6 Days Mt.Kilimanjaro : Marangu Route

Horombo Hut is a village of huts perched on a small plateau, with buildings similar to Mandara, but with a total capacity of 150 climbers. Normally bustling with hikers, guides, porters, and an atmosphere full of adventure and excitement. You will meet both ascending and descending hikers here. This extra day and night at Horombo is for additional acclimatization. A hike towards the Mawenzi Hut, passing the Zebra Rocks on the way (about 3 hours up and 1.5 hours down), is strongly recommended. This hike will further assist with the process of acclimatization. Remember to drink enough water and move slowly. All meals for the day are provided at the hut. Retire to bed early and get a last good night’s rest.

The eleven-kilometer path seems rather steep at first as it bends north-west and up through the thinning vegetation of the moors. It takes 4 to 5 hours of tough walking, a gradual but relentless uphill slog to round off what has already been a fairly wearying day. From Horombo Hut, there are two trails to the Saddle. The right fork is very stony and eroded and is the most direct route to the Saddle and Mawenzi. From the Saddle (about 2 hours from Horombo), there are trails to Mawenzi Hut (1.5 hours) or Mawenzi Tarn Hut (2.5 hours), and across the length of the Saddle to Kibo Hut (3 hours). The left fork from Horombo Hut is an easier trail and emerges on the Saddle much closer to Kibo and about one kilometer from Kibo Hut. Dinner and overnight at the hut.

Wake up around 5.30am and after a breakfast of tea and biscuits, you will start off into the night and this is where the going gets really tough. The first section of the trail consists of a rocky path to the Hans Meyer Cave (5,150m), also a good resting spot. The path then zigzags up to Gillman’s point (5,681m), which is located on the crater rim. This section is very steep with a lot of stone scree, requiring a great physical and mental effort, probably the most demanding section of the entire route. Do the Kili shuffle and move slowly. From Gillman’s 1 hour climb to the summit point, you will normally encounter snow all the way up to Uhuru peak (5,895m), the highest point in Africa and experience total exhilaration and satisfaction – you made it. Weather conditions on the summit will determine how long you will be able to spend, taking photographs, before the 3 hour descent back to Kibo hut. After a short rest you gather all your gear you left behind for the ascent and head down to Horombo Hut (3 hours) for your overnight. The return to Horombo Hut will seem surprisingly fast compared to the ascent. The total time spent walking on this day is around 14 hours, so be prepared for a very tough day. Later in the evening, you enjoy your last dinner (with soft drinks and beer for sale at the camp office) on the mountain and a well-earned sleep, filled with memories and stirring emotions.

After breakfast, you continue your descent (6 hours), passing the Mandara Hut, down to the Marangu gate. It is strongly recommended not to pay your porters any tips until you and all your gear have reached the gate safely. At Marangu gate, you sign your name and details in a register. This is also where successful climbers receive their summit certificates. Those climbers who reached Gillman’s Point (5,685m) are issued with green certificates and those who reached Uhuru Peak (5,895m), receive gold certificates. You now drive back for a long overdue hot shower, dinner and celebrations! Overnight at your hotel.