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.
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation (ft): 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
Distance: 8 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
We depart Arusha for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.
Start point
Arusha, Tanzania
07:00 - 09:00
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
Distance: 12 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Heath
We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.
Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Ridge
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 2-3 hours
Habitat: Heath
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 14,400 ft to 12,205
Distance: 5 km
Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
Habitat: Heath
This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
Distance: 10 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Alpine Desert
We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day.
DAY 5
Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak
Elevation (ft): 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
Distance: 6 km
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours
Habitat: Arctic
Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
Distance: 16 km
Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
Habitat: Heath
Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.
After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
Elevation (ft): 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
Distance: 20 km
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Habitat: Rain Forest
On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Arusha.
End point
Arusha, Tanzania
16:00 - 18:00
Cancellations:
Prior to tour departure, for cancellations received by us in writing:
• If you cancel your tour a month before the tour start date, full
deposit paid is non-refundable.
• 1 month or less prior or no show: 100% tour cost.
• There are no refunds for unused portions of the program. Therefore,
refunds will not be made to clients who do not complete their tour for
their own reason/s, whatsoever amendments made to the itinerary once
paid for, may result in additional costs.
• If you cancel your tour one week after your total cost payment has
been processed, you will receive refund of 75% from your total payment.
• A 50% refund will be made for those who cancel their tour 4 weeks to
two months before start date.
• A 30% deposit is always used on paying for a client’s accommodations,
and that is why is not refundable. However, if you extend your depart
date within a year for any reason after you pay 30% deposit, your 30%
deposit can be extended for one year. The money will only apply towards
your trip cost if you visit Tanzania and book a tour though Cross to
Africa Safaris within one year from your cancellation date.
• Therefore, all refunds are subject to wire transfer fees in case of
cancellation.
• There will be no refund for any completed program.
Alterations of tours:
• To alter route and settlements in the itinerary, should conditions
necessitate, for the benefit of the client.
• To subcontract all or part of the agreed tour.
• To replace a faulty vehicle and compensate hours lost, by extra safari
hours or days.
• To change an accommodation (hotel, lodge, tented camp, guest house,
camp site etc.) with another same-level accommodation.
Insurance:
It must be clearly understood that these are adventure safaris, and
there are certain dangers and risks which are inevitable. Whilst every
care is taken for the safety and comfort of our clients, the company
accepts no liability for all or any of the following:
• Damage or loss of property of any client, howsoever caused.
• Sickness, infection, injury or death of the clients, howsoever caused.
• Change of itinerary due to road and weather conditions.
• Damages, directly or indirectly, arising out of delays in departure or
arrival, including delays occasioned by the missing of road, rail, ship
or aircraft connections.
• War and other rare calamities which may occur while on the safari.
• All the above and other unexpected situations can arise before or
during any type of vacation. Such an event might cause you to cut short
your vacation or cause your trip to be cancelled all together.
Unfortunately, because of the costs incurred by the tour operator, any
cancellation after booking incurs financial penalties, up to and
including loss of the entire package price. That’s why we strongly
recommend a travel protection plan offered by an insurance company in
your country.
For one low per-person price, you can buy peace of mind and keep your
vacation worry-free. You can purchase insurance online with any
insurance company.
Liability:
• Our company and agents, act only agents in all matters relating to
these tours.
• By making any payment, you have understood and agreed to our booking
terms and conditions policy.
camping,hut,hostel
vihicles available from the first day to last day of departuer .
Transfers from Kilimanjaro Airport to Arusha.
Transfers from Arusha
Transfers from Hotel to gate entrances (starting point of climb).
All meals while on Climb
2litre water on a daily basis
Transfer to/from Arusha
Staff fees
Hotel accommodation where noted
Walking Tour in the in some protected areas
Guides
Porters
International airfares and departure taxes
All items of person nature such as telephone call, fax, email etc
Trips and gratuities to hotel, lodges, porters, camp staff and driver - guide(s)
Alcoholic and non alcoholic drinks
Laundry services
Visa and International flight
meals available for clint request.
Tanzania
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