Climbing Mawenzi Peak via the Marangu Route on Mount Kilimanjaro is not a common or well-established route. The Marangu Route primarily focuses on reaching Uhuru Peak, the highest point on Kilimanjaro, and does not typically include a specific ascent of Mawenzi Peak. However, if you wish to incorporate Mawenzi Peak into your climb, you would need to arrange for a customized and specialized itinerary with an experienced guide.
Day 0
Arrival
Arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO), where you will meet a dreamscape Travel representative, and transfer you to Moshi town where you will spend the first night at the hotel.
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
Accommodation: Hotel
Day 1
Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft) to Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft)
Activity: The day starts with a morning briefing at your hotel in Moshi followed by a drive to the Marangu Gate. The trail takes you through lush rainforest with opportunities for wildlife sightings.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 8km
Elevation Gain: 840m (2,756ft)
Habitat: Rainforest
Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 2
Mandara Hut (2,700m/8,858ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)
Activity: Continue the trek through moorland with views of the Mawenzi and Kibo peaks.
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 12km
Elevation Gain: 1,020m (3,346ft)
Habitat: Moorland
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 3
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft)
Activity: Today we will embark on a short hike to Mawenzi Camp which will serve as the base camp for the Mawenzi summit. This short hike gives us ample time to rest and prepare for the challenging ascent up Mawenzi peak.
Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Distance: Approximately 4km
Elevation Gain: 610m (2,000ft)
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn camp
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 4
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft) to Mawenzi Peak (5,149m/16,893ft) to Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft)
Activity: Begin your ascent toward Mawenzi Peak, with breathtaking views of the rugged terrain.
Hiking Time: Varies (ascent and descent)
Distance: 4 km
Elevation Gain: Approximately 819m (2687ft) to Mawenzi Peak
Habitat: Alpine Desert
Accommodation: Mawenzi Tarn Camp
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 5
Mawenzi Tarn Camp (4,330m/14,206ft) to Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,419ft)
Activity: We leave our campsite and cross the lunar desert of the ‘saddle’ between Mawenzi and Kibo After a couple hours trekking, reach this spectacular place, with the summit of Kilimanjaro in the background and our trail to the high camp stretched out before our eyes. Upon reaching our camp the remainder of the day will be spent resting in preparation of the final ascent after a very early night!
Hiking Time: 3 – 4 hours
Distance: Approximately 6km
Elevation Gain: 370m (1,213ft)
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 6
Kibo Hut (4,700m/15,419ft) to Uhuru Peak (5,895m/19,341ft) to Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft)
Activity: Today is “The Big Day” – the summit stage. You will begin your final ascent around midnight to reach the summit at sunrise. Descend to Horombo Hut.
Hiking Time: 6-8 hours to the summit, then 5-7 hours descent
Distance: Approximately 6km to the summit, 15km descent
Elevation Gain: 1,195m (3,917ft) ascent, 2,175m (7,135ft) descent
Habitat: Arctic (summit), Moorland (Horombo Hut)
Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Meals included: Breakfast / Lunch / Dinner
Day 7
Horombo Hut (3,720m/12,205ft) to Marangu Gate (1,860m/6,102ft)
Activity: Your final day on the mountain involves descending through the moorland and rainforest zones back to Marangu Gate, where you'll receive your summit certificates from the Park Headquarters. Transfer to your hotel.
Transport: Private transfer (0.5 hour, 39 km)
Hiking Time: 5-7 hours
Distance: Approximately 20km
Elevation Loss: 1,860m (6,102ft)
Habitat: Moorland and Rainforest
Accommodation: Hotel
Departure
After a much-needed nights rest, we will bid you goodbye. If you have arranged airport transfers with us or a safari / Zanzibar trip, we will collect you in the morning for your onward journey.
Transport: Private transfer (0.8 hour, 41 km)
Meals included: Breakfast
Price includes:
- Transportation from & to Kilimanjaro international airport
- Transportation to & from the mountain gate
- Camping and kitchen facilities
- Wages of professional mountain guides, cooks and porters
- Park fees, camping fees, rescue fees, crew fees and all government tax
- Warm water for washing every day
- English speaking mountain guide and assistant.
- All meals while on the mountain
- First Aid Kit includes Oxygen Kit
- 2 nights at the hotel (accommodations); one before and after the trek
Price excludes:
- Tips
- Tanzania Visa on arrival
- Any private expenses
- Personal gear rentals
- Personal expenses (e.g., laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
- Optional tours (short safari after your climb etc.)
- Local and international flights
- A doctor for the group