8-Day Kilimanjaro Trek: Marangu Route

Resting at the foot of Mount Meru, the sprawling city of Arusha is known as the safari capital of northern Tanzania. It serves as an excellent base from which to explore the remarkably scenic surrounding area which includes majestic Mount Kilimanjaro, as well as the Manyara, Tarangire and Ngorongoro National Parks. Arusha is a good spot to take a day or two off from the safari circuit as it features a temperate climate and lush surrounds. Visitors can look forward to exploring the wildlife-abundant Serengeti National Park; the magnificent Arusha National Park; and taking on the challenge of climbing Mount Meru, Africa’s fifth highest mountain.

Kilimanjaro's snow-capped peak is one of the most awe-inspiring sights in Africa. Straddling the Kenya/Tanzania border, the iconic Mount Kilimanjaro rises up to an impressive 5896 metres above sea level. It is one of the world's highest volcanoes, the highest mountain on the African continent, and the highest free-standing mountain on earth; making it an international destination attracting trekkers and mountaineers from around the globe. Set within the Kilimanjaro National Park, Kilimanjaro emerges from the sprawling plains of Tanzania and boasts dense tropical rainforests, glacial ice fields, moorlands, and mystical moonscapes. Take on the colossal challenge of climbing this majestic mountain, explore the lush forested foothills, soak up the breathtaking views or take a wildlife safari and spot some of Africa’s diverse wildlife including: elephant, buffalo, leopard, duiker, eland, hyrax, blue monkeys and more.

From Mandara you will walk along the short stretch of forest, to the base of the Maundi Crater then emerge into the moorland. At this point you can decide to make a short, but recommended detour to scramble up the rim of the Maundi Crater for your first really impressive view of the Kibo Crater. The open moorland provides you with time to see Kilimanjaro's most spectacular plants, our guides will point these out to you.  After about 6 hours from here you reach the Horombo hut, where you will have hot washing water, a hearty meal and a good night’s rest.

Horombo hut is a cluster of huts perched on a small plateau, with structures similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 120 climbers! The atmosphere at this stop is exciting; you will meet many people from all around the world all trying to summit or who have already conquered the mighty mountain.  This extra day and night is for additional acclimatisation. We offer an additional walk towards the Mawenzi hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1,5 hours down), to further assist with the process of acclimatisation. Your day will end with another delicious meal and an early night, enabling you to get enough rest.

After breakfast you continue to trek through the alpine desert habitat. From Horombo there are two trails to the "Saddle" (which refers to the area located between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo). There is an upper route (right hand fork) and lower route (left hand fork) to choose from. The upper route (right hand fork) will be very familiar, as you will have climbed most of it the previous day towards Mawenzi hut. It is very stony and eroded. The recommended lower route (left hand fork) is much easier and nearly an hour shorter.  From Kibo hut, the summit is only 1,195m above you and you will make your final ascent the same night. The team will help you to prepare your equipment and clothing for your summit attempt. You will go to bed at round at about 19h00 and try to get some precious rest and sleep.

At about 23h30 you will be awoken to some tea and biscuits and will make a move into the night. You will head to Hans Meyer cave (5,150m).  The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m) on the crater rim.  Many climbers find this walk the most mentally and physically challenging aspect of the climb.  From Stella Point you will normally encounter snow all the way on your 2-hour ascent to Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa and an achievement you will remember for the rest of your life.

After an early and well-deserved breakfast, you will continue a 6 hour descent passing Mandara hut, and down to the Marangu gate.  Here you will receive your certificates; those climbers who reached Gillman’s point (5,681m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m) receive gold certificates. You will be picked up and brought back to lodge for a warm welcome, a cold celebratory drink and a hearty meal.