5 Days Marangu Route

  • Tanzania
  • 5 Days
  • $

overview

The Marangu Route is a popular choice among travelers, being the oldest path available. The gentle incline of the Marangu Route makes the journey quite manageable, making it a popular choice for those seeking the simplest summit approach. This is the exclusive route that guides you to Kilimanjaro from the southeast side. The anticipated time to complete the hike is 5 days; without a 6th day of acclimatization. The accommodations set this route apart with its unique dormitory-style sleeping huts. A sleeping bag is essential, though the huts provide quite comfortable mattresses and bunks. The Mandara and Kibo Huts provide accommodations for 60 guests each, whereas the Horombo Hut boasts 120 beds for visitors to enjoy. The accommodation includes communal dining spaces and necessary restroom amenities, with the lower huts equipped with plumbing and running water, whereas the Kibo Hut presents simpler alternatives such as long drop toilets and water buckets.

Since Marangu limits climbers to one section of the mountain, its landscape is less varied than the others. Nevertheless, Marangu presents the most exceptional route through the rainforest region of the expedition. The vistas of Mawenzi are absolutely magnificent, and the experience at Uhuru is equally awe-inspiring for everyone.

Marangu is ideal for those who might be hesitant about tackling more difficult paths. It attracts those who prefer not to sleep in a tent. Marangu’s huts offer a warm and inviting shelter from the weather, making them an ideal choice for adventurers facing climbs during the rainy season. Marangu is perfect for those seeking an economical climbing experience while enjoying a lively environment.

  • 5 days of trek via Marangu Route.
  • Panoramic view of Kibo peak
  • The best view of Mawenzi Peak
  • Accommodation in the huts

Highlights

itinerary

Upon your arrival, our driver guide will be there to welcome you and transport you to your hotel in Arusha or Moshi for a well-deserved rest. Your guide will provide you with a detailed overview of your itinerary and make sure you are fully prepared for your ascent of Mount Kilimanjaro the following day. Your journey is about to unfold!

Note:Accommodations before and after the trek are not included. You can set up your lodging or allow us to take care of your accommodation and airport transfers.

After breakfast at the lodge, we will pick you up and transport you to the southeast entrance of Kilimanjaro National Park, Marangu Gate (1,860 m). At the gate, the porters will complete the necessary documentation and load your gear, thereby initiating your adventure. Soon, lush trees, vibrant ferns, blooming flowers, and the sweet songs of birds will immerse you in a serene woodland. There’s a chance we could encounter blue monkeys or white-tailed black-and-white colobus monkeys. We anticipate arriving at Mandara Hut in approximately four hours. After taking a moment to relax, you can stroll over to the Maundi Crater, where you’ll enjoy stunning views stretching toward Kenya. Enjoy your dinner in the Mandara Hut’s dining hall.

Elevation: 1,860 meters to 2,700 meters
Elevation Increase: 840 m
Distance: 8 km
Duration of the hike: 3 – 4 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (dormitory)
Habitat: Rain Forest

After breakfast, we departed from the huts and rapidly advanced beyond the rainforest. We continue our journey through the moorland zone, which is characterized by dotted grasses and shrubs. Upon our arrival at Kambi ya Taanu, we will take a moment to enjoy a delectable picnic lunch and continue for a few hours until we reach the vibrant Horombo Huts, which are located at an elevation of 3,720 m. On clear days, the Huts provide breathtaking views of the farms, the vast plains below, and the majestic Mawenzi and Kibo Peaks above. As you ascend, you may begin to experience symptoms associated with altitude, such as migraines and nausea. Ensure that you consume a sufficient amount of water, provide your body with nutritious food, and get sufficient sleep.

Elevation: 2,700 meters to 3,720 meters
Elevation Increase: 1020 m
Distance: 11 km
Duration of the hike: 5 – 6 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (dormitory)
Habitat: Mooreland/Heather land

On the third day, we will traverse a variety of breathtakingly beautiful landscapes. To commence, we will traverse the heath as it gradually transitions into the desolate, arid highlands that lie between Mawenzi and Kibo. We will reach the Maua River and encounter our initial milestone, a small mountain stream. Large and small volcanic boulders adorn the landscape, serving as a reminder of past volcanic activity. The magnificent views of Kibo and Mawenzi enhance the scenic delight and add color to the golden surroundings. The final ascent to the Kibo Huts is exceedingly precipitous and physically taxing.

