The Marangu Route attracts considerably more climbers than all the other routes put together, being the quickest and most direct route. It takes 5 days to climb, covering about 80 kilometres via the east side of the mountain. In order to help with acclimatisation you can add an extra day at 3,700 metres before continuing with the ascent. This is the only route on which we use the park huts for accommodation which have dormitory style rooms. It is also the only two-way route meaning that you ascend and descend by the same path.

Acclimatisation is extremely important, both to let you enjoy your ascent but more importantly to avoid any serious complications. The route is planned to optimise the height gain, but you may still get a head ache or feel nauseous. There are two important preventative measures: to drink copiously, even when it is really difficult, and to walk very slowly.

SUGESTED ITINERARY

Day 1: (Arusha.)
On arrival at Kilimanjaro airport you will be met and transferred to a Lodge/Hotel for dinner and overnight. This evening you will be briefed on the climb in preparation for the following day.

Day 2: 
After breakfast you will be transferred to Marangu Gate (1 860 m), where you will commence the climb. The route passes through tangled rain forest to the Mandara Hut at 2 752 m, close to the Maundi Crater. The climb is reasonably easy although the path is sometimes slippery. There is prolific birdlife and monkeys are usually seen.

Day 3:
From Mandara the path continues through the forest. After a couple of hours you will suddenly emerge from the forest to hopefully amazing views of the summit, suddenly much nearer. The path follows the rolling moorland to reach Horombo Hut at (3780m) after a total of about six hours. Horombo is really a small village and is usually busy. Many people spend two nights here and you will stay again on the way down. Once you reach Horombo it is noticeably colder and you will need to have a fleece jacket or sweater with you. About now you will also start to feel the effects of altitude, so drink and walk slowly.

Day 4:
From Horombo Hut you will continue along one of two trails to the saddle and on to Kibo Hut (4 740 m), which is approximately a six-hour walk into the lunar landscape of the desert area.

Day 5:
To the summit, 5895m. After a very early start a 5 hour slow walk up steep rocks to Gillman's Point (5690m), followed by a further 1-2 hours to Uhuru Peak, reaching the summit at dawn. Return by the same path to Horombo Hut.

Day 6:
Final walk to the park gate, where you will be met and transferred back to a Lodge/Hotel, Arusha, where you will overnight.

Day 7:
Transfer to airport for onward or return flight