Overview of Marangu Route
The Marangu route stands out as a well-established and gradual path leading to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro. It is often regarded as the more comfortable and easier route, with a moderately consistent climb, and the final ascent to the summit being slightly more challenging. Accommodations during the climb involve simple mountain huts for overnight stays.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, our friendly transfer driver will warmly welcome you and transport you to the hotel in Arusha. You'll have the rest of the day to unwind, either by the hotel's pool or by exploring the charming town of Arusha. In the late afternoon, our team will provide a briefing on what to expect during your upcoming trek.
After a hearty breakfast, we'll take you to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Once all the necessary paperwork is complete, your trek through the lush Marangu rainforest begins. Keep an eye out for the fascinating thumbless black and white colobus monkeys. After approximately 4 hours of hiking, you'll reach the Mandara Hut at 2,700 m. Take a breath and, if you like, join a walk to the Maundi Crater for stunning views of Kenya and the border lakes between Kenya and Tanzania. You'll spend the night at Mandara Hut.
An early breakfast prepares you for the journey ahead. As you leave Mandara Hut, you'll come to the crossroads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Head toward Horombo Hut, and the landscape will transition to shrubs and open moorland. After about 4 to 6 hours of hiking, you'll reach your destination at Horombo Hut, with views of Mawenzi, Kibo peak, and the Masai steppe. After dinner, rest at Horombo Hut.
Today, you'll visit Zebra Rocks to help your body acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization is crucial for summit success. The 2 to 4-hour trek allows you to stretch your legs and enjoy the fresh air. Zebra Rocks, named for its distinct black and white stripes, offers a unique sight. A hot lunch awaits upon your return, and you have the afternoon to savor the breathtaking views and prepare for the next day's hike. You'll spend another night at Horombo Hut.
After breakfast, a challenging journey to Kibo Hut awaits. The landscape transforms into an alpine desert as you pass the "last waterpoint" on your way to the "saddle," a plateau nestled between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. It takes approximately 5 to 6 hours to reach Kibo Hut, where you'll rest after dinner, as an early start at around 11 pm is needed for your summit attempt.
The long-anticipated summit day has arrived. At midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, your ascent to Uhuru Peak begins. The path is strenuous, guided only by your headlights. You'll pass landmarks like the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and eventually reach Gilman's Point at 5,715 m as the sun rises over the crater rim. Continue for another 1 to 2 hours to reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The descent follows the same path, and the thawed lava ash allows for a faster descent. After returning to Kibo Hut, enjoy a warm meal and a brief 2-hour rest before continuing down to Horombo Hut, where you'll spend the night.
The landscape becomes greener as you descend. You'll reach Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a hot lunch awaits. The journey back to the park gate is another chance to appreciate the lush tropical rainforest and spot any sights you might have missed on the way up. Arriving at the gate, bid farewell to your mountain crew and return to the hotel for an overnight stay on a bed and breakfast basis. Enjoy a refreshing shower and celebrate your summit success on Mount Kilimanjaro.
On this day, the Aardvark Expeditions Team will arrange a private departure transfer to either Arusha Airport or Kilimanjaro International Airport for your flight back home or your onward journey to Zanzibar Island.
