7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing

7 Days Kilimanjaro Climbing - Marangu Route

Kilimanjaro Climbing Tours

Overview

Marangu is the easiest route on Mount Kilimanjaro. It's ascension profile is very gradual and steady, allowing for painless trekking for most of the way. However, due to its reputation as an easy route, Marangu is often selected by unprepared, unexperienced climbers. Correspondingly, only about 35% of the people actually make it to the top.

The trek begins in the south-east area of the mountain at Marangu Gate. The route takes five days minimum to complete, although six days is more practical and recommended. The sleeping huts along the route are structures with a dining hall and bunk beds, equipped with mattresses and pillows. The descent is done on the same path, contributing to Marangu's overcrowded feeling. It is a cheaper climb as well, do to the close proximity of the gate to Moshi, the gateway town, and because it is a shorter route.

Scenically, Marangu is not a desirable route compared to all the other routes because it confines climbers to one area of the mountain, thus limiting the variety. However, Marangu has the best trail in the rainforest section of the trek. Of course, there are still great views of the Mawenzi and it's equally spectacular for everyone at Uruhu.

Marangu is ideal for those who are not confident in their ability to hike over steeper paths. It's also attractive for those who do not want to sleep in a tent. Marangu's huts offer shelter and warmth against the weather so it is a decent choice when climbing during the rainy season. Marangu is for those who want to spend less on their climb, and do not mind crowds

Day 1 Nairobi | Arusha

7.15 a.m. Pick from your Nairobi hotel. 8.00 a.m. Depart for Arusha arriving in time for lunch. Spend the afternoon organising any gear you require for the trek. Overnight at your Arusha hotel.

Day 2 Arusha | Mandara hut

After breakfast, drive to Moshi then on to the Marangu Park Gate. the set off point for your three hour hike to Mandara Hut in which you cover 9 km. Here, we are at 2,774m above sea level on your first overnight on Kilimanjaro.

Day 3 Mandara hut | Horombo hut

Begin your trek to Horombo hut in an average hiking time of 8 hours, lunch enroute. In clear weather Mawenzi and Kibo peaks can be seen. Dinner and overnight at the hut. altitude 3,761m.

Day 4 Horombo hut | Kibo hut

After breakfast, hike 13 km to Kibo hut, 4,732 m above sea level in an average hiking time of 6 hours. You will now encounter spectacular mountain vegetation like lobelia, giant cactus and groundsel.

Day 5 Kibo hut | Horombo hut via Oilman’s Point and Uhuru Peak. | Mount Kilimanjaro

Wake up at 2.00 a.m. for a pre-down attempt of the summit. It takes 5 hours to Gilman’s Point 5,681 m above sea level. From Gilman’s it takes 5 hours to the summit Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa at 5,896 m above sea level. Descend to Horombo hut for overnight, mount Kilimanjaro is interesting to climb.

Day 6 Horombo hut | Arusha

After breakfast, descend to the Marangu Park Gate via Mandara You will be transferred to your Arusha hotel for overnight.

Day 7 Arusha | Nairobi

After breakfast depart for Nairobi on the morning or afternoon shuttle.

What's included in this package

Transportation in a custom safari minibus with pop-up roof ideal for game viewing and sightseeing.
Services of a professionally trained and experienced English speaking driver/guide
Full board accommodation in the lodges as mentioned
Bottled water for use during the safari
Game drives and all park entry fees

What's not included in this package

Your International Flight transportation to and From Nairobi
Personal expenses like visa fees, travel/baggage insurance, laundry, beverages, tips etc.
Christmas, New Year and Easter supplements