The Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many favor the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope. It is also the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style accommodations. The minimum days required for this route is five, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Klimanjaro using the Marangu route.
However, despite its immense popularity, we avoid leading climbs on the Marangu route. The route has the least scenic variety of all the routes because the ascent and descent are done on the same path and it is the most crowded route for that reason. Marangu is favored only during the rainy season, where the hut accommodations are preferred over wet ground, or for those who only have five days to climb Kilimanjaro (which we do not recommend anyhow). Otherwise, the Marangu route is a poor choice.
MARANGU ROUTE 5 DAYS.
DAY 1
MARANGU GATE TO MANDARA HUT
Altitude: 1700m to 2740m
Distance: 7 km (4 to 5 hours)
Surrounding: Rainforest
After breakfast and briefing of the itinerary from our guide, we drive to the park gate (45 minutes) and finish all the formalities and registration and then we start our trekking.
Trekking through the tropical rainforest to the first stop at Mandara hut. In the rainforest, look for the towering eucalyptus trees, birds, blue and colobus monkeys. A great sight trip to Maundi crater a very good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya.
Accommodation: mandara hut
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner.
DAY 2
MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
Altitude: 2740m to 3700m
Distance:
Surrounding:
After breakfast, we leave the rainforest glades and following the ascending [ath on the open moorland to horombo escapement. View of mawenzi and summit of kibo are amazing (the two peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro). Around are the giant lobelias and groundsels. At this point you may begin to feel the effect of the altitude.
Accommodation: horombo hut
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 3
HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
Altitude: 3700m to 4700m
Distance:10km (8 hours)
Surrounding: vegetation
Passing the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between kibo and mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappear into the “moonscape”. Today we rest well as we prepare to summit the next day.
Accommodation: Kibo hut
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 4
KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN TO HOROMBO HUT.
Altitude: 4750M TO 5895M THEN 5895M TO 3720M
Distance: 4km Up to 14 Km Down
Surrounding: arctic
Very early in the morning (around 2 am midnight) we commence the climb to the summit on the steep and heavy scree or snow up to the Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. As we continue to ascend to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa. The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold at the top, so you will need all of your warm clothes. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks, going slowly “pole pole” and optimistic attitude will get you there. At the peak the view is spectacular in every turn.
From here, descend the we stop for lunch and we rest at kibo before continuing on to horombo hut.
Accommodation: Horombo hut
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
DAY 5
HOROMBO HUT TO MARANGU GATE MOSHI/ARUSHA
Altitude; 3720m to 1800m
Distance: 18 km(5-7 hours)
After breakfast, a steady descend takes us down through moorland to the mandara hut. Continuing descending through the lush forest path to the park gate at marangu. At lower elevation, it can be wet and muddy, gaiters and trekking poles will be of help (raining gears and warmer cloths).
At the gate the vehicle will be waiting for you to drive back to your hotel in moshi/Arusha for the rest after the long and tiring trekking.
Accommodation: hotel/lodge
Meals: breakfast, lunch and dinner
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