Marangu Route
The traditional route. Huts, good views of Mawenzi, and the one you can join as a solo traveller.
$1,600per person
Itinerary
Park huts — dormitory chalets. No showers; warm water in the morning if you ask.
These are examples. We change the days to fit your pace.
Day 01
Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
- Distance
- 8 km
- Time
- 3–4 hrs
- Altitude
- +857 m
After breakfast we drive to Marangu Gate. You walk through rainforest — dense, sometimes muddy — at a slow, comfortable pace, with a packed lunch.
After about four hours you reach Mandara Hut. A detour to the waterfalls is worth it if you ask the guide before you set off.
TonightMandara Hut
Day 02
Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
- Distance
- 12 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Altitude
- +1,000 m
A steep walk through the upper rainforest, then giant heather and tussock grass. Vegetation shortens as you climb — everlasting flowers, lobelia and groundsels in the wetter places.
TonightHorombo Hut
Day 03
Horombo — acclimatization
- Distance
- Day hike
- Time
- About 4 hrs
- Altitude
- To 4,300 m
An extra day. A hike toward Maundi Hut and a viewpoint at 14,100 feet, or rest if you are tired. Birdlife is good here. Rain most afternoons — be back by 4 for tea.
Most people start to feel the altitude. After the rain, Horombo has the sunsets and a sky full of stars.
TonightHorombo Hut
Day 04
Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
- Distance
- 9.5 km
- Time
- 5–7 hrs
- Altitude
- +1,000 m
West, then north toward Middle Red Hill and the Triplets. The last 3 km to Kibo Hut is alpine desert — rocks, like walking on the moon. Mawenzi to the east is the view.
TonightKibo Hut
Day 05
Summit — Gilman’s Point to Uhuru Peak
- Distance
- 5.5 km up, 15 km down
- Time
- 10–16 hrs
- Altitude
- +1,195 m
Up very early, something warm, then out in the dark. Gilman’s Point is a slow, steep walk on volcanic scree — about 5–6 hours. Headlamps look like fireflies. The sunrise over Africa is the one people remember.
Uhuru Peak is about 1½ hours along the crater rim. Photos at the sign, then down the scree — big steps, a bit of sliding. Rest at Kibo if you need it, then down to Horombo.
TonightHorombo Hut
Day 06
Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate
- Distance
- 20 km
- Time
- 5 hrs
- Altitude
- −1,857 m
A slow walk through the rainforest — Old Man’s Beard on the trees, giant ferns, a lot of steps. Transfer back to Janibichi / Zion Gates.
Other routes
Machame Route
The most beautiful route. Forest, then the Shira Plateau, Kibo and the western breach.
Starts from
$1,650
Per person
Lemosho Route
A quieter start on the west side. More time on the Shira Plateau, and a better chance at the summit.
Starts from
$1,880
Per person
Rongai Route
The quiet northern side. A gentle gradient, short days, and you finish through Marangu.
Starts from
$1,900
Per person