The Marangu route is also referred to as the “Coca-Cola” route, as it is considered to be the easiest path on the mountain, given its gradual slope and direct path. It is the oldest and the most well established route on the Kilimanjaro. This is the only route which offers sleeping huts in dormitory style. Guests are supplied with mattresses and pillows, but sleeping bags are still required. The huts have communal dining halls, basic washrooms and toilet. Short time frame of the route makes altitude acclimatization fairly difficult. The route approaches Mount Kilimanjaro from the southeast. Marangu is unfortunately less scenic than the other routes because the ascent and descent are along the same path. It is also the most crowded route for that reason. Exciting East African Tours® offers Marangu Route climbing for five and six days climb. The difference being five days climb does not have an acclimatization day on day three at Horombo Hut.
Day 1: ARUSHA/MOSHI – MARANGU GATE – MANDARA
After breakfast our driver will pick you up then drive you to the office where you receive a briefing and gear check. Then the drive to the Kilimanjaro National Park Gate (45 minutes from Moshi and 2.45Hrs from Arusha). Here you will register and commence with the climb. You and your guide will 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 you will see the towering Eucalyptus trees, bird life, and Colobus monkeys. Altitude: 1,700 m to 2,740 m
- Distance covered: 7km
- Time to be used: 4-5 hours
- Meals: Lunch and Dinner
- Accommodation: Mandara Hut
Day 2: MANDARA HUT TO HOROMBO HUT
We will leave the glades of the rainforest and follow an ascending path on to the open moorlands then the Horombo encampment. We will witness the amazing views of Kibo and Mawenzi. As we cross the Alpine Zone of the mountain we will see giant lobelias and grounsels. Here, you are expected to begin to feel the effects of the altitude. Altitude: 2,700 m to 3,700 m
- Distance Covered: 11km
- Time to be used: 6-8 hours
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 3: HOROMBO HUT TO KIBO HUT
The ascending continues, now we will pass the last watering point, walking onto the saddle of Kilimanjaro between the peaks of Kibo and Mawenzi where vegetation starts to disappear into the “moonscape”. At Kibo we will have Dinner, rest and prepare for summit climb that starts in the deep night at 2:00a.m. Altitude: 3,700 m to 4,700 m Distance Covered: 10km Time to be used: 6 – 8 hrs Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner Accommodation: Kibo Hut DAY 4 : KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN 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! Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,700 m
- Distance Covered: 4 km up / 14 km down
- Time to be used: 10 – 15 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 4 : KIBO HUT TO SUMMIT THEN 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! Altitude: 4,700 m to 5,895 m Altitude: 5,895 m to 3,700 m
- Distance Covered: 4 km up / 14 km down
- Time to be used: 10 – 15 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner
- Accommodation: Horombo Hut
Day 5: HOROMBO HUT 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 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! Altitude: 3,700 m to 1,700 m
- Distance Covered: 18km km down
- Time to be used: 5 – 7 hrs
- Meals: Breakfast & Lunch
Marangu Five Days Booking 70% of all climbers choose this route, because most of the route consists of easy hiking. This route can be done in 5 days but it is advised to take an extra day for acclimatization at the Horombo hut.
Marangu Price Inclusion
General
✓ Guide
✓ Park Fees
✓ Tax
✓ Gate transfer
✓ Crew wages
✓ Environment fees
Accommodation
During the climb you will spleep in Huts
Food
✓ 4 Breakfasts
✓ 5 Lunches
✓ 4 Dinners
✓ Drinking Water
Other
✓ Guide
✓ Porters
✓ Cook
Not Included
✓ Flights
✓ Crew Tips
✓ Visas
