Marangu Route

PACKAGE PRICE:

Tour overview:

Is the most popular route known as the ‘coca-cola route’, Due to their uniqueness is the oldest and one of the most preferable routes. Many agree that, this is the easiest and shortest route to Kilimanjaro summit point, given its gradual slope. Although is the easiest route because no technical skills are required for this five-day trek. It is not as scenic as other routes. However, some prefer this route because it is the only route on the mountain that has huts provided for hikers.

Itinerary:

Arrive in Tanzania

You will be picked up at the Kilimanjaro International Airport and transferred to your hotel in Moshi town;

you will meet your guide who will brief you on your upcoming trek and do an equipment check to make sure

you have all the necessary mountain gear. The missing gear can be rented on this day.

Accommodation: Hotel in Moshi town

Day 1: Marangu gate to Mandara hut (2,700 Meters approx trekking time 7 hours)

After breakfast and briefing from your guide you will be collected from your hotel in Moshi or our guide will pick up you from the airport at that day you arrived and you will be driven to the gate from Moshi, which takes approximately an hour and passes through the village of Marangu gate. Once the necessary paper work and registration with the Kilimanjaro National Park authorities has been completed your trek can begin. Day one is a gradual trek through the Kilimanjaro rainforest. Within the rainforest, look for towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and monkeys. At these lower elevations, it can be wet and mud so trekking poles will help.

• Hiking time: 3-4 hours
• Distance: Approximately 12 kilometers
• Habitat: Montane Forest
• Meals: Lunch & Dinner

Day 2: Mandara hut to Horombo hut (3720 Meters approx trekking time 6-8 hours)

Day two on the Marangu Route begins with an early start. You will be served breakfast and should be on your way by latest 08:30. The trek continues through the rainforest, around the base of the Maundi Crater and then transitions rather rapidly into the low alpine moorland zone. If the weather is clear you should definitely take the opportunity to scramble up the Maundi Crater to get your first full view of Kibo. During the trek you will also see giant lobelias which are scattered throughout the landscape at this altitude. At Horombo Hut (3,720 meters) you will be served dinner and shown to your sleeping quarters for the night.

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
• Habitat: Moorland
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 3: Acclimatization trek to Zebra rock (4020 Meters) then back to Horombo Hut (3700 Meters) Approx trekking time 4 hours

Today serves as an acclimatization day. This should not be underestimated and greatly improves your chance of success in reaching the summit. After a relaxing breakfast, a 4 hour trek follows to the Zebra Rocks (4020m). The distinctive black and white stripes give the rock formation its name. On your return to Horombo Hut, a warm lunch will be waiting for you. You can relax in the afternoon and regain your strength for the hike the following day.

• Hiking time: 4 ½ h
• Distance: Approximately 7 km uphill / 7 km downhill
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Meals: Breakfast,, Lunch & Dinner

Day 4: Horombo hut to Kibo hut (4700 Meters approx trekking time 5-7 hours)

Today in Marangu Route is long and tough. There are two routes to Kibo. The first, or upper route, forks to the right. You will most likely take the lower left hand route as it is easier and nearly an hour shorter. On the left hand route you will pass the last water point at 4,130 meters. This nearly vegetation less plateau joins the main summit Kibo with Mawenzi. Today’s destination is the Kibo Hut that is usually reached in about 5-6 hours. Here, you will enjoy an early evening meal followed by an early night, as the night will be short. Make sure that you have all your gear ready for a prompt departure.

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 15 kilometers
• Habitat: Alpine desert
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 5: Kibo hut (4700 Meters) to Uhuru peak (5895 Meters) then Horombo hut (3720 Meters) Approx trekking time 5-8 hours

Day five begins with summit night. You will begin your final ascent around midnight which will be long and strenuous. Passing the Hans Meyer Cave at 5220m, the climb slowly but surely goes upwards. At sunrise, you will reach Gillman’s Point (5681m) the crater rim of Kilimanjaro where the sun will slowly start to warm up the land. You will have soon forgotten the cold of the night and after a further hike of 1-2 hours, you will reach Uhuru Peak at 5895m. On your return to Kibo Hut, a warm meal awaits you followed by a 1-2 hour break before proceeding back down to Horombo Hut.

• Kibo hut (4700m) – Uhuru Peak (5895m) – Horombo Hut (3720m)
• Hiking time: 8 hours to Uhuru and 6 hours to Horombo
• Distance: Approximately 6 kilometers ascent and 21 kilometers descent
• Habitat: Stone scree and ice-capped summit
• Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner

Day 6: Horombo hut to Marangu get (1870 Meters Approx trekking time 6-8 hours)

Wake, as usual, pack, and descend through the moorland to the Mandara Huts. Have lunch there then continue your triumphant recessional down through the lush forest to the park gate, which you should reach around 2 or 3 PM. Remember to tip your guides, cooks, and porters, since you will be leaving them here. A vehicle will take you back to Moshi, where it is definitely time for celebration! Depart for the airport or other destinations in Tanzania. If you will stay in Moshi town the Accommodation will be at the same hotel.  

• Hiking time: 6 hours
• Distance: Approximately 27 kilometers
• Meals: Breakfast