As the original Kilimanjaro route, the Marangu route offers a unique experience by providing communal A-frame huts for accommodation instead of camping. However, despite being a less challenging route, it has a low success rate due to limited time for acclimatization.
The Marangu route, which starts from the west, exposes you to a diverse range of climatic zones, such as rainforests, moorlands, and high-altitude deserts. Climbers will take the same path for both the ascent and descent of the mountain.
The first day of your Kilimanjaro trek will take you through dense rainforest, with occasional clearings that allow you to see the farmlands around the base of the mountain. Your first night will be spent at Mandara Hut, marking the end of your trek for the day.
Moving on to Day 2 of your Kilimanjaro trek, the journey continues through the enchanting rainforest until the scenery gradually transforms into moorland, revealing the stunning snowcapped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Trekking for about six to eight hours will take you to Horombo Hut, where you will spend the night.
On the third day of your Kilimanjaro trek, you will follow the ‘climb high, sleep low’ strategy to aid in proper acclimatization. First, you will climb to Mawenzi Ridge, offering stunning views of the snowcapped peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Afterwards, you will descend back to Horombo Hut where you will spend the night. This split day ensures that your body adjusts to the altitude and reduces the risk of altitude sickness.
On this day of your Kilimanjaro trek, you will cross the Saddle, a barren and rocky terrain that stretches for about five miles and connects the craters of Mawenzi and Kibo. This is an exciting part of the trek as you get to witness the unique landscape of this region. Your final destination for the day is Kibo Hut, where you will spend the night.
Just like on Day 3, Day 5’s trek follows a two-part itinerary. The first part is the challenging climb towards the summit of Kilimanjaro. If successful, you will begin your descent down the mountain, and eventually stop at the Horombo Hut for the night. This return to a previously visited location is a deliberate strategy to help you acclimatize and adjust to the changing altitude.
The pinnacle of the Kilimanjaro trekking experience is the ascent to the summit, which typically begins around midnight. This is the most demanding and strenuous day of the climb, both mentally and physically. You will follow the northwest path up into the dark night, with the goal of reaching Stella Point within six hours. Here, you’ll be able to enjoy the sunrise before continuing on for another hour on a snow-covered trail to the very top of Africa – Uhuru Peak at 5,895m (19,341ft).
Once you have successfully reached the summit, you begin your descent to Horombo Hut, where you spend the night. The descent usually takes around six to eight hours and can be just as challenging as the ascent. After having hiked for about 12 to 15 hours in total, you will likely feel exhausted and ready to fall asleep as soon as you reach the comfort of your hut.
On the final day of your Kilimanjaro trek, you descend from Horombo Hut through the lush forest to the base of the mountain. Your driver will be waiting for you to take you back to your hotel, where you can celebrate your accomplishment with a cold beer and a well-deserved celebratory dinner.
You’ll have a dayroom to pack, freshen up, and prepare for your journey back home. Before departing you may consider extending your adventure with a Tanzania safari or a well-deserved relaxation in Zanzibar. Choose to add on this exciting option and make the most of your trip with us at Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours.
We understand that every traveler is different, and we want to make sure that your experience with us is nothing less than perfect. Therefore, please do not hesitate to let us know if you have any special requests or preferences that you would like us to consider when crafting your personalized itinerary.
Experience Mount Kilimanjaro's diverse climatic zones on the Marangu route. Rainforests to high-altitude deserts. Same path for ascent and descent.
The Marangu route, the oldest Kilimanjaro route, has communal A-frame huts for accommodation but a low success rate due to limited time for acclimatization.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
The Machame Route's 7-day itinerary ensures safe acclimatization, making it popular for stunning scenic beauty and successful summiting. Recommended for experienced climbers, longer routes have higher success rates.
Embark on our 6-day Rongai Route trek, offering picturesque scenery, ease of trekking, and a high success rate. Sleep in tents pitched by porters, enjoy meals outdoors, and experience the less crowded northern side of Kilimanjaro.
The Rongai Route is a quieter and easier option up Kilimanjaro, with stunning views and less chance of adverse weather. Includes acclimatization and scramble over Jamaica Rocks.
The 7-day Lemosho route is known for its scenic beauty, diverse vegetation, and less crowded trails. It takes you through the dramatic Shira Plateau and offers an excellent alternative among the Mount Kilimanjaro routes.
Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours offers a unique and less crowded Lemosho Route to Mount Kilimanjaro's summit, with stunning views, diverse wildlife, and recommended 8-day itinerary for acclimatization.
The Northern Circuit is a scenic and less crowded route to the summit of Kilimanjaro, taking 9 days with a high success rate.
We offer Kilimanjaro treks, wildlife safaris, and Zanzibar beach holidays in Tanzania with a dedicated team committed to quality service and safety.
© 2024 All Rights Reserved.
Discover Tanzania with Glad Of Africa Safari & Tours! We use cookies to enhance your browsing experience. By continuing to explore, you consent to our Privacy Policy. Happy adventuring!
