The route approaches the mount from the southeast, it is considered to be the easiest route among the five climbing routes due to its gradual slope and the direct path. It is also the oldest and well established and the only that offer facilities such as sleeping huts which are in dormitory style. The huts have its bunk beds at Mandara, Kibo and Horombo huts. There are supplies of mattresses and pillows but still there is a need of sleeping bags to be carried with the guest. Apart from the pillows and mattresses the huts are also equipped with dining halls and equipped washrooms. Moreover, there are consumption availabilities such as soft drinks and beers but not included in the mentioned price.
Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate then Hike up to Mandara Hut
This is the first day of the adventure, where after the morning breakfast from the hotel, you will be picked to the office for briefing, equipment check and then starts the journey to the gate where you will finish up with the gate formalities before staring the hike up to the Mandara Hut.
Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides chef/chefs and porters
Walking through: The rainforest to Mandara encampment
Short trip: Maundi crater with a view of the surroundings
What to see: Eucalyptus trees, birds and Colobus monkeys
Time & Distance: 3 to 4hrs a hiking of 8km distance
Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Meal plan: Lunch and Dinner
Day 2: Mandara to Horombo hut
On this day you be ascending through the open moorland up to the Horombo hut. From this post you will starts to have the feeling of the altitude changes.
Walking through: The moorland to Horombo encampment
What to see: Lobelias, groundsels and the great view of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo
Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides chef/chefs and porters
Time & Distance: 5 to 6hrs a hiking of 12km distance
Elevation: 2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Horombo to Kibo Hut
On this day you will be passing the last point where you can find water, and from there the venture will be deep walking to the Kilimanjaro saddle which is the way between the two peaks which are Kibo and Mawenzi.
Walking through: The saddle of Kilimanjaro between Kibo and Mawenzi peaks
Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides chef/chefs and porters
What to see: some water streams and hardy grasses as the area is deserted
Time & Distance: 5 to 7hrs a hiking of 9.5km distance
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 4: Summit day (ascend for summit and descend down to Kibo then to Horombo)
This is the adventurous part through the Marangu route and is the memorable part as you are about to be certified with the Kilimanjaro climbing certificate. You will be leaving in the midnight of around 2Am start the climbing to the summit on steep heavy scree or sometimes snow up to the Gilman’s point which is located on the crater rim. From there you will be ascending to the Uhuru peak and reaching there, you are at the highest point in Africa or you have reached the roof of Africa. You will spend short time and from there you will be descending down through Kibo to the Horombo encampment.
Walking through: The steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point
What to see: the great view at the Uhuru peak
Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides during summit and you will be joining the chef/chefs and porters at Kibo
Time & Distance: 6 to 8hrs Ascending up/ a hiking of 6km distance and 15km descending to Horombo
Equipments: Headlamps/flashlight, warm layers as it will be very cold before descending
Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Meal plan: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 5: Horombo to Marangu gate and back to Moshi
After the morning breakfast you will continue the descending up passing through the Mandara hut and then continue the descending up to the Marangu gate where you started the adventures and from there you will find the office team waiting for you and you will be picked and drove back to Moshi.
Accompaniments: Experienced Mountain Guide/guides chef/chefs and porters
Time & Distance: 4 to 5hrs descending of 20km distance
Walking through: The moorland and lush forest
Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Meal plan: Breakfast,
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees and 18% VAT on tour fees & services
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- 3 meals daily while on the mountain
- Filtered water throughout the trek
- Fair wages for the mountain crew as approved by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority (KINAPA), Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO)
- Both domestic and international Flights
- Tanzania Visa
- Items of a personal nature such as Mountain Climbing equipment
- Tips and gratitude for the mountain crew
- Pick up and drop off at Kilimanjaro International Airport $25 per route
- Pre and after Trek accommodation in Moshi Kilimanjaro