KILIMANJARO EXPEDITION (MARANGU ROUTE)

Today marks the beginning of our Tanzanian adventure! Gathering at Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO), we set off on a picturesque drive, meandering through the enchanting grass plains of Arusha for approximately an hour until we arrive at our hotel.

In the afternoon we’ll dedicate our time to meticulous preparations for the upcoming trek, conducting an extensive kit check and receiving a thorough group-climbing brief.

In the evening we savor the flavors of a traditional Tanzanian dinner, setting the stage for a well-deserved night of rest and anticipation for the journey ahead.

After breakfast, we’ll drive to the Marangu Gate. The scenic journey takes around 1 hour, passing through Chagga villages and lush farms growing sweet potatoes, cassava, beans, maize, coffee, and bananas. 

From the Gate we’ll trek through the captivating mountain forest, tracing little streams and waterfalls along the way. After approximately 2 hours, we’ll reach Kisamboni picnic area for lunch, and then another 2 hours to reach Mandara hut at 2,700 m. This campsite features a beautiful low alpine and moorland vegetation, with shrubs, trees, and abundant lichens.

Mandara hut offers wooden A-shaped huts where you’ll spend your first night on Kilimanjaro. At the camp, we’ll have access to hot water for washing, as well as coffee or tea with snacks. It’s essential to change into dry clothes to stay warm, a routine you’ll follow in most camps.

During your stay, you can take a short walk to the Maundi Crater, relishing favorable weather and potential views of Mawenzi peak. Keep an eye out for blue monkeys and black and white colobus monkeys in the area, adding to the magic of this place.

Sleeping: In mountain huts at 2,700m

Trekking time: 4-5 hours

Max altitude: 2,700m

After a light breakfast, our second day on Kilimanjaro’s Mt. Marangu route begins. We’ll hike through the remaining mountain forest, passing Maundi crater’s other side, and enter the moorland vegetation zone.

Here, you’ll encounter the enchanting Lobelia Deckenii and Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari plants. Weather permitting, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks. Later, you’ll reach Horombo huts (3,720m), where you can bathe with hot water before a delicious dinner and a restful night in comfortable beds.

Sleeping: In mountain huts at 3,720m

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Max altitude: 3,720m

Today is about helping your body to acclimatize to the altitude.

After breakfast, we will set off on a hike to the Zebra Rocks (4,020m), named for their striking black and white stripes in the rock formation.

We will return on the same path, arriving back at Horombo in time for lunch. The afternoon offers free time for exploration. Once again, we’ll spend the night at Horombo Hut.

Sleeping: In mountain huts at 3,720m

Trekking time: 2-3 hours

Max altitude: 4,100m

Today’s section is challenging, with a long and uphill ascent. The landscape transforms into a moon-like terrain, barren and rocky, as we cross the ‘Saddle.’ This area was formed by past volcanic eruptions, and the resulting lava flow now connects Kilimanjaro’s two peaks – Kibo and Mawenzi.

As you ascend higher, stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and maintain a slow and steady pace to help your body cope with the altitude. The journey to Kibo Hut will take approximately five to six hours. An early supper will be provided so you can rest and prepare for the midnight ascent to the summit.

Try to get some rest as you’ll need to be up and walking again in the early hours of the night to continue your climb towards the peak.

Sleeping: In mountain huts at 4,700m

Trekking time: 5-6 hours

Max altitude: 4,700m

The final part of our Mt. Kilimanjaro climb on the Marangu route will commence at midnight. After an early dinner, we will provide a detailed briefing on how to reach the summit successfully, what to pack, and what to wear.

The beginning of the climb will be challenging, with a rough and rocky path. Along the way, you’ll pass significant landmarks like Williams Point (5,000 m), Hans Meyer Cave (5,150 m), and Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater’s rim. The trek from Kibo Hut to Hans Meyer Cave takes about 3 hours, with Gillman’s Point 2 more hours away.

From Gillman’s Point, it will take approximately 2 hours to reach the summit. The final ascent up to Uhuru Peak is a unique experience as you walk along the crater’s rim. On the route, you’ll also come across Stella Point (5,752 m), where other Kilimanjaro routes converge.

Upon reaching the summit, you’ll have the opportunity to enjoy the breathtaking views, take pictures, and revel in your achievement. The time spent at the summit will depend on weather conditions and how you feel. Afterward, we will start our descent, heading back to Kibo Hut (4,700 m) for a lunch break.

Following lunch, we will continue our descent to Horombo Hut (3,720 m). At the camp, you’ll follow the customary procedures, including access to hot water for washing. Later, you’ll be served dinner and spend the night in the comfortable beds.

Sleeping: In mountain huts at 3,720m

Trekking time: 7-8 hours to Uhuru Peak and 5-6 hours to Horombo Hut

Max altitude: 5,895m

Your last day on Kilimanjaro begins with breakfast at Horombo Hut before starting your descent. A hot lunch awaits you at Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where you can rest briefly before setting out on familiar paths you crossed on your first day.

Upon reaching Marangu gate, you Kilimanjaro adventure is over. This calls for celebration, with singing and dancing, followed by a tipping session for the porters, cook, and guides.

After the festivities, vehicles will be waiting to transport our group & crew back to our hotel.

That night, we will have a celebratory dinner and a good night’s sleep!

Today we say goodbye to Kilimanjaro and depart home.

Transfers will be arranged from the hotel back to Kilimanjaro International Airport (KIA/JRO), where we will say goodbye. . . at least until the next expedition!