KILIMANJARO

Marangu Route - 6 Days

The Marangu Route, which is known as “Coca Cola” or “tourist” route. This is the only route on Kilimanjaro with the comforts of solar-powered sleeping huts and comfortable beds at every camp. The huts are communal, and each bunk has a sponge mattress and pillow. There are 60 beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts and 120 beds at Horombo Hut. Bathrooms and running water are available at the two lower huts. Basic men’s and ladies’ latrines are available at the last camp. All climbing groups, often from several countries around the world, share meals in dining huts providing a jovial and energetic atmosphere. This route is usually done in 5 days, but you can do it in 6 days for better acclimatization. You can spend your extra day resting at Horombo or climbing to a basecamp below Kibo’s sub peak Mawenzi.

Day 1

Arrive at the Kilimanjaro International Airport. You will be met at the airport and transferred to the hotel in Moshi for your overnight along with a briefing with your guide about what to expect.

Day 2

Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut

Marangu Gate (1860m) to Mandara Hut (2700m)

Distance: 8 km/5 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

After breakfast, you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi We depart Moshi for Marangu Gate for the necessary formalities before beginning our trek. The hiking trail begins by ascending a beautiful, tropical rain forest. At the upper edge of the forest line, we have the opportunity to see blue monkeys. The trail then widens to expose beautiful hillsides until we reach Mandara Hut.

Day 3

Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut

Mandara Hut (2700m) to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance: 12 km/7 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

We start the day continuing through the forest until the trail opens into high moorland. We may get our first views of Kibo and Mawenzi peaks – two of the three volcanic peaks that make up the summit of Kilimanjaro.

Day 4

Acclimatization trek to Zebra Rocks (4020m) then back to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance: 5 km/3 miles

Hiking Time: 1-2 hours

This is an extra day meant for acclimatization and can be spent day hiking on Mawenzi Ridge. The unique landscape offers motivating views of Kibo and Mawenzi. After spending a few moments exploring the area we head back to Horombo Hut.

Day 5

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Kibo Hut (4700m)

Distance: 10 km/6 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

We climb gradually, then cross the lunar desert of the “Saddle” between Mawenzi and Kibo. Our camp, Kibo Hut, sits at the bottom of the Kibo crater wall. Once here we rest, enjoy an early dinner to prepare for the summit day and having sleep early before summit night.

Day 6

Kibo Hut (4700m) to UHURU PEAK (5895m) & down to Horombo Hut (3700m)

Distance: 6 km/4 miles

Hiking Time: 6-8 hours

Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut

Elevation (ft): 19,341 ft to 12,250 ft

Distance: 16 km/10 miles

Hiking Time: 4-5 hours

Very early in the morning (around midnight), we begin our push to the summit. This is the most mentally and physically challenging portion of the trek. The wind and cold at this elevation and time of day can be extreme. We ascend in the darkness for several hours while taking frequent, but short, breaks. At Gilman’s point (18,600 ft), you will be rewarded with the most magnificent sunrise you are ever likely to see coming over Mawenzi Peak. Finally, we arrive at Uhuru Peak- the highest point on Mount Kilimanjaro and the continent of Africa.

After spending a few moments taking in the plains of Africa and your accomplishment, we descend to Horombo Hut. Later in the evening, we enjoy our last dinner on the mountain and a well-earned sleep.

Day 7

Horombo Hut (3700m) to Marangu Gate (1860m)

Distance: 20 km/12 miles

Hiking Time: 5-7 hours

On our last day, we have a long trek mostly downhill through the tropical rainforest. Once at the park headquarters at Marangu gate, we collect our summit certificates. A vehicle will meet us here and drive us back to the hotel in Moshi.

Day 8: Departing Tanzania

The day is left free to wind down after the trek before your flight home. Depending on flight times you could go and explore Moshi town and grab some gift shops before heading to the airport.

*Safari , Zanzibar and other add-ons are available if you wish to continue exploring Tanzania.

INCLUDED

  • 2 nights of accommodations at the hotel
  • Transport to and from the gate
  • Park entry fees
  • Private transport to & from Kilimanjaro International Airport to your accommodations in Moshi
  • Crater fees
  • Camping fees
  • Team Kilimanjaro Rescue fees
  • 18% VAT on tour fees & services
  • 4 season mountain tents (EUREKA, MOUNTAIN HARD WEAR)
  • Double layered Sleeping Mats
  • Friendly and professional mountain guides, cook and porters
  • 3 hot meals daily while on the mountain
  • Treated & filtered drinking water throughout the trek
  • Hot water for washing
  • Fair wages for the mountain crew as is recommended by the Kilimanjaro Association of Tour Operators (KIATO) and the Tanzanian Government
  • Government taxes
  • Portable oxygen tanks & ox meter
  • Emergency first-aid kit