Hiking mount Kilimanjaro in 3 days
This Hiking mount Kilimanjaro in 3 days traverses the Marangu Route, the most accessible and briefest path to the summit; however, our objective for this excursion is NOT to attain the summit. The Marangu Route, sometimes referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, is the oldest and most frequented path to ascend Mount Kilimanjaro.
This expedition entails a two-night journey on the Marangu Route before returning to Moshi. You will ascend and spend the initial night in Mandara Hut, then proceed the next day to hike to the second hut, Horombo Hut, for the night. The subsequent day, you will return to Mandara hut for lunch before hiking back.
The Marangu route is distinctive for providing sleeping cottages at each campsite along the journey. The Mandara huts accommodate 60 beds, while the Horombo Hut accommodates 120 individuals. The huts have comfy bunk beds, each furnished with a sponge mattress and cushion. The shelters along the Marangu path are communal and equipped with solar-powered lighting.
The facilities in the lower cabins on the slopes are equipped with running water. A variety of beverages are available for purchase along the Marangu Route to satisfy the thirst of climbers. Bottled water, carbonated beverages, and beer are typically offered at the huts.
Meals are consumed in communal eating huts where multiple climbing parties from diverse countries convene. The social mealtimes along the Marangu trail are enjoyable and vibrant events. The Kilimanjaro hike commences with a transfer to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (1840m). Upon arrival at Kilimanjaro National Park, we finalize the requisite documentation prior to commencing our ascent of Mt. Kilimanjaro.
The expedition quickly leads us into the dense jungle, enveloped by ancient trees adorned with moss, colossal ferns, lichen, and various native flora. As we traverse the woods, we remain vigilant for black and white colobus monkeys and other wildlife.
Following a four-hour trek, we arrive at our initial overnight destination, the Mandara Hut (2670m). We pause here prior to our excursion to Maundi Crater with our mountain guide. From the crater, we relish magnificent vistas of the Kenyan interior, prior to returning to Mandara Hut for dinner and our overnight accommodation.
Day 2 begins with an early breakfast prior to resuming our Marangu trek to Kilimanjaro, the tallest mountain in Africa. We promptly arrive at the tree line, transitioning into the heath and moor vegetation zone. We trek for around 4 to 6 hours to arrive at the Horombo Hut, situated at an elevation of 3700 meters.
We will dine and spend the night at Horombo Hut, appreciating the stunning vistas of Mawenzi, Kibo, and the expansive Masai steppe.
On Day 3, we will have breakfast while enjoying amazing views of the peak of Mount Kilimanjaro at sunrise, after which we will begin to retrace our ways back to Mandara Huts for lunch. Proceed downward along a verdant woodland trail to the National Park entrance at Marangu.
At lower altitudes, conditions may be damp and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. Shorts and t-shirts will likely do for attire (ensure rain gear and warmer clothing are readily available). A van will rendezvous with you at Marangu village to transport you to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha or to Kilimanjaro Airport.
This concludes your unforgettable three-day Kilimanjaro hike via the Marangu Route. The trekking distance we go is approximately 20 km (13 miles) and will require about 4 to 5 hours.
- Day 1: Moshi/ Arusha – Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park (Marangu Gate), Hike to Mandara Hut
- Day 2: Hike Mandara Hut – Hike to Horombo Hut
- Day 3: Hike from Horombo Hut to park gate, return to Moshi/ Arusha
Day 1: Marangu Gate (1850 meters/6000 feet) – Mandara Hut (2700 meters/9000 feet)
0830 Hours: Following breakfast and a briefing, we travel from Moshi/Arusha town and drive for one hour to Marangu Gate (Kilimanjaro National Park Gate). Upon reaching the gate, we finalize the necessary documentation and, following registration, commence our ascent into the remarkable Marangu forest, characterized by its dense moss, lichens, and an inexhaustible array of flourishing vegetation.
The itinerary includes traversing the rainforest to Mandara Hut (9000 feet), where we will spend the night. Traverse the rainforest to reach the Mandara campsite. A detour to Maundi Crater offers an excellent opportunity to observe the neighboring regions, including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the jungle, observe the majestic Eucalyptus trees, avian species, and Colobus monkeys.
The hike distance is around 8 kilometers (5 miles) and will require about 3 to 4 hours to complete.
Overnight stay at Mandara Hut
Meal Plan: {Lunch and Dinner}
Day 2: Mandara Hut (2700 meters/9,000 feet) to Horombo Huts (3700 meters/12,000 feet)
Following breakfast, we go on our subsequent hike to Horombo Huts at 12,000 feet, a journey anticipated to last approximately 5 to 6 hours. The ascent will traverse the lower heathland, characterized primarily by tiny bushes as the predominant vegetation.
During our lunch break approximately midway through the ascent. The vistas of Mawenzi and the pinnacle of Kibo are spectacular. Search for huge lobelias and groundsels. You may start to experience the consequences of the elevation. We will reach Horombo Hut at approximately 1500 hours, with the Kibo peak already visible. We will stay overnight in the Horombo Hut.
The hike distance is around 12 kilometers (8 miles) and will require about 5 to 6 hours to complete.
Overnight stay at Horombo Hut Meal Plan: {Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner}
Day 3: Horombo Huts (3,700 Meters/12,000 Feet) – Marangu Gate (1,850 Meters/6,000 Feet)
Following breakfast and admiring the breathtaking views of Mount Kilimanjaro’s peak at sunrise, we will commence our descent, retracing our ways to Mandara Huts for lunch.
Proceed downward along a verdant woodland trail to the National Park entrance at Marangu. At lower altitudes, conditions may be damp and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will be beneficial. Shorts and t-shirts will likely do for attire (retain rain gear and warmer clothing readily available). A van will rendezvous with you at Marangu village to transport you back to your hotel in Moshi/Arusha (about 1 hour).
The hike distance is approximately 20 kilometers (13 miles) and will require around 4 to 5 hours to complete.
Dietary Schedule: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner.
Mount Kilimanjaro Climbing 3 Days Hike Tanzania Rates Do Not Include:
* Drinks
* Laundry
* Travelers Insurance
* Communication charges
* Sleeping bags and personal items
* Accommodation and meals in Moshi
* Tips or gratuity for guides and porters
* Visas, international airfares, and airport taxes; meals
* Lunch or dinner in Moshi or Arusha towns (option and extra charges direct)
* Sightseeing not included in the package; optional activities
* Personal expenses such as transfers to/ from the airport (supplement airport transfer cost applies for tours starting from the airport)