KILIMANJARO MARANGU ROUTE
8 DAYS
DAY 1
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport, our representative will take you to Keys Hotel. Nestled on Mount Kilimanjaro's slopes, this family-run hotel offers comfortable rooms, delicious meals, and a clean swimming pool. Only a ten-minute walk from Moshi town center, it's the perfect blend of convenience and luxury. Keys Hotel - 2700 ft. (BB).
DAY 2
Walking distance: 8 km/5 miles Walking time: 3-4 hours Altitude gain: 857 m/2,814 ft
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You will reach Mandara Hut (2 700m) after +- 4 hrs of hiking from the Park Gate. Your accommodation is in dormitory style chalets. There are no shower/bath facilities while doing the climb and toilets will be long drops. You will be provided with bowls of warm water each morning. Dinner and overnight: Mandara Hut (FB)
DAY 3
Walking distance: 12 km/7.2 miles Walking time: 5-7 hours Altitude gain: 1,000 m/3,280 ft
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Continue hiking to Horombo Hut, with a steep, occasionally wet 20-minute ascent through the upper rainforest, followed by a 2 km stretch of tall giant heather and tussock grass, approximately 15 km or 5 hours from Mandara Hut. The landscape transitions to stunted heather with ‘everlasting’ flowers and short tussock grasses, featuring Lobelia and groundsels in wetter regions. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (FB).
DAY 4
At Horombo Hut (3,700 m/12,140 ft), take an acclimatisation walk toward Maundi Hut, reaching a viewpoint at 14,100 feet (4 hours round-trip). Alternatively, rest or explore the area. Abundant birdlife can be observed, and afternoon rains are common. Return to the lodge by 4 p.m. Dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut (FB).
DAY 5
Walking distance: 9.5 km/5.7 miles
Walking time: 5-7 hours
Altitude gain: 1,000 m/3,280 ft
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After breakfast, we'll head west, then north towards Middle Red Hill and the Triplets. The final 3 km stretch to Kibo Hut (4,700m) presents a challenging yet awe-inspiring ascent through an alpine desert landscape. The terrain, scattered with rocks, gives the sensation of walking on the moon. From here, enjoy a spectacular view of Mawenzi Peak to the east. Dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut (FB).
DAY 6
Walking distance: 5.5 km/3.5 miles ascent + 15 km/9.5 miles descent
Walking time: 10-16 hours
Altitude gain: 990 m/ 3,248 ft (Gilman’s Point) or 1,195 m/3,920 ft (Uhuru Peak)
Descent: 2,195 m/7,200 ft
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Early start! The hike to Gilman’s Point is a very slow steep walk on volcanic scree for about 5-6 hours. As you approach the crater rim you will enjoy the most memorable sunrise you may ever experience. Hiking to the peak is fairly flat terrain which normally takes about 1.5 hours to conquer Uhuru Peak (Summit of Africa). Dinner and overnight: Horombo Hut (FB)
DAY 7
Walking distance: 20 km/12.5 miles
Walking time: 5 hours
Descent: 1,857 m/6,094 ft
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Enjoy a slow hike through the rainforest to Marangu Gate. Take time to enjoy the lush vegetation with the Old Man’s Beard (tree moss) growing on the giant trees as well as some Giant Ferns towering high over the forest bed. The path has many steps leading you down to Marangu Gate. You will be transferred back to Keys Hotel for hot shower and overnight rest. (BB)
DAY 8
Departure day.
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If you are staying around afterwards our great staff, will happily give you suggestions of where to visits around the area.
Kit list
On the trek your luggage will be restricted to two bags, your day pack & duffle bag. Please note your duffle bag will be restricted to 12kg due to restrictions on how much the porters can carry.
You are able to leave a bag at the hotel in Moshi where you may decant any items not needed on the mountain. These will be stored securely and returned at the end of your trek.