The only route with permanent huts and beds rather than tents. Gentler gradients and a shared dining hall make it the most comfortable ascent, and the extra acclimatisation day at Horombo lifts an otherwise modest success rate.
8km through dense rainforest from 1,860m to Mandara Hut at 2,700m, 4 to 5 hours. Optional afternoon walk to Maundi Crater.
12km out of the forest onto open moorland with giant lobelia and senecio, reaching Horombo at 3,720m in 6 to 7 hours.
Day walk to Zebra Rocks at 4,020m or the Mawenzi base, returning to sleep at Horombo. This day is what makes a 6 day Marangu viable.
9km across the alpine desert of the Saddle between Mawenzi and Kibo, reaching Kibo Hut at 4,703m in 5 to 6 hours. Early dinner and sleep.
Depart at midnight for Gilman Point at 5,681m, then the rim traverse to Uhuru Peak at 5,895m. Descend all the way to Horombo Hut for the night.
20km descent to the gate, 5 to 6 hours, certificates and transfer to Moshi.
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It has the gentlest gradients and the only beds, but its acclimatisation profile is poorer than Lemosho or 7 day Machame, so summit rates are lower. Easy walking and easy summiting are not the same thing on this mountain.
It is sold, and we do not recommend it. Without the Horombo acclimatisation day the success rate falls below 50 percent and altitude sickness risk rises sharply.
The western approach across the Shira Plateau. Quieter than Machame for the first three days, more remote in feel, and with an…
The highest success rate we offer on a standard route. Eight days gives the body time to adapt properly, with a Karanga rest…
The only route approaching from the north, near the Kenyan border. Drier than the southern routes, far quieter, and the best…
