7 Days | Marangu Route

In the morning, transfer to the Marangu gate.
The actual hike begins at the park gate (6,000'), and we hike 5.5 miles up to Mandara Hut (8,860') near the upper edge of the forest line. The hike takes about 4-6 hours. The path is interesting, starting through rain forest vegetation and then opening up to giant heather. If time and weather permit, a short walk from Mandara to Maundi Crater is worth it. Accommodation here and at Horombo is in wooden A-frame huts that sleep 4 to 8. O/N Mandara Hut

Today the destination is Horombo Hut at 12,200'. It takes a good 5-6 hours to cover the 10-mile journey, and we often get our first views of the Kibo summit. The trail is strenuous and slippery and takes us clear of the forests and out onto the moorland. It passes beneath the rocky southern face of Mawenzi-one of the three volcanoes that make up Kilimanjaro. Rainfall in this region is frequent.

Another long hike, this time up to Kibo Hut at almost 15,500'. Although somewhat shorter in the distance, this usually takes 7 hours because it is steeper, and the altitude slows everyone down. The route passes directly up onto the Saddle, a wide, flat area with the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi looming overhead. Views from here can be fantastic. The last part of the trail passes across the arid plateau before ascending to Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is a stone hut with rooms that sleep 10-15 people in bunk beds. We have a light dinner and turn in early for any sleep, if possible. The guides give a little pre-climb talk after dinner.