Marangu Route
Overview
Marangu route is the most popular route among Kilimanjaro Climbers and some claim the easiest route to Uhuru Peak. This is the only route which provides comfortable sleeping huts, equipped with beds and mattresses at every camp. All the camps in this route have radio contact with the Park Headquarters. This route is also known as “Coca-Cola” route due to the older days when coke used to be bought along the way in tea huts. It is good route for unprepared, inexperienced climbers because of its reputation of being the easiest route, attributing to the lower success rate.
Number of Days
6 Days | 5 Nights
Area to Visit
Manadara Hut, Horormbo Hut, Mawenzi Peak, Kibo Hut, Uhuru Peak, Marangu Gate
Full Itinerary
Day 1: Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to Arusha
On arrival at Kilimanjaro International Airport, you will be welcomed by your driver and transferred to your hotel in Arusha for relaxation and overnight stay.
Accommodation: Arusha
Day 2: Arusha to Marangu gate to Mandara Hut
Elevation: (1,390m – 1,830m – 2,700m)
After breakfast, you will be picked up from your hotel and driven to Marangu gate. After registration at the park office with your guide, you will begin your walk through patches of coffee plantation and dense rainforest to Mandara Hut. On the way you may see colobus monkeys and birds. If the skies are clear you may have fine views over the town of Moshi. This hike takes 3-4 hours.
Accommodation: Mandara Hut (Full Board)
Day 3: Mandara Hut to Horombo Hut
Elevation: (2,700m to 3,690m)
After breakfast, you will start with a steep climb through the last part of rainforest, though this soon gives away to heathen moorland. Once you leave the forest canopy, snow covered Kibo peak and rocky Mawenzi peak lie directly ahead, dominating the skyline. Then you cross a zone of open health with stunted vegetation, before emerging onto bleak moorland. The whole walk for this day can take 5-7 hours depending on your pace.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Full Board)
Day 4: Horombo Hut to Mawenzi Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: (3,690m to 4,600m to 3,690m)
Acclimatization day! This Day 3 provides an opportunity for you to acclimatize gradually to the altitude. You will do a day hike to Mawenzi hut for further acclimatization with your guide. This will take 4 to 5 hours (go and return), and will get you to an altitude of 4,600m before you return to the hut.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Full Board)
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Elevation: (3,690m to 4,700m)
After breakfast, you will continue your ascent to reach Kibo Hut. Kibo Hut is located in the “saddle,” which refers to the area located between the twin peaks of Kilimanjaro which are Mawenzi and Kibo peak in an alpine desert. Tonight you prepare for next day’s Summit challenge. An early night is imperative as you must have a midnight start in order to reach the summit in the morning before the cloud cover settles, and then have the time to get back down to the hut. Your guide will brief you in detail on how to prepare for summit night.
Accommodation: Kibo Hut (Full Board)
Day 6: Kibo Hut to Uhuru Peak to Horombo Hut
Elevation: (4,700m – 5,895m – 3,690m)
This is the summit day! Your guide will wake you in the midnight and start walking in the darkness with your torches. The trail is rocky up to Hans Meyer Cave (5150m).You continue your ascent to Gillman’s point. Gillman’s is located on the crater rim. From thus point you will usually experience snow covered trail until you reach the summit, Uhuru Peak.
You will be able to spend a short time on the “Top of Africa” taking photographs before descending down through Kibo Huts. Have lunch and a short rest before re-crossing the saddle to reach Horombo Hut where you will spend this unforgettable night.
Accommodation: Horombo Hut (Full Board)
Day 7: Horombo Hut to Marangu gate to Arusha.
Elevation: (3,690m – 1,830m – 1,390m)
Morning after packing and breakfast, finish the trek with a decent to Marangu Gate. You will pass through Kilimanjaro’s cloud forest. Before reaching Marangu gate you will stop at Mandara Hut for lunch then continue to walk down to the park gate. Our vehicle will be waiting at Marangu gate to take you back to Arusha for hot shower and comfortable night.
Accommodation: Arusha
Day 8: Arusha to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO)
You will be picked up by your driver at your hotel and transferred to Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) for your departure flight.
Inclusions:
- Accommodation as per itinerary
- Meals plan as per itinerary: i.e. Bed & Breakfast in Town hotels, Full Board for Kilimanjaro climb.
- Porters to carry your luggage.
- Guides, porters, cook salaries and park fees.
- Trekking poles, sleeping bag
- Service of a professional English speaking guide.
- Transfer from Kilimanjaro International Airport (JRO) to your hotel in Arusha
- Drop off at Kilimanjaro Airport (JRO) for your departure flight
- Transfer to Marangu gate for Kilimanjaro climb and pick up at the gate after climbing
- Park entry fees and rescue fee for Kilimanjaro National Park as per itinerary.
- 18% VAT for park fee at Kilimanjaro National Park.
Exclusions:
- Visa for Tanzania
- Medical insurance
- Any International flight
- Any domestic flight
- Any alcoholic drinks
- Any non-alcoholic drinks not mentioned in the itinerary
- Any item of personal nature.
- Tips