MARANGU ROUTE

6 Days Mount Kilimanjaro Machame Route

Route overview

Embark on an extraordinary six-day trekking expedition along the iconic Marangu Route, guided by the experienced team at Key2Africa Safaris. As a trusted and renowned company, Key2Africa Safaris ensures your safety, comfort, and an unforgettable adventure on Mount Kilimanjaro. Starting from the Marangu Gate, traverse diverse landscapes, from lush rainforests teeming with wildlife to alpine meadows and rugged volcanic terrains. Expert guides share fascinating insights about the mountain’s history, flora, and fauna, enhancing your journey.

Throughout the trek, Key2Africa Safaris takes care of logistics, provides well-equipped campsites, and fosters a spirit of camaraderie among fellow trekkers. Their friendly and supportive crew motivates you during challenging stretches. Appreciate the unique beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro, witness stunning sunrises, and marvel at the glacier-capped peak. Reach Uhuru Peak, the highest point in Africa, with Key2Africa Safaris guiding you every step of the way. Celebrate your triumph, knowing you have accomplished a remarkable feat. Let Key2Africa Safaris be your trusted partner, offering an unforgettable experience along the Marangu Route where adventure and natural splendor converge.

Day 1 : Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

We depart Moshi 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.

-Elevation: 6,046 ft to 8,858 ft
-Distance: 8 km | 5 miles
-Hiking Time:  4-5 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest

Overnight at

Mandara Hut

Day 2 : Mandara Hut To Horombo Hut

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.

-Elevation: 8,858 ft to 12,205 ft
-Distance: 12 km | 7 miles
-Hiking Time:  6-8 hours
-Habitat: Heath

Overnight at

Horombo Hut

Day 3 : Horombo Hut To Mawenzi Ridge To Horombo Hut

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.

Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut

-Elevation: 12,205 ft to 14,400 ft
-Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
-Hiking Time: 2-3 hours  
-Habitat:Heath
 
Mawenzi Ridge to Horombo Hut
-Elevation: 14,400 ft to 12,205 ft
-Distance: 5 km | 3 miles
-Hiking Time: 1-2 hours
-Habitat: Heath

Overnight at

Horombo Hut

Day 4 : Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut

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.

-Elevation:12,205 ft to 15,430 ft
-Distance: 10 km | 6 miles
-Hiking Time:  6-8 hours
-Habitat: Alpine Desert

Overnight at

Kibo Hut

Day 5 Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

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.

Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak  

-Elevation: 15,430 ft to 19,341 ft
-Distance: 6 km | 4 miles
-Hiking Time:  6-8 hours
-Habitat: Arctic
 

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

-Elevation: 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft
-Distance16 km | 10 miles
-Hiking Time:  4-5 hours
-Habitat: Heath

Overnight at

Horombo Hut

Day 6: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate

On our last day, we continue the descent to Mweka Gate and collect the summit certificates. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. From the gate, we continue another hour to Mweka Village. A vehicle will meet us at Mweka Village to drive us back to the hotel in Moshi/Arusha.

-Elevation: 12,205 ft to 6,046 ft
-Distance: 20 km | 12 miles
-Hiking Time:  5-7 hours
-Habitat: Rain Forest 

Overnight at

Arusha Town