Zurura Africa Safaris

 After breakfast drive to Marangu Gate (1800m). Meet porters and complete registration formalities at the ranger’s office. The hike starts in lush rainforest leading upwards into increasingly thinning forest, eventually turning into long grasses and giant heathers intermingled with camphorwood trees, both draped by masses of bearded lichen. From here it is not far to Mandara Hut (2700m), the first campsite on the Marangu Route. En route you will enjoy a picnic lunch.

The climb from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut on the Mount Kilimanjaro Marangu Route:

Distance and Time:

The distance covered on this day is approximately 8.3 kilometers (around 5.2 miles). The estimated time to complete this portion is usually around 3-5 hours, but this can vary depending on the pace of the group, individual fitness levels, and weather conditions.

Trail and Terrain:

The Marangu Route, also known as the "Coca-Cola Route," is known for its gradual ascent and relatively well-maintained path. The trail from Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut is characterized by a mix of rainforest and moorland environments. The path is wide and well-defined, making it an accessible hike for most individuals.

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Trekking distance: 7 kilometers

Trek time: Around 3-4 hours

Environment: Montane forest

Elevation: From 1800 meters to 2700 meters

Distance and Time: The distance between Mandara Hut and Horombo Hut is approximately 11 kilometers (about 7 miles). On average, it takes about 5-7 hours to complete this portion of the hike. The time can vary depending on your pace and acclimatization.

Altitude: Mandara Hut is located at an altitude of approximately 2,700 meters (8,858 feet) above sea level, while Horombo Hut is situated at around 3,720 meters (12,205 feet). This means you'll gain over 1,000 meters (about 3,347 feet) in altitude during this climb.

Weather: The weather on Mount Kilimanjaro can be unpredictable, but generally, the lower elevations, including Mandara Hut, are relatively warm and may experience rain. As you ascend towards Horombo Hut, the temperature drops significantly, and you may encounter cold winds, fog, and even snow, especially at night.

We will spend a full day at and around Horombo Hut. A mid-day acclimatization hike, exploring the area, will briefly take you to a higher altitude, before returning to Horombo Hut. “Climb high, sleep lower” is the best way to acclimatize to high altitude.

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Environment: Alpine desert

Elevation: 3720 meters

Leaving Horombo the path starts of steep through the ever-thinning vegetation of moorland zone until reaching the saddle, the dry and barren terrain between Kibo and Mawenzi. Continuing across the saddle soon Kibo Hut, although still far in the distance, come into view. Lunch will be served mid-way, before continuing to Kibo Hut (4700m), your last camp before summiting.

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Trekking distance: 9.5 kilometers

Trek time: 5-6 hours

Environment: Alpine desert

Elevation: From 3720 meters to 4700 meters

 Starting around midnight – 0100 in the morning, the path leading to the crater rim starts directly behind Kibo Hut, reaching Hans Meyer Cave (5151m) about 2.5 hours later. Here it starts to zigzag across volcanic scree up the crater rim until reaching Gilman's Point (5680m), then continuing past stunning glaciers and ice cliffs alongside the crater rim, leading to Stella Point (5752m) followed by Uhuru Peak (5895m). From here you decent for lunch at Kibo Hut, then continue descending to Horombo Hut, where you will spend your last night on the mountain.

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Trekking distance: 22 kilometers (6 kilometers ascent / 16 kilometers descent)

Trek time: 10 to 13 hours (6 to 8 hours ascent / 4 to 5 hours descent)

Environment: Stone scree and ice-capped summit.

Elevation: From 4750 meters to 5895 meters (Uhuru Peak) to 3720 meters

 The descent from Horombo is gentle in comparison to the previous day and you get to enjoy beautiful scenery, from Dendrosenecio Kilimanjari trees, heath and moorland, tussock grasses and heathers, to the rainforest, once more. Mandara Hut (2700m) will be your lunch stop before reaching Marangu Gate, where your golden certificate awaits you, about 1½ to 2 hours later.

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Trekking distance: 18 kilometers

Trek time: 5-6 hours

Environment: Montane forest

Elevation: From 3720 meters to 1980 meters