Upon your arrival at the Kibo Huts, it is time to prepare your trek to the peak for the evening by organizing your equipment and warm clothing. To avoid chilling, it is advisable to store any water that you intend to bring in a thermos. Arrive at bed early, as the following day’s journey necessitates a complete night’s sleep to provide the necessary energy.

Elevation: 3,720 meters to 4,720 meters
Elevation Increase: 1000 m
Distance:
10 km
Duration of the hike: 6– 8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (dormitory)
Habitat: Alpine Desert

Today marks the day of the summit. We begin our adventure at midnight, with the hardened volcanic ash creating a smoother path for our footsteps. At 11:30 pm, our mountain guide will awaken you, and after enjoying some tea and snacks, you will begin your gradual ascent to the summit. We will pause briefly at Hans Meyer Cave, situated at 5,220 m, before proceeding at a relaxed pace to arrive at Gillman’s Point (5,681 m) on the crater’s rim by sunrise. As the sun embraces us, we’ll ascend for an hour or more to reach the summit. At last, we reach Uhuru Peak, standing tall at 5,895 meters, the pinnacle of Mount Kilimanjaro, known as the “Roof of Africa,” and the highest summit on the African continent.

After taking a moment to appreciate the vast plains of Africa and your achievements, we begin our descent. The descent is quick and gritty, as the volcanic ash is likely to have melted away. Following a brief period, you will pause at Kibo Hut to enjoy a light snack and take a moment to relax. Your journey will take you onward to Horombo Hut (3,700 m), where you will arrive in the afternoon. Fuel your body with nourishing food to restore energy and ensure you get enough rest.

Elevation: 4,720 meters to 5,895 meters to 3,700 meters
Elevation Increase: 1,175 m

Elevation Decrease: 2,195 m
Distance:
22 km
Duration of the hike: 12– 14 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (dormitory)
Habitat: Arctic and Alpine Desert

The last stretch of your Kilimanjaro journey follows the same route we took on the way up—meandering through the heather, vibrant red-hot pokers, and the lush shrubs of the moorland vegetation zone. We will take a break for lunch at Mandara Hut (2,700 m) before making our way down into the lush, humid forest, where you may catch a glimpse of the striking tails of the colobus monkeys. After a total time of six hours of hiking, you will arrive at the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (Marangu Gate). Now is the time to say goodbye to those who have been instrumental in your ascent to the peak. It is customary to finalize your tips with your trekking team before heading back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Afterwards, return to Arusha or Moshi, where you can treat yourself to a refreshing shower and relax with a couple of cold beers.

Elevation: 3,700 meters to 1,860 meters

Elevation Decrease: 1,840 m
Distance:
20 km
Duration of the hike: 6 – 8 hours
Meal Plan: Breakfast and Lunch
Accommodation: Hotel in Arusha or Moshi
Habitat: Mooreland and Rainforest

We will transfer you from the hotel to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will fly back home or proceed with your onward travel plans. We hope you had a wonderful Kilimanjaro experience and will treasure your memories. As you journey back home, we encourage you to share your adventure with friends and family and inspire others to embark on their own Kilimanjaro expedition. Thank you for choosing us as your guide on this incredible journey. Safe travels!

Include

  • Two-way transfers to and from Kilimanjaro airport.
  • Tanzania 18% VAT on tourism activities and park fees.
  • Appropriate number of guides, porters, and cooks.
  • Camping fees, rescue fees, and team fees.
  • Two transfers to and from the route gate(s).
  • The equipment for the Kilimanjaro trek includes a sleeping mattress pad, a dining tent, a sleeping tent, and the crew’s dining and sleeping tents.
  • Three full, fresh meals daily. We offer abundant and expertly prepared fresh food on the mountain, catering to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian preferences. The menu is specially designed for climbers.
  • Every day, the mountain will provide hot drinks and hot water for washing.
  • Three liters of mineral per day.
  • Portable toilets along with a tent.
  • A Kili MedAir helicopter covers emergency evacuation, but the climber must have insurance that covers up to 6000 meters above sea level.
  • Carbon Offset.
  • The Kilimanjaro Rescue Fee.
  • The chief guide carries a pulse oximeter, used to take blood-oxygen level readings from clients twice a day.
  • Forest fee.
  • Essential first aid kit (designated for emergencies only).
  • Compensation for the mountain support team, by the stipulations set forth by the relevant authorities in tourism and natural resources.
  • Meals throughout the day, including breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with hot beverages available on the mountain.
  • A porter will transport your duffel bag, with a maximum weight of 15kg / 32 lbs, from one camp to the next.
  • Your achievement of reaching the summit of Kilimanjaro National Park is recognized with a certificate.

