6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing Marangu Route

Day 1 – Kilimanjaro International Airport – Arusha:

Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be greeted by our transfer driver and taken to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa in Arusha. The rest of the day is for you to do as you please. You can opt to spend the day relaxing by the lodge pool or explore the town of Arusha. In the late afternoon you will be briefed by our team on what to expect on your upcoming trek.

Day 2 – Arusha – Marangu gate (1,860 m) – Mandara Hut (2,700 m):

After breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paper work, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumbless black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and had some time to catch your breath, you can join a walk to the Maundi Crater. Enjoy wonderful views towards Kenya and over the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the night at Mandara Hut. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 3 – Mandara Hut (2,700 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m):

An early breakfast gets you ready for the trek ahead and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut you will reach the cross roads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombo Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moor land reaching your destination in approximately 4 to 6 hours. Looking back your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Masai steppe. After your evening meal you will drift off to sleep at the Horombo Hut. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 4 – Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m):

Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatise to the altitude. Acclimatisation plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit and this 2 to 4 hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. A hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. You will stay another night at Horombo Hut. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 5 – Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m):

After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 11pm. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 6 – Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m):

The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlights leading the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the sun. After a well-deserved photo opportunity you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut, where you will stay the night. Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Day 7 – Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Marangu Gate (1,860 m) – Arusha:

The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens kilimanjari flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to Tulia Boutique Hotel and Spa to overnight on bed and breakfast basis. At the lodge you will enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro.

How big can I expect the group to be?

This is a private tour and hence there won’t be any other climbers joining you. Your group will consist of only the people you chose to travel with and your mountain crew.

Is there an age limitation for this climb?

According to the national park authorities, children under the age of 10 years are only allowed to hike until Horombo Hut (3700 m). There are no official restrictions for children above the age of 10 years but because the chances of children succumbing to mountain sickness are a lot higher than they are with adults, we recommend a minimum age of 14-16 years. Please note that children of all ages have to be accompanied by one of their parents at all times. Although there is no maximum age restriction, a medical check-up is advisable for climbers above the age of 60.

Do I have to be extremely fit?

Africa’s highest peak is one of the only mountains of this magnitude that can be conquered without you being an experienced alpinist. However, it goes without saying that you should be healthy and fit to master the 4-6 hour daily hikes as well as the 12-14 hour hike on the night of the summit. In addition thereto, strong willpower and endurance is required.

What kind of weather is to be expected and when is the best time to travel?

The warmest time with the least rainfall is between December and February, followed by the main rainy season from March until the beginning of June. Between June and October, temperatures are moderate with almost no rainfall. November is regarded as the small rainy season and daily short rainfalls with cloudy views are common.
The best time to travel is between the end of June and the middle of October and although it is possible to climb Kilimanjaro in the main rainy season, we strongly discourage anyone from doing so.

What can I expect from the route?

The Marangu Route is often considered as the easiest route to the summit. Compared to other routes, the ascent is more gradual and although both the ascent and descent follow the same route, you will be rewarded with excellent panoramic views throughout your trek (weather permitting).

Where will I sleep?

You will overnight in basic mountain huts.

What about the ablution facilities?

Apart from very basic long drops (simple latrines), there are no further ablution facilities. Climbers are however provided with a bowl of warm water for their daily wash.

What meals will be provided and what type of food can I expect?

Meals are included as mentioned in the itinerary.
For breakfast there will be a choice of fruit, scrambled eggs, porridge, toast, jam, hot chocolate, coffee or tea. Lunch will be provided in form of a lunch box containing sandwiches, boiled eggs, chicken etc.
For dinner you will enjoy soup and bread followed by meat or poultry along with starch (i.e. chips, mashed potatoes, pasta or rice) as well as vegetables.
While breakfast and dinner are served in a communal dining hut, lunch is enjoyed en-route.
Please let us know if you have any special dietary requirements or food allergies and we will do our outmost to cater for them (only possible with advanced notification).

How do I cope with the altitude?

Almost everybody climbing Kilimanjaro will be affected by the altitude in some or other way. Top athletes are just as much at risk of suffering from it as are people who are out of shape. Headaches, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite and nausea are all signs of possible mountain sickness. Symptoms are mostly mild, enabling you to continue your hike and only in very few instances are symptoms more acute, making an immediate descent unavoidable. Severe altitude sickness is a serious matter and you should bear in mind that it can be life threatening and at worst lead to death. It is also important to replace lost body fluids due to physical activity by drinking enough water. We suggest two to four litres per day along with magnesium to prevent muscle cramps.

What happens in the event of an emergency?

Mountain rescue services in Tanzania can in no sense be compared to the ones found in the European Alps for example. If you find yourself unable to walk, you will either be carried or transported on a wheeled stretcher. As this is by all means a very unpleasant experience, it is important that you only push yourself as far as your body allows. Helicopters are hardly ever deployed as they can only land at a lower altitude.
Please also make sure your health insurance covers you while travelling. If you are not adequately covered, we urge you to take out suitable travel insurance assuring all your medical expenses including rescue and repatriation costs are covered.

Should I bring some extra money?

Yes you should bring some extra money for tips, souvenirs and other personal expenses.
If you are bringing USD, please make sure the bills have been be printed after 2009 as any earlier printed ones will not be accepted.

What about tipping?

Tips for the mountain crew are common practice. Gratuities are a large portion of the crew’s income and thus highly appreciated. Below are some recommendations from our side (per group, not per person):
Guide: 15-18 USD per day
Assistant Guide: 12-15 USD per day
Cook: 8-10 USD per day
Waiter: 7-9 USD per day
Porter: 6-7 USD per day

What kind of clothes and gear do you recommend?

There are a few things you should pack for a Kilimanjaro climb and as the list is quite extensive, you will receive a detailed packing list from us once you have confirmed the booking.
For your convenience we also rent out all essential clothing items and other gear.

What are Tanzania’s visa requirements?

For most travellers it is possible to obtain a visa upon arrival but nevertheless, it is every visitor’s obligation to check the latest visa regulations with their respective embassies.
Every traveller is responsible to be in the possession of the required travel documents.

What about vaccinations and malaria?

Officially, no vaccinations are required by the Tanzanian health department. However, Tanzania is a yellow fever region and thus we advise that you get yourself vaccinated for this.
In general we also recommend that you have all other shots such as Tetanus, Diphtheria, Polio and Hepatitis A & B up to date.
Malaria is present in Tanzania but there are no mosquitoes at high altitude. It is your own choice if you wish to take any precautionary medication, but we suggest that you consult your doctor or travel clinic in this matter.