Kilimanjaro hike via Marangu – 5 Days
Experience an unforgettable adventure with Raccoon Africa Safari’s ‘Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route – 5 Days Hiking Tour’. This trekking journey leads you to the summit of Kilimanjaro via the renowned Marangu Route, known for its gradual slope and direct path, making it the most popular and accessible route to Africa’s highest peak.
Joining a small group, you’ll discover the thrill of ascending to the roof of Africa in a supportive and adventurous setting. Despite its shorter 5-day duration, this route minimizes altitude acclimatization challenges, ensuring a safer ascent. The Marangu Route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast, offering a unique perspective of this iconic mountain.
While the Marangu Route may be less scenic due to its shared ascent and descent paths, it remains the preferred choice for less experienced hikers seeking to conquer Kilimanjaro. This route’s popularity also means you’ll encounter fellow adventurers along the way, adding to the camaraderie of the journey.
At Raccoon Africa Safari, we understand that even the easiest path to Kilimanjaro’s summit demands a reasonable level of physical fitness and determination. Our expert guides and well-organized itinerary ensure you’re fully prepared and supported throughout the trek, allowing you to focus on enjoying the breathtaking landscapes and achieving your goal.
Experience this once-in-a-lifetime journey with Raccoon Africa Safari and conquer Kilimanjaro via the Marangu Route, the gateway to an unforgettable adventure.
Day 1: Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, guests will be driven to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate, a scenic 2-hour journey. Upon arrival, participants will register and commence their climb with Raccoon Africa Safari.
The first leg of the journey takes you through the lush rainforest to the Mandara encampment. En route, a side trip to Maundi Crater offers panoramic views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya. Keep an eye out for towering Eucalyptus trees, diverse birdlife, and playful Colobus monkeys amidst the dense foliage.
Key Details:
- Elevation: From 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8km/5mi
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
- Habitat: Rainforest
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Raccoon Africa Safari ensures a comfortable and informative trekking experience, guiding you through the natural wonders and rich biodiversity of Kilimanjaro’s lower slopes.
Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and groundsels.
– At this point you may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
– Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
– Distance: 12km/7.5mi
– Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
– Habitat: Heathland
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Horombo hut to Kibo.
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heathland but then disappears into “moonscape”.
– Dinner, rest and prepare for the summit climb.
– Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
– Distance: 9km/5.5mi
– Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
– Habitat: Alpine Desert
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2:00 AM), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim.
– Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family.
– From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
– The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights.
– It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers.
– This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
– Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
– Down to 3700m/12,200ft
– Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
– Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
– Habitat: Alpine Desert
– Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Hike Horombo Hut to the trailhead, drive to Arusha or Moshi.
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut.
– Continue descending through a lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
– Our vehicle will meet you at the Marangu gate to drive you back to the hotel or the airport.
– Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for a celebration!
– Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
– Distance: 20km/12.5mi
– Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
– Habitat: Forest.
– Meal: Breakfast.
The Climbing Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route – 5 Days Hiking Tour end with the drop you off by the door of your hotel in Arusha (Arusha tourist inn hotel)
“These guys organized for me two safaris and climbing Kilimanjaro. Everything was perfectly set and I can’t complain about anything. The guides were great with a lot of knowledge and interesting stories. Both safaris and the climb went smooth and the experience was unforgettable. They helped me also with other stuff like finding me phone or organising transport in Tanzania as I spent there 3months. They even invited me to a local wedding! Totally worth recommend team.“
…..Kacper G…..
