Kilimanjaro is the highest peak on the African Continent. One of the most difficult places to be, the trek routes to this pinnacle are also difficult and varied. To climb Kilimanjaro, there are six established routes, such as the following:
- Marangu
- Machame
- Lemosho
- Shira
- Rongai
- Umbwe
Out of the aforementioned, the Marangu, Machame, and Umbwe routes start from the south of the mountain, whereas the Lemosho and Shira routes approach from the west. Only the Rongai route is climbed from the north side near Kenya. With such elaborate trekking routes, why is it that the Marangu route becomes suitable for many people? We will learn about this in the following sections.
Climbing Kilimanjaro via Marangu Route with Ice Rock Trekking
This seven-day itinerary, specially designed by Ice Rock Trekking, centers around the easiest route to take to ascend Kilimanjaro with the following main summits:
- Mawenzi (5149m)
- Kibo (5896m)
From these summits, you can see the glaciers, screes, cliffs, afro-alpine moorland, and forests down to the cultivated foothills. Our Marangu route takes you at a gentle pace through these dramatically difficult terrains.
Ice Rock Trekking Itinerary for Marangu Trek
Day 1: Nairobi to Moshi
You will leave Nairobi at 7:30 a.m. on your commute. Then, you will drive to Moshi arriving in the evening. We have arranged dinner at your arrival in the Zebra Hotel.
Day 2: Marangu Gate (1980m) – Mandara Hut (2700m)
Your day second will start with a hike with an estimated time of five hours. The distance of the trek is about 12 km. The habitat of the terrain is montane forest.
Day 3: Mandara Hut (2700m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
Your day third will start with a hike with an estimated time of six hours. The distance of the trek is about 15 km. The habitat of the terrain is Moorland.
Day 4: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Kibo Hut (4700m)
Your day fourth will start with a hike with an estimated time of six hours. The distance of the trek is about 15 km. The habitat of the terrain is an Alpine forest.
Day 5: Summit Attempt Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo hut (3720m)
Your day fifth will start with a hike with an estimated duration of eight hours to Uhuru and six hours to descend to Horombo. The distance of the trek is about 6 km for ascent and 21 km for descent. The habitat of the terrain is stone scree and ice-capped summit.
Day 6: Horombo Hut (3720m) – Marangu Gate (1980m)
Your day sixth will start with a hike with an estimated time of six hours. The distance of the trek is about 27 km. Here, you have reached the two peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro, i.e., Uhuru and Kibo rise from the African plains.
Day 7: Departure
On the last day, after having breakfast, we will transfer to Nairobi or the Kilimanjaro airport, as per your preference.
Tips to keep in mind while hiking to Kilimanjaro
Ice Rock Trekking, after leading many successful trips to Kilimanjaro and other mountains, there are several trekking hacks we tell our clients to help them enjoy their time in the mountains, like the following:
- Ski sticks are useful during the scree-to-summit to ascend
- Ski sticks protect your knees during descent
- Carry a hot water bottle at night to create a comforting heating pad and slip it in your bag or beneath your pillow
- Carry powdered drink/sports mix to maintain hydration, like Tang or Gatorade
- Find your pace of comfort for hiking to keep you going all-day
- Pack some of your favorite snacks for a break while hiking
To know more about Kilimanjaro trekking routes, visit the Ice Rock Trekking website or connect with us.