The 6-day Kilimanjaro trek via the Marangu Route, including two nights in a hotel, is a popular option that adds an extra day for acclimatization, significantly increasing the chances of a successful summit. This itinerary is known for being the only route that provides accommodation in communal huts, which offers a more comfortable and sheltered experience than camping. The tour typically spans 8 days in total, with travel and rest days bookending the 6 days on the mountain.
Highlights
Higher Summit Success Rate: The extra day at Horombo Hut for acclimatization significantly improves your chances of reaching the summit compared to the 5-day route.
Hut Accommodation: You stay in communal huts instead of tents, providing more comfort and shelter from the elements.
Diverse Habitats: The trek takes you through four distinct climate zones, starting in the lush Montane Forest, transitioning to the open Heathland and Alpine Desert, and culminating in the Arctic Summit zone. This rapid change in scenery provides a varied and memorable experience.
Gradual Slope: The path is well-defined with a more gentle incline, making the initial days of the climb less strenuous.
Scenic Diversity: The route takes you through multiple climate zones, from lush rainforest to the arctic summit.
Climb High, Sleep Low" Acclimatization: The optional hike on Day 4 helps your body adjust to the altitude, a proven strategy for preventing altitude sickness.
A guide and a mountain support crew will arrive at the hotel in the morning in order to meet you and hold a quick briefing, after which you will travel by vehicle to Kilimanjaro National Park's eastern entrance: Marangu Gate (1,860 m). After the quick formality of acquiring climbing permits and registering with the search and rescue service, the group will start trekking up to Mandara Hut (2,700 m). The trekking route includes passage through the rainforest (where tropical showers are highly probable), so we recommend you take not only spare clothes, but also your raincoats. When you reach the camp, our mountain support crew will take care of the necessities and prepare lunch. Throughout the entire Marangu route, you will be spending your nights in special huts. This will be your first day at this altitude, so it is strongly recommended you heed the following instructions from this point on:
Abstain from consuming alcohol and caffeine
Drink over 4 liters of bottled water daily (little by little, frequently)
Take a Diamox pill to help alleviate symptoms of altitude sickness. Most mountain climbers take Diamox in the morning, before they start their ascent, in order to reduce discomfort associated with altitude sickness. We recommend you consult your doctor prior to the trip in case of potential allergies.
At night you may experience discomfort associated with acclimatization to the high altitude: because of a reduction in your waking breathing pattern, your body gets less oxygen than during the day. Taking altitude into account, you may therefore start feeling sick and have a headache. Pay attention to your own body and tell your guide if you start feeling any symptoms of altitude sickness.
Activities : Trekking
Early in the morning after breakfast, the group will depart Mandara Hut to start a moderate trek towards the second high altitude camp: Horombo Hut (3,720 m). When you reach the camp on this day, you will be treated to views of two volcanos at once: Kibo and Mawenzi. Several hours after lunch you will have to complete an acclimatization hike in the direction of Kibo Hut with a 200-meter gain in altitude, and then hike back down to Horombo Hut where dinner will be prepared for you.
Activities : Trekking
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Estimated Change: +2395ft/+730 m
Estimated Distance: 4.35 miles / 7 km
Habitat: Moorland.
This extra day and night at Horombo is ideal for body acclimatization. A hike towards Mawenzi, passing through Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended as it will further assist with acclimatization.
Activities : Trekking
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last water point” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plant less plateau links the summit of Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is Kibo Hut and it should be reached in about 5 to 6 hours. Tonight is an early night to get enough rest, for you will be woken at approximately 23:00 hours.
Accommodation: Kibo Huts.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner.
Activities : Trekking
Today is the “big day” – the summit stage. You will start in the middle of the night when the lava ash is still frozen and walking on it is easier. You will begin the long and strenuous trek to the summit in the dark. Passing the Hans Meyer cave at 5,200 m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,715 m) on the crater rim. Soon you will have forgotten the cold of the night and after another 1 to 2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m. Now you are standing on the “Roof of Africa”. The descent follows the same path and the lava ash will now have thawed and allows for a fast descent. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you and you can rest a while to regain your strength. After the 1 to 2 hour break, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut (3,700 m) where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
Accommodation: Horombo Huts.
Meal plan: Breakfast, lunch and Dinner.
Activities : Trekking
The final hike of your wonderful 5 day Marangu route trekking begins after breakfast with a traditional farewell ceremony from the mountain crew. The moderate descend through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and 6 hours of trekking, you will be back at the same Marangu route gate 1,860 meter, where you will meet a transferring driver. At the gate, you will sign out and obtain your Kilimanjaro certificat,e then you will drive to Arusha where you will have a long and warm shower after a tiring mountain. The rest of the day is free to rest
while enjoying your glass of wine, relax at the pool or celebrate your achievement. Meal plan: breakfast and lunch . Overnight at Lindrin lodge (Bed and Breakfast)
Activities : Trekking
* 20% Advance Percentage of total booking amount
* Upon cancellation, refund will be made after deducting the Retention Amount.
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