Itinerary for 6 days Kilimanjaro climb budget Marangu route
Day 1: Moshi to Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
The day will begin with a drive from Moshi town to Marangu gate, upon reaching the gate you will have to complete the national park formalities you will then start your hike from Marangu gate to Mandara hut which will take you 3 to 4hrs hike a distance of 8 kilometers reaching the hut, where you will meet your chef and porters made the food and your environment ready for your meals and rest.
On this day you will be walking through the rainforest where you can enjoy the view of the Maundi crater and see the eucalyptus trees, birds, and colobus monkeys.
Time and distance:3 to 4hrs a hiking of 8km distance
Elevation:1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
Day 2: Mandara Hut to Horombo hut
The day will be a hike of 5 to 6hrs through the moorland forest heading to Horombo hut, which is a distance of 12 kilometers.
On your hike for this day you will enjoy the view of Lobelias, groundsels, and the great view of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo, reaching the Horombo encampment.
Elevation:2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
Meal plan:Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
Day 3: Acclimatization day while staying at Horombo hut
Budget climbers via the Marangu route for 6 days will have this extra day different from that of the 5 days Kilimanjaro climb, which is a served day purposefully for adopting the altitude changes as you will be ascending to high altitude on the next day.
This is to increase the success rates for the summit of the Uhuru peak. The day will be taking a hike up to Zebra Rock and then back to Horombo hut for lunch and continue relaxing and collecting some strength for the adventure itself ahead on the next day.
You will have to walk for a distance of 5 Kilometers up from Horombo to Zebra Rock and back to Horombo which will take a 4hrs hike to see some black and white rocks.
Time and distance:4hrs a hiking of 5km distance
Elevation:Zebra Rocks 4020m/Horombo Hut 3700m
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
The day will be 5 to 7 hours walking through the saddle of the Kilimanjaro between the two cones of Kibo and Mawenzi. It will be a walk for a distance of 9.5 kilometers reaching the Kibo hut as you will be walking through the desert you will enjoy the sight of the water stream and hardly any grass. Kibo hut will be your last ascending stop and overnight before your summit.
Time and distance:5 to 7hrs a hiking of 9.5km distance
Elevation:3700m/12,200ft to 4700m/15,500ft
Day 5: Summit and descend to Kibo then to Horombo
This is the day to be certified with the diploma of reaching the highest peak in Africa and the World’s highest freestanding Mountain peak.
The day starts at midnight leaving the Kibo hut to the summit on steep heavy scree or sometimes snow up to Gilman’s point which is on the crater rim and from Gilman’s you take a high ascend to the Huru Peak “CONGRATULATIONS YOU HAVE REACHED THE HIGHEST PEAK IN AFRICA, THE UHURU PEAK OK Kilimanjaro MOUNTAIN”
Due to the weather you will not last long here you will take some photos at the signpost of the Uhuru point and start your descent through the Marangu route, where you will have a stop at the Kibo hut for your Lunch and trek down up to Horombo for your overnight stay and dinner.
Time and distance:6 to 8hrs Ascending distance of 6km and 15km descending to Horombo
Elevation:4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft Down to 3700m/12,200ft
Day 6: Horombo to Marangu gate and back to Moshi
The day will start with your morning breakfast at Horombo and take your trek down up to Marangu gate passing through the Mandara hut. Reaching the gate you will meet the porters already there with your luggage and the driver who will pick you up from the gate to Moshi town.
On your descent on this day you will be walking through the moorland and lush forest for 4 to 5hrs which is a distance of 20 Kilometers reaching the Marangu gate.
Time & Distance:4 to 5hrs descending of 20km distance
Elevation:3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
Unique features of the 6-day budget Kilimanjaro climbing via Marangu route compared to other packages:
Affordable Cost: The Marangu route offers a budget-friendly option for climbers. Compared to other routes, it generally requires fewer days, at a lower cost.
Accommodations: Unlike other routes that mainly consist of camping, the Marangu route offers huts for accommodation owned by the Kilimanjaro National Park Authority. These huts provide shelter, beds, and basic facilities, ensuring a more comfortable during the climb.
Scenic Beauty: The Marangu route showcases diverse and attractive landscapes. Climbers pass through lush rainforests, moorlands with heather and lobelia plants, and the unique alpine desert. The changing scenery provides a visually stunning journey.
Well-Maintained Paths: The paths along the Marangu route are well-established and maintained. this is why Marangu preferred as easiest route compared to other
Experienced Guides and Support Team: The Marangu route is guided by experienced and knowledgeable guides who are familiar with the route and its challenges. They provide valuable assistance, guidance, and support throughout the climb, ensuring a safe and successful expedition.