8 Days trip: climbing Kilimanjaro via the 5-day Marangu Route with huts
overview
The Marangu route is a popular route and also the cheapest. It is the only route that offers mountain huts instead of tents for the overnight stays. The route leads straight up to the summit and down again via the same route. Altitude changes per day are significant, which is why this route is only suitable for experienced climbers.
The ascent via the Marangu route takes a total of five days. However, it is recommended to add an extra day to give your body time to adjust to the high altitude. If you choose to do so, you can stay an extra night in Horombo huts on the fourth day and make an acclimatization hike. This extra day significantly increases your chances of reaching the summit.
daily safari itinerary
Day 1
Day 1 Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport for your climb
Pick up from Kilimanjaro airport and transfer to hotel in Moshi/ Arusha. A pre-climb briefing can be organized where we will provide you all the information to prepare for your climb. This will include a day to day guide of your climb, the gear required as well as discussing acute mountain sickness and all health and safety on Kilimanjaro.
ACCODATIONS
Moshi Hotel
BED & BREAKFAST
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 2
Arusha / Moshi Town – Machame Gate (1800 m) – Machame Camp (3010 m)
Transfer from your hotel to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at Machame. After registration and preparations we start our trek into the lush rainforest. There is the possibility of spotting some Black-and-White Colobus monkeys on the way to Machame camp for Dinner and overnight.
Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 5-6 hours | Habitat: Montane forest
ACCOMODATIONS
Machame camp
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 3
Machame Camp (3010 m) – Shira Camp (3845 m)
After a short forest hike we continue a steep ridge passing through open moorlands crossing a large gorge to reach Shira Camp, beautiful views of the Shira Plateau and sometimes Mount Meru. Overnight stay at the camp
Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 4–6 hours | Habitat: Moorland
ACCOMODATIONS
Shira Camp
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 4
Shira Camp (3845 m) – Lava Tower (4630 m) – Barranco Camp (3950 m)
We will take an acclimatization hike to Lava Tower for lunch, before descending to the Barranco valley. For those who have energy, and if time and weather permit, there’s the possibility to scramble up the Lava Tower itself. The scenery is amazing today, passing through different zones of the mountain before dropping again to reach Barranco camp (This camp is considered by many to be the most beautiful and scenic on Kilimanjaro) for Dinner and overnight.
Distance: About 11 km | Hiking / Descending time: 6-8 hours | Habitat: Moorland, Semi desert
ACCOMODATIONS
Barranco Camp
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 5
Barranco Camp (3950 m) – Karanga Camp (4035 m)
*Today you will tackle the steepest part of this route – the famous Barranco Wall, also known as the ‘Breakfast Wall’. It’s not as difficult as it looks, and your guide will assist you through this passage in just a little more than an hour. On top of Barranco Wall you can get a glimpse of the southern glaciers of Kibo and take a short rest before continuing towards Karanga Camp. This camp is located less than 100 meters higher then Barranco Camp which gives your body some more time to acclimatize to the altitude. After your lunch at the camp you have the option to do a short round trip towards Barafu Camp for further acclimatization, or you can just relax at your camp. Overnight, stay at the camp.
Distance: About 5 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Moorland
ACCOMODATIONS
Karanga Camp
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 6
Karanga Camp (4035 m) – Barafu Camp (4640 m) Barafu Camp
After breakfast we take the trail that passes through striking alpine desert expanses and leads you to your final camp before the summit hike – the Barafu Camp. You will have some time to relax before the evening meal is served. After dinner you are advised to get as much sleep as possible before summit attempt.
Distance: About 6 km | Hiking time: 4-5 hours | Habitat: Alpine desert
ACCOMODATIONS
Barafu Camp
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 7
Barafu Camp (4640 m) – Uhuru Peak (5895 m) – Horombo Hut (3720 m)
Along day with an early start to reach the crater, ream at the Stella point in time for sunrise, then to Uhuru peak, the highest point in Africa. After celebrating with photos at the summit descend to Gilman’s point and down to Horombo hut. Overnight, stay at the campsite.
Hiking time: 8 hours to reach Uhuru Peak | Descend time: 6 hours to descend to Horombo | Distance: About 7 km ascent + 15 km descent | Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
ACCOMODATIONS
Horombo Hut
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
Day 8
Horombo Hut (3720 m) – Marangu Gate (1980 m) – Moshi / Arusha Town
Make the final descent through the rain forest passing Mandara hut to Marangu Gate. Here you will collect your summit certificate, have lunch and say goodbye to our mountain crew before drive back to Moshi/Arusha to your hotel for dinner and overnight.
Hiking time: 6 hours | Distance: About 27 km
ACCOMODATIONS
Horombo Hut
FULL BOARD
DRINKS NOT INCLUDED
INCLUDED
- Park fees
- All accommodation as stated in the itinerary
- All Meals (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (as specified in the day-by-day section)
- All transportation
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- A professional driver/guide
- All activities (unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
EXCLUDED
- International flights (from/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Personal items (souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Tips to your safari Guide (tipping guideline US$15.00 pp per day)
- Additions Optional Activities After Booking Confirmations
- Travel insurance;
- Visa fee