Marangu Route

Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met by our representative. After checking that you have all your luggage and belongings, he will take you to one of our vehicles and transfer you to your hotel for a briefing on the following day’s climb. Overnight at Kilimanjaro
Wonders Hotel

After breakfast you will be collected from the lodge and transferred to Marangu gate. The actual hike begins at the Marangu Gate (1800m). Hike 3 to 5 hours through a fascinating rain forest to Mandara Hut (2700 m). Blue monkeys are sometimes seen. Look for a tiny flower called Impatiens Kilimanjaris; endemic to Kilimanjaro. Hot lunch en-route. If you wish you can hike up to Maundi Crater (45 min) or rest upon arrival at Mandara Hut. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Mandara Hut.

Weather: warm and humid. Wear T-shirt, shorts and lighter shoes.
Water: available the whole time from a river along the route.

After breakfast start hiking slowly to Horombo Hut (3700 m). Leave the last glade of forest and follow the gently ascending path through the open alpine moorland. Today’s hike takes 5 to 7 hours. Hot lunch en route. The altitude begins to make itself felt cautioning you to walk slowly. “Pole pole” (slowly slowly in Swahili) is the order of the day while enjoying the flora and long view. Giant Senecios stands tall along the path. Kibo and Mawenzi Peak can be seen on a clear day. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Horombo Hut.

Weather: warm in the morning but cooler in the afternoon when clouds gather. Wear shorts, T-shirt and hiking boots. Carry a long-sleeved shirt in the day path for the cool winds.

Water: fill water bottles at Mandara Hut. There is a stream half way to Horombo Hut.

Today leave moorland and enter the alpine desert past giant lobelia and walk on the saddle between Kibo and Mawenzi Peak. Hot lunch along the way. Afternoon tea, dinner and overnight at Kibo Hut.

Weather: It is cooler as the altitude has increased. Wear trousers and long-sleeved shirt. Thin jacket or jumper in the day pack.

Water: fill up bottles at Horombo Hut. 2 hours from Horombo Hut is the last water sign. The porters will bring water for tea and the hike in the early morning.

Start around 1 a.m., reaching Gillman’s Point (5685 m) at sunrise. The path from Kibo to Gillman’s is the most demanding 4 hours on the whole climb. Continue another 2 hours to the roof of Africa, Uhuru Peak (5895 m). Descend to Kibo Hut for hot lunch then to Horombo Hut.

Meals and overnight at Horombo Hut

Hike back to the Marangu gate and park's headquarters. At Marangu gate you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman's Point are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak receive gold certificates. Meet by a driver guide with packed lunch and drive back to Kilimanjaro Wonders Hotel

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your home bound flights.