5 Days
Trekking via Marangu Route
Trekking Overview
Known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route
Trip Type
Trekking
Activities
Climbing, Hiking, Trekking
Group Size
No size limit
Area To Visit
Mt. Kilimanjaro
Trip Outline
Day 1: Marangu Gate to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rain-forest to the Mandara encampment. A side trip to Maundi Crater is a good way to see the surroundings including Northern Tanzania and Kenya. In the rain-forest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
Distance: 7 km Hiking Time: 3 hours Habitat: Montane Forest Overnight: Mandara Hut Camp
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 2: Mandara Huts to Horombo Hut
You leave the glades of the rain-forest and follow an ascending path on the open moorlands to the Horombo encampment. Views of Mawenzi and the summit of Kibo are amazing. Look for giant lobelias and grounsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
Distance: 12 km Hiking Time: 6 hours Habitat: Moorland Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 3: Horombo Hut to Kibo Hut
Ascending, we now pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi. Vegetation begins with upper heath-land but then disappears into “moonscape”. Dinner, rest, and prepare for summit climb.
Distance: 10 km Hiking Time: 6 – 8 hours Habitat: Alpine Desert Overnight: Horombo Hut
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 4: Kibo Hut to Summit then to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2am), commence the climb to the summit on steep and heavy scree or snow up to Gilman’s point located on the crater rim. Continuing, we now ascend to Uhuru Peak, which is the highest point in Africa. There are unbelievable views at every turn. Have your picture taken at the summit to show your friends and family. From here we descend, stopping for lunch and a rest at Kibo before continuing on to the Horombo encampment.
The beginning of this climb is done in the dark and requires headlamps or flashlights. It will be very cold until you start descending, so you will need all of your warm layers. This is by far the most difficult part of the trek with many switchbacks. Going slowly “pole pole” and an optimistic attitude will get you there!
Distance: 4 km up / 14 km down Hiking Time: 10 – 15 hours Habitat: Alpine desert
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Included.
Day 5: Horombo Hut to Marangu Gate to Moshi/Arusha
After breakfast, a steady descent takes us down through moorland to the Mandara Hut. Continue descending through lush forest path to the National Park gate at Marangu. At lower elevations, it can be wet and muddy. Gaiters and trekking poles will help. Shorts and t-shirts will probably be plenty to wear (keep rain gear and warmer clothing handy).
A vehicle will meet you at Marangu village to drive you back to your hotel in Moshi or Arusha. Don’t forget to tip your guides and porters. It is time for celebration!
Distance: 18 km Hiking Time: 5- 7 hours
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch Included.
Trip Includes
- Accommodation before and after the climb
- Qualified guides with mountain crew
- National park fees
- Hut/camping fees and tents
- Tents foam sleeping pads, cooking equipment, and (Cutlery / Crockery) eating utensils.
- Rescue fees (required by the National Park)
- Pulse oximeters
- First aid kit
- Guides, porters, cook, waiter salaries
- Boiled water on the mountain
- Airport transfers (JRO – Kilimanjaro International Airports)
- All meals on the mountain (breakfast, lunch & dinner)
- Guides, porters, waiter, cook accommodation and entry fees on the mountain
Trip Excludes
- Gear for your climb, Some equipment is available for rent!
- Items of personal nature (expenses)
- Guides, Porters, Cook & Waiters tips
- Meals and drinks not specified
- Mountain equipment (eg sleeping bags)
- Emergency Oxygen
- Additional nights beyond the two standard hotel nights included
- Extra activities (waterfall tour, cultural village visit).
- Visa fees & travel insurance.
- Flight tickets.
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