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Climb Routes

Lemosho
Machame
Marangu
Rongai
Shira
Umbwe
Western Breach

Mt. Meru

Marangu Route

Duration: 6 days hiking is recommended but it can be done in 5 days.

The Marangu route (a.k.a. the "Tourist Route") is a lovely hike up a ridge line to the top of Kilimanjaro. This route has some of the most beautiful sections of rain forest and even offers glimpses of monkeys, if you're lucky. You can sleep in huts and even buy small items like soda, chocolates and other goodies along the way.

Day 1: Marangu Gate (6497 ft) to Mandara Hut (8858 ft)

Elevation gain: 2361 ft Distance: approx. 4 miles Time: 4 - 5 hours  

Your entire walk today will be through a beautiful rain forest up to Mandara Hut. The path is well maintained and even passes a few water falls. You may even see a monkey or two if you're lucky.

Day 2: : Mandara Hut (8858 ft) to Horombo Hut (12,204 ft)

Elevation gain: 3346 ft Distance:approx. 7 miles Time: 5-7 hours

The path takes you through giant heather as you make your way up to the moorland. Some portions of the trail are steep but you have a great view of Mawenzi peak.  The Horombo huts sleep about 120 people. This is where you will meet people coming down from their summit attempts.

 Day 3: Horombo Hut (12,204 ft) to Kibo Hut (15,430 ft)

Elevation gain:   3226 ft   Distance:  approx. 6 miles Time: 5-7 hours

Your hike today takes a gradual ascent past the Last Water point and up to the Saddle between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi.  The trail is gradual and smooth. These huts sleep about 60 people. You will rest here before your summit attempt.

 Day 4: Kibo Hut (15,430 ft) to Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft)

Elevation gain:3910 ft Distance: approx. 2.5 miles Time: 7-8 hours

Uhuru Peak (19,340 ft) to Horombo Hut (12,204 ft)

Elevation loss:  7136 ft Distance:  approx. 9 miles Time: 5-7 hours

This is the longest day. You begin your ascent at around 12:00 am. The path up to Gilman’s Point, zigzags back and forth along a gravel path. After Gilman's Point you follow the crater rim over to Uhuru. The train can have snow and ice and there are a few parts that require care as you pass a rocky outcropping. After a few victorious photos, it’s time to head back down to Kibo Hut for a short rest before making your way down to Horombo Hut.

 Day 5: Horombo Hut (12,204 ft) to Marangu Gate (6496 ft)

Elevation gain:  5708 ft  Distance:approx. 11 miles  Time: 5-7 hours

Enjoy your last views of the mountain as you descend through the moorland and rain forest zones on your way to Marangu Gate. The path will be muddy, especially if it rained recently.   At the gate, you will receive your completion certificate if you made it to Gillman’s Point or Uhuru Peak. Then it’s back to the hotel for a hot shower and a dip in the swimming pool!

Marangu climbers sleep in huts and have access to Coke and beer along the way.

The rain forest along this route is the most beautiful. You may even see a monkey or two.

Kibo camp is a great place to start your summit ascent.