Trekking via Marangu Route
The Marangu route is perhaps the easiest and most comfortable route to reach the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. The route is well-developed and the climb is constant and moderate. Only the approach to the summit is the exception as it is slightly more demanding. The accommodation on this tour is in simple mountain huts, which might be an advantage compared to the camping routes.
Upon your arrival at Kilimanjaro Airport you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to the Meru View Lodge in Usa River, close to Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to enjoy at leisure – relax at the hotel pool or take a taxi and explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon you will met by one of our Kilimanjaro team members, who will brief you on your upcoming trek. Dinner and Overnight at Meru View Lodge.
Dinner
After breakfast at the lodge, you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. Once the necessary paper work has been completed, your trek begins and you will soon be hiking through the dense rainforest. You might be lucky to catch a glimpse of the black and white colobus monkeys scrambling through the lush vegetation. Approximately 3 to 4 hours later, you will reach your destination for the day, the Mandara Hut. After a well-earned rest, your guide will take you to the Maundi Crater where you can enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya. Evening meal and overnight stay at Mandara Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The day begins with an early breakfast and shortly after you have left Mandara Hut, you will reach the treeline where vegetation changes to shrubs. Approximately 5 to 6 hours later, the Horombo Hut will come into sight. From the hut you will have fantastic views overlooking Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. Evening meal and overnight stay at the Horombo Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today’s purpose is getting your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation should not be underestimated as it greatly improves your chances of reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, you will set off on a trek to Zebra Rocks. The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a cooked lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day. Overnight and evening meal at Horombo Hut.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today’s stage is long and tough. The trail passes the “last waterpoint” which is followed by the so-called “saddle”. This nearly plantless 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 the upcoming summit stage. You will be woken at around 11pm.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
Today is your big day. 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 (5,220 m), the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gilman’s Point (5,681 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. 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 a break of 1 to 2 hours, you will be on your way down to the Horombo Hut where you will arrive in the afternoon. After an evening meal, it is early to bed for most.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
The last stage passes through the heather and moor zone to the Mandara Hut where a cooked lunch awaits you. Soon you will again be in the lush tropical rainforest and after about 6 to 7 hours of trekking, you will be back at the Kilimanjaro National Park gate. After saying goodbye to your mountain crew you will be taken back to the Meru View Lodge. At the hotel you can have a warm shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro. You will have dinner and spend the night at Meru View Lodge.
Breakfast; Lunch; Dinner
After breakfast, you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport. Alternatively you can extend your trip in Tanzania and go on safari or relax at the Indian Ocean.
Breakfast
Places: Arusha, Kilimanjaro Trekking via Marangu Route
This is just one example of a trip we could design for you. We tailor-make trekking safari holidays that take you to Tanzania – no readymade tours or set departures. Get in touch today to start creating your bespoke itinerary
What sets us apart at Nature & Leisure in Africa is our expertise in organizing safe and unforgettable trekking adventures to Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa’s highest peak.
