7 Days Marangu Route

Day 1:

WARMTH WELCOME

Your first night is to be spent at Karama Lodge in Arusha(or tell us during booking). If you have chosen to be picked-up by us inclusive from Kilimanjaro International Airport or Arusha airport, your Rhino Explorer driver will be waiting to meet and welcome you and take you to your lodge in Arusha to relax after your flight.

Day 2:

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

We depart Arusha or Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Day 3:

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Heath

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks - two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 4:

Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Alpine Desert

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.

Day 5:

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak , Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Habitat: Arctic

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Habitat: Heath

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 6:

Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

Habitat: Rain Forest

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha for the easiest connection to safari and Zanzibar or airport back home.

Day 7:

WARMTH FAREWELL

After a good night's rest at your lodge, you will take breakfast ready for the scheduled check-out by 10.00. (If you wish to remain in the hotel during the day, please advise us of this when you book your trip and we will inform you of the cost for day room which ends at 18:00hrs, and then make the booking on your behalf.) If you have booked a transfer to the airport, you will be collected from your hotel and dropped off at the airport. For those travellers who have booked to go on safari, our Rhino Explorer’s safari guide will be meeting you in the evening to provide you with a wildlife safari briefings.