and meet a dedicated driver who will pick you up and transfer you to your pre-night accommodation in Arusha. Upon arrival at your lodge, our sales will gladly conduct a briefing for your trek, followed by your guide inspecting your gear in accordance with the trekking checklist.

Overnight stay at Karama Lodge on Bed and Breakfast.

Driving distance: 120km/3hrs
Walking distance: 8km/ 4hrs excluding breaks
Starting elevation: 1872 meters AML
Nature of trail: flat and gentle walk
Vegetation: Rain Forest

After breakfast at the lodge, a comfortable 3-hour drive will take you to the Marangu gate. The almost totally uphill journey is enjoyable, and there’s a chance of sighting some blue monkeys and viewing the lush jungle scenery. We may anticipate some rain on our ascent because the rainforest is the major feature of the area right now. We continue our ascent to the Mandara Hut at 2,720 meters for refreshments before our 7:00 p.m. dinner reservation. The Maundi crater is a fantastic place to come if you want to view the area, which covers northern Tanzania and Kenya.

Overnight stay at Mandara Hut on Full Board

Walking distance: 11km/ 6-7 hrs excluding breaks
Starting elevation: 2720 meters AML

Elevation at destination: 3720M
Nature of trail: Gradual walk
Vegetation: Moorland

Once breakfast is provided, we will leave the rainforest glades and climb the path on open moorland to Horombo hut (3720m). It’s breathtaking to see Mawenzi and Kibo together. Watch out for gigantic groundsels and lobelias. You may feel headaches, upset stomach, dizziness, and weakness as a result of the altitude. Dinner is served at the hut, with lunch being given along the route.

Overnight at Horombo Hut on Full Board

Walking distance: 9 km/ 5 hrs excluding breaks
Starting elevation: 3720 meters AML
Nature of trail: Gradual walk
Vegetation: Alpine desert

We continue climbing through the heathland to the alpine desert around 7:30 a.m. We decide to take the southern (left-hand) path divisions. Our water supplies are refilled at the Maua River, which is the last source of drinkable water at 4,000 meters or thereabouts. There will be a picnic lunch at noon. After navigating the Maua River, we ascend towards the Mawenzi Ridge and then traverse the desolate, dry area known as the Saddle to reach the huts at the foot of the 5720m-tall Kibo summit.

You should get a good night’s sleep in order to be ready for the midnight departure to the top. Dinner is at 17.30 tonight. Before you go to sleep, the guide will give you instructions on what to wear and bring.

Overnight stay at Kibo Hut on Full Board

Walking distance: Ascend 7 to 8 hours to Uhuru Peak | 6 to 8 hours descend to Horombo
Starting elevation: 4720 meters AML
Nature of trail: Gradual walk
Vegetation: Alpine desert

We wake up around 2300 hours, eat tea and biscuits, and leave for the top at midnight. We’ll pass through Gillman’s Point (5131m), Hans Meyer Cave (5258 m), and William’s Point on our ascent today (5719 m). This section of the walk is by far the most challenging due to the numerous switchbacks, but getting there requires travelling slowly (“pole pole”) and maintaining a positive mindset. We now climb to Uhuru Peak, Africa’s highest peak, by continuing on. The views are stunning at every turn. Take a photo at the top and show your loved ones. From here, we descend, pausing at Kibo Hut for lunch before moving on to Horombo Hut (3,750m). Today, you have a variety of ways to tip your team.

Overnight Stay at Horombo Hut on Full Board

Walking distance: 19kms /7hrs excluding breaks
Starting elevation: 3720 meters AML
Nature of trail: Gradual walk
Vegetation: Moorland to Rain Forest

Following breakfast, we head down to Marangu gate to pick up our summit certificate as we continue to celebrate our success. Although being muddy and wet in the rainforest can be enjoyable, gaiters and rain gear are advised. The rainforest offers fresh air. We will be met at the airport by a driver from Tecomate Tours and Safaris, who will then take us to our hotel in Arusha.

Overnight stay at Karama Lodge on Bed and Breakfast

Driving distance: 55kms /1hrs

You will check out of your lodge at around 10:00 a.m. so that you may be taken to the airport for your departure after a sound night’s sleep and breakfast. You can stay in the lounge until pick-up time if your flight is in the evening, while a day room can be hired for an extra cost. A safari briefing will be given with our salesperson and your driver-guide if you have reserved a safari extension.

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