How long does it take to trek the Marangu Route?
The Marangu Route can be completed in 5 days, but it is recommended to add an extra day for better acclimatization, making it a 6-day trek.
The Marangu route is one of the most popular routes up Kilimanjaro as it is the least expensive, is considered the least strenuous and offers basic hut style accommodation.
Since this route can be trekked in 5 days many people believe it is the easiest route but this is not the case as it offers poor acclimatisation which is why we recommend adding an additional day to your itinerary, making this a 6 day trek. The Marangu route also has a low success rate as it is often chosen by inexperienced and unprepared trekkers.
The Marangu route is also the only route that uses the same path up and down the mountain, which contributes to it being the most crowded route on Kilimanjaro. It offers a comfortable walking path with a very steady, gradual slope however lacks diverse scenery compared to other routes.
In saying that, Marangu still offers a spectacular experience with good views along the way and is an ideal route for those who are budget conscious and want hut style accommodation.
Tailored for the adventurous spirit, the Machame Route is designed for those confident in navigating steeper terrains and enduring prolonged treks in challenging conditions. As a less frequented route, it promises an exceptional wildlife experience and places a premium on proper altitude acclimatization.
Today is an acclimatisation day and you will continue along a steep ridge passing the Great Barranco Wall passing below the Heim Glacier and through the alpine desert of the Karanga Valley where you will have views of the summit from many different angles.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
After breakfast you will depart Arusha and drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park, home to the world’s tallest free-standing mountain, Mount Kilimanjaro. Standing at 5,895m high, it is known as the Roof of Africa. Upon arrival at the Marangu Gate you will sign in, complete your registration and other formalities before beginning your trek with your team of Guides, Chefs and Porters.
You will ascend through the rainforest on a cleared ridge where many of Kilimanjaro’s wildlife is found. An alternative and more scenic parallel trail follows a stream through the undergrowth and offers the option to re-join the main trail after 1.5 hours of Marangu route 7 Days hiking or just before you arrive at Mandara Hut.
You will spend the night at Mandara Hut consisting of A-framed huts offering 6-8 bunk beds with solar power and flush toilets. The total capacity here is 60 climbers and water is piped into the camp from springs.
Starting Point: Marangu Gate 1,860m.
End Point: Mandara Hut 2,715m.
Walking Duration: 4-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Mandara Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
Today you will continue your Marangu route 7 Days along a steep ascent through the forest which later opens into high moorland where you will see some of Kilimanjaro’s spectacular flora and fauna. You will have the opportunity to walk to Maundi Crater which offers views of Northern Tanzania and Kenya and, weather permitting, you may get your first glimpse of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks which are two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
In the early afternoon you will arrive at Horombo Hut where you will rest while your Chef prepares dinner.
Starting Point: Mandara Hut 2,715m.
End Point: Horombo Hut 3,720m.
Walking Duration: 6-8 Hours approx.
Overnight: Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
For clients trekking Mount Kilimanjaro in 6 days today is an acclimatisation day. Horombo is usually bustling with hikers, guides, chefs and porters with an atmosphere of adventure and excitement and we highly recommend this additional acclimatisation day and night to give you a greater chance of summiting Mount Kilimanjaro. Today you will have the opportunity to hike towards to Mawenzi Hut passing the Zebra Rocks which is a 4-5 hour round trip approx. Today you will continue your ascent into alpine desert and to the Saddle before continuing to Kibo Hut where the summit is only 1,195m above you. Tonight you will enjoy an early dinner and retire to your tent where you will prepare for your hike to the summit later tonight. At 11:30pm you will be woken with tea or coffee and a snack before making your way into the night.
Starting Point: Horombo Hut 3,720m.
End Point: Kibo Hut 4,703m.
Walking Duration: 6-8 Hours approx.
Overnight: Kibo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
You will continue your trek into the early hours of the morning and the first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,510m where you will have the opportunity to have a short rest if required. You will continue along a steep path to Gilman’s Point at 5,681m which is located on the Crater rim and this is the most demanding section of the Marangu route.
