Description
Marangu Route 6 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing.
The minimum days required for this route is 5, although the probability of successfully reaching the top in that time period is quite low that is why we recommend Marangu Route 6 Days. Spending an extra acclimatization day on the mountain is highly recommended when climbing Kilimanjaro 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).
Day 1: Arusha to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
Drive from Oasis Hotel to Marangu gate and spend around two hours for registration, payments of fees and final parking. Start climbing through dense semi-tropical to the first hut- Mandara hut (9,000ft). Dinner and an overnight at Mandara hut
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
Early morning breakfast and later ascend through the alpine meadow and grassland and moorland to Horombo hut (12,000ft). Both Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be viewed easily on the way. Dinner and an overnight at Horombo Hut.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent the day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Have breakfast and further ascend to Kibo hut (15,000ft). The landscape becomes very stony and eroded. Spectacular mountain vegetation like giant cactus, groundswell, and lobelia appear on the way. Dinner and an overnight at Kibo hut.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak – Marangu Route 6 Days
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Wake up at midnight, and after a snack, proceed to the summit through Gilman’s point (18,640ft). It is about 5-6 hours and 1-2 hours from Kibo hut to Gilman’s point and from Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak (19,340ft) respectively. You will reach the Mountain peak on the morning of the 5th day and start descending after picture taking on the top to Horombo hut for dinner and an overnight after a short break at Kibo hut
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Arusha
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, descend from Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate. The waiting car will take you to Moshi / Arusha, for your ongoing travel arrangements.
End of Marangu Route 6 Days
