Kilimanjaro Trekking
Marangu Route
Overview
Also known as the “Coca-Cola” route, the Marangu route is a classic trek on Mount Kilimanjaro. It is the oldest, most well established route. Many prefer the Marangu route because it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain due to its more gradual slope. It is also the only route that offers sleeping huts with dormitory style accommodation.
There are 60 bunk beds at both Mandara and Kibo Huts, and 120 bunk beds at Horombo Hut. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls and basic washrooms, ranging from flushing toilets and running water at the lower huts to long drop toilets and buckets of water at Kibo Hut.
Number of Days
6 Days
Price
From $ 1,600
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Tour Includes
- Park fees (For non-residents)
- All activities (Unless labeled as optional)
- All accommodation (Unless listed as upgrade)
- A professional driver/guide
- All transportation (Unless labeled as optional)
- All Taxes/VAT
- Roundtrip airport transfer
- Meals (As specified in the day-by-day section)
- Drinks (As specified in the day-by-day section)
Tour Excludes
- International flights (From/to home)
- Additional accommodation before and at the end of the tour
- Tips (Tipping guideline US$10.00 pp per day)
- Personal items (Souvenirs, travel insurance, visa fees, etc.)
- Government imposed increase of taxes and/or park fees
Full Itinerary
Day 1:Drive to Kilimanjaro National Park Marangu Gate, Hike to Mandara Hut
After breakfast and briefing, drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (about 1 hour), register and commence the climb. Walk through the rainforest 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 rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys.
- Elevation: 1860m/6100ft to 2700m/8875ft
- Distance: 8 km/5 mi
Meals
Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Montane Forest
- Hiking Time: 3-4 hours
Day 2: Hike from Mandara Hut 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 groundsels. You may begin to feel the effects of the altitude.
- Elevation:2700m/8875ft to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance:12km/7.5mi
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Heathland
- Hiking Time: 5-6 hours
Day 3: Rest and Rehabilitation Day at Horombo Hut
Rest day at Horombo Hut with optional hike by Mawenzi Peak.
- Elevation: 3845m to 4640m to 3960m
- Distance: 10 km
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Budget Lodging: Horombo Hut
- Hiking Time: 6-7 hours
Day 4: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Day 5: Hike Kibo Hut to Summit, and down to Horombo Hut
Very early in the morning (midnight to 2 am), 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!
- Elevation: 4700m/15,500ft to 5895m/19,340ft
- Down to 3700m/12,200ft
- Distance: 6km/4mi up / 15km/9mi down
Meals
Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
- Habitat: Alpine Desert
- Hiking Time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Day 6: Hike Horombo Hut to trail head, drive to Moshi
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 be waiting for you at Marangu gate to drive you back to your at Arusha for overnight. At the last night of your trekking we will drop off you at the airport
- Elevation: 3700m/12,200ft to 1700m/5500ft
- Distance: 20km/12.5mi
Meals
Breakfast
- Habitat: Forest
- Hiking Time: 4-5 hours