From Gilman’s Point it is common to encounter snow all the way to Uhuru Peak, the summit of the world’s tallest free-standing mountain at 5,895m high. Here you will watch the sun rise from the Roof of Africa, a once in a lifetime experience. After time to enjoy the view you will begin your descent to Kibo Hut where you will have breakfast and some well-deserved rest before continuing your descent to Horombo Hut where you will spend your final night on the mountain.
Starting Point: Kibo Hut 4,703m.
Via: Uhuru Point 5,895m.
End Point: Horombo Hut 3,720m.
Walking Duration 11-14 Hours approx.
Overnight: Horombo Hut, Mount Kilimanjaro.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your descent to the Marangu Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
Start Point: Horombo Hut 4,703m.
End Point: Marangu Gate 1,860m.
Walking Duration 5-6 Hours approx.
Overnight: Ilboru Safari Lodge, Arusha.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner.
After a leisurely breakfast you will continue your descent to the Mweka Gate where successful climbers receive their summit certificate. Your vehicle will be waiting for you and will drive you to Arusha where the remainder of the day is at leisure.
Today you will be transferred to the airport for your onward flight.
The Marangu Route is one of the most popular routes up Kilimanjaro. It is known for being affordable, offering basic hut accommodation, and is often considered the least strenuous route.
The Marangu Route can be completed in 5 days, but it is recommended to add an extra day for better acclimatization, making it a 6-day trek.
The Marangu Route offers affordability, basic hut accommodation, and is perceived as the easiest route. It also provides a comfortable walking path with a steady slope.
The route has a lower success rate due to it being chosen by inexperienced trekkers. It can be crowded, lacks diverse scenery, and shares the same path for ascent and descent.
Yes, the Marangu Route is often recommended for beginners due to its perceived ease and basic hut accommodation. However, adding an extra day for acclimatization is advised.
At Grey Eden Safaris, our greatest reward is seeing the joy, excitement, and wonder on our guests’ faces. But don’t just take our word for it hear directly from the adventurers who’ve journeyed with us!
The accommodations were top-notch, blending luxury with the beauty of nature. Every day brought new and breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five. I felt truly connected to the African wilderness thanks to Grey Eden’s dedication to authentic and responsible tourism.
I highly recommend Grey Eden Safaris to anyone looking for a memorable and life-changing safari experience. They exceeded all my expectations and made every moment unforgettable. I can’t wait to travel with them again!
The accommodations were top-notch, blending luxury with the beauty of nature. Every day brought new and breathtaking experiences, from witnessing the Great Migration to spotting the Big Five. I felt truly connected to the African wilderness thanks to Grey Eden’s dedication to authentic and responsible tourism.
USA
As an Aussie who loves adventure, Grey Eden Safaris delivered beyond my wildest dreams! From start to finish, their team was exceptional—super friendly, professional, and genuinely passionate about showcasing Africa’s beauty. The guides were brilliant, spotting wildlife I never thought I’d see up close.
The safari lodges were stunning, offering a perfect mix of comfort and authentic bush experience. Every day was filled with unforgettable moments, from sunrise game drives to evenings under the stars. I felt safe, well cared for, and truly immersed in nature.
If you’re looking for an unforgettable safari down under or anywhere in the world, Grey Eden Safaris is the way to go. I’ll definitely be back for more adventures with them!
Australia
Five years ago, I embarked on a safari with Grey Eden Safaris, and the memories are still as vivid as the day they happened. From the warm hospitality to the breathtaking wildlife encounters, every detail was flawless. It was truly the trip of a lifetime
The safari itself was beyond anything I had imagined. We ventured deep into the wilderness, witnessing majestic elephants, graceful giraffes, and even a pride of lions up close. Our guide’s knowledge of the land and wildlife made each moment more meaningful, turning every sighting into a story worth remembering. The landscapes were like something out of a dream, changing from golden savannahs to lush green plains.
Even now, five years later, I can close my eyes and be back there — the sunsets painting the sky, the sounds of nature all around, and the feeling of pure wonder.
USA
Grey Eden SafarisPlot No 206, Sekei Street, Arusha, Tanzania.
info@greyedensafaris.com
+255 754 588 787, +255 783 280 735, +255 788 074 440
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
09:00 AM - 05:00 PM
Closed
Payment Accepted
