The third Kilimanjaro stage on the Marangu route leads from Horombo Huts to Kibo Huts. The average gradient of 10.4% is slightly higher than on the second stage. In addition, halfway through the environment changes completely: without vegetation on wide gravel plains with some scree. The altitude makes it very difficult to breathe and you take every step very slowly.

Level of difficulty: Very difficult – due to the high altitude.

Shoes, clothing, equipment: I walked the stage almost entirely under clouds. However, due to both the cold and the sunlight, a sun hat should be worn. A scarf, fleece jacket, light gloves as well as slightly warmer trousers give the body the warmth it needs. Since the path is now quite flat and clear, light hiking boots might be sufficient. However, the concentration decreases significantly due to the low oxygen content in the air. With hiking poles you can gain a little more sure-footedness.

Overnight stay at Mandara Huts: Two-story beds with thin, plastic-covered mattresses await you here – but this time in a larger dormitory for around 24 people.

Extra note: The night at the Kibo Huts is very short. After only a few hours of sleep – if you can get any sleep at all at the altitude and because of the excitement – my group set off in the middle of the night to climb the summit. Back from the summit you can enjoy short nap here. But you will go back down to the Horombo Huts very quickly to reach a lower altitude and a higher oxygen level in the air.

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-2
> Start of the 3rd stage – follow the green arrows
> Also the start of the short hike to the Zebra Rocks {https://hikingtrailview.com/de/rennsteig-virtuelle-360-panoramatour/kilimanscharo-kilimanjaro-Marangu-Route-Zebra-Rocks} on the acclimatization day, exploring the Horombo Huts at the end of the 2nd stage {https://hikingtrailview.com/de/rennsteig-virtuelle-360-panoramatour/kilimanjaro-kilimanjaro-Marangu-Route-etappe-stage-2/} (links also in the pano)
> Slightly steeper uphill, slightly rocky

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-3
> Continue to the left, less steep, a bit rocky

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-25
> Partly slightly downhill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-27
> More uphill, uneven, very roughly paved with larger stones

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-28
> Soft, even ground, occasionally with larger stones, slightly uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-29
> Uneven with more stones, more uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-30
> Steep uphill, loose ground with pebbles and coarse gravel

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-31
> Even, soft clay path, only a few stones, less steep uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-32
> Less steep uphill, partly slightly downhill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-35
> Rest area with very narrow tables and benches without backrests, simple toilets

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-36
> Steep uphill, loose pebbles and coarse gravel

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-37
> Large sea of ​​rocks „Mawenzi Ridge“, the surrounding is now very bare with a wide view, level path, more uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-38
> Slightly downhill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-39
> Long steep uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-40
> Route marker „The Saddle“ (Google link also in the pano)
> Flat, slightly rocky, long steep climb

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-41
> Beautiful view of the snow-covered peak of Mawenzi summit – turn pano 90° to the right (Google link also in pano)

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-42
> Coarse gravel, slightly steep uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-43
> Rest area with very narrow tables and benches without backrests
> Simple toilet

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-44
> Less steep uphill

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-45
> A little steeper uphill again

Kilimanjaro – Marangu Route – Stage 3 – Pano kjc-49
> End of the third stage at the Kibo Huts
> For the 4th stage {https://hikingtrailview.com/de/rennsteig-virtuelle-360-panoramatour/kilimandscharo-kilimanjaro-Marangu-Route-etappe-stage-4/} there is only a rudimentary tour with few photos – a snowstorm prevented me from
taking panoramic photos (links also in pano)
> Follow blue arrows to look around