Climb Kilimanjaro: the Marangu Route

Marangu starts at the gate of the same name on the south-eastern side of the massif. The ascent and the descent both follow one system of trails through the Mandara, Horombo and Kibo huts. That is what distinguishes the route from the tented traverses of Lemosho and Machame.

The mountain section is short: after a night at Mandara the team climbs to Horombo, then straight on to Kibo. That profile saves time but leaves less room for the principle of climbing high and sleeping low. How each participant is feeling must be assessed with particular rigour.

The huts are not hotels. Accommodation is shared, there is less personal space, and the noise level depends on how busy the route is. A sleeping bag remains a compulsory part of personal equipment.

The summit push begins at night from Kibo. The trail climbs to Gilman’s Point on the crater rim, then continues to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. After the summit the group descends through Kibo to the Horombo hut.

Endurance and experience of long days on foot are required. Follow the guidance on training for the mountains and study the symptoms of altitude sickness in advance.

If nights in tents are acceptable to you, compare Marangu with the more gradual Lemosho and the dynamic Machame.

The main visual episode of Marangu is the crossing of the high saddle. On one side rises the rounded dome of Kibo, on the other the shattered rock of Mawenzi. Between them lies a dry volcanic plain, nothing like the forest the climb began in two days earlier.

The hut format is a convenient choice for a private climb if participants want their own pace and an extra day at Horombo. After the mountain the programme can be extended with a safari or with Zanzibar.

Day 1. Arrival in Tanzania.

Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to Moshi. After check-in there is a briefing, a check of personal equipment and preparation of the duffel bag. Night at the hotel. At the briefing the guide explains the fast acclimatisation profile in particular, and the criteria for continuing the route safely.

Day 2. Moshi to the Marangu gate to the Mandara hut.

Drive to the Marangu gate at about 1,980 m, registration and the start of the trek through mountain forest. The stage ends at the Mandara hut at about 2,700 m. Night in the hut. The trail passes through damp forest, and the night at Mandara is the first step on the classic hut road.

Day 3. Mandara to the Horombo hut.

The trail leaves the forest for the heather moorland and climbs to the Horombo hut at about 3,720 m. The day involves a substantial gain in altitude, so the pace must stay even. Night in the hut. Beyond the treeline Mawenzi appears, and the route takes on real high-mountain scale for the first time.

Day 4. Horombo to the Kibo hut.

The crossing of the high saddle to the Kibo hut at about 4,700 m. After check-in participants prepare clothing, head torches, water and food for the night departure. An early rest. Night in the hut. The saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo looks like a separate desert planet and prepares you psychologically for the summit night.

Day 5. Ascent of Uhuru Peak, 5,895 m, and descent to Horombo.

A night departure to Gilman’s Point and on to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. The decision to continue is taken by the guide, taking account of the weather, the pace and each participant’s condition. After the summit the group descends through Kibo to the Horombo hut. Night in the hut. After dawn on the crater rim the way to Uhuru passes the glaciers, and the return to Horombo requires you to keep strength for the descent.

Day 6. Horombo to the Marangu gate to Moshi.

A long descent through Mandara to the Marangu gate, completion of the route formalities and transfer to Moshi. Night at the hotel. A long descent in a single day takes participants back through all the familiar natural zones in reverse order.

Day 7. End of the programme.

Breakfast and transfer to Kilimanjaro International Airport. The departure time is agreed against the confirmed flight. After the mountain the journey can continue with a safari or a stay on the islands of the Indian Ocean.

• A Mountain Guide team leader with groups of four participants or more
• The services of a local English-speaking mountain guide
• The services of a cook and porters
• Meeting at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to the hotel
• Transfer from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport after the programme
• All the road transfers set out in the programme
• Two nights in a 3* hotel in Moshi, twin occupancy, with breakfast
• The Kilimanjaro National Park permit and compulsory fees
• Accommodation in mountain huts during the climb
• Full board during the mountain part of the programme – breakfast, lunch and dinner

• International flights to Tanzania and back
• The transfer between Nairobi and Moshi, if a participant chooses to fly via Kenya
• Medical insurance covering high-altitude trekking to 5,895 m and evacuation – compulsory for participation
• Entry visa where required for your nationality, payable separately at the current authority tariff
• Lunches and dinners at the hotel before and after the climb
• Single occupancy – the cost is confirmed separately
• Personal equipment and clothing
• Tips for the local mountain team – the recommended amount is confirmed before the trip
• Any costs arising from a departure from the programme

The documents:

• The passport
• Flight tickets
• Medical insurance
• Information about vaccination against yellow fever

Personal equipment:

• Backpack. 20-30l.
• Sleeping bag, comfort temperature from -5°C to -10°C.
• Mat
• Trekking poles

Clothes and shoes:

• Trekking boots
• Sneakers (for cities)
• Waterproof layer – Jacket + trousers. The industry offers a range of products from simple 5000/5000 memban to Gore-Tex products
• Fleece suit
• Lightweight trekking pants
• Thermal underwear top+bottom
• Long Sleeve T-shirts
• Puff
• The gloves are thick
• The gloves are thin
• Bandana (in addition to protection from the Sun in the valley, it can be used to warm the throat or face in the cold)
• Hat
• Warm trekking socks for climbing day

Other

• Flashlight LED head with a glow reserve of at least 12 hours
• Sunglasses
• Ski mask (optional)
• Leggings
• Thermos 1L
• Reusable bottle
• A duffel bag that you will give to the mule
• Hermetic bags for clothes and a sleeping bag (or plastic bags in excess)
• Camping towel
• Sun cream, hygienic lipstick
• Mosquito repellant
• Personal first aid kit
• Elastic bandage and/or support bandage
• Malaria pills