Marangu Route

Climbers are taken to Marangu Gate, 6 kilometres from the hotel. The gate is at an altitude of 1,700m, at the entrance to the rain forest. The trail climbs through the lush forest to Mandara Hut, at 2,700m. This walk takes around 4 to 4.5 hours at a gentle pace. Mandara Hut is close to the edge of the forest, and within a short walk of Maundi Crater, a small parasitic volcanic cone just above the forest. Climbers often visit Maundi in the afternoon after arriving at Mandara. In clear weather, the views of Mawenzi, the lower of the two main peaks of Kilimanjaro, are breathtaking.

Around midnight, begin your summit attempt with a steady climb up the scree slopes to Hans Meyer Cave and Gillman’s Point (5,700 m). From there, follow the crater rim to Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m in time for sunrise. After enjoying the views, descend back to Kibo Hut for rest and refreshments before continuing down to Horombo Hut for the night. Expect a long day of 12 – 14 hours of hiking.

From Mandara Hut, the trail ascends through forest and open moorland towards Horombo Hut. The walk takes around 7 hours, climbing steadily to about 3,700 m. On clear days you can see Kibo, Mawenzi and the plains below; along the way the heather moorland is dotted with everlasting flowers, protea, lobelia and giant groundsels.

Leave Horombo Hut and ascend steadily up the ridge towards Mawenzi along the upper route. After a steep climb you cross the windswept Saddle, a high-altitude desert between Mawenzi and Kibo, before reaching Kibo Hut at about 4,700 m. This day takes 6–8 hours. The lower route is often used on the descent.

Descend from Horombo Hut across the moorland to Mandara Hut, then continue down through lush rainforest to the Marangu Gate at about 1,830 m. This final day takes around 5 to 6 hours. Collect your summit certificates at the gate and return to the Marangu Hotel.

Spend an extra day at Horombo Hut to acclimatise. Enjoy a short hike towards the Saddle or explore nearby features like Zebra Rocks. Take in the expansive views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, rest and recuperate before or after your summit attempt.