Exclude

  • Visa fee (50 US$/100 US$ for American or Irish passport holders or $50 for non-East Africans)
  • Gratuities/tips.
  • Personal hiking and trekking equipment—rental options are available for some gear in Tanzania.
  • Sleeping bag.
  • Snacks or an energy bar.
  • Personal Medicine.
  • Water-purifying tablets.
  • Unspecified food and beverages
  • Prior and after hotel accommodation

EXPENSES FOR EXTRA SERVICES

  • Sleeping bag rental, Mountain Hardware Lamina™ -20F/-29C, for just $50 per trip.
  • An additional personal porter for extra gear is available at a rate of $30 per day.
  • You can rent telescopic and trekking poles for only $20 per trip.
  • The additional fee for solo travelers, whether in a tent or single room, is $350 per person for the trip.
  • The additional night at the hotel is priced between $90 and $800 for double occupancy and $70 and $560 for single occupancy, including breakfast.

GRATUITY SUGGESTION

  • Guide:  $20 to $30 each day.
  • Support Staff: $10 to $20 per day.
  • Chef: $10 to $20 each day.
  • Service staff: $10 to $15 per day for each staff member.

PRICES

All our Kilimanjaro rates are listed in US dollars.

At Kilimanjaro National Park

  • An adult is someone who is 16 years old or older.
  • The child falls within the age range of 5–15 years.
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REASONS TO CHOOSE US

Expert Local Guides

Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.

Expert Local Guides

Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.

Expert Local Guides

Our expert local guides are your key to answering the secrets of Tanzania's wildlife, culture, and natural beauty. They bring a deep knowledge of the land.

WHAT OUR CLINTS SAY

I am not even sure where to start because everything was beyond perfect. Customer service was the best. The entire team took extremely good care of us. We hiked and in one day we saw a lot of chimpanzees in the park. Juma organized it on very short notice and Abbas is very knowledgeable about the park and took us to the best routes. Thanks a lot, guys!

Trek66484591952

I did a 3-days-2-nights trekking with We Cab Tours in Gombe National park. What can I say? Asante sana! The trip was just super perfect! I saw many chimpanzees (it's not guaranteed for sure because as you know how wildlife is sometimes). BUT I did it in the end of March when officially is off-season and I still saw them. The weather was really good too. Juma, the owner and his employees are super nice people. I always felt safe and understood. Moreover everything was on time what is really rare to get - believe me. I would do it with this organization again for sure! And I will do some other trips when I am again in Tanzania

Lena B

Juma, thank you for your hospitality and flexibility during our travel to Zanzibar. I had an amazing and beautiful experience because of your team. Your team arrived early at the RUI to pack our luggage in the van and patiently waited until we were ready to leave the hotel as were saying goodbye to our friends we met on the trip. I appreciate the time you took on our last day of the visit in Stone town prior to leaving for the airport. You helped us negotiate our fabrics and clothing so that we received the best price

Dawn H

Juma, Makame, Brendah and the We Cab family were the absolute best! They treated us like family, they were on time for every day we booked. They want out of their way to provide the best experience. When we booked the "scary ferry" ride to Dar es Salem, we were treated to a complimentary upgrade. We missed the stop in Nairobi where we were supposed to give donations to an orphanage and they made sure to find a reputable one in Zanzibar, and had one of their guides Brendah, translate on our behalf. I truly felt more like family than a client. I will definitely return to Zanzibar and use We Cab for all my transportation and tour needs.

Dr. Kim J
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