Why Choose the Marangu Route?
✔️ Hut Accommodation: Only route with mountain huts, no camping required.
✔️ Easiest Terrain: Gradual slopes suitable for beginners.
✔️ Cost-Effective: Less expensive than other routes.
✔️ Direct Ascent/Descent: No long return trek.
Marangu Route at a Glance
- 📏 Distance: ~72 km (45 miles) round trip
- 🗓️ Duration: 5–6 days (6 recommended)
- 💪 Difficulty: Moderate (easier terrain)
- 🏠 Accommodation: Mountain huts
- 🏞️ Scenery: Rainforest, alpine desert
- 👣 Crowds: High
- ⛰️ Max Elevation: 5,895 m (Uhuru Peak)
- 📈 Summit Success Rate: ~50–60%
🗓️ Day 1
📍 Marangu Gate → Mandara Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 1,870m → 2,720m
🚶 Distance: ~8 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 4–5 hours
🌿 Highlight: Rainforest & Wildlife
📜 After starting at Marangu Gate, trek gradually through dense rainforest. Look out for Colobus monkeys and lush flora. Stop for lunch on the way before reaching Mandara Hut, where you spend your first night.
🗓️ Day 2
📍 Mandara Hut → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 2,720m → 3,720m
🚶 Distance: ~12 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
🌿 Highlight: Moorland & Heath
📜 The trail moves through heath and moorland with views of Mawenzi Peak. Horombo Hut awaits for overnight stay. Prepare for higher altitude as you ascend.
🗓️ Day 3
(Optional Acclimatization)
📍 Horombo Hut → Mawenzi Ridge/Zebra Rocks → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 4,300m / 4,000m
🚶 Distance: Short hike (~5 km)
⏱️ Hiking Time: 3–4 hours
🌿 Highlight: Summit Prep & Scenic Views
📜 A short hike to Mawenzi Ridge or Zebra Rocks is highly recommended for acclimatization. Enjoy spectacular panoramic views and return to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
🗓️ Day 4
📍 Horombo Hut → Kibo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 4,700m
🚶 Distance: ~10 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–7 hours
🌿 Highlight: Alpine Desert
📜 Trail becomes steeper through alpine desert. Climbers reach Kibo Hut, resting for the midnight summit push. Hydrate and eat well to prepare for the challenging night ahead.
🗓️ Day 5
📍 Kibo Hut → Gilman’s Point → Stella Point → Uhuru Peak → Kibo Hut → Horombo Hut
🏔️ Elevation: 4,700m → 5,895m → 4,700m → 3,720m
🚶 Distance: 6 km ascent + 16 km descent
⏱️ Hiking Time: 7–8 hours ascent, 6–7 hours descent
🌿 Highlight: Summit & Sunrise
📜 Summit attempt starts at midnight. Reach Gilman’s Point (5,685m) then Stella Point (5,756m) and finally Uhuru Peak at sunrise. Celebrate, then descend back to Kibo Hut and continue to Horombo Hut for overnight rest.
🗓️ Day 6
📍 Horombo Hut → Marangu Gate
🏔️ Elevation: 3,720m → 1,870m
🚶 Distance: ~20 km
⏱️ Hiking Time: 6–8 hours
🌿 Highlight: Descent through Moorland & Rainforest
📜 Long descent through Mandara Hut to Marangu Gate. Receive your summit certificate and celebrate the successful climb.
Pros & Cons
✅ Pros
- Hut accommodation (no tents)
- Less expensive
- Easiest terrain
- Direct ascent/descent
❌ Cons
- Lower success rate
- Less scenic
- High crowd levels