LEMOSHO ROUTE
MACHAME ROUTE
MOUNT KILIMANJARO CLIMBING ROUTES
Approach: The route approaches Kilimanjaro from the southeast, starting at the Marangu Gate.
Accommodations: Instead of sleeping in tents, trekkers stay in communal dormitory-style huts. These huts offer a basic level of shelter from the elements, which makes the Marangu Route a popular choice during the rainy seasons.
Scenery: While still beautiful, the scenery is less varied than on other routes like Lemosho or Machame because you retrace your steps on the descent. You will still pass through the lush rainforest, moorland, and alpine desert zones.
Difficulty: The Marangu Route is often mistakenly considered the "easiest" due to its more gradual incline and hut accommodations. However, this is a dangerous misconception, particularly for the shorter 5-day itinerary. The fast ascent profile and limited time for acclimatization lead to a significantly lower summit success rate compared to the longer routes. The 6-day itinerary is highly recommended as it includes an extra day for acclimatization.
The Summit Bid: The final push to the summit from Kibo Hut is very steep and challenging, especially due to the high altitude and the lack of a "climb high, sleep low" strategy on the shorter itineraries.
Descent: The descent follows the same path as the ascent, retracing your steps back down to Marangu Gate.
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: 6,102 ft / 1,860m to 8,858 ft / 2,700m
Distance: 8 km / 5 miles
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
The trek begins with a transfer to Marangu Gate. After registering, you'll start your hike through the thick, humid rainforest. The trail is well-maintained and can be muddy. You'll reach Mandara Hut, where you can take a short side trip to Maundi Crater for your first good view of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks.
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 8,858 ft / 2,700m to 12,205 ft / 3,720m
Distance: 12 km / 7.5 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland
You'll leave the forest behind and enter the open moorland. The trail becomes steeper, but the views are spectacular. You'll get your first clear, unobstructed views of both Kibo and Mawenzi. You'll arrive at Horombo Hut, a bustling camp with more trekkers.
Day 3: Acclimatization Day at Horombo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720m
Distance: 5 km / 3 miles (round trip to Mawenzi Ridge)
Hiking Time: 2-4 hours
Habitat: Moorland
This is the most important day of the 6-day itinerary. To help your body acclimatize, you'll take a day hike up to Mawenzi Ridge and then return to Horombo Hut. This "climb high, sleep low" strategy is key to increasing your chances of a successful summit.
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720m to 15,430 ft / 4,700m
Distance: 10 km / 6 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
The landscape changes dramatically as you trek across the "Saddle," a high-altitude desert that stretches between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. The trail is dusty and dry. You'll arrive at Kibo Hut in the afternoon, where you will rest and prepare for your midnight summit bid.
Day 5: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: 15,430 ft / 4,700m to 19,341 ft / 5,895m (and down to 12,205 ft / 3,720m)
Distance: 6 km / 4 miles ascent, 16 km / 10 miles descent
Hiking Time: 7-8 hours ascent, 5-6 hours descent
Habitat: Arctic, Alpine Desert, and Moorland
The summit day is a long and physically demanding one. You'll begin your climb very early in the morning, usually around midnight, shuffling slowly up the steep scree slope to Gilman's Point on the crater rim. From there, it's a gradual but exhilarating hike around the rim to Uhuru Peak. After celebrating, you'll descend all the way back to Horombo Hut, a long but rewarding day.
Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation: 12,205 ft / 3,720m to 6,102 ft / 1,860m
Distance: 20 km / 12 miles
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Moorland and Rain Forest
The final day is a long but straightforward descent back to the gate. You'll retrace your steps through the moorland and into the rainforest. Upon reaching Marangu Gate, you'll receive your summit certificate and be transferred back to your hotel for a much-needed rest.
Included
⦁ Park fees (For non-residents)
⦁ All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
⦁ A professional driver/guide
⦁ All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
⦁ All Taxes/VAT
⦁ Roundtrip airport transfer
⦁ Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Exclusion
⦁ International flights (From/to home)
⦁ Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
⦁ Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
⦁ Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
⦁ Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
⦁ Drinks
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