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 favour 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 which 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.
The Kilimanjaro National Park Headquarters are housed at Marangu Gate. It is about 41km from Moshi and 86km from Kilimanjaro airport.
Day 1 Moshi – Marangu gate – Mandara Hut
Elevation: 1900M to 2700 M
Distance: 8 km
Hiking time: 4-5 hrs
Habitat: Montane Forest
After breakfast you will be taken to the Kilimanjaro National Park gate at 1,840 m. Upon completion of the necessary paper work, your trek commences and soon you will be hiking through the dense rainforest of Marangu. Looking up, you might have the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the thumb less black and white colobus monkeys. After you have reached the Mandara Hut (2,700 m) in approximately 4 hours and you have had some time to catch your breath, you will have the option to join a walk to the Maundi Crater where you will enjoy a breathtaking view of the Kenyan interior, as well as of the gleaming lakes which share the border between Kenya and Tanzania. You will stay the evening at Mandara Hut.
Day 2 Mandara Hut– Horombo Hut
Elevation: 2700M to 3,700M
Distance: 11 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Heath and moorland
An early breakfast strengthens you for the trek ahead and shortly after leaving Mandara Hut you will reach the cross roads between Horombo Hut and Maundi Crater. Heading in the direction of Horombu Hut the vegetation will change to shrubs and you will cross the open moon land reaching your destination in approximately 4 – 6 hours. Looking back your path will already be shrouded in clouds and looking forward you will catch glimpses of Mawenzi, Kibo peak and the Maasai steppe. After your evening meal you will drift off to sleep at the Horombu Hut.
Day 3 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) – Horombo Hut (4,700 m)
Elevation: 3,700M to 4700M
Distance: 4 km
Hiking time: 1-2 hrs
Habitat: Heath and moorland
Zebra Rocks is on the agenda today, in order for your body to acclimatize to the altitude. Acclimatization plays an important role in improving your chances to reach the summit and this 2 to 4 hour trek offers you the opportunity to stretch your legs and breathe in the fresh air. Zebra Rocks (3,980 m) is named after the distinct black and white stripes covering the rock formation. A hot lunch will await you on your return and the rest of the afternoon is for you to enjoy the spectacular views around you and regain your strength for tomorrow’s hike. You will stay another night at Horombo Hut.
Day 4 Horombo Hut (3,700 m) – Kibo Hut (4,700 m)
Elevation: 3700M to 4700M
Distance: 9 km
Hiking time: 6-8 hrs
Habitat: Alpine desert
After breakfast a long and tough journey to Kibo Hut awaits you. The vegetation slowly changes into alpine desert and you will pass the “last waterpoint” on your way to the so-called “saddle”, a plateau situated between the peaks of Mawenzi and Kibo. You will arrive at the Kibo Hut in about 5 to 6 hours and go to bed straight after dinner as the summit calls for an early start, at approximately 23:00 h.
Day 5 Kibo Hut (4,700 m) – Uhuru Peak (5,895 m) – Horombo Hut (3,700 m)
Elevation: 4700M to 5895 and down to 3700M
Distance: 6 km up/15 km down/9 km to Horombo
Hiking time: 6-8 hours up / 15km/9mi down
Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
The summit day has finally arrived and at around midnight, when the lava ash is still frozen, you will start your ascent. Your path will be strenuous with only your headlight to light the way. You will pass the Hans Meyer Cave at 5,200 m and slowly make your way up. Gilman’s Point at 5,715 m will be reached as the sun rises over the crater rim. You will continue another 1 to 2 hours to Uhuru Peak (5,895 m). The cold is soon forgotten as you stand on the “Roof of Africa”, basking in the rays of the morning light. After well-deserved photo opportunity you will descend along the same path. The lava ash will now have thawed, allowing for a faster descent. Upon your arrival at Kibo Hut, a warm meal and approximate 2 hours rest awaits you, before you continue down to the Horombo Hut,.
Day 6 Horombo Hut – Marangu Gate– Moshi
Elevation: 3700M to 1900M
Distance: 19 km
Hiking time: 5-8 Hrs
Habitat: Moorland to Montane forest
The surrounding vegetation becomes greener as you continue your descent and soon you will arrive at the Mandara Hut (2,700 m), where a hot lunch awaits you. The journey back to the park gate gives you another chance to observe the beautiful tropical rainforest and spot anything you have missed on the way up, like the Impatiens Kilimanjaro Flower, which is endemic to the rainforest on the slopes of Mt Kilimanjaro. Arriving at the gate you will say goodbye to your mountain crew and be taken back to your Hotel. At the hotel you can enjoy a shower and celebrate your success in reaching the summit of Mt Kilimanjaro.
Whats included in this tour
All transfers to the mountain and back to your Moshi hotel
Professional, experienced, and friendly mountain guides
Medical evacuation with Kilimanjaro Search and Rescue> Flying Doctors.
2 night and accommodations-one before and after the trek in good hotels.
Guides, Porters, Cook salaries and park fees
Pulse-oximeter – To measure the oxygen level, for each climber daily
Portable Emergency Oxygen tanks
Quality, waterproof, four-season private mountain sleeping tents
Sleeping Mattress
All meals while on the Mountain
Quality Mess tents with table and chairs
Large portions of fresh, healthy, nutritious food
Clean, purified drinking water
Crisis management and safety procedures
Fair and ethical treatment of porters
Conservation fees (part of park fees)
Camping or Hut fees (part of park fees)
Rescue fees (part of park fees)
Arrival and Departure transfers
All Government Tax and Park Entrance Fees
VAT (18% charged by the Government)
Whats not included in this tour
Tips for guides, cook and porters
Track your trek by satellite device services
Personal trekking equipment such as sleepings bags, hiking boots, clothes, etc (available for renting)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Tanzania Visa on arrival
Personal Expenses (e.g. laundry, telephone, beverages, etc.)
Optional Tours (short safari after your climb etc)
HIGHLIGHTS
Trekking to the highest mountain in Africa
Two night hotel accommodation in Moshi at Mountain Inn Lindrin Lodge or Parkview Inn.
LOCATIONS: Tanzania/Kilimanjaro
ACTIVITIES: Mountain Trekking
Please confirm your trip in advance to propagate your special offer!
Please note: we provide tents and Mattress free for our clients.
Climbing gear are available on hire.
The hiking boot is from $20 we also have -18 and -20degree/season sleeping bag and the price is only USD$20. The price for each equipment it will cover the trip!
Please be free to ask any question and we will be very happy to work with you in organizing your tour.