Marangu Route Itinerary
Above the African Plains – A Day-by-Day Travelogue
Arrival & Briefing
Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be transferred to your accommodation where your guide will meet you for a full briefing and equipment check.
- Overnight Ameg Lodge (Classic) or Lake Chala Safari Lodge (Premium)
-Elevation: 1860m to 2700m.
-Distance: 8 km
-Hiking Time: 4-6 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest
After breakfast, we head to the National Park gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The trail climbs through a tropical rain forest, near the upper edge of the forest line (keep an eye out for blue monkeys). The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
- Elevation: 2700m to 3700m
-Distance: 12 km
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Health.
Our second day on the trail begins with a steep, but not technical ascent through forest and opens into high moorland. If weather allows, we may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks, two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
- Elevation: 2700m to 3700m
-Distance: 10 km
-Hiking Time: 3-5 hours
-Habitat: Health.
This is an extra day to acclimatize and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi.
- Elevation: 3700m to 4700m
-Distance: 10 km
-Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert.
Today we climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo to reach our campsite which sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once at camp we rest, enjoy dinner, and prepare for the next day.
-Elevation: 4700m to 5895m to 3700m
-Distance: 22 km
-Hiking Time: 10-13 hours
-Habitat: Arctic
Leaving very early in the morning (around midnight), we continue our way to the summit in hopes of catching the sunrise. The trail is a series of switchbacks up a steep scree slope, with climbers stretched into the darkness, visible only by headlamps. It is important to focus on breathing and foot placement. The views from the summit are dramatic and immense. After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishments, we descend to Horombo Hut.
-Elevation: 3700 to 1860m
-Distance: 20 km
-Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest.
A long trek is in store for today, however it is mostly downhill. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we pick up our certificates that prove our achievement. Vehicle transfer to hotel for a celebration.
Today you will be transferred to Kilimanjaro Airport in time for your flight, or if you’ve decided to extend your Tanzanian adventure, begin the next part of your journey!
